Naruto: Puppet Master Undercover in Konoha

Shindai sat in his tent, plotting how to ruin Chiyo's reputation.

The easiest way to ruin Chiyo's reputation was obviously spreading rumors.

And since he was already making things up, why not drag Rasa and Ebizō into it too?

The sly Shindai started forming a full plan in his mind.

"Tsk, I can't use Shadow Clone. Using Iron Sand Body Clone carries too much risk."

He considered using Shadow Clones to spread the rumors.

If he used Shadow Clones to spread lies, even if something went wrong—like getting caught—the clone could vanish into thin air in a puff of smoke.

But with an Iron Sand Body Clone, remnants of iron sand would remain after the technique dissolved, making it easy to trace back to him.

"I'll have to think this through carefully."

The next day, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara returned.

While reporting their mission, they learned that Shindai had already arrived at the Stationed Camp and would be joining their team for future missions.

Obito and the others immediately asked where Shindai's tent was before rushing over excitedly.

"Shindai, you finally showed up!"

Obito shouted the moment he burst into the tent.

Still groggy from staying up late planning, Shindai was so startled by Obito's voice that he bolted upright like a fish leaping out of water.

"Have you lost your mind?! Why do you always scare people like that? Want me to kill you?"

Shindai glared at Obito furiously, looking like he wanted to tear him apart.

Obito wasn't scared at all—he seemed thrilled instead.

After all, Kakashi might usually act aloof and reserved.

And Rin Nohara, sweet and gentle Rin Nohara, was always calm and quiet.

Only with Shindai could he argue and joke around like this—it felt great.

Kakashi asked, "When did you arrive, Shindai?"

Shindai jumped off the bed, grabbed a water jug, took a sip, then said, "Yesterday."

Rin looked puzzled. "But... everyone here is from the Sand village. How come you're here, Shindai?"

Shindai sneered. "Sand ninja? That's exactly who I'm here to fight! Especially that old hag Chiyo leading them in battle—we're sworn enemies!"

Obito scratched his chin while examining Shindai. "Hmm, you seem different somehow… Right! What you mentioned earlier—'going dark'! It feels like you've really gone bad or something."

Shindai rolled his eyes. "No way. I haven't gone dark. Listen up, you three—I expect some respect from now on. You'd better start working like oxen or horses for me!"

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara thought Shindai was acting out again, and in unison they remarked, "Have you lost it?"

Shindai put his hands on his hips and shouted at the trio, "You guys can't even tell good from bad! You have no idea what I'm about to do for you three later. If you won't treat me better, how do you even sleep at night?"

Obito picked his nose and asked lazily, "Then why don't you just tell us what exactly you're gonna do for us?"

Shindai pouted his lips. "I do good deeds anonymously, so I won't say! Anyway, you just got back from a mission—surely you won't be sent on another one so soon, right?"

Kakashi, who had already figured it out, gave a subtle smile. "Heh, your plan to slack off just fell apart. Just now, after we turned in our last mission, the ninja who assigned it told us that with you joining our team, a new mission has already been assigned."

Shindai proudly puffed out his chest. "Hmph, slacking off? I'm full of energy right now. Just wait and see the power of the new generation's Kannazuki. So, when are we leaving?"

Kakashi replied, "We leave in three hours. The mission is to intercept a group of Sand ninja transporting supplies."

Shindai slightly raised his eyebrow. "Tsk tsk, last time we were intercepted during a supply delivery; now it's our turn to intercept someone else's supplies. Fine by me. See you guys again in three hours—I'm gonna grab some more sleep. I stayed up late yesterday and am still super sleepy now."

Shindai curled himself back into the blanket, presenting the back of his head to Obito and the others.

Obito and the two others stared at him with dark lines over their brows. They were supposed to head out on a mission in three hours, and he's still going back to sleep?!

But since they had just returned themselves, they also wanted to rest properly. An extra hour of rest wouldn't hurt.

At the Stationed Camp entrance, three hours later.

"Aww, that nap was great."

Shindai yawned as he stretched lazily, comfortably, with his small gear bag on his back.

Kakashi looked at the mission scroll in his hand and said, "Let's get going quickly. According to the intelligence report on the scroll, the Sand ninja transporting supplies will arrive at the designated location in seven hours, and the journey there takes about two hours."

Led by Kakashi, Obito, Rin Nohara, and Shindai set off toward the target destination.

Two hours later, Shindai and the others had already arrived at the designated location.

Kakashi originally planned to set traps, but Shindai stopped him. "No need for traps—just sit back and watch my show!"

Kakashi squinted at Shindai. "Haven't seen you in over two months, and it seems like you've gotten quite full of yourself."

Shindai rebutted, "Full of myself? That's just called confidence! Just wait till you see what kind of big weapon I've got. Plus, I need to check something out."

Rin asked curiously, "Check something out?"

"Yeah."

Shindai's voice was devoid of emotion. Obito wanted to press further but was stopped by Kakashi. "If Shindai wants to put on a show, let's just watch."

Five hours passed.

The five Sand ninja responsible for the supply delivery had arrived.

Shindai glanced back at Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara behind him. He tapped his own eyes with two fingers, then pointed toward the enemy, signaling them to watch closely.

He removed the Konoha forehead protector from his head and used the Body Flicker Technique, reappearing directly in front of the five Sand ninja.

Startled by Shindai's sudden appearance, the Sand ninja squad leader shouted, "Enemy attack! Prepare for battle!"

The five Sand ninja began forming hand seals to attack Shindai, but he suddenly raised his palm. "Wait!"

All five Sand ninja halted their movements simultaneously.

Obito turned to Kakashi, puzzled. "Why did those Sand ninja actually freeze when Shindai said 'wait'?"

"Uh... Who knows?"

Kakashi was just as confused as Obito.

Shindai unrolled the scroll and summoned a massive amount of Iron Sand. Before everyone's eyes, the iron sand formed into Kannazuki.

When the Sand squad leader saw Shindai's jutsu, his expression changed instantly. "Magnet Release? A puppet? You're that traitor!"

Shindai stared at the five Sand ninja before him without expression. "Traitor? So what now? What will you do?"

The five Sand ninja glared at him with hatred. "Obviously, we'll kill you. Traitor who betrayed the village!"

At their words, Shindai smiled — a cold, satisfied smile.

"Now I can sever everything. Nothing holds me back anymore."

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