Under the cover of darkness, over a thousand Sarutobi shinobi moved through the trees.
Silent.
Heavy-hearted.
They all sensed something was wrong.
Finally, one of them asked:
"Clan head… are we truly on a classified mission?"
Hiruzen stopped.
"Shiki. Take a squad. Check the perimeter. See if we're being followed."
"Yes."
After a thorough sweep, no pursuers were found.
Only then did Hiruzen speak plainly.
"The Fourth intends to eliminate the Sarutobi clan."
The forest erupted in whispers.
"He dares?"
"So this isn't a mission… it's defection?"
"Are we abandoning the village?"
Another voice trembled:
"Our families are still inside the compound…"
Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly.
"If we bring the elderly and children, we won't even make it past the gates."
That logic was undeniable.
Their elite force leaving already drew attention.
An entire clan evacuation would have triggered immediate interception.
"He won't harm civilians," Hiruzen said quietly.
But even he wasn't certain.
Then someone muttered:
"Maybe this is karma… the Senju…"
"Who said that?!"
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened.
The implication was clear.
What he once did to the Senju…
Was now being done to him.
He ordered internal identity verification.
Over a thousand shinobi were checked.
No infiltrators found.
And yet—
The unease remained.
"Continue moving."
They pressed forward.
Another question soon came.
"Clan head… where are we going?"
Hiruzen studied the speaker carefully.
Paranoia crept in.
"…The Land of Hot Water."
Whispers spread again.
Wasn't it a neutral territory per the treaties?
"All villages break treaties when convenient," Hiruzen answered bluntly.
"Why shouldn't we?"
"Are we seeking asylum with the Hot Water Daimyō?" someone asked.
"No."
He did not elaborate.
The true destination—
Would be revealed only to trusted few.
Konoha — Late Night
The gathering at the Police Building dispersed.
Clan heads departed one by one.
Only Drake and Uchiha Fugaku remained.
Fugaku was, unsurprisingly, drunk again.
Drake left him where he sat.
As Drake stepped outside—
He stopped.
He looked toward the shadow of a nearby tree.
A faint smirk appeared.
"Mrs. Mikoto."
"So late, and hiding?"
From behind the tree, Mikoto Uchiha peeked out, flustered.
"Keep your voice down!"
"What are you doing here?" Drake asked mildly.
"I was waiting for you."
She stepped fully into the moonlight.
She wore a sleeveless purple top—
And a high-slit violet skirt that climbed nearly to her waist.
No wonder she'd been hiding.
"Fugaku drank too much, didn't he?" she asked.
"He did."
"Good."
She took Drake's arm and guided him into a narrow alley.
"Come with me."
"Where?"
"You'll see."
Moments later—
They entered a quiet, unused room.
Soft purple light glowed dimly.
Drake scanned the interior.
Massage table.
Essential oils.
Towels.
He raised an eyebrow.
"You turned this into a spa?"
Mikoto smiled faintly.
"Prepared specially for you."
"Then I suppose I should test your technique."
Drake lay down on the massage table.
"Go ahead."
Mikoto stepped closer.
She adjusted her stance—
And—
Her skirt slipped.
Silence hung in the dimly lit room.
Drake didn't move.
He only turned his head slightly.
"…Careful," he said calmly.
Mikoto froze.
Then laughed softly, brushing it off as if accidental.
"You noticed?"
"Hard not to."
The purple lighting flickered faintly.
Outside—
Konoha was changing.
Inside—
Drake's expression remained composed.
Always composed.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus (KH)Chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus (KH)Chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 (KH)Chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage