Naruto: Kushina's Redemption, My Revenge

Chinya overheard a meeting between Sakumo Hatake and other Jonin, suspecting this mission might be the one that would eventually lead to Sakumo's suicide.

As the leader of Konoha's forces stationed in the Land of Grass, Sakumo was primarily responsible for strategic planning and overseeing operations.

In such a stable situation as the current one in the Land of Grass, there was absolutely no need for Sakumo himself to personally lead any mission.

Yet now he was leading the operation to intercept a Rock Ninja's scroll—it was most likely the very mission Chinya suspected.

This mission was indeed extremely important.

If the scroll carried by the Rock Ninja truly contained their follow-up battle plans, then acquiring it would have a major impact on the upcoming war.

Later on, when Sakumo chose to save his comrades instead of securing the scroll, the higher-ups in Konoha would definitely be dissatisfied with him.

But Chinya was curious about who would leak this confidential information, turning Sakumo into a target of public condemnation throughout Konoha.

Even Danzo, cunning and underhanded as he was, wouldn't do something like this at such a critical time.

Although Danzo was known for using any means necessary to achieve his goals, he was undoubtedly loyal to Konoha.

He must understand very well how crucial Sakumo currently was to Konoha.

At this critical moment, ruining the Legend of the White Fang, a ninja whose strength matched that of the Konoha Sannin, would certainly bring nothing but harm to both Konoha and Danzo himself.

After all, if Konoha fell, no matter how ruthless Danzo became, everything would be meaningless.

However, none of this concerned Chinya. He simply needed to stay on the sidelines, observe the events unfold, and collect his Witness Points.

As Chinya continued eavesdropping on the meeting like it was none of his business, Sakumo suddenly turned to face him.

"Chinya, your mobility is exceptional. Are you interested in joining me for this mission?"

Chinya frowned slightly.

He was only here to watch the show unfold and had never intended to get involved in this mess.

Moreover, getting involved would likely prevent Kakashi from becoming his true companion.

After all, the idiot who was saved by Sakumo would blame him.

The other teammates would surely react the same way.

Even if Chinya didn't participate, people would still consider him as having been involved.

Later on, even if he himself didn't criticize Sakumo, others would believe he did.

Therefore, there was absolutely no way Chinya could accept this mission.

Politely declining, Chinya said, "I'm sorry, Lord Sakumo, but recently I've been developing an important new jutsu. That's why I came back to base—to focus on finishing it up.

Besides, Master Orochimaru will probably send a summoned beast to relay a message soon. Although I'd love the opportunity to work alongside you, Lord Sakumo, I really can't accompany you on this mission."

Sakumo nodded understandingly.

Though Chinya had come to the Land of Grass for support, Sakumo never treated him like a regular subordinate. He assumed Chinya had a special assignment of his own.

So Chinya said he wanted to create a new jutsu, and since Orochimaru might contact him, he couldn't participate in the mission. Sakumo Hatake didn't press him further.

The reason Sakumo Hatake had extended this invitation was indeed because Chinya's strength was sufficient.

Moreover, this mission carried great credit; if Chinya joined, he would also receive a share.

After all, Chinya was currently the teacher of his son Kakashi, so naturally, Sakumo wanted to offer some help.

Still, there wasn't much he could do if Chinya refused.

Sakumo Hatake finally said, "Alright then, it's settled. I'll lead the team — the three of you will accompany me. We'll also bring along a Sensor Ninja. We move out in one hour."

During my absence, Shinei, you take charge of command and coordination. This mission is classified — better if only a few of us know about it."

Shinei was also from the Nara Clan, characterized by the clan's signature pineapple-shaped hair.

After the meeting ended, Sakumo Hatake said to Chinya, "Chinya, thank you for your hard work recently. Thanks to you discovering so many hidden Rock Ninja bases, I never expected those Rock Ninjas to set up so many secret outposts.

If war really broke out fully, these hidden bases would likely cost us dearly."

Chinya humbly replied, "That was my mission. Fulfilling that duty was only what I should have done."

Sakumo Hatake forced an awkward smile, saying, "The last time I saw Kakashi — he'd grown significantly stronger. It's truly his fortune to have you as his teacher. I'll trouble you more with him going forward. Now, I must head out on this mission. Chinya, please rest well at base."

Chinya nodded, replying, "Yes, Lord Sakumo. As for Kakashi, please feel completely assured."

Chinya left the room and encountered Kakashi waiting by the door.

Kakashi asked, "Sensei Chinya, has the meeting ended?"

Chinya looked slightly strange at Kakashi before nodding, "Yeah, it's over. Go see Lord Sakumo now."

"Okay."

Kakashi entered the room.

Chinya exhaled softly. After this mission, the balance of power in Konoha's presence within the Land of Grass would shift.

Without a stabilizing ninja present, it would be like lacking a backbone — making problems all too likely to arise.

During the period Sakumo Hatake was away, Chinya decided not to continue searching actively — first, he'd just observe how things played out.

Even though Chinya knew that Sakumo Hatake would soon meet misfortune — which felt somewhat unfair to Kakashi — he still couldn't change anything.

Sakumo Hatake, who held firm belief in the Will of Fire, definitely wouldn't abandon this mission or stop rescuing comrades upon hearing only Chinya's words.

Even worse, Sakumo might even turn hostile toward Chinya.

Therefore, staying hands-off was the only thing Chinya could do.

Sakumo Hatake had already secretly set off with four other ninja.

Other than a few select individuals, nobody else knew that Sakumo Hatake personally went on a mission.

Chinya returned to his quarters at the base and took out a map already marked heavily with crosses.

He planned to make good use of this period to check for gaps or oversights — ensuring nothing had been missed, and preparing for the next search.

Time flew by.

It had already been a week since Sakumo Hatake left the base to carry out his mission.

Over those seven days, Nara Shinei handled things at the base — and nothing serious came up.

Chinya spent most of those days either training on his own or teaching Kakashi.

One night,

Sakumo Hatake returned from his mission.

They went out as a team of five — and came back the same.

All five were injured. One man had lost his right arm entirely, his legs shredded and bloodied, apparently blown apart by an Explosive Tag or something similar.

The moment they got back to base, Sakumo barked for the Medical Ninja.

Chinya leaned into the shadows along the wall, watching the scene unfold.

Now Chinya was sure of it — this whole mission had been set up to push Sakumo to kill himself.

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