To become a perfect undercover agent who could gather intelligence at any time, disrupt the enemy's plans, and, most importantly, remain completely unaware that she had already been turned against them.
When Kiyohara returned to the Hokage's office, the moonlight outside was falling across the windowsill, dyeing the wooden window frame a silvery white.
Ōtsutsuki Isshiki.
The true Ōtsutsuki hidden within Jigen was the existence Kiyohara feared the most.
He possessed the Kāma, a means of resurrection that allowed him to preserve his life. He possessed a power system that far surpassed the conventional limits of the shinobi world. On top of that, there was the legendary remains of Ōtsutsuki Shibai, which possessed numerous so-called "Shinjutsu."
Furthermore, Kiyohara was not certain how many cyborgs Isshiki currently had under his command.
After all, those cyborgs were capable of inheriting Shinjutsu.
Some of them could even reflect all attacks, while others could reflect the very intent of someone trying to kill them.
That was why Kiyohara needed Black Zetsu to continue stirring up trouble within the Akatsuki and muddying the waters, drawing the attention of all sides toward them.
All Kiyohara needed to do was gather the remaining Tailed Beast chakra before that happened.
…..
Several weeks passed in the blink of an eye amid the peaceful daily life of Konoha.
This day was Hinata's birthday.
A row of pale pink lanterns had been hung throughout the main residence of the Hyūga clan.
Hinata was wearing a new light-purple kimono. Her dark blue short hair had been tied by her mother with a white ribbon into two tiny buns, leaving the back of her fair, delicate neck exposed.
She was kneeling properly on a cushion in the living room. A small cake with a candle stuck into it sat on the low table in front of her.
Hiashi and Hinata's mother were sitting opposite her, both wearing rare, gentle smiles.
"Hinata, make a wish."
Hinata's mother spoke in a soft and loving voice.
Hinata closed her eyes and clasped her tiny hands together in front of her chest.
After a moment, she opened her eyes, puffed out her cheeks, and blew out the candle in one breath.
The flame flickered for a moment before turning into a thin wisp of white smoke that disappeared into the air.
"What did Hinata wish for?"
Her mother reached out and gently wiped away a small smear of cream from the corner of her forehead.
"I can't tell you. If I say it out loud, it won't come true."
Hinata spoke softly as her pure white eyes secretly glanced toward the entrance.
Hiashi noticed his daughter's little movement, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.
He picked up his teacup and took a sip without saying anything.
Footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate, followed by a knock on the door.
"I'll get it!"
Hinata practically sprang off the cushion the instant she heard the knocking. The hem of her little kimono nearly knocked over the cake on the table.
Her mother hurriedly reached out and steadied the plate. As she watched her daughter rush toward the entrance, she exchanged a knowing look with her husband.
Hinata stood on tiptoe and pulled open the wooden door. The instant her pure white eyes saw the figure standing outside, they lit up like a tiny lantern that had suddenly been illuminated.
"Kiyohara-sensei!"
Her voice was several times louder than usual.
Kiyohara stood outside the door, his long black hair falling all the way down his back to his waist.
"Happy birthday, Hinata."
Kiyohara bent down and took a small wooden box from inside his sleeve, placing it into Hinata's waiting palms.
Several delicate cherry blossoms had been carved into the surface of the box.
Hinata carefully opened it.
Inside was a pale pink crystal bracelet.
Every crystal bead had been polished until it was perfectly round and translucent, reflecting a soft luster beneath the sunlight. The beads were connected by a fine silver chain, and hanging from the very center was a tiny silver cherry blossom ornament.
"It's so beautiful."
Hinata stared at it without even wanting to blink.
Kiyohara took the bracelet from her palms, crouched down, and gently fastened the silver clasp around her slender wrist.
The crystal beads rested against her skin, carrying a faint, cool sensation.
"Thank you, Kiyohara-sensei."
Hinata raised her wrist and slowly turned the bracelet beneath the sunlight.
Her pure white eyes curved into two crescent moons as she smiled happily.
Hinata's mother watched the scene and gently pressed a handkerchief against the corner of her eye.
Hiashi stood beside her. Although he said nothing, even his usually stern Byakugan-filled eyes held a rare trace of relaxation.
At present, Hinata's talent had yet to fully reveal itself, but Hiashi still held extremely high expectations for her.
In his eyes, with Kiyohara personally teaching her, there was a chance that Hinata's strength in the future would surpass his own and that she might eventually become the strongest member of the Hyūga clan.
