Naruto: How to Be an Undercover Shinobi

In the Nara clan's chess room...

Outside the wooden sliding door, the rhythmic sound of a bamboo water fountain echoed through the garden, creating a calm and natural atmosphere.

On the veranda beside the courtyard, Shika Nara gazed blankly at the artificial hill and flowing water, his mind still replaying the meeting he had just attended.

There was no denying it—the Third Hokage's political skills had become increasingly refined.

He opened the meeting with the thorny issue of recalling Team 11, putting the upper ranks in a tight spot and seizing the upper hand.

Then he threw out bait: his disciples' disciples, letting everyone compete for them.

This not only elevated the status of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, but also gave everyone a taste of reward—and left them all owing him a favor.

After all, the Hokage could have made the decision himself.

The only one who didn't participate in the scramble was Danzō. He couldn't nominate his own subordinates to become Tsunade's disciples, and he certainly wouldn't become one himself.

Then, in the third phase of the meeting, Lord Hokage used a forbidden technique to steer the conversation toward training successors—and began exerting real influence.

Recommending Orochimaru and the others was part of that effort, and those who had just been fighting over Tsunade's students naturally fell behind.

Thinking this far, Shika Nara couldn't help but mutter:

"Incredible. No wonder Lord Hiruzen is increasing the number of high-ranking officials—he's confident he can fully control the reins of power now."

Still, more than Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shika Nara was clearly more interested in another name that had surfaced frequently.

Reiji Sakuhō!

He hadn't even shown up, yet he walked away with all the advantages.

First, there was his prestige—an influence so strong it made Danzō back off. That alone was a kind of power.

And the timing of his name's appearance was very telling.

Just as Hiruzen was paving the way for his personal disciples to rise, Reiji's name stood like a wall in front of Danzō Shimura.

But! That also meant Reiji Sakuhō was within Lord Hiruzen's consideration.

At a moment like that, the sudden mention of any name was no accident.

Especially one that could silence someone as headstrong as Danzō with nothing but its presence.

In fact, over ten years ago, Shika Nara had seen Reiji Sakuhō in the Second Hokage's office.

Back then, the kid was just a pitiful figure dragging along his little sister.

Now, more than a decade later—did he really wield that kind of presence?

Actually, Shika Nara had misunderstood.

Reiji's intimidation factor only worked on poor old Danzō~

After mulling it over for a long while, Shika Nara made a sure-win decision.

He would have Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Chōza Akimichi all join Reiji's Team 11.

If Reiji ended up becoming an enduring figure, the three clans would align more closely with the Hokage lineage.

If not, it would still be worthwhile for Shikaku to learn a few underhanded tricks from Reiji.

You might profit—but I'll never lose~

...In Kusagakure of the Land of Grass, a one-sided battle was raging.

Team 11's tactics were brutally straightforward: direct assault!

Reiji stood on the tallest rooftop in the village with Tsunade, surveying the battlefield from above.

Even after seeing Rie and the others fight countless times, Tsunade still couldn't get used to their wild, unrestrained style.

Down below, Teuchi charged at the front line, carrying the two-meter-long spiked club Reiji had given him.

"Third Gate of Life—open!"

In an instant, emerald chakra exploded around him, and his bare upper body flushed bright red.

Wielding the massive club, he dodged incoming jutsu like a rampaging beast and plunged straight into the enemy ranks.

"Konoha Sword Technique Secret Move—Smash You in One Blow!"

As his bizarre shout echoed, Tsunade covered her eyes in silent dismay. She wanted to curse, but didn't know where to start.

This kid used to be such a carefree ray of sunshine—how did he end up like this? Did the whole tone of this story change?

And why are you calling that giant club a sword technique?!

And "Smash You in One Blow"? That's your sword technique?!

You and your master are a disgrace to Konoha!

Helplessly shaking her head, Tsunade leaned against Reiji, torn between laughter and frustration.

"Wasn't teaching Teuchi the Eight Inner Gates a bit too much?!"

At her words, Reiji turned his head with an innocent look and asked with a goofy grin,

"Too much? Nah! Look how smooth he is with it.

He's going back to open a ramen shop anyway. With the Eight Inner Gates, he'll knead noodles way faster!"

What kind of ridiculous logic is that—using the Eight Inner Gates for ramen dough?!

Just then, a sharp cry rang out—Rie had entered the fray.

"Teuchi, move!"

"Yes, boss!" Teuchi swung his club and leapt out of the Grass ninja's encirclement.

Rie's hands moved in a blur, forming hand seals faster than the eye could follow.

"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"

Three light pops followed.

Three shadow clones appeared instantly beside Rie. After exchanging glances, they nodded together and formed hand seals in sync.

Meanwhile, the original Rie pulled out a scroll, unfurled it swiftly, and spread it across the ground.

"Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm!"

"Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"

"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"

"Earth Release: Dropping Lid!"

In an instant, the ground trembled as three earthen walls sprang up around the Kusa shinobi.

Simultaneously, a turtle-shaped stone disc dropped from the sky, covering them from above.

From the front, the wind fueled the flames, and a wall of fire devoured everything in its path.

Screams echoed as Kusa's ninja paid the price for their crimes.

Outside the village, Fugaku Uchiha roamed the battlefield with a short sword on his back, his three-tomoe Sharingan spinning as he struck down every fleeing enemy.

The battle was completely one-sided—without the slightest suspense.

Watching the scene unfold, Tsunade massaged her temples with a pained look.

"This is chaos. Total chaos!"

At her words, Reiji glanced at the increasingly awe-inspiring Tsunade and calmly picked his nose.

"Tsuna, you've been saying 'chaos' for three years now. Give it a break already."

"Huh?!"

Tsunade flared up at his dismissive tone, instantly grabbing his ear.

"Tell me I'm wrong!

Look at what you've done to those three kids!

They sleep less than six hours a day, and you wake them up in the middle of the night to extract chakra;

Then they fight Grass ninjas to the death all day;

And on top of that, they have to deal with your absurd hand-speed tests, your 'Iron Fist of Love,' and your free wake-up calls!"

As she spoke, Tsunade wiped at the corners of her eyes, like a protective mother scolding a careless father.

"Look at them! Which one hasn't come close to dying? Which one doesn't have giant bags under their eyes? Which one doesn't want to punch you in the face?!"

Watching her fume, Reiji scratched his head, speechless.

Wanting to beat me up? That's normal. I'm just glad no one's used Impure World Reincarnation to summon the First and Second Hokage to finish the job!