Naruto: Perfect Copy System

Chapter 11.

Konoha.

Thud! Thud!

The stars mattered the sky, casting a bright glow over the village. A cool breeze drifted through the trees, rustling the leaves and bringing a refreshing chill to the quiet night. The road leading to Konoha's gate was quiet, only the sound of footsteps echoing as Squad 8 walked forward.

Ahead, the massive wooden gate of Konoha stood tall and firm, giving off a sense of security and familiarity. After days of travel, it was a welcome sight.

Torifu finally slowed his pace and turned to face his three young subordinates. His expression was calm, but there was a trace of exhaustion in his eyes.

He said simply. "I need to report to Hokage-Sama. You three should go get some rest."

Swish! Swish!

Renzo, Reika, and Sakumo nodded without hesitation. They were disciplined and knew better than to ask unnecessary questions. With a brief acknowledgment, they each turned and headed their own way, disappearing into the village streets.

"HA!"

Torifu watched them go for a moment before letting out a tired breath. Then, without delay, he made his way toward the Hokage's office.

The Hokage Building stood tall in the heart of Konoha, its presence imposing yet familiar. Inside, the hallways were quiet, the footsteps of shinobi and administrative staff echoing through the corridors.

"Tap!"

Torifu walked up the stairs and soon arrived at the Hokage's office. Two ANBU stood guard outside the large wooden doors. With a nod, they stepped aside and allowed him to enter.

Inside, the office was filled with stacks of documents, the weight of responsibility evident in the air.

At the center of it all sat Senju Tobirama, the Second Hokage, his sharp red eyes focused on a scroll in his hands. Even as Torifu entered, Tobirama did not look up immediately.

To the side, Uchiha Kagami and Sarutobi Hiruzen stood, nodding at him as he entered.

Torifu gave a nod in response and taking a deep breath stepped forward. "Hokage-Sama!"

Tobirama's gaze still didn't shift from the documents but words did leave his mouth. "Report"

Torifu wasted no time and began explaining everything in detail. He spoke of how the mission began, how they were ambushed. He described the shinobi they fought and how he was trapped.

"The enemy wore Kirigakure headbands," Torifu continued, his brows furrowed. "But they mostly used Earth Release and even the battlefield showed signs of it—powerful and advanced technique. The ninjutsu that trapped me was also something which I wouldn't expect from Kiri-nin"

Kagami's eyes narrowed slightly as he spoke. "Iwagakure Shinobi."

Tobirama rested his chin on his hand. "That would make sense."

Hiruzen asked with a thoughtful look. "They didn't try to kill but to capture you?"

Torifu nodded. "They were indeed trying to capture me. Most likely for information extraction, saying that he showed a slightly emotional look and spoke up again. "And I was almost captured."

A heavy silence followed his words. But no one asked for details and just kept looking at him.

Torifu hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Someone interfered."

Hiruzen's eyes sharpened. "Who?"

Torifu took a deep breath. "A masked shinobi. He had silver hair and wore a Konoha headband. He killed all the enemies… and then disappeared."

The room went silent.

Tobirama's eyes narrowed. "There is no Konoha shinobi that matches this description."

Torifu's lips pressed into a thin line. He had expected that response, but hearing it directly from the Hokage made it more unsettling.

"Could it be an impersonator?" Hiruzen asked.

"Possible," Tobirama replied. "Many would try to disguise themselves as Konoha shinobi for their own agendas."

The weight of his words hung in the air.

Then, shifting the conversation, Tobirama's eyes darkened slightly. "But external enemies are not my only concern."

Torifu remained silent. Kagami and Hiruzen, however, straightened their backs slightly, as if already knowing what was coming next.

Tobirama's voice was steady but heavy with meaning.

"Uchiha Setsuna."

-------------------

Uchiha District

Tap! Tap!

The lanterns hanging in the Uchiha Clan's district gave off a soft, flickering glow, illuminating the quiet streets. Reika walked at a steady pace, her face expressionless as always. Yet, deep in her eyes, a faint hesitation could be seen.

She soon arrived at a familiar house—her home for many years. The place where she was raised after her parents passed away.

As she stepped into the house, a tall figure emerged from the shadows.

Uchiha Setsuna.

Despite being in his late twenties, there was something in his presence that made him seem far older. He stood with his arms crossed, his dark eyes unreadable as he watched Reika.

She stopped a few steps away, her face still indifferent.

"How have you been lately?" Setsuna asked in a calm voice.

"Fine," Reika replied, her tone flat.

Setsuna studied her for a long moment. Then, without another word, he turned to leave. However, just before disappearing into the darkness, his voice carried one last message.

"Keep your eyes open and report everything." A brief pause. "The time is near."

Reika's expression did not change, but something flickered in her eyes. A deep, hidden struggle.

She remained standing in place for a few seconds before turning and walking toward her room.

Inside, she stripped off her battle gear and after taking a quick shower changed into more comfortable clothes. By the time she had showered the servants had already placed her dinner in her room. After the meal rubbing her slightly aching shoulder she walked to her bed.

Near her pillow, a small object rested—a voodoo doll with brown hair and black button-like eyes, lips painted in a way to show a large smile.

She reached out and gently picked it up. Her fingers traced over its shape, her gaze softening for the first time. Her Sharingan, faintly glowing in the dim room, reflected in the doll's button-like eyes.

Without a word, she hugged it close to her chest. Her fingers gripped it tightly as she slowly closed her eyes.

And in the warmth of the doll, Reika fell into a deep sleep.