If the most important member of a shinobi team is the medical ninja, then the sensory ninja is equally vital.
Detecting the enemy first provides the greatest advantage in battle.
However, just like medical ninjas, training sensory ninjas is extremely difficult.
And now Yamanaka Yue, kneeling respectfully before Shihouin Naraku, was an excellent sensory ninja.
Not only was she powerful, but she also possessed exceptional perception abilities.
This was why Naraku had summoned her first.
Of course, it was also because Yamanaka Yue was the squad leader of Anbu's "Yue" team!
"Drink this."
Naraku pushed the potion he had prepared toward Yamanaka Yue. She glanced at Naraku, then picked up the cup without hesitation and drank it in one gulp.
"Don't swallow it!"
Ninjas from the Foundation had this advantage—they would follow their superior's orders without question or hesitation.
That was how Danzo operated.
Following Naraku's command, Yamanaka Yue held the potion in her mouth.
Naraku stood up and walked in front of her. He found her puffed cheeks somewhat amusing but quickly composed himself and began his work.
"Stand up."
With the potion still in her mouth, Yamanaka Yue couldn't reply verbally. She immediately stood at attention, facing Naraku.
Staring at Yamanaka's pale neck, Naraku quickly formed hand seals, then raised his index and middle fingers as chakra gathered at their tips.
Then, quick as lightning, Naraku's fingers pointed at Yamanaka Yue's slender neck.
"Seal, Release!"
Naraku saw Yamanaka Yue's face darken as she struggled not to spit out the potion.
"You may spit it out in ten seconds..."
"...Pah!"
Ten seconds later, Yamanaka Yue expelled the potion.
The once-red liquid had turned completely black as if mixed with ink.
The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal had been released!
If Yamanaka Yue hadn't understood what her commander was doing at first, now she had a clear idea.
Shihouin Naraku reached for a mirror and placed it in front of Yamanaka Yue.
She immediately stuck out her tongue and stared at her reflection excitedly.
As expected, the seal markings had completely disappeared.
"Lord Naraku!"
Yamanaka Yue dropped to one knee again before Naraku, expressing her gratitude.
"You've followed me on various dangerous missions recently. Consider this your reward."
Shihouin Naraku understood why Yamanaka Yue was so excited. After all, no one wanted to live with an unnecessary seal on their body.
"From now on, Yue will obey your orders completely."
"I understand," Shihouin Naraku regarded Yamanaka Yue thoughtfully, causing her to look up. "But recently, Yashiro Ao joined the medical response team. Do you think you would be suitable for that unit?"
"Although you left the medical response team, I can still transfer you back if you're willing. That way, you could work with your former colleagues..."
Former colleagues?
In Anbu?
Or the Foundation?
"I am willing to follow Lord Naraku's orders!"
"Life in Anbu is excellent; I love it here!"
Yamanaka Yue's reaction didn't surprise Naraku. As expected, her behaviour during previous missions wasn't an illusion.
During earlier assignments, Naraku had observed that Yamanaka Yue carried out his orders exceptionally well.
Of course, Naraku wouldn't trust her so easily. He had conducted his own investigation before deciding to accept her loyalty.
"By the way, what about your brother?" Shihouin Naraku looked at Yamanaka Yue and asked, "Where is Yamanaka Fu?"
"Fu?!"
A flash of surprise crossed Yamanaka Yue's eyes. She hadn't expected her commander to be so well-informed that he even knew about Yamanaka Fu.
"Yamanaka Fu should be serving as Elder Danzo's guard. After the Hokage ordered the Foundation to disband, most members entered Anbu. Some returned to regular shinobi duties, but others vanished."
"However, through family connections, I discovered that Yamanaka Fu is still protecting Elder Danzo."
"But..."
Yamanaka Yue looked up at Naraku and, seeing his expression hadn't changed, immediately continued:
"Elder Danzo built a secret base in Training Ground Zero. I once entered Training Ground Zero to deliver supplies."
"But I was never allowed inside the base itself. I only delivered supplies to the entrance."
A base in Training Ground Zero?
This was valuable information, though Naraku wasn't surprised that Danzo had a secret facility.
Orochimaru was like a rabbit, digging holes and building bases everywhere, so it made sense that Danzo would have contingency plans.
Naraku recalled what he knew about Training Ground Zero and realized it was indeed perfect for a secret base.
After all, this training ground had been closed for decades. Between the numerous rare and dangerous creatures inside, ordinary people were strictly forbidden from entering.
Shihouin Naraku memorized this information, then set it aside for the moment and continued:
"Who else do you think would be suitable?"
Naraku's eyes fell on the potion he had prepared to remove the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal, and Yamanaka Yue immediately understood his meaning.
He wanted her to recommend which former Foundation members might be suitable to become Naraku's subordinates.
"The members of the 'Moon' squad can be trusted. I vouch for them personally!"
"In Squad Three, led by 'San,' there should be only one person Lord Naraku can trust."
"Among the other candidates in Anbu, there is also..."
Yamanaka Yue shared everything she knew. Since she had already pledged loyalty to Naraku, there was no reason to withhold information.
Besides, given Naraku's identity, background, and qualifications, he could potentially become Hokage one day. Between choosing Danzo or Naraku, the answer was obvious.
"Very well. Summon them."
These candidates matched Naraku's own assessments, except for one person about whom he lacked intelligence—he hadn't known this individual was once Danzo's devoted follower.
As for why he trusted Yamanaka Yue's recommendations, it was a simple test. If problems arose, Naraku would hold Yamanaka Yue responsible.
After all, he was the leader, the commander—any issues would not be his concern.
Soon, Naraku personally removed the seals from these former Foundation members.
From now on, they would be Naraku's loyal subordinates.
As for returning to Danzo, once the seal was removed, someone with Danzo's personality would never trust these people again, even if his life depended on it!
After all, how could Danzo be certain what information these former subordinates had shared with Shihouin Naraku after their seals were broken? It was impossible to know.
Indeed, Naraku extracted some valuable secrets about Danzo from these individuals.
"Is Training Ground Zero really that important?"
After his subordinates departed, Naraku began to contemplate.
From their accounts, he learned that Danzo was extremely interested in the closed Training Ground Zero.
Originally, Naraku had assumed it was just a minor base, but according to his new subordinates, this training ground was unusual.
"What could be hidden there?"
"And why do I feel like I'm missing something? Have I seen something before?"
"Never mind, I can't remember. I should find the Third Hokage first. I need to collect my payment today!"
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion