It had been over a year since his last visit, and the number of students at the Ninja Academy had clearly increased, with many being extremely young. Back then, Anya and Minato had graduated from the academy in their early teens, but now there were even children around three or four years old. This showed just how urgent the war situation had become—reinforcements were desperately needed.
Anya carrying Kurenai Yuhi on his back was naturally seen by many young students at the Ninja Academy, and everyone immediately started teasing them. Kurenai realized something was off and kept slapping Anya's back repeatedly.
Anya gently put her down and smiled as he said, "I'll come pick you up tonight."
As soon as her feet touched the ground, Kurenai lowered her head and quickly ran into school. But faintly, one word could be heard: "Okay."
Anya turned around leisurely and began walking. When he passed by a large tree, he stopped and spoke out, "Ready?"
Surprisingly, a human face appeared on the tree trunk and replied, "Whenever you're set to begin."
Hearing this, Anya directly stated, "Then tonight it is. I'll go scout first."
"How did you find me?" Genzo inside the tree asked curiously.
Anya gave a mysterious smile and said, "Like I said, I can practically smell another ninja's presence—it's second nature to me, honorable Jonin of Sunagakure."
At the mention of Sunagakure, Genzo nearly jumped out of the tree in shock. His voice cautious, he said, "Kid, are you sure you're wrong?"
Anya shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh really? Signing peace agreements with Sunagakure while secretly sending ninjas to infiltrate and sabotage? That's quite a clever plan. By the way, recently I did hear some news about Sunagakure. Want to hear it?"
The Second Battle had lasted over a month, and controlling logistics meant Anya had access to very timely information. Not to mention the countless enemy ninjas he'd secretly eliminated—each one bringing him more intel.
For a moment, Genzo hesitated. He couldn't tell if this kid was trying to bluff him. Plus, having stayed away from the village for so long without receiving any notice from headquarters to proceed, maybe things really had gone wrong?
Carefully, Genzo said, "If the young man is willing to speak, listening wouldn't hurt."
Anya made a show of deep thought, as if seriously considering whether to reveal what he knew.
Seeing his expression, Genzo immediately understood the situation. Inside, he cursed Anya repeatedly and finally dropped the act, speaking bluntly, "Alright, I'll come clean—I'm from Sunagakure. Now tell me directly—what happened to my village?"
Anya smiled slightly and said, "I'm not testing you deliberately. I really was debating whether to tell you, because frankly, I worry this information might affect our operation."
Upon hearing this, Genzo became even more anxious. "If you don't tell me, we can end this partnership right here and now."
Sighing, Anya said, "Alright then. I heard that Taki ninja attacked your village. After all, intel isn't my specialty, so I can't say how it ended."
As soon as those words came out, Genzo's heart sank into chaos. His mind raced—no wonder the village hadn't contacted him lately. At this point, he couldn't care less about the mission regarding Konoha anymore. "No, I have to leave right now."
Anya's gaze turned icy cold, a powerful killing intent locking onto him as she spoke in a detached tone. "I received this information half a month ago. You don't honestly believe that as merely a Jonin you could accomplish anything upon your return, right?"
Under Anya's oppressive aura, Genzo calmed himself. Though her words were harsh, they rang true—there was no way he alone could change the situation back home. Unless Konoha was willing to help... thinking this, he quickly said, "Our village has signed a treaty with Konoha; could they send some reinforcements to our village?"
Anya replied rather exasperatedly, "Wake up—we signed a Peace Treaty, not an alliance. More importantly, given Konoha's current situation, do you really think they have spare forces to offer?"
Gritting his teeth, Genzo said, "If Konoha is willing to help us, the Village Hidden in the Hot Spring Mist will forever remain allied with Konoha."
Anya couldn't help but admire Genzo's decisiveness. Within such a short time, he had already come up with a plan to save his village. A different thought surfaced within her as she casually added, "Well then, let me remember this for now. First, help me steal this scroll."
"Steal scrolls again? Then what's the point of forming any alliance?" Unable to contain himself, Genzo cursed. The Third Hokage wasn't an idiot; if something that critical got stolen, he'd surely figure out who did it.
Sighing, Anya asked, "Why must it be Konoha? Why not rely on me?"
Genzo, astonished and suspicious, responded, "From how you say it, are you trying to recruit me?"
Anya nodded. Truthfully speaking, she indeed had thoughts about recruiting Genzo. Although she couldn't recall whether such a person existed in the original storyline, Genzo's disguise skills, mentality, infiltration ability, and patience were all top-notch. He was practically the perfect ally for Anya, all the more so because both were ninja through and through.
Unexpectedly, Genzo sneered after receiving confirmation: "Follow you? I'd probably die without even knowing how I was killed. Don't look down on me just because you see a child; actually, you're heartless, ruthless, cunning, and devoid of affection."
"Hahahaha!" Anya couldn't help but burst into laughter. She hadn't expected at all that someone who had only met her twice—Genzo—would understand her so deeply. His insight into her inner self even surpassed that of White Fang.
After laughing, Anya fixed her piercing gaze on Genzo and said earnestly, "Truthfully speaking, I respect you even more now. Here's the deal—I swear on my Uchiha bloodline that once I reach Kage-level strength, if your village ever faces danger, I'll intervene and eliminate your enemies. If the Hidden Hot Spring Mist gets destroyed, I'll rebuild it for you. How does that sound?"
"You're from the Uchiha clan?" Genzo was surprised. "That doesn't make sense—you don't bear the Uchiha crest."
"I suppose whether or not I'm part of the Uchiha clan should be evident to someone with your capabilities. You're only the second person I've ever told this to. The number of people in the village aware of this probably doesn't exceed five. This is my first step towards honesty with you—how about it?" Anya spoke quite sincerely.
Genzo seemed somewhat moved and hesitated.
Anya continued, "I was still in the Ninja Academy a year ago. Now I can cut down a Jonin like it's nothing. Tell me—how long do you think it'll take me to reach Kage-level strength?"
Hearing this, Genzo clenched his teeth and said, "Fine. You better not be lying to me—or else even a cornered rabbit will bite back."
Anya was delighted at his agreement and spoke with a smile, "There's no need for threats between us. Time reveals one's true intentions. Soon enough, you'll feel relieved about your decision today. I'll check it out now. See you here tonight."
As Genzo watched Anya leave, his eyes were clouded with emotion. He wasn't sure whether his choice today was right, nor could he tell if Anya's words were just deception. At this point, he had no other choice. All he could do was pray everything back in the village was still alright.
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