Konoha Life: The System Forced Me, an Innocent Soul, onto a Dark Path

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Inside the command tower of Uzushiogakure, the air was thick with tension as the strongest Uzumaki shinobi gathered under one roof. These were the elites, shinobi who had been on high-level missions and far-reaching patrols, each summoned back to the village by Uzumaki Ashina himself. Whatever had prompted their leader to recall them, it was clear from their stern expressions that they understood its gravity.

Just as murmurs filled the hall, speculating over what threat or challenge might await, a voice broke through the low hum, respectful but firm. Heads turned, and a hush fell over the room as Jiraiya entered, his signature white mane an unmistakable presence. He had come directly from Mount Myoboku, with only a quick detour to check on Yuhi Shin's recovery. Shin was still unconscious, but Muto Aburame had shared unsettling intel on the Mist Village's recent movements.

Yet Jiraiya's own news was heavier than what Muto had uncovered. He had left behind his search for Tetsuya Fujiwara and Mikoto Uchiha to come here and speak to Ashina in person.

"Jiraiya! You're in one piece. I can't tell you what a relief that is—Sarutobi has been eagerly awaiting any word," Ashina greeted, a rare smile softening his battle-hardened face.

For a shinobi, reaching the age of sixty-five was rare, but Ashina was no ordinary shinobi. His vitality was a testament to the Uzumaki Clan's unique resilience. He was like an ancient tree, deeply rooted and unshakeable, exuding an aura of authority and power that was only sharpened by decades of experience.

"Thank you, Ashina-sama. But I must save the pleasantries for another time," Jiraiya replied, bowing his head slightly. His expression was grim, eyes flicking over the assembled Uzumaki elites. "I need the room cleared. What I have to say is for your ears alone."

Ashina's gaze sharpened, studying Jiraiya's tone. A silent understanding passed between them, and Ashina raised a hand, dismissing the room with a single motion. Soon, only five elite Uzumaki Jonin, Ashina, and Jiraiya remained.

"Speak freely, Jiraiya," Ashina said. The silence was absolute, the air around them still with anticipation.

"Ashina-sama," Jiraiya began, his voice measured and heavy, "Mist Island is far more dangerous than we realized. I encountered not just a few scouts or squads but a full force of Mist shinobi entrenched there. Their leader? Kamikawa Kaguya, a powerful warrior with the Shikotsumyaku—the rare bone-manipulation technique of the Kaguya Clan."

At the mention of Kamikawa Kaguya, a shadow passed over the room. The Kaguya were known for their ruthlessness, their affinity for combat, and above all, their disregard for their own lives in battle. Facing one of their strongest, wielding the legendary Shikotsumyaku, was no light matter.

Ashina's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing. "The Kaguya Clan... we've crossed paths with them before, along with the Hozuki and Yuki clans, but this... Kamikawa Kaguya changes things."

Jiraiya nodded, the urgency clear in his expression. "Ashina-sama, I'm not here merely to report our findings—I came to advise against engaging the Mist shinobi on Mist Island."

The room stiffened at Jiraiya's words, his message hitting harder than any weapon. Ashina's expression darkened, and he wondered if Hiruzen Sarutobi had foreseen this move from the Hidden Mist.

"Ashina-sama," Jiraiya continued, his voice dropping lower, "there's more. We've confirmed the presence of the Three-Tails in the mist-covered waters surrounding the island."

The announcement landed like a hammer blow. The Five Jonin glanced at each other, their faces taut with unease. Even Ashina's expression turned grave, processing the implications of this revelation.

"The Three-Tails?" he murmured, his gaze fixed far away. To face such a creature in open water would be an unmitigated disaster; it was a living calamity, capable of devastating armies with ease.

Ashina exhaled slowly, his mind already shifting gears, recalculating every possibility. "I see now why you came here yourself, Jiraiya. Rest assured, we won't be rushing into an offensive."

Jiraiya inclined his head, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "I'm relieved to hear it. Still, there's one more matter…"

Ashina gave him a measured look, nodding for him to continue.

"There's someone else involved, a rogue we've tangled with before: Rokuro Hozuki." Jiraiya's voice dropped to a whisper as if invoking the name could somehow summon him. "He's one of the Mist's most cunning and dangerous operatives, and he's deeply involved in the defenses around the island. This whole setup feels like a trap they're baiting us into."

The silence grew colder as the implications set in. The Hozuki were infamous, their liquid-based techniques among the most lethal and versatile in the shinobi world. If Rokuro Hozuki was playing a key role, their defenses would be unlike any standard stronghold.

Ashina looked at Jiraiya with a mix of respect and wariness. "The Mist must be preparing for something massive, then. To station both the Kaguya and Hozuki on Mist Island… and now with the Three-Tails lurking nearby…"

Jiraiya nodded grimly. "They're building a defensive wall, not just of jutsu and soldiers, but of living legends and monsters. They're expecting us, Ashina-sama."

Ashina's eyes sharpened, the gears in his mind visibly turning as he analyzed the threat. "If it's a trap, then they intend to break us the moment we step foot on that island. The Mist doesn't fear risking their own people if it means taking us down."

The Jonin around Ashina clenched their fists, their faces hard with the understanding of the risks. Uzumaki shinobi were known for their fierce loyalty and indomitable will, yet even they would not rush blindly into this.

Ashina's voice was a low growl. "Then we won't give them what they expect. We'll continue our preparations, but we'll hold back until we find a way to counter their defenses—and that includes finding a way to neutralize the Three-Tails."

Jiraiya's face softened with relief, a small smile breaking through his otherwise somber expression. "I knew you'd see it that way, Ashina-sama. There's no one better to outmaneuver these foes."

Ashina returned his gaze, resolute. "Thank you, Jiraiya. Your counsel has spared us from a reckless path. For now, we'll focus on gathering more intelligence. And when the time comes, we'll strike, but it will be on our terms."

Jiraiya nodded, his mission complete. The Mist had laid their trap, but Uzushiogakure would be ready. They would answer the threat in their own way—silent, calculated, and with the formidable force only the Uzumaki Clan could muster.

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