Kaito took the small note and handed it to Tsunade. "Here. Take a look at this and tell me if it seems familiar."

Tsunade frowned as her eyes scanned the message. "Why do I feel like I've seen this before?"

She slapped her forehead in realization. "That's right! Shikaku showed me this exact intel earlier. But didn't he say it was sent by Hiruzen sama?"

"Shikaku, you should see this too," she said, passing the note over.

The moment he heard Kaito mention the contents of the note, a sense of dread sank into Shikaku's chest. When he saw what was written on it, his heart dropped completely.

He recognized it immediately. How could he forget? It described a powerful figure, someone matching the strength of the First Hokage, suddenly appearing in the ninja world. It was information that demanded attention.

There were only two key differences. One: this copy had come from Rasa, not Hiruzen. Two: this version included one extra line.

Kaito might be heading to the Land of Wind to destroy the Sand frontline troops.

As that final line settled in, cold sweat broke out on Shikaku's forehead. His hands trembled.

There was no doubt now—this intel had originated in Konoha.

What made it all the more absurd was that, while the troops were fighting for their lives on the front lines, someone in the rear had already passed this crucial intel to the enemy.

Whoever leaked it clearly hadn't considered the consequences. What if Kaito hadn't destroyed the Sand frontline? If Rasa had sent reinforcements, every Konoha soldier here might've been annihilated.

This wasn't just a breach of information—it was indirect murder.

Shikaku's face paled.

Still, based on his understanding of Hiruzen, he couldn't believe the old Hokage would have allowed this. Which meant someone else—another high-ranking Konoha official—had betrayed them.

Inwardly, he cursed, You fool. If you're going to leak information, at least change it enough that we don't get caught!

"Take a look at this, everyone," Shikaku said, his voice flat. He passed the note to the other Konoha executives around him.

Those who had seen the earlier intel from Hiruzen recognized it instantly. Among them, Namikaze Minato's reaction was the most severe. The message perfectly matched one that had been sent to him by Jiraiya.

Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she came to the same realization. She wasn't as analytically sharp as Shikaku, but she could still see where this was heading.

A dark cloud fell over the Konoha delegation.

Chiyo watched with quiet satisfaction. So this is Konoha's famed unity? Hilarious. They're practically tearing each other apart.

"The Third Hokage likely didn't know this was leaked," Shikaku finally said in a low tone.

"Hiruzen may not be involved," Ebizo added, smiling coldly, "but it definitely came from someone high-ranking. This intel is far more detailed than anything we had. It practically reads like a mission brief."

As a seasoned intelligence officer, Ebizo knew exactly how much the Sand Village had managed to gather on Kaito. The difference between their version and this one was enormous.

Although their side had lost, they wouldn't be paying any war reparations now. That alone was a victory.

Sure, one or two silver coins, five bags of grain, and a detonating tag might've been handed over—but in their eyes, that was just charity for a few strays. A small price to keep Sand safe.

Actually, they hadn't technically lost at all. Everything now depended on what Kaito decided.

Ebizo almost wanted to laugh. If Kaito chose to walk away and ignore the situation, Konoha would have to face the full might of the Sand's revenge alone.

But if Kaito did care? Well, even the Sand could spare a few more supplies if it meant surviving.

Right now, all eyes were on Kaito.

"I wonder when Kaito sama plans to leave?" Rasa asked. He didn't bother referring to himself as the future Fourth Kazekage—titles didn't matter right now.

His emotions were turbulent. He had prepared himself to accept a humiliating defeat… and then came the shocking twist. Now, all he wanted to do was find the fool in Konoha who'd leaked that information and personally thank him for being such a brilliant idiot.

Everyone looked to Kaito, waiting for his response.

His expression turned sharp. What had once been a suspicion was now confirmed.

"Do whatever you need to do. I've got other matters to attend to," Kaito said calmly.

"But," he added, his tone turning cold, "as for Konoha's leadership—stay out of my way. The rest can do as they like."

Shikaku and the others felt the pressure in the air grow heavier. They cursed silently, Which moron at the top sent that intel? We had a guaranteed win… and now this?!

"Tch!"

"Don't worry, Kaito sama. We'll make sure those Konoha executives don't move," Chiyo cut in, her words sharp and spiteful. "But what about the rest of the Konoha forces?"

Kaito shrugged. "That's not my concern."

(I thought bro didn't want to mess up the timeline? Imagine if Inoichi get stabbed or something. Then Ino would just get terminated from his timeline lmao)

With that, he turned toward Tsunade. "Come with me."

He reached out and took her wrist, and in a flash, they vanished from the field.

After the pair disappeared, Chiyo and the other Sand ninjas turned to face the Konoha delegation. Their eyes burned with anger.

Led by Rasa, they turned their backs on Konoha and began marching back toward the border of the Land of Wind.

"Shikaku… what now?" Yamanaka Inoichi asked in a hushed voice.

"We fall back. Ten kilometers inside the Fire Country border," Shikaku replied grimly.

The others wore similar expressions of frustration. They had held all the cards—until someone blew up the game.

"And report everything to Hokage sama. Let him decide how to respond," Shikaku said, his voice low.

He turned and walked off.

---

Not far from Konoha's forward camp, Kaito set Tsunade down gently. His tone was thoughtful but distant.

"I'm leaving. If anything happens, come find me at the ruins of the Uzumaki Clan's former homeland. I'll be staying there for a while."

"I will," Tsunade replied softly. "But… are you sure this intel came from Danzo?"

"It's him," Kaito answered, his voice cold and sure. "I've killed too many of his Root agents in the Land of Bears. That old bastard doesn't let go of grudges."

He looked up at the sky for a moment, then back at her.

"No more talking. If something comes up, you know where to find me."

With a final wave, Kaito disappeared in a flicker of speed.

---

The Land of Whirlpools was once a proud island nation located to the east of the Fire Country, home to the Uzumaki clan. To reach it, Kaito would have to travel across nearly the entire Fire Country.

But it was the perfect place for what came next.

---

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