Naruto: Konoha's Traitor

Arrival at the Land of Waves

The next day.

Chi Yu received a mission directive from the ANBU: he was to deploy to the Land of Waves.

Before setting out, he made a stop at the Root headquarters to report to Danzō Shimura.

Now that Chi Yu had entered Danzō's ranks, he was obliged to report his movements. With Danzō's notorious paranoia, failure to do so could invite unnecessary suspicion.

After all, the Cursed Seal of the Tongue—the one used on Root members—had no hold over him.

Inside the subterranean Root base, cloaked in gloom, Danzō eyed Chi Yu coldly.

"There are a few things I need to make clear before you go."

Chi Yu bowed slightly. "Yes, Lord Danzō. I'm listening."

Danzō's voice was curt and devoid of warmth. "Once you arrive in the Land of Waves, do not hold back. The shinobi stationed there are undisciplined and insubordinate. If they disobey you, eliminate them. Make an example. Don't waste time trying to win their respect—take it."

Chi Yu's tone was laced with killing intent. "Understood. I won't hesitate."

Danzō continued, "Also—Uchiha Fugaku will be sent to support the frontlines. You may issue him commands as you see fit, but he is not to be killed. We still need the Uchiha clan intact for the coming conflicts. If Fugaku dies... there's no telling what Uchiha Masaki will do."

Danzō leaned forward slightly, his one visible eye narrowing.

"One more thing. If any Uchiha perish in battle, ensure their Sharingan are recovered and brought directly to me."

Chi Yu's eyes narrowed. He hadn't expected Fugaku to be involved, nor had he realized Danzō was already actively collecting Sharingan at this stage.

But he kept his expression neutral.

"Yes, Lord Danzō."

Danzō gave a slight nod, satisfied. "Then go. And don't forget what I told you."

---

Chi Yu departed immediately and traveled toward the Land of Waves.

Upon reaching the southeastern border of the Land of Fire, he boarded a vessel at the port. Heavy sea fog blanketed the waters. The journey, originally expected to take five days, was delayed to seven due to poor visibility and rough tides.

Finally, Chi Yu set foot in the Land of Waves.

At the Konoha outpost near the frontlines, he was greeted by the deputy commander.

"Lord Chi Yu," said the man, bowing respectfully.

Chi Yu handed him a scroll. "This is my transfer order. You should be aware of the situation. I've been dispatched to assume command."

The man accepted the scroll and unsealed it, scanning its contents.

"Nara Kubota," he introduced himself. "Would you like a briefing on the current situation?"

Chi Yu nodded. "Proceed."

Kubota's expression was grim. "The Land of Waves is unstable. Due to the Hidden Mist Village's 'Blood Mist' policy, their internal strife has spilled outward. To relieve pressure on their civil unrest, the Third Mizukage has begun aggressive external deployments. Their shinobi fight with no regard for their lives."

Kubota paused. "We've suffered heavy casualties due to their suicidal tactics. I've ordered a complete defensive strategy to preserve our strength. It's chaotic—but under control."

Chi Yu nodded slowly. "Better than I expected. Maintain current positions. We'll prepare to receive reinforcements from the Uchiha clan, and then we'll launch a full-scale counteroffensive."

A glint of cold determination lit his eyes. "If the Mist nin are willing to throw away their lives, we'll show them what true ruthlessness looks like."

Nara Kubota suppressed a shiver.

It was as he suspected.

When he learned that Chi Yu would take command, and that nearly a hundred Uchiha shinobi were being deployed as support, Kubota guessed the real reason behind the transfer.

Lately, the Uchiha had grown arrogant. Their contributions in battle had emboldened them, and across multiple fronts, their insubordination and recklessness had caused significant disruptions.

The higher-ups in Konoha were using Chi Yu—the so-called "Blood-Eyed Asura"—to control them. Suppress them, if necessary.

Now, hearing Chi Yu's plans for a head-on assault, Kubota's suspicions were confirmed. In fact, Chi Yu's methods might be even more severe than he'd anticipated.

But Kubota knew better than to question further. As a Nara, he understood when to speak—and when to stay silent.

"I understand. I will follow your orders, Lord Chi Yu."

---

Kubota escorted Chi Yu on an inspection tour of the outpost. Thanks to the defensive strategy, the base was orderly and stable. The number of active Konoha ninjas stationed here totaled 248. Despite their numerical strength, Konoha forces had suffered disproportionate losses due to the Mist's brutal, high-risk tactics—fighting as if their lives meant nothing.

Chi Yu gathered all present shinobi for a formal address. As the newly appointed commander, a few words were expected.

Though known for being merciless with subordinates, Chi Yu's reputation for delivering results preceded him. His title—Blood-Eyed Asura—inspired a mixture of dread and admiration.

When he mentioned the arrival of Uchiha reinforcements, however, many shinobi's expressions darkened.

Chi Yu noticed.

"You won't be reassigned," he said. "You'll remain under Kubota's direct command. I will oversee overall strategy. The Uchiha will be led by me, separately."

That was enough to ease their tension.

No one wanted to be partnered with an Uchiha. Not after what had happened on other fronts.

"That's all. Dismissed."

---

After the briefing, Chi Yu returned to his quarters.

He sat down cross-legged and formed a hand seal.

Kuchiyose no Jutsu.

With a puff of smoke, a slender white snake slithered out.

The snake immediately began complaining.

"Lord Chi Yu! You said I'd only be gone for a few days! It's been eight! I was attacked by dozens of snakes trying to protect that human! I nearly got eaten alive!"

Chi Yu glanced at the snake's plump body and raised an eyebrow. "You don't look worse for wear."

"Don't mock me! I've lost a whole circle off my middle!" the snake hissed.

Chi Yu ignored the dramatics. "How is he?"

The snake's tone shifted. "He woke up once. I fed him, then used a sleeper viper to knock him out again. But there's something strange about this one."

Chi Yu frowned. "What do you mean?"

"When he woke, he asked if he'd died and gone to heaven. Said I looked like a divine messenger. I told him yes—just to mess with him—and he believed me. Dropped to his knees and started worshiping me."

Chi Yu blinked. "…Seriously?"

The snake nodded vigorously. "And that's not all. When he overheard the others mention the White Snake Sage, he begged to be taken to Ryūchi Cave. Said he wanted to 'meet God.' Idiot. He'd be food in less than a day."

Chi Yu's expression turned serious. "He knows about the White Snake Sage? Does the Sage know about him?"

The white snake hesitated. "He only heard about the Sage because the others used her name to threaten me. As for whether the Sage is aware of him... I'm not sure. But if the rumors are true, everything that happens in the shinobi world reaches her ears eventually."

Chi Yu sat in silence for a long moment.

That wasn't a comforting thought.

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