**Chapter 16: Leaving the Village and Root’s Assassination Attempt**

Though she grumbled to herself inwardly, Uzuki Yugao didn't dare argue in front of Uchiha Hikari. "For civilians, the restrictions aren't as strict, but you'd still need to register… I'll let my captain know. But, um, do you have a destination in mind?"

Silence.

After a dozen seconds, Yugao gave in with a sigh. "Alright, whatever makes you happy."

She lingered a bit longer, but when Hikari didn't share any more details, Yugao took her leave.

Once she was gone, Hikari secured the doors and windows, made sure Naruto went to bed, and washed up herself, gearing up to rest for tomorrow's journey.

…

**Late at Night**

Outside Konoha, at the Root headquarters.

In a dimly lit room, flickering lamplight cast eerie shadows.

A man wrapped in bandages sat at a desk, listening to his subordinate's report.

"…So, you're saying this female Uchiha stocked up on a ton of ninja tools and might be leaving Konoha soon?"

"Based on what we've seen, it's highly likely."

A Root ninja wearing a gray-white mask responded matter-of-factly. "About an hour and a half ago, Uzuki Yugao left the Jinchuriki's house and met with Sarutobi Shinosuke. She was probably reporting the female Uchiha's plan to leave the village, likely within the next day or two."

"Hm…"

Danzō nodded, flipping through the investigation files on his desk. He closed his eyes, mulling it over for a moment before speaking in a low voice. "Kō, execute Plan B."

"Add three or four more operatives to the original team—pick them yourself. The target is that female Uchiha's eyes. As for her… take her down with full force, dead or alive! No matter what happens, ensure the plan goes off without a hitch."

"Understood."

The gray-masked ninja nodded immediately and left the room.

Alone now, Danzō sat at the desk, staring into the flickering candlelight. The faint glow stretched his shadow long across the room.

"That old monkey's gone senile, unable to see something so obvious. If that's the case… I'll have to make the call for him. A pair of Mangekyo Sharingan like that must *never* fall into Uchiha hands."

"Everything I do is for Konoha!"

…

**The Next Morning**

Just past 6:30 AM, Hikari rolled out of bed, brushed her teeth, washed up, tied her long hair back, and slipped into her travel clothes.

As she was doing a final check of her backpack, she heard rustling from Naruto's side. The little blond stood in the bedroom doorway, clinging to the frame, staring at her with big, wistful eyes.

"Awake already?" Hikari glanced at him. "I went over most of the important stuff yesterday. The bottom shelf of the fridge has meat and seafood—I stocked up for a week. Dumplings and noodles are in the middle, and veggies and fruits are on top. Those spoil fast, so eat them soon."

"Pocket money's on the table. The bankbook's hidden in the cabinet—shouldn't need it, but don't lose it. That's your dad's entire savings."

"While I'm gone, if anything happens in the village, jot it down. We'll deal with it when I get back."

Hikari ran through her instructions, then waved. "Alright, I'm off."

Under Naruto's reluctant gaze, she stepped out the door.

At this hour, the streets were quiet, with only a few shops open. Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu, the eternal background duo, were already posted at Konoha's main gate. They'd clearly been notified and let Hikari pass without a fuss.

Once outside the village, Hikari stole a glance behind her.

As expected, someone was tailing her.

The chakra signature felt like Uzuki Yugao's.

Her sudden departure was bound to raise eyebrows in Konoha, and it was no surprise that Sarutobi Hiruzen would be curious about her destination. Hikari had planned for this. After strolling leisurely for a bit, she channeled chakra to her feet and darted into the forest beside the road.

On an open road, shaking off a pursuer was tricky.

But in a shadowy, dense forest like this? That was a different story.

Following her pre-planned strategy, Hikari put some distance between them, created a few false trails along the way, and ventured deep into the woods. She finally stopped by a small stream, scooping up a handful of water to splash on her face.

Judging by the thick layer of fallen leaves, this place was rarely visited.

But…

*Huff…*

Hikari closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and whipped around, staring into the depths of the forest.

**Sharingan activated!**

Her crimson eyes locked onto two figures crouched on a tree branch. Without the keen perception of her Sharingan, she might've mistaken them for part of the tree itself.

"Like chewing gum stuck to my shoe… Don't you guys have any tact? Gotta keep clinging like this?"

In the next instant, Hikari sprang into action, her form flickering as she vanished into the nearby bushes.

"?"

A hundred meters away, the two masked trackers froze, dropping their camouflage. Their eyes widened, scanning the area nervously. Suddenly, one of them looked up, whispering urgently, "Above!!"

A gust of wind swept through!

The black-haired girl's figure streaked across the night sky like a nimble cat, using the dense canopy for cover as she descended on the two ninjas.

In the split second their eyes met, one tracker swung a kunai. Hikari, however, kicked off a nearby tree trunk, launching herself like a cannonball. A swift spinning kick sent the first ninja crashing down, and with lightning-fast reflexes, she grabbed the wrist of the second ninja's stabbing hand. Using her downward momentum, she drove an elbow into his stomach.

*Thud!*

The masked ninja staggered back, missed a step, and plummeted.

Hikari leaped after him, delivering a precise hand chop mid-air, knocking him out cold before he hit the ground.

*Thump!*

Landing lightly, Hikari stood, her eyes narrowing as she turned to the other side of the forest. "Hiding all this time, and you still don't plan to come out?"

"…"

Her clear voice echoed through the trees.

Soon, a rustling sound filled the air.

From all directions—front, back, left, right—over a dozen figures emerged like sprouts after rain. Each wore a mask, standing on trees, boulders, and clearings, their emotionless eyes fixed on her.

**(End of Chapter)**