Morning, Konoha Ninja Academy.
"Masahiko-kun isn't here yet?"
"No!"
Iruka shook his head, his expression tinged with urgency.
"I heard that the Daimyos Wife and many noble ladies are coming this time. They aren't easy to deal with. In case..."
"Sigh!"
Seeing that the people from Kyoto were about to arrive, everyone felt a bit anxious.
After all, their livelihoods were at stake!
"Sigh, Masahiko doesn't have classes in the morning... Their arrival was so sudden!"
"Maybe this is also..."
"Shh! Do you want to die?"
The crowd buzzed with discussion, clearly harboring some grievances toward the nobles from Kyoto.
Yet, no one dared to speak up—
Aside from the semi-subsidized D-rank missions, many of Konoha's high-paying D-rank missions every year came from these noble ladies.
Things like finding cats or dogs were simple, safe, and paid well.
The people coming today were likely all major financial backers.
If they were offended, the income of a large number of people would drop, which was no small matter.
While everyone was hesitating, the sound of welcoming cheers thundered outside.
Not far away, a luxurious carriage appeared at the end of the road. Many children followed along the way out of curiosity, though they didn't dare get too close.
"What should we do?"
Mizuki whispered.
Anxiety flickered in Iruka's eyes as he said, "I'll go look for him again..."
The carriage drew closer and closer.
Finally, it came to a halt in front.
Inside the carriage, a noble lady slightly lifted the window curtain.
"I heard that your Ninja Academy has a very young education class monitor? Where is he?"
Iruka was momentarily at a loss for words.
Just as he was hesitating... "Yagyu Masahiko greets the ladies. The reception area has been prepared. Please follow me inside."
A gentle voice came from behind the crowd.
The crowd parted, making a path.
The noble ladies heard the voice and looked over, their eyes immediately lighting up.
What a handsome young man!
The lady by the window asked, "Are you the new education class monitor?"
"Yes. It was indeed my oversight not to have arranged for people to welcome you..."
Masahiko apologized with refined politeness.
Someone inside the carriage couldn't help but chuckle and said:
"We heard Konoha's school changed to a very young education class monitor, so we were curious to come and see. It's fine that there was no welcome."
The crowd moved aside, and the vehicle slowly entered.
An hour later.
"Ladies, this is our school's Training Ground... It was originally used for training Taijutsu and ninja tool throwing, but it is temporarily closed for renovation."
Masahiko's smile was gentle and highly charismatic.
After an hour, these noble ladies had been coaxed out of their tempers. They were led through various classes and classrooms without the slightest annoyance.
Following him here, they were even more curious—
"What's with this huge crater?"
"I'm ashamed to say, this was caused by my inadvertent use of Ninjutsu, but it's being converted into a lake for water-walking training."
Masahiko explained with a smile.
How could these nobles understand anything about water-walking? Hearing it was caused by Ninjutsu, they all became curious.
Soon... a small fireball was spat from Masahiko's mouth, expanding and exploding in the distant sky like a firework, looking quite magnificent.
They let out one exclamation after another.
On a tall building not far away.
Homura Mitokado couldn't help but sigh: "I was a bit worried before, but looking at it now... it was purely redundant. This kid really has a way!"
"His Fire Release Ninjutsu has become even more exquisite than before."
Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes.
After a moment of thought, he didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Reducing the power and using it all for performance and aesthetics... that's one way to do it."
What do nobles know about Ninjutsu?
Especially these ladies; talking to them about power and effects is basically playing a lute to a cow. It's better to give them a Ninjutsu performance.
Some might be unwilling to do so, but Masahiko had no psychological barriers in this regard whatsoever.
"He is indeed a rare talent."
Homura Mitokado nodded.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "We can rest assured letting him go for the Kyoto mission."
...After finishing the reception, Masahiko breathed a long sigh of relief.
Originally, Hiruzen Sarutobi was supposed to handle the subsequent reception, and his presence wasn't required, but those noble ladies had specifically asked for him to join.
Claiming it was interesting... he sometimes felt that performing too well was also a sin.
Masahiko had originally thought this was just about hosting and dining, followed by the process of going to Kyoto.
But he hadn't expected—
"What? They want Naruto to come along too?"
Masahiko was very surprised.
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded solemnly.
He smoked his pipe, gazing out the window: "Naruto's status is very special. The people from Kyoto mentioned him by name; their intentions are not simple."
"Hokage-sama, about Naruto... I'm not entirely sure, but I feel something is likely wrong here. Should we be more cautious?"
Masahiko asked.
Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated.
Caution was naturally necessary, but there were some things he felt he had to do.
It was just that the intent from Kyoto made him very uneasy.
He frowned and said, "Originally I planned to let you go alone, but now... I'm not so at ease."
Masahiko didn't speak.
To Konoha, Naruto was too important.
At this moment, silence was the best response.
Hiruzen Sarutobi clearly didn't actually intend to listen to his opinion.
After both were silent for a moment, the Third sighed:
"You are definitely going. Go and prepare first. As for the rest... I'll give an answer tomorrow. Regardless, the official documents won't be sent until tomorrow."
"Yes!"
...It didn't even take until the next day.
That very evening, Danzo's people had already delivered intelligence:
Hiruzen Sarutobi had overruled all objections and agreed to let Naruto accompany the group to Kyoto.
This matter was now a foregone conclusion. He was told to be prepared and must ensure Uzumaki Naruto's safety.
And at this very moment—
[Due to your excellent performance in "naruto: prequel", your popularity ranking has successfully entered the top five of the main series.]
[You have gained the qualification to participate in the movie edition "naruto: Conflict! The Chapter of Two Jades!".]
[When your performance is edited into the footage, you will receive salary rewards.]
[Note: The higher the character's popularity, the more screen time, and the better the rewards.]
[Your character role is designated as 'Mastermind Behind the Scenes'.]
It actually formed a movie edition?
Masahiko was secretly amazed.
Lying in bed, he suddenly thought of something—
In the plotlines of Orochimaru and Shisui, it was mentioned that they "should go to the Land of Fire's Kyoto."
Masahiko had been puzzled then, but now, combining it with this event... Naruto was suddenly involved. Was it related to them?
The possibility was very high!
However, Masahiko didn't think the Akatsuki Organization wanted to seize the Jinchuriki right now.
Akatsuki should have no intention of showing themselves for the time being. At most, they were just instigating war from behind the scenes, secretly stirring up conflict between the Land of Fire's Daimyo and the Hokage's factions.
He didn't need to worry about Naruto's safety.
As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, if he were allowed to go, a group of ANBU Ninja would surely accompany him, and Kakashi Hatake would definitely be there as well.
What Masahiko was considering was how to obtain greater benefits in this "movie edition."
He needed to get screen time as a positive character.
And he also needed screen time as a villain!
Even...
He could try to win over and recruit Kazuma, his subordinates, and his son, turning them into his own support.
All of this had to be planned in advance.