Naruto: I Sell Jars in Konoha Village.

Chapter 199 Naruto plots against Jiraiya, Hiruzen Sarutobi's astonishment, Kurenai Yuhi is shor

"A lot has happened lately."

The bookstore owner was taken aback when he heard Jiraiya's words.

After thinking for a moment, I briefly recounted what had happened.

Where in Konoha Village did the explosion occur?

Then came the explosion after the Chunin Exams, which made Jiraiya frown deeply.

Why are there one explosion after another in Konoha Village?

And a tree has appeared on the street?

Wood Release?

After carefully learning about it, Jiraiya fell into deep thought.

It seems the problem isn't too serious.

"Okay, I understand."

Jiraiya immediately nodded and said, "I'll go gather materials first. Remember to let me know when Aka arrives."

With that, Jiraiya turned and left.

The bookstore owner nodded quickly: "I know, Jiraiya-sama."

As Jiraiya walked out of the bookstore, he was still savoring the book "Ninja Bin's School Life" in his hands.

The author of this book really intrigued him.

Who exactly wrote this content?

This person actually dared to write such a bold and straightforward story in a place like Konoha.

As he was thinking this, Jiraiya saw several Konoha ninjas walking towards him.

What attracted Jiraiya was not them, but the conversation they were having.

"Hey, I just saw that scene yesterday! Ah Bin actually dared to do that kind of thing in class! He's got some nerve!"

"Yes, I was stunned. This is so unconventional, and it's written in such detail. It's enough to make one blush."

"Hehe, I think that's what makes this book so appealing."

"Tell me, who is this author? They're a genius! They dared to write such a direct plot; it's incredible!"

Hearing these discussions, Jiraiya glanced at the young ninjas, whose faces were filled with excitement and curiosity, completely captivated by the contents of the book.

Clearly, this kind of book is so popular among the younger generation.

"The charm of words seems even better when paired with paintings."

"Pfft, if we teamed up with this guy, wouldn't we create an even hotter topic?"

As Jiraiya pondered these things, he unknowingly arrived at the entrance of Konoha's bathhouse.

Looking at the familiar wooden door in front of him, Jiraiya's expression suddenly relaxed a bit.

"Alright, since we're back, let's gather some 'material' here first."

Jiraiya muttered to himself, a sly glint in his eyes.

"That guy, he really did show up."

Just as Jiraiya excitedly entered the bathhouse, in a corner not far away, Naruto Uzumaki stood holding a manga, muttering to himself, "That guy, he's still the same as always, he loves places like this."

Naruto's eyes were fixed on the entrance to the bathhouse, as he secretly plotted his next move.

He had read the manga and knew some of Jiraiya's background.

I know that this old guy, who is known as one of the "Legendary Sannin", may seem unreliable, but his strength is extraordinary, especially his summoning jutsu.

What he wanted to learn was that psychic magic.

Although I have my own Charmander, that toad looks incredibly powerful just from the comics.

But the next second, Naruto Uzumaki looked troubled again: "No, we can't just rush in to find him."

"Otherwise, he would have definitely brushed it off."

"This kind of guy won't teach anyone easily unless there's a good opportunity."

"He's interested in seduction techniques; we need to create an opportunity."

Thinking of this, Naruto narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully observing the direction Jiraiya entered the bathhouse, and began to ponder a perfect plan in his mind.

How can I get this guy's attention?

She will only be noticed when she uses seduction techniques.

Naruto frowned, pondering the various possibilities.

He knew he couldn't act rashly, or he might waste this opportunity.

While Naruto was deep in thought, plotting against Jiraiya.

the other side.

The Hokage's office.

Elite ninjas from Konoha, including even Jonin, were summoned here, their faces grim as they stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi ahead.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat upright in the center of his desk, his expression somber.

After scanning the crowd, Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "Last night, Hayate had an accident."

The moment those words were spoken, the entire conference room fell silent, and everyone wore strange expressions.

Kakashi frowned deeply, Might Guy clenched his fists, and Anko Mitarashi narrowed her eyes, seemingly deep in thought.

"This can't be... Hayate, he..."

Kakashi broke the silence first, his tone hesitant, "His strength shouldn't be enough to cause such an easy accident."

"Yes, Kakashi is right."

Mitarashi Anko chimed in, "While Hayate may seem a bit carefree at times, as an elite ninja, his vigilance is not to be underestimated."

"Who on earth was able to break through Konoha's defenses and put Hayate in such a dangerous situation?"

"Could it be a Jonin from another ninja village?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded heavily, his gaze grave. "You're right, but that's the truth. His body was found this morning east of Kikyo Castle."

These words struck like a thunderbolt, instantly plunging the ninjas present into shock.

A hint of disbelief appeared in Might Guy's eyes: "Hurricane... really..."

Kakashi was silent for a moment, then raised his head, his gaze sharp as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Hokage-sama, could it have been Orochimaru who did it?"

Currently, it seems that only Orochimaru has this motive.

"No!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head: "It's too early to draw such a conclusion. However... based on the current clues, Orochimaru is indeed planning something in private."

According to information from the Anbu, Orochimaru has likely already left Konoha, and even if he were still in Konoha, there would be no need for him to harm Hayate.

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, the meeting room fell silent once again.

The group exchanged glances, recalling Orochimaru's various methods, and couldn't help but feel more wary.

Even if Orochimaru wasn't behind it, they were still very wary.

"However... Hayate's death is very likely the result of that Sound Ninja spy named Kabuto going into hiding."

Kakashi's voice was low and heavy: "The identity of that Sound Ninja Kabuto was already suspicious."

At that moment, a flash of anger appeared in Might Guy's eyes as he stood to the side: "So, you're saying we have to stop the Chunin Exams immediately? To prevent further casualties?"

How long has it been?

There have already been special Jonin who sacrificed themselves.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "This Chunin Exam is a major event involving multiple villages. Stopping it abruptly would cause a chain reaction. However, everyone must be careful. Neither Orochimaru nor the Jonin from other villages can afford to be careless."

Upon hearing this, Kakashi, Might Guy, and the others nodded in agreement with heavy hearts.

"Alright, that concludes today's meeting. Everyone must remain vigilant and ensure that Konoha is not subjected to any further threats."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept over every ninja present, his tone filled with authority and determination: "Dismissed."

Everyone stood up and left the meeting room with their own doubts.

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained seated in the Hokage's chair, the wrinkles between his brows appearing even more pronounced.

The sunlight streamed in through the window, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in his heart.

Just then, a ninja dressed in ANBU uniform and wearing a fox mask appeared silently in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, knelt on one knee, and whispered, "Hokage-sama, I have urgent information to report."

"explain."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly raised his head, his tone calm yet exuding an undeniable air of authority.

"Last night, a very luxurious building appeared in the area near the Hyuga clan's territory."

"According to our undercover investigation, this building appears to be a new... 'singing parlor'."

"A karaoke bar?"

Upon hearing this term, Hiruzen Sarutobi paused slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "When did Konoha acquire such a place? Is it related to the Hyuga clan?"

"Yes."

The ANBU ninja nodded respectfully and continued, "According to our preliminary investigation, this place seems to have been built recently. The exterior alone is extremely luxurious, with many utensils and decorations we've never seen before. It looks very ornate, and last night, various lights were flashing all night long."

This attracted the attention of many villagers.

"But because it's close to the Hyuga clan's territory, many people saw it but didn't go over."

"It can be concluded that the appearance of that building must be related to the Hyuga clan."

"Furthermore, Hokage-sama, we suspect that this karaoke bar may be related to the Hayate incident."

At this point, the ANBU ninja paused, then cautiously continued, "The timing of this thing's appearance is too coincidental. It happened exactly last night, the same night Hayate had his accident, and its location is so close to the Hyuga clan's territory. All of this seems rather unusual."

"We checked the location of the construction, but couldn't find anything about it. In other words, if it really is related to the Hyuga clan, it's because they didn't report it."

Upon hearing these words, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly narrowed his eyes.

As the Hokage, he knew that every inch of Konoha Village and every building needed to be registered.

This is especially true when it comes to large-scale construction projects like those involving brothels.

How could it be accomplished right under his nose, without him even knowing it?

The Hyuga clan hasn't even reported it yet?

"I don't think there's a direct connection between the two."

With a thousand thoughts swirling in his mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally shook his head slowly: "No matter how bold the Hyuga clan is, they would never lay a hand on Hayate. There's no need for it."

"If I remember correctly, wasn't Hayate supposed to be on a mission to scout out Jonin from other villages?"

"It might be related to this."

"As for the so-called singing parlor of the Hyuga clan, it may just be a coincidence."

Upon hearing this, the ANBU ninja nodded, but a hint of hesitation remained in his eyes: "Hokage-sama, should we continue the investigation?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No need."

"But you must keep a close watch on what is happening in that place, especially those who are entering and leaving."

"As for other matters, we'll discuss them once we have more clues."

"Also, inquire with the Hyuga clan to find out what that is."

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, the ANBU ninja immediately nodded respectfully.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he quickly said, "Oh, right, Hokage-sama, there's something else. Yesterday, Jonin Kurenai Yuhi accepted two B-rank missions and left the village."

Upon hearing the report from the Anbu ninja, Hiruzen Sarutobi's brows furrowed even deeper, and a look of surprise and confusion appeared on his previously calm face.

"What did you say? Kurenai Yuhi?"

"She's supposed to lead her students in the Chunin Exams in a month, so why isn't she focusing on training and instead going off on a mission alone?"

"I don't know."

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, the ANBU ninja whispered, "Jonin Kurenai Yuhi submitted an application to the mission center yesterday morning and accepted two B-rank missions around noon, leaving the village alone."

"The two tasks are to escort a caravan to the River Kingdom and to clear out bandit camps on the border of the Fire Kingdom."

"That's strange."

Upon hearing this news, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes showed even greater confusion.

He had always understood Kurenai Yuhi's personality.

Kurenai Yuhi is a conscientious and responsible person, and she never makes such abrupt decisions easily.

Moreover, she put a lot of effort into training her disciples.

Logically, before the Chunin Exams, she should have focused more on training Kiba Inuzuka, Shino Aburame, and Wada.

"There's such a thing?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered to himself, his pipe pausing slightly, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.

He then took a deep breath, slowly exhaled smoke, and said in a more serious tone, "Bring me the detailed information about the mission she accepted. I want to see what she's up to."

These two tasks alone will take more than half a month to complete.

And considering what might happen along the way, it's already difficult enough to get back to the village in a month.

This doesn't even include the possibility of getting hurt.

There will be no training for disciples for the next month.

You should know that Hinata Hyuga and Shino Aburame were both in the third official match of the Chunin Exams. He never expected that Kurenai Yuhi would leave the village at this time.

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, the ANBU ninja quickly took out a neatly folded document from his pocket and presented it with both hands.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the document and quickly unfolded it, his sharp eyes scanning its contents.

His brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

After quickly skimming through the mission details, Kurenai still couldn't understand why she would choose to go on a mission alone at this critical juncture.

What is Kurenai Yuhi thinking?

Is it the reward for the task?

Or does she have her own plans?

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt.

"Also, go and inform Asuma to come to the Hokage's office immediately."

Hiruzen Sarutobi closed the file, his tone carrying an unquestionable command.

He felt that Asuma, as Kurenai's friend, might know something.

The ANBU ninja bowed his head in agreement and turned to leave.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched his disappearing figure, his expression somewhat heavy.

She sighed softly, turned her gaze to the sunlight outside the window, and her heart was filled with doubt.

"Red Sunset".

"What on earth are you thinking?"

"Leaving the village at this time..."

It is important to understand that any slight change can become a hidden danger.

He had to make sure everything was under control.

As a result, a Jonin inexplicably accepted a mission and went on a mission.

Normally, he wouldn't say anything, feeling it was nothing.

However, there is still a month until the official Chunin Exams, which is the final sprint stage.

Other Jonin would give their disciples extra training, even teaching them new techniques.

Kurenai Yuhi, on the other hand, completely ignored Hinata and the others, accepted her mission, and left the village.

Moreover, they were taking on two B-level missions.

Under normal circumstances, both of these tasks will take more than half a month to complete.

If things don't go well, Kurenai Yuhi won't be able to return when the official third Chunin Exams begin.

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't understand it at all.

Just as he was lost in thought.

Not long after, Asuma pushed open the wooden door to the Hokage's office and walked in.

His face showed some fatigue, but he still maintained a respectful expression.

"Father, you wanted to see me?"

Asuma stopped, his tone tinged with doubt.

After all, it's rare for someone to be summoned alone by Hiruzen Sarutobi at a time like this.

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his head, a serious look flashing in his eyes, his voice low but undeniable: "Asuma, do you know what Kurenai Yuhi has been busy with lately?"

+

"Yesterday she accepted two B-level missions and left the village alone."

"I thought she would focus on training her students and preparing for the Chunin Exams, but I didn't expect her to go on a mission alone."

Upon hearing this, Asuma paused for a moment, hesitated, and said, "Perhaps... it's because they're short of money."

Asma's voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

He analyzed it yesterday and came to this conclusion.

"Need money?"

Upon hearing Sarutobi Asuma's words, a hint of surprise flashed in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes.

His deeply wrinkled face was filled with confusion: "How could she be short of money? As a Jonin, her daily mission rewards and living allowances should be enough to support her. How could she be in this situation?"

Asma saw the confusion on his father's face and felt a little strange himself.

Recalling the somber and preoccupied look he saw on the street yesterday, Sarutobi Asuma shook his head and said, "Although Kurenai usually lives a relatively simple life, I've seen her instruct the mission department before about any higher rewards around Konoha Village. Perhaps she has some other expenses..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow remained furrowed even after hearing this.

His understanding of Kurenai Yuhi was not very deep.

But as a Jonin of Konoha, his financial situation shouldn't be this dire.

Various possibilities flashed through my mind, but I couldn't connect Kurenai's behavior with "lack of money" no matter what.

"If it's really because she needs money, why doesn't she just come to me?"

Sarutobi Hikaru rubbed his temples and said, "A Jonin is an important figure for a village. If she's really short of money, the village won't treat her unfairly. We can give her some in advance."

Upon hearing this, Asuma scratched his head, unsure how to respond.

In his view, he understood Kurenai Yuhi's personality.

Knowing that Kurenai Yuhi is a person with a very strong sense of self-respect, she is unlikely to easily seek help from others.

Thinking of this, Sarutobi Asuma sighed inwardly.

Perhaps I should have noticed Kurenai's condition sooner.

I'd like to offer some help.