Nohara Rin

It was late afternoon, almost dusk.

Near the Hokage Building, a dark alley hid the entrance to the Anbu headquarters.

Sarutobi Ryo stood there, hands behind his back, looking straight ahead.

Soon, Yamanaka Hui arrived, her footsteps echoing in the narrow space. "Young Master, Hatake Sakumo is still in the Village..."

Sarutobi Ryo had sent Yamanaka Hui to Hatake Sakumo's house, pretending he wanted to invite himself to dinner.

The real reason was to find out if Hatake Sakumo had any missions planned soon, and... to try and change the terrible fate that awaited him. He knew Sakumo would be wrongly accused.

The sooner he acted, the better. Careful planning was essential for success.

"Mm." Sarutobi Ryo nodded. Together, he and Yamanaka Hui entered the hidden passage beneath the alley.

Konoha had many such hidden tunnels. Even some ordinary manhole covers led to the secret bases of the Anbu or Root organizations.

Inside the dark underground, shadowy figures moved quickly.

Anbu and Root members hurried past, each focused on their own tasks.

They mostly ignored Sarutobi Ryo, perhaps just glancing at him before continuing on their way.

They clearly knew about Sarutobi Ryo joining the Anbu, having received orders from Danzo.

They walked through a series of tunnels until they reached a large, open space--the Underground Hall. Sarutobi Ryo and Yamanaka Hui entered this area.

The Hall was divided into sections.

There were training areas, scroll storage, equipment rooms, and other designated spaces.

Sarutobi Ryo went straight to the scroll storage, not hesitating for a moment.

The Anbu kept many secret documents, including classified information and special records.

For instance... details of human experimentation.

Officially, human experimentation was forbidden, but the Anbu, operating in the shadows, often crossed ethical lines. When they obtained the bodies of enemies, they would naturally analyze them for information. Every Shinobi Village did this, and Konoha was no exception.

Sarutobi Ryo hoped to find information about Kekkei Genkai, bloodline limits, here.

"Young Master, I'll help you..." Yamanaka Hui understood his intention and began searching a different bookshelf.

After a while, Aburame Torune entered the Hall. "Young Master Ryo, we meet again... Congratulations."

Aburame Torune was congratulating Sarutobi Ryo on his upcoming appointment as "Anbu Division Leader" in a week.

Joining the Anbu and getting promoted so quickly would likely cause controversy.

Rumors would surely spread throughout Konoha.

However, since the appointment came from Danzo himself, Aburame Torune would, of course, obey.

"Mr. Torune, your timing is perfect. I was just looking for information on Kekkei Genkai. Perhaps there are some clues here..."

Sarutobi Ryo put down the scroll he was holding and turned to face him.

"Kekkei Genkai?" Aburame Torune seemed surprised.

Why is Young Master Ryo looking for Kekkei Genkai information as soon as he arrives at the Anbu Base?

Then he thought about it, and it made sense.

After all, Young Master Ryo's father, the Third Hokage, was skilled in all seven elements, but he didn't have a Kekkei Genkai...

"Information about Kekkei Genkai..."

Aburame Torune paused, considering.

"I'm afraid we'll need Lord Danzo's permission to access that level of classified information..."

After a moment, Aburame Torune gave his answer.

The scroll storage here didn't contain anything about Kekkei Genkai.

"You can't make that decision?" Sarutobi Ryo frowned slightly.

It seemed like a minor change in expression, but to Aburame Torune, it felt sharp and intense, as if the air itself had become heavy.

What a powerful presence...

Aburame Torune frowned inwardly.

An ordinary Anbu Ninja might be intimidated by such a glare.

But he was Danzo's trusted right-hand man, a renowned powerhouse.

Therefore, Aburame Torune simply smiled slightly, his tone friendly but cautious: "Openly researching Kekkei Genkai information isn't a good idea, after all... we must consider the feelings of the various Clans..."

Konoha had several Clans with unique Kekkei Genkai.

Although no one from the Hyuga or Uchiha Clans was currently in the Anbu.

"Mm." Sarutobi Ryo nodded. Knowing he wouldn't find anything here, he left with Yamanaka Hui.

Aburame Torune watched them go, his eyes hidden behind his sunglasses, his expression changing slowly.

With his reputation and position, most people would be intimidated by him.

But Young Master Ryo's status and background were even greater.

And Young Master Ryo's personality is very different from his father, the Third Hokage...

Sarutobi Hiruzen was known for his indecisiveness, kindness, and benevolence. Sarutobi Ryo, on the other hand, seemed sharp and very sure of himself.

Is this good or bad for the Anbu and Root?

Aburame Torune decided to report his observations to Danzo.

---

Back on the surface, the two walked away from the Anbu entrance.

"Young Master, shouldn't we go find that old man Danzo?" Yamanaka Hui asked, following behind.

Since Aburame Torune said they needed Danzo's permission, they could try going directly to him.

"It's pointless."

Sarutobi Ryo shook his head, not planning to seek out Danzo.

In the original story, Danzo had recruited Orochimaru, transplanted Hashirama cells, and experimented with the Sharingan... he must have a lot of research data on Kekkei Genkai.

The official novels also mentioned that Danzo had his own Medical Team, dedicated to human experiments and making various breakthroughs.

But asking Danzo for help was too risky, not worth the trouble.

Therefore, Sarutobi Ryo decided to take another approach. He would find someone else to help him study the "Ice Release remains of the Yuki Clan" that he had obtained from Ringo Ameyuri.

"Let's go, straight to Mr. Sakumo's house."

Where there's a will, there's a way. Sarutobi Ryo decided to visit Hatake Sakumo first.

---

Meanwhile, at Hatake Sakumo's house.

"Father, why don't you want me to join Teacher Minato's team..."

Kakashi, returning home after a day of training with Jiraiya, encountered his father. Sakumo had gone to the higher-ups to request a transfer for Kakashi, but Utatane Koharu and others had refused.

Hatake Sakumo sat on the tatami mat in his living room, feeling awkward. He didn't know how to explain it to his son.

"Of all the Jonin who could be my 'Guidance Jonin', Teacher Minato is the best."

Kakashi sat across from him, his eyes downcast and angry.

"Or... do you think I should be guided by Young Master Ryo?"

Kakashi mentioned Sarutobi Ryo, and his anger grew.

He crossed his arms, acting like a miniature adult.

He was still bothered by what Sarutobi Ryo had said earlier that day.

"Kakashi, well..."

Hatake Sakumo hesitated. Just then, a voice came from the courtyard outside.

Father and son looked out to see several figures approaching.

Kakashi: "Rin? Obito?"

Sarutobi Ryo and Yamanaka Hui, who had come to visit, had encountered two other visitors.

One wore goggles--Uchiha Obito, the boy who would later become obsessed with love.

The other, a young girl with purple tape on her face, was Nohara Rin, the source of so much conflict.

Seeing the little girl, Sarutobi Ryo's eyes lit up.

The system didn't give him any prompt, not yet.

But it seemed like a perfect opportunity had presented itself.

"Young Master Ryo~!" Uchiha Obito stood at attention, greeting him loudly and respectfully.

Nohara Rin was much more polite. She greeted him sweetly, and Sarutobi Ryo nodded slightly. "Nohara Rin, I've heard of you..."

"Eh?" Nohara Rin seemed surprised.

"I've heard you're incredibly talented in medical ninjutsu. The teachers at the Ninja Academy and the medical ninjas at Konoha Hospital all speak very highly of you. Is that true?"

Sarutobi Ryo looked at her. Even at a young age, Nohara Rin was already beautiful.

Combined with her kind and cheerful personality, it was easy to see why Uchiha Obito would fall for her.

"Y-yes, my dream is to become a medical ninja as amazing as Lady Tsunade!" Nohara Rin stood up straight, feeling nervous.

"Very good." Sarutobi Ryo nodded and then coughed.

Nohara Rin observed him carefully, her lips slightly pursed. After a few seconds, she spoke. "Young Master Ryo... are you injured? It looks like an old injury that hasn't healed properly."

"Mm."

Sarutobi Ryo stopped coughing, acknowledging her observation.

Not a disease, but an injury. She had judged correctly.

"Would you please help me with a diagnosis?"

Sarutobi Ryo gestured invitingly, asking Nohara Rin to come inside Hatake Sakumo's living room to talk.

This was a good start.

He might be able to persuade Nohara Rin to help him study that corpse.

Now that Kakashi had graduated early, Nohara Rin and Uchiha Obito were still at the Ninja Academy. According to the original story, it would be a while before they caught up to Kakashi.

This meant Nohara Rin hadn't yet joined Namikaze Minato's team. He could win her over now.

After all, few in Konoha could match her talent in Medical Ninjutsu.

Probe first, then make plans based on the specific situation...