Kiyohara stayed at the Hyūga residence and ate cake with Hinata. He also chatted with her for a while about her training.
Hinata sat beside him, her little legs gently swinging beneath the cushion. The bracelet on her wrist made tiny jingling sounds whenever she moved.
From time to time, she secretly glanced at the pink crystals around her wrist and touched the little cherry blossom ornament in the center.
Seeing how happy Hinata was, Kiyohara reached out and lightly pinched one of the little buns tied on top of her head.
Afterward, Kiyohara suggested taking Hinata out for a walk.
Naturally, the Hyūga couple had no objections.
Kiyohara brought Hinata to the Hokage Tower.
Not long afterward, a tall, slender figure entered the office.
Pakura was wearing Konoha's standard shinobi uniform, and the shinobi pouch at her waist was stuffed full.
She walked over to Kiyohara and stopped in front of him before slightly bowing in greeting.
Kiyohara had one arm around Hinata's shoulders, gently drawing her closer to his side, while his other hand rested casually on his knee.
Hinata's face reddened slightly when he pulled her closer, but she did not struggle. She simply leaned obediently against him, lowering her head as she played with the little beads on her bracelet.
"Pakura."
Kiyohara's voice was calm.
"Are you ready for revenge?"
Pakura shuddered.
How could she have forgotten?
Suna had colluded with Kiri and sent shinobi under the pretense of negotiations. They had betrayed her and stabbed her in the back.
She had survived for one reason only: so that one day, she could make those who had betrayed her experience the same fate.
"Of course."
There was deep resentment toward Rasa in Pakura's voice.
Kiyohara nodded.
"Suna has sent Konoha a formal invitation, requesting my assistance in sealing the One-Tail. According to the intelligence we have received, the current jinchūriki of the One-Tail is Gaara, the youngest son of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa."
A hint of mockery entered Kiyohara's tone.
"Over the past few years, Rasa has constantly been testing Gaara's limits, trying to determine whether he can remain under control regardless of the circumstances. Unfortunately, the results have not been particularly satisfactory. That child's mental state is extremely unstable now. Several sand shinobi who tried to approach him have already been torn apart by sandstorms."
To be honest, Kiyohara also felt that Rasa was simply absurd.
How could someone treat a child like that?
He had completely failed to address the child's psychological problems and had instead raised Gaara into someone with the same kind of anti-village personality that Sasori had developed.
Kiyohara could only conclude that the shinobi world's research into psychological disorders still had a very long way to go.
Pakura's lips tightened slightly.
She had been away from Suna for many years, but she knew the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, better than most.
For the sake of the village's interests, that man was capable of sacrificing anyone, including his own son.
"Lord Kiyohara, what do you intend to do?"
Pakura raised her head and looked at Kiyohara with her brown eyes.
"As for Suna, I will handle it myself. I have a way to deal with the One Tail's chakra. As for you..."
Kiyohara's gaze fell upon her face.
"While I am dealing with the One Tail, you will return to Suna as Konoha's special envoy. Publicly reveal your identity and demand that the higher-ups of Suna answer for the assassination attempt against you all those years ago."
Pakura's eyes became slightly red.
The anger and grievances she had accumulated over all these years had finally shown her a path toward revenge.
She nodded heavily.
"Yes."
"Don't you think you should thank me for this?"
Kiyohara casually teased the easily embarrassed Hinata while speaking in a joking tone.
Pakura looked slightly confused.
Of course, she was deeply grateful to Kiyohara. She simply did not know how she was supposed to express that gratitude.
"Lord Kiyohara, I am very grateful..."
"Forget about words. Give me something practical."
Kiyohara waved his hand.
Pakura hesitated before asking, "I don't know what you want."
"You can ask around. Konan knows quite a bit."
Hearing this, Pakura had no choice but to leave for the time being.
Hinata remained seated beside Kiyohara.
She had understood less than half of their conversation, but she could still tell that it seemed to be a story about revenge.
Her tiny brows furrowed.
She raised her head and looked at Kiyohara with her pure white eyes. Her small voice carried a hint of timid curiosity.
"Kiyohara-sensei, that Lady Pakura just now... Is she very sad?"
"Not sad."
Kiyohara shook his head and reached out to straighten the strands of blue hair that had been blown out of place across Hinata's forehead.
"She's angry."
"Angry..."
Hinata murmured the word, a trace of confusion appearing on her little face.
"Hinata is still too young. When you grow a little older, you'll gradually understand."
Kiyohara withdrew his hand and changed the subject.
"By the way, how is your Clone Technique coming along?"
Hinata jumped down from beside Kiyohara and stood in the open space in front of him. Her tiny hands formed seals in front of her chest.
Her hand seals were much faster than they had been several months ago. Although her movements were still somewhat stiff, she could now perform the technique completely.
Then she took a deep breath.
Chakra surged through her chakra network.
Poof!
A cloud of white smoke exploded beside Hinata.
When the smoke dispersed, another figure identical to Hinata was standing there.
The clone stood beside her, with exactly the same posture and expression as the original.
"Very good, Hinata. Your hand seals are smooth, and your chakra distribution is also very even."
Kiyohara raised his hand and vigorously ruffled Hinata's hair.
"You've improved tremendously."
Hinata raised her head, and two faint blushes appeared on her cheeks.
Seeing this, Kiyohara smiled.
Hinata really was a little steam princess.
She blushed and practically started steaming at the slightest provocation.
After escorting Hinata back to her residence, Kiyohara followed the streets of Konoha back toward the Hokage Tower.
When he pushed open the door to his office, the principal of the Shinobi Academy had already been waiting outside for nearly half an hour.
He was a man over fifty years old, with graying hair and a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose. In his hands, he held an open notebook.
Seeing Kiyohara's figure appear at the far end of the corridor, the academy principal hurriedly closed his notebook, quickly walked over, and bowed respectfully.
"Hokage-sama, may I ask why you summoned me here?"
Kiyohara walked toward the office door. Without slowing down, he pushed it open and stepped inside while speaking.
"Prepare a notice. Starting next month, Konoha will hold a Jonin Selection Conference."
The Shinobi Academy principal's footsteps stopped for a moment, and his cloudy old eyes suddenly widened.
He followed Kiyohara into the office and stood in front of the desk, uncertain for a moment whether he had heard correctly.
"A Jonin... Selection Conference?"
"That's right."
Kiyohara sat down in the Hokage's chair.
"Use the Chunin Exams as a reference and design a corresponding examination system for Jonin candidates. The requirements must be stricter. It should not only test combat ability, but also tactical knowledge, command ability, the handling of special missions, and other aspects."
"The overall scale and standards should be comparable to the Chunin Exams, but the evaluation criteria and difficulty must be raised across the board."
Kiyohara spoke slowly.
In the past, promotions to Jonin had always depended on seniority and required approval from the village's higher-ups.
The efficiency of such a system was simply too low, so Kiyohara intended to reform it.
The principal opened and closed his mouth several times before finally managing to digest what he had just heard.
An examination specifically for selecting Jonin had never existed in Konoha's history.
In the past, Jonin promotions were handled through nominations by the Hokage, followed by a vote among the Jonin leadership.
Every shinobi who became a Jonin had been an elite who had achieved outstanding accomplishments during wartime.
But now Kiyohara had proposed holding a dedicated Jonin selection examination.
That meant the threshold for becoming a Jonin would no longer depend solely on seniority and background. Instead, candidates would be judged through open and transparent examination results.
More civilian-born shinobi and young talents would have the opportunity to cross the gate that, in the past, only a select few had been able to enter.
"Hokage-sama, this... this is a major undertaking."
The principal looked troubled.
"I'm only the principal of the Shinobi Academy. The contents and standards of a Jonin examination are far too complicated. The various types of jutsu involved and the evaluation of tactical ability are beyond what I can probably..."
"If you feel you cannot design it yourself, you can ask the Nara clan for assistance."
Kiyohara interrupted him.
"The Nara clan has always been renowned for its intelligence and strategic thinking. Having them participate in designing the examination system would be appropriate. Tactical simulations, strategic deployment, and similar sections are particularly suited to their abilities."
The principal was stunned at first, but then nodded repeatedly.
Shikaku of the Nara clan was the leader of Konoha's Jonin team. He was calm, meticulous, and exceptionally intelligent. He was indeed the best candidate to help design the examination system.
The Hokage had clearly thought everything through long ago. He had summoned him here merely to have him carry out the work.
"I understand. I will take care of it immediately."
The principal turned around and hurried out of the office.
Kiyohara leaned back against the chair.
Konoha's population was already far greater than it had been at the same point in the original timeline. He had also relaxed the restrictions for entering the shinobi system.
Many talented children from ordinary civilian families had been able to enter the Shinobi Academy and receive training. As a result, the number of Chunin accumulated over these years was far beyond what Konoha had possessed in the past.
Among those Chunin, quite a few already possessed strength approaching that of a Jonin. What they lacked was simply a recognized path through which they could advance.
The Jonin Selection Conference was the path Kiyohara was laying out for them.
More importantly, Konoha needed more elite combat power.
There was an even deeper reason behind this.
The Senju bloodline had been scattered among the civilian population.
The Senju clan had long since disbanded, and its members had gradually integrated into ordinary society. Some civilian children who had inherited Senju blood without even knowing it might be among the Chunin who would soon participate in the Jonin selection.
Once they entered the list of Jonin candidates, Kiyohara could have Tsunade help investigate their bloodline origins. From there, he could identify those with the potential to cultivate Sage Techniques or even awaken Wood Release.
As long as even one person among them managed to awaken Wood Release, the entire selection would be worth it.
…
Night had already grown deep.
When Kiyohara returned to his residence, one sake cup had fallen sideways inside a small dish, while another had rolled to the edge of the table. Half a drop of clear sake still clung stubbornly to the mouth of the bottle.
The faint fragrance of rice wine lingered in the air, mixed with the distinctive scent that belonged to Tsunade.
Kiyohara removed his outer robe and hung it on the coat rack. After washing up briefly, he lay down beneath the blankets in the bedroom.
Tonight, he was unusually sleeping alone, so he decided to let Little Kiyohara have a day off.
After all, discussing techniques related to Yin-Yang Release every single day could become boring. Sometimes, even he needed a day to relax.
He did not know how much time had passed when the sound of the entrance door being pushed open came from the foyer.
The doorframe struck the wall with a dull thud.
Immediately afterward came two crisp sounds as wooden sandals were kicked off carelessly. One landed upside down on the floor, while the other had apparently been kicked underneath the shoe cabinet.
The footsteps that followed were sometimes light and sometimes heavy.
Kiyohara was far too familiar with that particular rhythm.
With a single thought, he knew without even needing to sense her chakra that it was Tsunade.
The bedroom door was abruptly pulled open, revealing a swaying figure.
Tsunade stood in the doorway, her long golden hair messily draped over her shoulders. Several strands clung to her slightly flushed cheeks.
She was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, with one of the ties at the collar loosened, revealing a small patch of skin beneath her collarbone that had taken on a faint pink hue from the alcohol.
Her brown-gold eyes were watery with drunkenness, and there was an intoxicated smile hanging from the corners of her lips.
She was still holding a small sake cup in her left hand, with only a shallow layer of clear sake remaining inside.
"Kiyohara."
Tsunade staggered across the threshold. Her knee bumped against the edge of the bed, causing her entire body to pitch forward.
Kiyohara had only just opened his eyes and had not yet managed to sit up when Tsunade placed one hand against his thigh, using it to steady herself.
"Sensei, how much did you drink?"
"Not much... Just two bottles."
Tsunade shook the little sake cup in her left hand. The remaining liquor swayed inside and nearly spilled onto the pillow.
She placed the cup on the low table, then pushed against Kiyohara's thigh and mumbled indistinctly.
"Move over a little. Move over."
Kiyohara shifted farther toward the inside of the bed, making room for her.
Tsunade gave a satisfied hum, then tilted sideways and slipped beneath the blankets with her back facing him.
The fragrance of clear sake mixed with the warmth of her body and rose from beneath the blankets, spreading a cozy heat across the entire bed.
Then Kiyohara felt a familiar sense of pressure.
Tsunade's full figure was taking up a considerable portion of his space.
She was taller and more voluptuous than the average woman to begin with. Once she lay down, she occupied nearly half the bed all by herself.
Kiyohara moved a little farther inward.
Tsunade's back followed him, shifting slightly backward as well, leaving almost no space between them.
If she squeezed any closer, Kiyohara was going to roll right off the bed.
"Sensei, if you keep squeezing me like this, I'm going to have to sleep on the floor."
Tsunade did not answer.
Instead, she turned over, changing from having her back toward him to facing him directly.
Those amber eyes clouded by alcohol stared at Kiyohara's face. Then the corners of her lips curled upward into a smug smile.
"Hehe, this is... testing you."
"Testing me for what?"
"Testing whether you've been sneaking around."
Tsunade's index finger poked Kiyohara in the chest. Her strength was soft and weak, more like a gentle press than an actual poke.
"If you've been sneaking around, you'll definitely have someone else's scent on you. Let me smell you."
As she spoke, she really did lean closer.
The tip of her nose nearly touched Kiyohara's neck, like a cat sniffing around its prey.
Her warm breath brushed across his throat.
Kiyohara simply let her sniff him.
He thought that even if he really had been sneaking around, with his recovery ability and precise chakra control, Tsunade would never be able to detect any trace of it.
Tsunade sniffed along the side of his neck for several seconds, her brows gradually drawing together as though she was genuinely trying to identify something.
Then she suddenly laughed softly and buried her face against the hollow of Kiyohara's shoulder.
"Seems like there isn't any."
Tsunade's voice grew softer and softer. By the time she finished the final word, it had already turned into a steady rhythm of breathing.
She had fallen asleep.
One moment she had been sniffing around like a little dog, and the next she had completely shut down, her face buried against Kiyohara's shoulder.
Her golden eyelashes rested quietly against her still-flushed cheeks. Her lips were slightly parted, and the smile she had been wearing moments earlier remained faintly at the corners of her mouth.
Kiyohara lowered his head and looked at Tsunade's sleeping face.
When Tsunade was asleep, she seemed to have lost some of her usual boldness and vigor. Instead, she appeared much softer.
Kiyohara sighed and reached out, pulling the edge of the blanket up over her shoulders.
The blankets were warm and comfortable. Unconsciously, Tsunade moved closer to the source of the warmth, rubbing her cheek lightly against Kiyohara's shoulder.
Kiyohara was just about to close his eyes when his senses suddenly caught a faint movement.
Shizune was outside the door.
Kiyohara raised an eyebrow.
He carefully moved the arm Tsunade had draped across his chest aside, then silently sat up from beneath the blankets and stepped onto the tatami.
Shizune was crouching in the corner of the wall while holding an empty tray, her entire body curled into a tiny little ball.
She was wearing a simple nightgown. Her short black hair was slightly messy, with several strands sticking up from the top of her head, probably from tossing and turning because she could not fall asleep.
Her face was buried behind the edge of the tray, leaving only a pair of wide, round black eyes visible.
When Kiyohara approached, Shizune jumped like a startled rabbit.
Her back struck the wall, and the tray in her hands nearly flew out of her grasp.
She hurriedly hugged the tray tightly and held it in front of her chest like a shield.
When she raised her head and saw Kiyohara's face, her ears visibly turned bright red.
"Ki-Kiyohara, I-I was just passing by."
"Passing by?"
There was a playful undertone in Kiyohara's voice.
Shizune really wasn't eavesdropping?
"Really! I just happened to take the tray to the kitchen, and then... then I walked here..."
The more Shizune spoke, the less confidence she had.
The kitchen was at the other end of the corridor. After putting away the tray, she had absolutely no reason to pass by Tsunade's bedroom.
Kiyohara did not expose her lie. He merely let the corners of his lips curl upward.
The brief silence made Shizune even more flustered.
"I-I'll go back first!"
She jumped up from the corner and hurried down the corridor while clutching the tray.
Her steps were so hurried that she nearly tripped over the hem of her nightgown.
Her slippers made a series of frantic sounds against the floor before the door to her room was quickly shut with a soft click.
Shizune leaned against the door, clutching the tray against her chest.
Her heartbeat was racing like a taiko drum being struck at a frantic pace.
She buried her face in the tray, her ears burning red.
Oh, no.
She had been caught.
Kiyohara had actually caught her!
Shizune often heard strange noises coming from the room, so this time she had decided to get a little closer and listen carefully to figure out what exactly the sounds were.
Unfortunately, Kiyohara had happened to discover her.
Shizune bit her lower lip in embarrassment and annoyance. She casually placed the tray on the short cabinet beside her before throwing herself onto the bed.
She pulled the blanket over her head and completely hid herself beneath it.
Under the covers, she rolled over once.
Then she rolled over again.
Finally, she curled herself into a ball.
Meanwhile, Kiyohara remained standing where he was, deep in thought.
Shizune was a healthy adult woman too.
And naturally, a healthy adult woman would have desires of her own.
It was just that Shizune was technically his senpai, his senior apprentice.
Kiyohara thought about it for a moment.
His sensei had already become involved with him, so why should he be so concerned about this?
Perhaps having both sensei and senior together would not be such a bad idea.
(End of Chapter)