Naruto: Fire-Release system

Chapter 124: Time Is Running Out

Hinata, overwhelmed by the improper scene she had just witnessed, fainted from sheer embarrassment.

In her heart, the once favorable image of Naruto plummeted to rock bottom. Over the years, under Karin's influence and Uchiha Yi's modern teachings, Hinata's worldview had shifted significantly. Though outwardly quiet, she had learned to critically evaluate many things in the shinobi world.

Take, for example, her cousin, Neji Hyuga. Back in the Hidden Leaf, Neji often looked down on and targeted her, constantly lamenting the unfairness of fate. Due to her shy nature, Hinata didn't retaliate. She assumed Neji's resentment was her fault and endured his harsh words without complaint.

But when the Hyuga clan relocated to the Hidden Rain and met Uchiha Yi, Hinata was exposed to new perspectives. Yi helped her realize that Neji's behavior—blaming her for his frustrations—was a display of his own inadequacy. Why should she endure such undeserved blame?

If Neji couldn't respect her, why should she accommodate him?

This revelation, along with Yi's guidance, helped Hinata grow mentally stronger. She developed her own opinions and refused to remain submissive. Over time, her personality transformed. While still gentle on the surface, her inner strength surpassed that of many.

It was this newfound resolve that allowed Hinata to defeat Neji and earn her place in the Chūnin Exams.

Now, with her changed worldview, seeing Naruto—someone she once admired—engage in such an absurd act with his teacher shattered her perception of him. The moral teachings she had absorbed over the past few years clashed violently with Naruto's behavior.

Hinata could no longer view Naruto as her "white knight." Instead, his actions confirmed Karin's words: the Leaf was full of vulgar individuals—perverts, hypocrites, and disrespectful people.

In that moment, Hinata mentally blacklisted both Naruto and Jiraiya.

This small incident went largely unnoticed by the Leaf's populace. Naruto remained blissfully unaware of the opportunity he had just lost.

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Elsewhere, in a secluded corner of the Leaf, three shinobi disguised as Grass Village genin gathered. These three, known as "One, Two, and Three," had been undercover in the village for some time.

Their mission, assigned by their boss, Hiruko, was to capture the Cloud's Toroi and the Stone's Kokū. However, despite their efforts, they had yet to find an opportune moment to act.

As Hiruko's deadline approached, the trio grew increasingly desperate. Failure meant death.

"We can't just sit around anymore!" Two said, her voice filled with urgency. "We need to take action."

"And what do you suggest?" One asked.

"I've done some reconnaissance," Two replied confidently. "The Fifth Hokage is currently out of the village. This is the Leaf's most vulnerable moment. If we create enough chaos, we can seize the opportunity to capture our targets."

"But we might need allies," Three interjected. "The three of us alone won't be enough to handle this mission in a village as well-defended as the Leaf."

The three fell silent, considering potential allies.

Just then, the air behind them rippled.

"Who's there?" One immediately turned, catching sight of a masked figure emerging from the shadows.

The masked man, his white mask devoid of expression, stepped forward.

"Relax," he said calmly. "I'm here to offer a partnership."

Though it was true the Leaf was in a weakened state, Obito preferred caution. While investigating the village's defenses, he stumbled upon these three suspicious individuals. Assessing their abilities, he decided they might be useful pawns.

Of course, "partnership" was merely a pretense—Obito's real intention was to use them.

"Partnership?" Two asked skeptically. "Who are you?"

"My name hasn't been used in a long time," Obito said, his voice deep and weary. "You may call me Tobi, or Uchiha Madara. I am the leader of the Akatsuki."

The mention of Uchiha Madara sent chills through the trio. His name, synonymous with terror, was legendary in the shinobi world. However, they knew Madara was a figure from the Warring States Period. The man standing before them couldn't possibly be him.

Still, they chose not to challenge his claim. Whether or not he was truly Madara didn't matter. The Akatsuki's recent actions proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

This "Madara" could be a valuable ally.

"What's your proposal?" Two asked cautiously.

"In three days, I need you to create as much chaos in the Leaf as possible," Obito explained. "Here's how…"

After outlining his plan, Obito paused, waiting for their response.

"We agree," Two said after a moment, "but on one condition. We need two individuals: the Cloud's Toroi and the Stone's Kokū."

"Done," Obito replied without hesitation.

The arrangement suited him perfectly. With the trio creating a distraction, the Akatsuki's chances of success would skyrocket. Without their interference, the Leaf might quickly deduce the Akatsuki's true objective and secure their jinchūriki.

While Zetsu's intelligence network was vast, it wasn't infallible. Locating hidden individuals wasn't guaranteed—Obito remembered how long Zetsu had searched for Orochimaru after his defection without success.

Now, with this unexpected alliance in motion, the stage was set for the chaos to come. The countdown to the Leaf's darkest hour had begun.

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