CHAPTER 112

Finding the Target

Kakashi's words — "Sometimes it's easier to hide in a crowd" — stunned Chi Yu.

Chi Yu had instinctively believed that Karin's mother, being a fugitive, would choose an isolated location far from others. However, he had failed to consider Kusagakure's current situation.

At present, Kusagakure had become a battleground between Konohagakure and Iwagakure. Aside from the village itself, nowhere in the Land of Grass was truly safe. Conflict could erupt anywhere at any time.

But Kusagakure Village was maintaining a neutral stance. Neither Konoha nor Iwa would attack it without provocation. As a result, the village itself had become the safest place for civilians and refugees alike.

People from across the country were pouring into Kusagakure to take shelter.

Although red hair was rare, the shinobi world was filled with unique hair colors. Kakashi's silver-white, Minato Namikaze's golden blond, Pain's vivid orange, and even Gaara's crimson — none were considered unnatural.

Even Gaara, who bore no relation to the Uzumaki clan, had red hair.

After Kakashi's reminder, Chi Yu's mind cleared. What he had dismissed as the least likely location was, in fact, the most probable one.

Karin's mother had likely taken refuge within the village itself.

Grinning, Chi Yu ruffled Kakashi's hair. "Kakashi, you're a genius."

Kakashi rolled his eyes and immediately fixed his hair.

After retrieving supplies from the fallen Iwa shinobi, they resumed their journey toward Kusagakure.

Having been away from the Konoha encampment for some time, they had come to rely on enemy loot for replenishing their ninja tools.

By the following day, the two reached the outskirts of Kusagakure.

Glancing at the heavily fortified entrance, Kakashi clicked his tongue. "Security's tight."

Chi Yu nodded. "They don't have a choice. Kusagakure is trying to walk a tightrope. They can't afford to offend either Konoha or Iwagakure, so they refuse to let ninja from either side inside.

If they allow one side entry and a conflict breaks out, the opposing side would see it as an act of allegiance. That could be used as justification to attack the village."

He glanced at Kakashi. "So, to avoid trouble, we'll use the Transformation Technique."

Both transformed into civilian forms using henge.

Kakashi asked, "Chi Yu-sensei, are we just walking through the front gate like this?"

Chi Yu shook his head. "No. Kusagakure's inspections will be strict — too risky. We'll find another way in."

Kakashi furrowed his brow. "But the perimeter's tight. How—?"

Then his eyes widened. "You're going to use Genjutsu, aren't you?"

Chi Yu smirked and nodded. "Smart. Follow me."

He led Kakashi toward the weakest point in the village's defenses — a spot lightly guarded by Kusagakure shinobi.

Chi Yu formed a quick series of hand seals.

"Temple of Nirvana Technique."

Phantasmal feathers drifted in the air. The Kusagakure guards, upon seeing them, fell into a deep, enchanted slumber.

"Let's move, Kakashi."

As they slipped past the unconscious sentries, Kakashi stared in awe. "Chi Yu-sensei, can you teach me that Genjutsu?"

Chi Yu chuckled. "Let's stick to what you're good at. That one's A-rank. I might show you a C-rank sometime, but Genjutsu just isn't your strength."

It wasn't a matter of unwillingness — Chi Yu was aware of Kakashi's limitations in illusionary techniques. His aptitude leaned heavily toward Ninjutsu.

Kakashi sighed in resignation. He had studied Genjutsu before, but never took to it naturally. It always felt... forced. Knowing this one was A-rank, he gave up.

Why make life harder than it already is?

They successfully infiltrated Kusagakure.

The streets were overflowing with refugees. Some were huddled in corners, others sleeping on the pavement. Sobs and murmurs of despair echoed throughout the village.

Though Chi Yu and Kakashi wore blank expressions, the scene weighed heavily on them.

Such was the sorrow of a small shinobi village — caught between giants, helpless as their homeland became a battlefield. Their fate lay in the hands of foreign powers, and all they could do was endure.

Kakashi lowered his voice. "Chi Yu-sensei... there are so many people. How are we supposed to find her?"

Chi Yu's eyes narrowed. "The chakra of the Uzumaki clan is uniquely potent. If Karin's mother is here, her chakra signature will stand out. We'll search quadrant by quadrant."

As Karin's daughter, the woman was likely to have had considerable chakra reserves — and if her daughter inherited such strong perception and vitality, the mother must have had similar traits.

Chi Yu activated his Observation Haki, extending his senses across the village.

Halfway through the search, his eyes sharpened. "Found her!"

He sensed a chakra signature distinct from the crowd — vibrant and powerful.

"Let's go, Kakashi!"

They rushed toward the location — a relief station distributing food.

Among the line of weary refugees, one woman stood out immediately.

She had long, disheveled red hair and an emaciated frame. Her face was hollow and pale, clearly suffering from malnutrition.

Chi Yu approached calmly. "I have food I can offer you," he said quietly. "But more importantly, I'd like to speak with you."

The woman looked at him, her eyes dull. "I don't know you."

"You don't," Chi Yu admitted, "but I know your clan. I can help you escape this situation — give you a life far better than this. Ten times better. Maybe a hundred."

Her eyes widened slightly, pupils narrowing at the mention of her clan.

"I'm sorry," she said abruptly. "You've mistaken me for someone else."

Without waiting for food, she turned and made to leave.

Chi Yu swiftly grabbed her arm. His voice was low, firm. "I don't mean you harm. But I'm also not asking for permission. You can come with me willingly — or I'll take you by force."

Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters