Haruto Saito was the most talked-about ninja in the entire shinobi world!
Ever since news of his departure from Konoha spread, he had been the center of attention! He was worth billions in ryo, and the sheer amount of cash he controlled was enough to influence—perhaps even change—the course of the ongoing Shinobi War if it were to be used on the battlefield.
Many people wanted him dead!
Some were old enemies, while others were mercenary ninjas willing to kill for money.
This time, the rumor that Haruto Saito had slain Hattori Ryuya sent shockwaves through the entire ninja world! Every major power in the shinobi world turned their focus on Haruto Saito once again, elevating their level of concern regarding his existence to an entirely new level!
Even the villages that had no grudges against him—Sand, Stone, and Cloud—began to pay much closer attention to him and even made special arrangements in response to his actions.
However, there was no concrete evidence confirming that Hattori Ryuya had indeed died at Haruto Saito's hands!
When Haruto Saito killed Hattori Ryuya, no one else was present!
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist could only testify that Hattori Ryuya had been lured away by Haruto Saito before disappearing. Meanwhile, Kirigakure could confirm that Hattori Ryuya was dead, but… did he really die by Haruto Saito's hand?
How could Haruto Saito possibly have that kind of strength?!
Even if he had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, it was a teleportation jutsu, not a direct combat technique!
The moment people received this information, they began to speculate—perhaps Haruto Saito had lured Hattori Ryuya into an ambush where others helped him eliminate the formidable ninja. Perhaps it was Konoha's White Fang? Or maybe even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi himself?
Seven days after Hattori Ryuya's death, such speculations had grown into widespread rumors!
Everything became even more mysterious and uncertain!
The only confirmed facts were that Haruto Saito had indeed lured Hattori Ryuya away on his own, and that Hattori Ryuya was now dead. But beyond that, no one knew exactly what had transpired!
Konoha, on the other hand, remained unusually silent!
The Mist Village had already accused Hiruzen Sarutobi of personally carrying out the assassination, yet Konoha did not refute this accusation and remained eerily quiet!
Because Konoha was in a difficult position!
Hiruzen Sarutobi knew he hadn't killed Hattori Ryuya. But if he publicly denied it, that would indirectly confirm that Haruto Saito had likely done it himself. This would certainly elevate Haruto Saito's reputation and standing, but it would also make him a much bigger target for assassination!
A genius who grew too quickly would attract even more people wanting to eliminate him!
But admitting to it? That was out of the question!
Thus, Konoha could only remain silent!
In reality, Konoha was also waiting for Haruto Saito's report. Even Hiruzen Sarutobi himself didn't know what had truly happened. But Konoha's covert forces had been unable to contact Haruto Saito, and even Danzo couldn't get in touch with his Root subordinates quickly enough. All they could do was wait!
The rumors about Haruto Saito killing Hattori Ryuya continued to spread and intensify!
The differing opinions on the matter became more divided than ever!
People fiercely debated the issue, each holding their own stance without compromise!
Haruto Saito was at the center of the storm, yet he seemed entirely unaffected by it. Over the past few days, he had been living a rather leisurely life!
******
On the eighth day after Hattori Ryuya's death—coincidentally, the same day that Kakuzu finalized his agreement with the leader of Furuta Village—
Furuta Village.
Northern Residence of the Command Center.
Two blurred figures clashed in the courtyard, moving at incredible speeds, their blades flashing like lightning!
Haruto Saito vs. Hattori Ryuya!
The two were merely sparring, and neither was using chakra. It was a pure test of swordsmanship, relying solely on physical prowess. No ninjutsu—only the techniques of a samurai, without any chakra enhancement!
For Haruto Saito, this was a form of training!
He had to admit—Hattori Ryuya was stronger than him!
Even though Haruto Saito had absorbed most of Hattori Ryuya's abilities and even obtained fragments of his soul, he hadn't gained everything… Without using healing cards or his Yin God Kunai, Haruto Saito still found it incredibly difficult to defeat Hattori Ryuya! The man's battle experience was unparalleled!
But he wouldn't be defeated easily either!
If he wanted to run, even Hattori Ryuya at full power wouldn't be able to catch him!
Hattori Ryuya wasn't regarded as the second strongest figure in the Five Great Ninja Villages for nothing!
After an intense hour-long battle…
The two finally stopped!
Both were breathing heavily!
Hattori Ryuya wore a specially crafted mask, his black robes concealing his identity. Even the Root ninjas guarding the courtyard couldn't tell who he was.
"Let's take a break—it's time for lunch," Haruto Saito said as he steadied his breath.
"Yes, my lord," Hattori Ryuya replied respectfully.
Over the past few days, aside from serving as Haruto Saito's sparring partner, Hattori Ryuya had spent his time reading. Haruto Saito had ordered him to re-educate himself, and he had become noticeably less rigid in his demeanor.
Haruto Saito carried his sword over to the main building and plopped down onto a reclining chair. He turned to one of the Root ninjas and instructed, "Bring the lunch over now."
A Root ninja left the northern courtyard to inform the serving staff at the command center to deliver the meal.
Haruto Saito had not left the premises at all!
He was waiting for Kakuzu to finish handling matters!
Eight days ago, Kakuzu had reached an agreement with Furuta Village's leader, effectively taking over the village. However, no one was a fool—there was no way the village's leader would truly hand over control without a fight. He had accepted the money and pretended to submit, but both sides were scheming against each other.
Kakuzu was still working on solidifying control!
Haruto Saito had forbidden him from using excessive force!
For instance, if Kakuzu were to massacre the hundreds of ninja ruling Furuta Village, it would draw suspicion. After all, there were thousands of outsiders in the village, and information could easily leak out!
Haruto Saito stayed put for two reasons. One, he didn't want to risk exposing himself by lingering in one place for too long. If he was discovered, all his efforts would be wasted, and he would have to abandon Furuta Village!
The second reason? He simply didn't feel like going out!
As he waited for his meal, Haruto Saito lazily dangled his right hand off the chair, his fingertips brushing against the ground…
Then, he unleashed his chakra perception!
His sensory range rapidly expanded!
Haruto Saito could sense up to a hundred kilometers away!
He had been doing this regularly over the past few days, scanning the area to see if there were any individuals worth "greeting." Previously, there hadn't been anyone significant—just a few elite jonin passing through.
But over the past two days, that had changed!
Because the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had leaked the location of Hattori Ryuya's death, many powerful individuals had started arriving to investigate the site.
Expanding his perception to its maximum range, Haruto Saito scanned the area…
"Hm?"
He suddenly sensed three unique and powerful chakras.
Three elite ninja!
And they were near the site of his battle with Hattori Ryuya!
It seemed they were investigating as well!
"They're here?" Haruto Saito muttered, rubbing his chin.
Those three presences belonged to Tsunade! Jiraiya! Orochimaru!
Haruto Saito immediately stood up and told Hattori Ryuya, "I'm heading out for a bit. I'll be back soon! If Kakuzu arrives, let him know."
With that, Haruto Saito vanished in a flash!