Naruto : I Got "Return by Death" Kind Of Cheat

"Mission complete," said Captain Black Ape.

"Intel from Anbu HQ just came in—remnants of the Uzumaki clan have entered the Land of the Moon. That territory falls under the jurisdiction of Kumogakure. Their Anbu and spies will handle the pursuit. We're heading back to the village."

Along the eastern coastline of the continent, from south to north, lay the Land of Fire, the Land of Hot Water, the Land of the Moon, and the Land of Lightning.

The Uzumaki survivors had to choose between fleeing into either the Hot Water or Moon countries.

One had to wonder—did the Uzumaki feel bitter about it?

Even knowing that Kumogakure played a role in their clan's destruction, they still chose the Moon Country over stepping into territory controlled by Konoha.

Cloud had blood on its hands—but in their eyes, Konoha was the true monster.

With Anbu strength and how much Konoha valued Kushina, the survivors probably knew they'd never see her again.

And Kushina Uzumaki would likely never learn the truth of her clan's extinction.

Back to the village.

Captain Black Ape's squad left the Land of Waves and returned to Konoha.

Re-entering the Hidden Leaf Village, Yako felt dazed.

Over half a year had passed since they departed for the Land of Waves and Uzushio.

Arriving at the Forest of Death, Yako noticed subtle changes.

Some trees were smaller, others in different locations.

A closer look revealed signs of underground construction.

Disturbed soil, newly replanted trees—this forest was changing.

Dropping into the Anbu compound from the well-shaft, Yako confirmed it—major changes had taken place.

Root had emerged.

Recently established, Root was still just an Anbu training institution.

Danzō had laid down new rules.

Given the terrifying mortality rate in Anbu, Danzō now required all new Anbu recruits to undergo a three-month training period in Root.

Previously, Anbu were pulled directly from active-duty chūnin. Instant deployment, little prep.

Now, Danzō-appointed instructors would teach ninjutsu in Root.

Eventually, Root would become something else—an independent kingdom within Anbu, answering only to Danzō.

Yako returned to his squad's locker room.

It was the same one from before he left the village—Squad Antelope's locker room.

One by one, he opened the lockers.

Captain Antelope. Purple Cat. Black Ox.

All personal items cleared out.

Only the masks remained.

Those three had died in Uzushio and the Land of Waves.

Yako opened his own locker. His things were untouched.

He let out a long sigh and began organizing his belongings.

Captain Black Ape passed by.

"Fox, we've got three days of leave. Report to me after that."

"Understood, Captain."

Yako removed his fox mask, took off the Anbu vest, slipped into his civilian clothes, and masked up.

He walked out of the compound and back into the streets of Konoha.

The sun was warm. The breeze gentle.

If only the massive, oppressive face of the Hokage Monument didn't loom overhead…

Far enough from Anbu HQ, Yako removed his civilian mask and faded into the crowd as an ordinary villager.

Nowhere specific to go, he ended up at Tsurugetsu Tavern.

Few customers at midday.

Inside, the stunning proprietress, Qiao Yi, froze when she saw him.

The boy from half a year ago?

But now, his face bore calm, quiet maturity.

As a spy, she instantly recognized that poise—it came from strength.

He had grown stronger. Much stronger.

[Host Status:

Chakra Reserves: 3x Chūnin-level

Chakra Affinities: Earth, Water

Ninjutsu: Basic Clone/Transformation/Substitution, Earth Release: Underground Fish Projection, Shadow Clone, Water Release: Water Formation Wall

Taijutsu: Basic hand-to-hand, Basic kunai throwing, Beginner swordsmanship, Entry-level Body Flicker, Cloud-style Sword Technique

Fūinjutsu: Curse Binding Seal, Contract Seal, Summoning Technique (Longspear Egret)

Other: Reflex Surge (One-time breakthrough)]

Qiao Yi approached, voice soft, eyes teasing.

"Where've you been the past six months? You never came back to see me."

"War's been raging. You think I've been lounging in the village?"

Her eyes gleamed.

As a spy, she knew her recent intel had been lacking in value.

But this boy—back from a half-year mission, stronger than ever—was a goldmine.

She set a bottle of sake before him and leaned in like a lovestruck girl.

Yako spun stories—dangerous missions, narrow escapes on the Hot Water front.

She caressed his muscular arm, tracing firm lines with delicate fingers.

Of course, Yako didn't mention the missions in Uzushio or the Land of Waves.

For now, he was simply a chūnin on rotation leave from the Hot Water front.

"My lord ninja, your right arm's stronger than your left. Maybe it's time to switch hands for... balance?"

"I prefer not using my hands at all," Yako murmured. "Why don't you help me? That'd solve your little dilemma."

Two hours later.

Qiao Yi adjusted her clothes and stepped out from the bedroom in the back.

Two hours of effort—and she'd gleaned nothing.

Konoha chūnin were built differently.

Her thighs ached. She limped slightly.

On the other hand, Yako lay half-asleep on her soft futon, completely relaxed but still on alert.

That midday nap had left him clear-headed.

By nightfall, he ordered three bottles and drank slowly.

Surrounded by off-duty shinobi and villagers.

Men who drank too much and bragged too loud.

"Senju Nawaki, the young master of the Senju clan, just graduated this year. You know who his jōnin-sensei is?"

"No clue—tell me already!"

The drunk leaned in smugly.

"I was at the photo studio, right? And I saw Nawaki. His teacher? You won't believe it."

"Spit it out!"

"Orochimaru! Student of the Third Hokage. Teammate of Tsunade the Slug Princess. That Orochimaru!"

Gasps all around.

"I wish I were Nawaki—maybe I'd get mentored by Orochimaru too."

"Dream on. Orochimaru's the one who got lucky. I heard jōnin like Jiraiya and Kato Dan all wanted to lead Nawaki's squad. But the Third adores Orochimaru, so he picked him."

"Yeah, who knows who's using who in that duo..."

Yako sipped his sake, soaking in every word.

Taverns were gold mines—there was always something to gain here.

When most customers had left, Yako approached Qiao Yi.

"Get me a room on the second floor. I'll be staying for a few nights."

Qiao Yi giggled behind her hand. "Didn't we 'liberate' both your hands earlier today? You want more?"

"Don't make my hands wait too long."

The full moon hung like silver in the sky. Moonlight like white frost.

Life in the village was easy now.

Just routine guard duties.

And at last—the night of the full moon again.

At Tsurugetsu Tavern—

One moon outside the window.

Two moons in his palms.

Three moons glowing in harmony.