CHAPTER 13

Wearing a crisp white shirt and gold-rimmed glasses, Uchiha Tunan walked down the quiet streets of Konoha, a scroll in hand.

After only a few steps, a masked Anbu appeared in front of him.

"It seems you're unharmed. There's an enemy spy in the village, and the situation is urgent. Please follow me to the Hokage's office," the Anbu said, his tone professional but slightly more respectful than usual. His gaze briefly flickered to the scroll in Uchiha Tunan's hand, his mind racing with speculation.

He's only a child, yet he managed to take down a Chūnin-level assassin? What a terrifying genius.

The Anbu, well aware of Sarutobi Hiruzen's fondness for the boy, softened his tone further.

Uchiha Tunan nodded, his expression serious. "I was on my way to see Lord Third about something important. I'm sorry to trouble you."

He then bowed deeply, exuding politeness and humility. His refined demeanor, enhanced by his sharp attire, left a favorable impression.

The Anbu nodded approvingly, then placed a hand on Uchiha Tunan's shoulder before vanishing with the Body Flicker Technique.

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Hokage's Office

Inside his office, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, paced anxiously, taking long drags from his pipe. His eyes darted to his Crystal Ball Jutsu, which displayed an image of Uchiha Tunan's house.

He had been resting at home when an urgent report arrived—an enemy spy had infiltrated the Hatake household, targeting Kakashi. What the spy hadn't expected was that Sakumo Hatake had returned to Konoha that very evening.

The intruder barely set foot inside before Sakumo, the legendary White Fang, swiftly severed his limbs and left him for interrogation.

Another assassin had been sent after Uchiha Tunan, prompting the Anbu to mobilize—one team went to the Uchiha district, while another hurried to inform Sarutobi.

Upon reaching his office, Sarutobi immediately activated his Crystal Ball Jutsu to check on Tunan. However, the jutsu could only display outdoor areas, leaving him unable to see inside Tunan's house.

Damn it… This limitation had frustrated him for years.

By the time Sarutobi arrived, Uchiha Tunan had already left his home and was on his way through the village.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

"Narrator-sama, Uchiha Tunan is here," an Anbu reported.

"Quickly, let him in!" Sarutobi ordered.

The office door creaked open, and Uchiha Tunan strode in with an eager expression. His bright eyes shone with admiration and devotion as he looked at Sarutobi.

The Third Hokage quickly scanned him for injuries. Seeing none, he let out a breath of relief. "Are you alright, child?"

Losing such a promising and loyal tool would be a great loss.

Tunan's eyes glowed with gratitude. He smiled reassuringly. "Please don't worry, Lord Third. I managed to kill the spy. I'm sorry this trivial matter disturbed your rest."

He bowed deeply again before presenting the scroll.

Sarutobi took the scroll, his satisfaction growing.

Not only has he awakened the three-tomoe Sharingan, but he's already capable of handling a Chūnin-level opponent? His talent is remarkable.

A perfect tool.

He casually asked, "How did you kill the Kirigakure spy?"

Tunan answered simply, "I used genjutsu to disable him."

Sarutobi nodded. The three-tomoe Sharingan was indeed powerful, and Tunan's illusionary talent seemed impressive. Few could use genjutsu so effectively right after awakening their advanced Sharingan.

He gestured to an Anbu to take the scroll away for examination. Then, he motioned for Uchiha Tunan to sit across from him.

"Since you're unharmed, stay here for a while. The Anbu will ensure no other spies have infiltrated the village. Your safety is my priority."

Tunan hesitated. "But Lord Third, if you don't rest properly, you'll be too exhausted for tomorrow's duties."

Sarutobi chuckled and waved dismissively. "Don't worry about me. Just sit at my desk and rest—tomorrow's a school day for you."

However, Uchiha Tunan shook his head firmly. "No, Lord Third, I've already rested earlier tonight. You should get some sleep instead."

Sarutobi studied him for a moment, then smiled warmly. "Alright. I'll rest, but you should too."

Tunan nodded obediently.

As Sarutobi feigned sleep, Uchiha Tunan remained seated, his gaze fixed on the aging Hokage.

After a while, he quietly stood up, walked to the side of the room, and picked up Sarutobi's Hokage cloak. With careful hands, he draped it over the sleeping Hokage's shoulders before returning to his seat, his posture alert and watchful.

Sarutobi, who had been peeking with one eye, smirked internally.

This boy… truly knows how to win favor.

Tunan had learned these skills well in his past life's corporate world, and they worked just as effectively here.

Two hours later, Sarutobi pretended to wake up, just as an Anbu entered.

"Report, Lord Hokage. This is the information gathered from the interrogation."

He handed a scroll to Sarutobi.

Tunan watched impassively, his mind working.

Even when spies die, Konoha can still extract information. I'll have to be more cautious about leaving behind traces in the future.

Sarutobi skimmed the scroll, then gave a relieved nod. "There are no more Kirigakure spies in the village."

He turned to an Anbu. "Escort Tunan home. Keep watch over him from the shadows."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Tunan stood up and bowed. "Then, I'll take my leave, Lord Third. Please get some rest as well."

Sarutobi smiled. "I will. Good night, Tunan."

As Tunan left, Sarutobi's expression darkened. He walked to the window, gazing at the night sky.

"If the enemy is disposing of their spies, the war must be reaching its end."

The Second Shinobi War had dragged on for five years. Though small conflicts had continued even after its official end, the major battles had settled.

However, in recent years, the ninja villages had begun testing each other's borders again—especially Kirigakure, which, under the Bloody Mist policy, had been aggressively raiding the Land of Waves.

And if history had taught him anything…

This uneasy peace won't last.

The Third Great Ninja War is only a few years away.