Chapter 10. A Meeting Between Spies

Chapter 10 - 10. A Meeting Between SpiesHanekawa sprinted through the streets of Konoha, the wind brushing against his face. As a spy, the most crucial quality is caution. His plan was simple: run until he reached the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore, then pretend to rest inside as if he were tired from jogging. Even if someone found his behavior suspicious, he could easily say, I'm just a passing masked rider... wait, no, just a kid on his way. "Hanekawa!" A familiar voice called out, getting closer. Turning his head, Hanekawa was met with a blindingly green figure—Might Guy running upside down. "Good morning," Hanekawa said with a smile and a nod. After a week of training, they had grown somewhat familiar with each other. "Don't mind me!" Might Guy was far ahead of him in both distance and intensity, so Hanekawa didn't even try to keep up. "Alright, I'm going to speed up now!" With that, Might Guy rounded a drainage channel and disappeared from view. "..." Hanekawa continued running in silence. An hour later, he finally stopped in front of the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore. His body felt utterly drained. "Hanekawa!" Just then, Might Guy's voice came from not far away. Is it happening again? Hanekawa's face betrayed a look of helplessness. "Have you activated your backup energy supply?" Might Guy exclaimed, clenching his fists and trembling. "To give it your all and fight to the end is the essence of youth!" Nearby passersby instinctively took a half-step back, their small retreat delivering an emotional blow. Hanekawa stood in place, expressionless. It felt like he had returned to the days before college entrance exams, shouting slogans with his classmates. The downside of befriending Might Guy was now clear—constant, unwanted reminders of his long-lost youthful days under the setting sun. But today, he was definitely out of energy, and besides, he had a meeting with a Kumogakure ninja to attend. Hanekawa slowly walked into the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore. Might Guy wasn't upset. The fact that Hanekawa had never shown disdain for his antics was already a rarity. Before him, only a select few, such as Kakashi Hatake, had managed to treat Guy normally. With that, Might Guy turned and continued his journey of youth. Hanekawa scanned the bookstore. Since he had arrived early, there were no other customers inside. "Little one, looking for a book?" A young woman approached him with a smile. "Do you have Icha Icha Paradise?" Hanekawa asked after a brief thought. In his past life, he'd always been curious about Jiraiya's famous work. Now that the opportunity presented itself, he couldn't resist. "We don't," the young woman replied, shaking her head. How could a bookstore in Konoha not carry one of Jiraiya's masterpieces? Bookstore's empty? Might as well smash it. Then it hit him—Icha Icha Paradise wasn't published until Jiraiya was 42 years old. At this point in time, it didn't even exist yet. "I'd like to buy a book called When Thunder Strikes," Hanekawa said, getting straight to the point. The title was a code phrase used by Kumogakure operatives. "That book is part of the owner's private collection. Let me take you to him," the young woman said, her expression sharpening. She led Hanekawa to the second floor of the bookstore. "Code 9527, it's good to see you're still alive." After the young woman left, a plain-looking middle-aged man appeared before Hanekawa. What does he mean, 'still alive'? Hanekawa scrutinized the man, but there was nothing familiar about him in his memory. "I'm your contact. You can call me Tsuchibashi," the man explained, noticing Hanekawa's confusion. He also clarified the peculiar greeting. Not long ago, Kumogakure had orchestrated an operation to abduct Kushina Uzumaki. Although the operation had failed, it enraged Hiruzen Sarutobi. Konoha Village launched a thorough investigation immediately, including a comprehensive sweep of the orphanage. Hanekawa was the sole survivor of his group. "..." Hearing this, Hanekawa felt a chill run down his spine. If not for the sudden arrival of the system, he would have been just another corpse. He now truly understood the perilous life of a spy. "How's your current situation?" Tsuchibashi poured him a glass of water and asked. Hanekawa took a few sips before recounting his experiences, carefully omitting any mention of the system. "You've shown such remarkable talent?" Searᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tsuchibashi's face first lit up with surprise, then darkened with regret. "Had I known, I wouldn't have let you come here." Sending a prodigy to serve as a spy was clearly a waste. Someone like Hanekawa could have achieved far more within Kumogakure. But now, leaving was almost impossible—both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura had their eyes on him. "I'm willing to stay in Konoha Village!" Hanekawa declared with determination. "All for the glory of Kumogakure!" Before, he had no choice. Now, he wanted to be a good ninja. The light of righteousness seemed to shine on Tsuchibashi's face. Excited, Tsuchibashi exclaimed, "With people like you, how could Kumogakure not prosper?" You're really getting into character. Still, upon reflection, Hanekawa had to admit Kumogakure's environment was appealing—fewer internal power struggles, and a strong emphasis on strength above all. Adapting quickly, Hanekawa responded, "It's my duty." Tsuchibashi took a deep breath to calm his emotions. Studying Hanekawa, he said, "Your situation has turned out quite differently than expected. The original mission is no longer suitable." The initial plan was for Hanekawa to infiltrate the orphanage and collect intelligence from the inside. However, now that he was enrolled in the ninja academy and had caught the attention of Konoha's leadership, a new plan was necessary. Tsuchibashi fell into deep thought. Truthfully, Hanekawa's current position was more advantageous for Kumogakure. Kumogakure had succeeded in kidnapping Kushina Uzumaki in the past because they leveraged a spy within the Anbu. But once exposed, such spies could no longer be used. They urgently needed new operatives in mid-to-high-level positions. "Hanekawa, your mission from now on is to become a true genius," Tsuchibashi said after some deliberation. Hanekawa immediately grasped the intent. This task suited him perfectly. He had already passed Hiruzen Sarutobi's scrutiny. As long as he didn't reveal himself, he could climb the ranks within Konoha, step by step. "If you encounter any emergencies, come to the Konoha Bookstore to find me," Tsuchibashi said, patting his shoulder. "Be careful. The hopes of the entire village rest on you now." "I understand," Hanekawa replied solemnly. "Do your best." Tsuchibashi smiled. "There will be rewards for your efforts. You might even earn recognition from the Raikage and gain access to taijutsu techniques." "Thank you, Uncle Tsuchibashi," Hanekawa said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He was deeply intrigued by Kumogakure's taijutsu. The Fourth Raikage's taijutsu prowess, in particular, was legendary in the original story. "On your way out, pick up a couple of books to avoid suspicion," Tsuchibashi reminded him. "Can I take a few more?" Hanekawa remembered his other task—the orphanage. Books would make great gifts, and it would also cover the lie he told Yuhi Shinku about his visit. "Sure," Tsuchibashi said after a pause, "but don't take too many. At your age, it would seem odd if you could afford a large number of books." You're a seasoned spy, aren't you? Such attention to detail! Hanekawa headed downstairs, selected seven children's picture books, and left the Konoha Bookstore. As he stepped outside, he suddenly stopped. Not far away, a familiar figure appeared—Obito Uchiha. Obito was helping an elderly woman cross the street. Hanekawa considered approaching but decided against it, turning instead toward the orphanage. "Thank you again, Obito," the old woman said softly. She cast a fleeting glance at Hanekawa. For an instant, a sharp gleam flickered in her eyes before she returned to her kindly demeanor.