บท 33: Apples?
"Did you lose sight of him?"
In one of the most emblematic buildings in the village of Konohagakure, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, listened to the report from the people he ordered to monitor Enel.
"We resumed our surveillance after he left the Uchiha compound, maintaining a suitable distance, but shortly after, he turned a corner and disappeared without a trace or sound," explained the ANBU with a hint of embarrassment.
Hiruzen held his beloved pipe as he furrowed his brow, pondering the newcomer who claimed to be from a new ninja village. It was imperative to gather more information about him and, above all, determine his geographical location.
They couldn't allow the resources and land available to their village to be diminished by newcomers.
"Itachi," the Hokage called, looking at the child who was kneeling next to the ANBU. "What did you find out?"
The Uchiha clan child took a few seconds to organize his thoughts and begin his report.
"From what I saw and later learned after his departure, it was my mother who took the initiative to invite him to the compound when she found him in the village cemetery, although she didn't tell me the reason," Itachi explained, a little perplexed by that fact, but he continued, "He seems to be a sensor-type ninja since he could sense my presence as soon as I approached to eavesdrop on their conversation."
"The cemetery?" Hiruzen was momentarily puzzled. "Do we know whose grave he visited?"
Itachi shook his head. He knew his mother visited the cemetery every two weeks, but he couldn't ascertain Enel's actions.
"I see. Please continue with your report," the Hokage requested as he reclined in his chair.
"I tried to use my age to ask covert questions, but the answers he gave me didn't provide much useful information," Itachi continued. "I observed that he has a strong physique, estimating at least Tokubetsu Jonin level. He must also possess a remarkable ability to conceal his chakra."
"You mean he can hide his chakra to pass as a civilian?"
"No, I mean I couldn't sense any chakra from him, literally," Itachi corrected. "If it weren't for his movements, breathing, heartbeat, and such, I'd think he's an incredibly realistic wax statue."
"That's impossible," Hiruzen responded, his surprise evident. Regardless of whether it was using a Transformation Technique or some other chakra-suppressing method, a living being would always emit a small amount of chakra, even when under the effects of a seal. Even he could only suppress his presence, but he couldn't completely hide his chakra.
"A strong physique, sensory capabilities, and an unknown concealment ability," the information wasn't extensive, but at least they could start building a tentative profile. "Anything else?"
"Well, he seems to take special pride in his apples."
"Apples?"
"I tried one while interrogating him, and I can affirm I've never tasted a better one."
Hiruzen hoped Itachi was joking, but considering the child's psychological profile, the chances of it being a joke were terribly slim.
"I understand. You may be dismissed," the Hokage said, returning his gaze to the stack of documents on his desk and exhaling a puff of smoke.
"I think I should relax for a few minutes," he thought as he opened a drawer of his desk and took out a crystal ball, which he caressed as some images covered in steam and feminine laughter appeared.
... Elsewhere in the village...
"Hmm?"
Strange, I have a feeling that something appeared over the hot springs house, but even after getting closer to the nearby rooftops, I see nothing in the sky. Could it be the Hokage's telescope technique? That would make sense; I better leave before he shifts his focus from his real target.
I'm not worried that he might try to secretly observe me. The technique only works within the village, and I don't even have chakra! Which makes me wonder, whose chakra signature is he using to look on the women's side?
Indeed, it's Jiraiya's signature. Speaking of the self-proclaimed Sage Toad, I wonder where in the world he is right now. He must know about Minato's death, so why hasn't he returned to the village at least once for the funeral? Even if he doesn't want to stay in the village, why didn't he take Naruto with him?
Oh, right, the jinchuriki's identity. They couldn't allow him to leave the village. Still, he left afterward as if he feared they'd make him "carry" the child. What a godfather.
Should I kidnap Naruto and take him to my village?
...
I think I'll pass. I don't care that much, and I only used my "history with Kushina" to take advantage of the encounter with Mikoto. I got to see Itachi's butcher and emo Sasuke, so I've satisfied my curiosity about these characters. I prefer to invest a few months of "intense" effort with Ameyuri and take care of my own child. Although it will probably take me some more time to get to that point.
Anyway, I've already obtained what I came for in this place. Should I go and try to find news about Tsunade or start working on the initial product for my business?
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