A few minutes later, deep beneath the ruins.
The underground corridor smelled faintly of incense and old paper. With a satisfied smile, the Cat Lady produced a worn book titled The Great Paw Compendium and calmly explained the task.
"Sasuke," he said after listening, "there's something I need to discuss with you alone."
She studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Very well."
She turned to the others with a gentle smile. "You two wait here. Ring, take care of our guests."
"Yes, Grandmother."
Sasuke followed the Cat Lady deeper into the passage.
Once inside a quiet room, she spoke first.
"About what happened earlier… I owe you an apology."
Sasuke shook his head. "That's not why I wanted to speak with you."
She paused.
"Is this mission connected to Uchiha Itachi?" Sasuke asked evenly. "Did he come to you recently?"
The Cat Lady exhaled a thin stream of smoke and shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Sasuke. I can't speak about Itachi. Just as I never told him anything about you."
"I understand."
He didn't press further.
After a brief exchange on unrelated matters, Sasuke took his leave and returned to Naruto and Sakura. Together, they began completing the task as assigned.
Later that day, in Konoha.
The Third Hokage listened in silence as ANBU delivered their report. When they finished, he waved them away.
"I understand."
Once alone, he reread the document, his expression darkening with every line.
"What do you think, Shikaku?" he asked at last. "Should we open diplomatic talks with Kumogakure?"
Shikaku considered carefully before answering.
"I wouldn't recommend it."
The Hokage looked up. "Explain."
"The Cloud shinobi involved was a jinchūriki," Shikaku said. "Based on the description, it was Yugito Nii, host of the Two-Tails. She's proud, confident, and notoriously unwilling to admit mistakes."
He continued calmly. "From Yamato's report, it's clear she underestimated Sasuke and paid for it. Someone like her won't publicize that. If we bring this to Kumogakure ourselves, we only draw attention to it."
The Hokage fell silent.
"Let's hope you're right," he said finally.
Then he changed the subject.
"I plan to assign Team Seven to the Land of Waves mission. With Kakashi leading."
Shikaku nodded. "A sound choice. And I assume others will be watching from the shadows."
The Hokage smiled thinly. "This mission matters too much to leave to chance. Kirigakure won't get its way."
The two shared a knowing look.
That evening, in a mountain city not far from the Empty District.
A massive white cat lay sprawled across the tatami, one eye twitching, a scar cutting across its face.
"How is this possible?" it hissed, staring at the calm black-haired boy standing a few steps away. "You're not supposed to be this strong."
Around it, ninja cats trembled, pressing themselves flat against the floor.
"So," Sasuke said quietly, "Itachi did make a deal with you."
His gaze swept the room. Every cat flinched and lowered its head.
"Leave," he said. "I need to speak with your leader."
The ninja cats didn't hesitate. They scattered instantly, vanishing into the shadows, leaving their leader alone.
The great cat bristled, furious but silent.
"Did Itachi come to you recently?" Sasuke asked.
"No," the cat replied quickly. "Not recently. This was all… old business."
It hesitated.
Sasuke activated his Sharingan.
Moments later, he exhaled.
"That's it?"
All that remained was a long-standing agreement. A promise made years ago. A test. Another quiet trial arranged by an older brother who never truly left.
Sasuke closed the book and tossed it forward.
"Add your pawprint."
The great cat obeyed without protest.
"Go home," Sasuke said as he turned away. "Don't wander around causing trouble. Your elders worry more than you think."
He left without another glance.
Behind him, the palace remained silent.