CHAPTER 106

There were indeed many discontented shinobi among the ranks of Iwagakure during the latter stages of the Third Shinobi World War—especially those stationed on the front lines in the Grass Country. Many of them had lost faith in the decisions of their superiors and felt abandoned. For such warriors, surrender was not an option; they would rather die in battle than be used as pawns in a political negotiation between Iwa and Konoha.

Some of these rogue Iwa-nin began acting independently, undermining the formal ceasefire talks. Their actions added tension and suspicion to the already fragile negotiations. Unfortunately, the Iwa delegation refused to acknowledge these insubordinate elements, brushing aside all inquiries and withholding intelligence. This obstinacy left Konoha frustrated and uncertain.

To contain the threat, Konoha dispatched squads to monitor and, if necessary, neutralize these rogue units. However, results were limited—these rogue Iwa-nin operated in shadows, scattered across the Grass Country, making them difficult to track or engage openly.

As a result, Konoha shinobi remained on high alert during patrols. With the destruction of Kannabi Bridge—blown up by Kakashi's team as per canon—much of Iwa's supply line was severed, effectively trapping many of their forces in the region. The route home was now long and treacherous, especially under Konoha's surveillance.

At this critical stage—so close to a complete victory—no one wanted to die meaninglessly in this remote battlefield. As such, any encounter with Iwa shinobi was approached with extreme caution. Direct combat was discouraged, especially with negotiations ongoing. Yet, shinobi like Uchiha Kei were operating under different parameters.

Their mission was not diplomacy—it was strategic. If threatened, they were authorized to eliminate targets. Minato Namikaze, understanding the volatility of the situation, relayed this directive quietly. He had noticed the barely suppressed anger among Konoha's frontline troops and knew better than to speak of it openly.

Minato's handpicked squad—trusted for their discretion and capability—was given more operational freedom. Encounters with rogue Iwa-nin were not uncommon. Though Kai and his teammates weren't enthusiastic about the situation, they were used to dangerous assignments.

"If it comes to it," Minato had said quietly, "do what needs to be done. These aren't ordinary soldiers anymore."

Even with Minato's usual reliability, Kai couldn't help but think: Will backup arrive in time this time? Kakashi, perhaps unconsciously echoing Minato or Obito's habits, had a tendency to arrive just a moment too late.

"I hope it's different this time…"

Led by Fujiu Hangpei, Kai and his team slipped through the forest quickly and silently. The woods bore scars from many battles—some fresh, some old. Dried blood stained the underbrush, and shattered kunai and scorched earth told the tale of countless clashes. Kai noticed it all, but his mind was already focused on what lay ahead.

"Kai, do you know why the 'Kirin' squad is out here this time?" Kakashi asked quietly, clearly trying to steer the conversation away from the grim memories.

Kai shrugged. "Not exactly. But maybe... maybe it's because some people aren't ready to let this war end just yet."

His gaze flicked to Kakashi and Rin. This might be about you two… and Obito.

But he said nothing more. Even if he voiced his suspicions, who would believe him? Saying the wrong thing could make Kai a target, even within Konoha.

For now, all he could do was wait, observe, and act when the moment came.

"Sabotaging peace talks will only prolong the war," Rin said with a sigh. "Isn't peace what everyone wants? Why must there be more fighting?"

"Because of interests," Kai said flatly. "Wars and alliances—whether between nations or hidden villages—are about power and gain. Grudges and hate are just excuses. What really matters is what can be taken… or prevented from being taken."

"Kai, don't talk like that," Fujiu Hangpei interrupted sharply. Though he understood Kai's logic, he didn't want that kind of thinking spreading through his team.

Shinobi were tools. That's what they were taught. During war, they followed orders. Thinking too much about the politics behind missions only bred disobedience. A tool's job was not to question, but to act.

Kai understood what Fujiu meant, and said no more. Fujiu Hangpei was intelligent and strong, but his loyalties clearly lay with the Third Hokage. As a former civilian-turned-chūnin under Hiruzen's rule, Fujiu was a product—and supporter—of the Sandaime's policies.

Even if he could see that the Sandaime favored clan-born shinobi when it counted, Fujiu couldn't escape the fact that he himself had benefited from the system. He had no desire to question it—especially not in front of his team.

Still, Kai couldn't help but wonder… If Fujiu knew what the Third Hokage gave up in that treaty with Iwa—if he saw how the sacrifices of Konoha shinobi were bartered away—would he still hold the same beliefs?

In the original timeline, the peace agreement Hiruzen reached with the Land of Earth included no reparations and acknowledged Iwa's prior aggressions without punishment. It had felt like a betrayal of all those who had fought and died.

Kai didn't know if the same would happen in his reality—his mission at Kannabi Bridge had already diverged from history. But whatever came next, he was watching. The Third Hokage's actions would reveal his true intentions soon enough.

And if the war ended without a proper victory…

"Well," Kai muttered to himself, "then maybe it really will be time for the old man to step down."