Kenji Uegusa signed the last stroke on the document, carefully placing the brush back onto the pen rack. Removing his reading glasses, he pinched the bridge of his nose, which now bore clear marks from prolonged use. Letting out a long sigh, he leaned back in his chair.
As the Head of the Human Resources Department of Sunagakure (Hidden Sand Village), Kenji's workload was overwhelming. Every day, he had to handle a mountain of paperwork: appointments and dismissals of newly promoted officials, performance evaluations of various ranks, ninja rank file creation, talent pool database management... The list went on and on. It was a seemingly endless stream of tasks that all fell on the shoulders of this nearly sixty-year-old man.
To make matters worse, his responsibilities now extended beyond Sunagakure. They included overseeing the Moon Lake New District, the Hourglass Group in the Land of Rain, and soon, the development of the Yuexi Peninsula. Kenji often felt drained, as if his energy could no longer keep up with the demands.
"Knock! Knock! Knock!"
A series of knocks came at the door.
"Come in."
Kenji put his reading glasses back on.
"Oh! Minister Rasa, what a rare guest. How do you find the time to visit me today?"
Kenji greeted the "Number Two" figure of Sunagakure with a warm smile.
"I heard you have some fresh tea this year. Unlike you, I don't have such wide connections. So, I had to shamelessly come and beg for a cup," Rasa replied.
After spending nearly two years stationed in Amegakure (Hidden Rain Village), Rasa was no longer the brash young man he once was. His tone was polished, and his words carried the weight of someone well-versed in the art of diplomacy.
"Haha, your nose is sharp as ever. Alright, let me brew some for you."
Kenji chuckled as he opened a drawer and took out a tea canister.
Before long, two cups of clear, emerald-green tea were placed in front of Rasa.
Rasa picked up a cup, brought it to his nose, and took a deep sniff, a look of delight flashing across his face. Yet, he didn't rush to drink.
"I didn't just come here to drink tea today; there's something I need to discuss with you, Minister Uegusa."
"Oh? What is it?" Kenji set down his teacup.
"Well, after the Wind and Fire Operation, the village captured a number of spies. The interrogations are complete, the case files are finalized, and those who needed to be executed have already been dealt with.
However, there are still some individuals whose crimes don't warrant execution. The village's detention cells are overcrowded, so I sought the Kazekage's approval to reopen the Abyss Prison. The only issue now is deciding on a warden. Since this falls under your jurisdiction as the Head of Human Resources, I came to consult you."
"Oh, that matter? Wait a moment."
Kenji pondered for a moment, then stood up and began rummaging through the filing cabinet behind him. After a while, he pulled out a folder.
"Hmm, this person seems suitable."
"Oh? Let me see."
Rasa took the folder and carefully examined it. At the top, the name Tazanbo was written in bold characters, accompanied by a photo of a middle-aged man in his forties. A prominent scar ran across his face, from the bridge of his nose to his cheek.
"This man is calm and resolute, mature and reliable, and he's quite capable. He used to work under Director Ryōhei and should be able to keep those troublemakers in line."
"Oh, if he's from Director Ryōhei's team, he should be dependable. Alright, it's settled. Once the Kazekage returns, I'll report this to him."
Rasa closed the folder and continued speaking to Kenji.
"People say that the personnel files of the entire Sunagakure are stored in Minister Uegusa's head. After meeting you today, I can see that reputation is well-deserved."
"Oh, not at all, not at all. When you've worked long enough, you naturally become more familiar with these things."
Kenji waved his hand modestly, his expression that of a kind elder.
"Minister Uegusa, your work must be exhausting."
Rasa continued to smile warmly, his words laced with flattery.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just doing my part for the village."
Kenji maintained his humble demeanor.
"I think you misunderstood me, Minister Uegusa."
"Hmm?"
Rasa's expression suddenly turned cold and menacing.
"What I meant was, it must have been exhausting for you to infiltrate Sunagakure for nearly thirty years... Golden Sand: Nine-Needle Seal!"
Before Kenji could react, nine golden needles flashed and pierced his body, sealing his nine key chakra points. In an instant, he was immobilized, unable to move, speak, or channel chakra. All he could do was stare at Rasa in shock.
"Clap! Clap!"
Rasa clapped his hands twice, and two burly ninjas wearing masks and carrying swords on their backs entered the room. Their imposing presence made it clear they were elite operatives.
"Take him to the detention center. Ask Director Ryōhei from the Anti-Corruption Bureau to personally interrogate him. No one else has the rank or skill to crack him."
"Yes!"
Without a word, the two operatives lifted Kenji and escorted him out.
"You old fox, you hid yourself well," Rasa muttered darkly, watching Kenji's retreating figure. The two cups of tea on the table still emitted gentle wisps of steam.
Scene Transition
Jinghang carefully read the report in his hands, scrutinizing every word as if he wouldn't let a single detail slip. After a long while, he finally raised his head, closed his eyes, and remained silent.
Rasa stood quietly to the side, not daring to interrupt.
Given the high rank of the individual involved, Rasa had been meticulous in preparing the materials. The evidence was thorough and solid, including corroborating witnesses, physical evidence like fingerprints, and a complete chain of proof. He had even brought in Ryōhei, the former head of interrogations, to personally handle the questioning.
Ryōhei, once Sunagakure's top pre-trial expert, had cracked Kenji's psychological defenses within just three days—without resorting to torture—and obtained a confession.
Kenji Uegusa had infiltrated Sunagakure during the late reign of Rettō. From genin to chunin, and eventually to jonin, he had steadily climbed the ranks, working diligently and without drawing suspicion. He had served in the field, fought on the front lines, and had never engaged in any espionage activities. If not for being reactivated by Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage, he might have forgotten he was a spy for Iwagakure (Hidden Stone Village).
In the end, however, Kenji chose to uphold the traditions of a ninja and remained loyal to the organization he had pledged allegiance to at the start.
"Sigh…"
Jinghang let out a long sigh, tilting his head back as a complex mix of emotions swirled within him.
"What about his contacts?" he finally asked.
"They've been apprehended."
"Execute them in secret."
"Yes. And what about Kenji?"
"Keep him in the Abyss Prison. Continue digging; see if we can extract any more information. Also…"
Jinghang paused, signaling Rasa to come closer. He then whispered.
"Conduct a covert investigation into the individuals Kenji promoted during his tenure as Head of Human Resources. Make sure it's done discreetly. We're about to go to war; we can't afford to create an atmosphere of fear."
"Understood."
Rasa nodded.
"The position of Head of Human Resources is critical. Do you have any recommendations?"
Jinghang seemed to have regained his composure.
"I suggest Maki from the Moon Lake New District."
Jinghang thought for a moment before nodding.
"Good choice. The Moon Lake New District is running smoothly, so it can be handed over to Karuke. As for the Construction Corps, we can disband it. Combat personnel should be integrated into the regular army, while non-combat personnel can form a Construction Bureau. Maki and Karuke can recommend a director, and I'll discuss it with them when they arrive. By the way, how's the Abyss Prison coming along?"
"It's complete. It's extremely secure. I've temporarily assigned four battalions from the regular army as guards. It's ready for use at any time."
"Make those guards permanent. Expand the force to six battalions for rotation. As for the warden… if there are no issues, let's stick with Tazanbo. Draft the orders, and I'll sign them."
"Yes. One more thing—Iwagakure has sent an envoy."
"Tell them to get lost! Tell them to deliver this message to Ōnoki: wash his neck and wait! Not even the Sage of Six Paths can save him now! That's my word!"
Jinghang spat venomously.
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