"Itachi-san, why do you think the leader sent us to Konoha for reconnaissance this time?"
Itachi narrowed his eyes. "I'm not sure, but it must be something important. Let's get in and out quickly."
"Itachi-san, why does it feel like you've been in a particularly good mood lately?"
"Huh? Really? Maybe it's just your imagination."
Kisame nodded, "Maybe... At least you didn't talk this much before."
The two were wearing the same outfits as last time, even their bamboo hats were unchanged.
"Did the leader specify what we should focus on during this investigation?"
"Oh... it's about why Konoha Ninjas are handing out those little black squares to the surrounding civilians."
"However, to avoid alerting anyone, the leader told us not to investigate the civilians directly. Instead, we're to go straight to Konoha and find the source. "
"Hmm, that's a flimsy reason. Should we follow our usual routine and check on the Tailed Beasts?"
---
When Itachi came to Konoha again, the first place he went was the three-color dango shop.
When he went back to find Kisame, he noticed smoke rising from Kisame's gills. Clearly, he was indulging in some smoking.
"To be honest, Konoha's cigarettes hits different. The other stuff just makes my throat burn."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, let's hurry up and finish the investigation."
However, as they walked through the village, Itachi and Kisame shared the same confusion Mei had felt when she first arrived.
They wondered why did it seem like everyone in Konoha was holding those little black squares.
"Ma'am, where can I buy that thing?"
The civilian who was stopped looked puzzled. "You must not be from the village, huh? How could you not know about this?"
Itachi coughed lightly, "I'm a Konoha Ninja who's been on long-term missions outside the village. I just came back and noticed a lot has changed, so I thought I'd ask."
"I see. That makes sense."
The woman warmly explained, "Head west down this street, near the edge of the village... you'll know where to buy it when you see it."
"Thanks."
The woman added, "By the way, my grandson just started at the Ninja Academy this year. If you two wouldn't mind, could you fill out an invitation code for him?"
"Invitation code?"
Hearing this unfamiliar term, Itachi frowned.
"That's right. Filling out the invitation code will give you ten fragments of the Shodaime Hokage, who is reanimated through the Edo Tensei..."
"…"
Itachi and Kisame exchanged glances, both seeing the confusion in each other's eyes.
As they walked down the main street of Konoha, they heard voices all around.
"How dare he? Is he just fishing for luck?"
"Head pat and like, refuse to rematch!"
Even the children passing by were holding the little black squares and discussing, "Kinuta Dosu is just too strong. I'd call him the strongest!"
"Nah, Orochimaru [Indestructible] is the strongest! No contest!"
"You two have no idea. Yesterday, I faced Edo Tensei Shodaime-sama in ranked matches! Now that's what I call cool!"
…
Seeing these children, who seemed almost fanatical, Itachi and Kisame were at a loss.
'What had happened in Konoha over the past few days?'
'Last time we were here, everything had been normal...'
They exchanged another glance, and become more determined than ever to get to the bottom of this.
Without much effort, they arrived at a crowded shop.
'This must be the place selling those so-called 'phones.' But why were there so many people? And why were so many of them reading books?'
This only deepened Itachi's confusion.
'It had only been a few days, but Konoha seemed to have undergone a complete transformation.'
"Excuse me…"
"Are you here to buy a phone? 100,000 Ryo each, payment upfront."
Dosu was very familiar with the routine and has taken over Haku's position.
Haku was now handling Zabuza's boosting business, and the two only had to pay a certain tax to Yuto each month.
Not much, just 10%.
---
Itachi and Kisame each got a phone and quickly got the hang of the game.
After a few inquiries, they even figured out the channel for earning items through ranked matches.
This solidified their determination to bring this amazing thing back to the Akatsuki.
However, at this time...
[New Ninjas Added to High Recruitment A-Rank: Uchiha Itachi, Hoshigaki Kisame]
Seeing this line, Kisame and Itachi instantly felt a chill run down their spines, their guard rising as they looked around.
However, they noticed that everyone was staring at their screens. Even those who had been reading books earlier had put them down and were now logging into the game.
From what they saw, it looked like some kind of cult ritual.
Itachi and Kisame didn't dare stay long and quickly made their escape.
As for trying to use Transformation Technique under the watchful eyes of so many Ninjas?
They weren't Orochimaru, after all, and didn't have the courage to guarantee they wouldn't be discovered.
However, on their way back, Itachi passed by a publishing house.
He recognized this business, as it had once been run by the Uchiha Clan.
After the Uchiha Clan was gone, some of their assets were taken over by Konoha, including this publishing house.
Seeing the constant stream of customers coming and going, Itachi was amazed.
'Konoha had really changed. What kind of book were all these people buying?'
Driven by curiosity, Itachi decided to take a look.
Fortunately, although it was crowded, it wasn't to the point of needing to queue.
---
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms?"
"That's right. It's the book that's suddenly become a hit in Konoha. I bought the entire set currently available. We can submit it as part of the intelligence we've gathered for the leader."
Kisame looked skeptical. "Will that really work?"
"It should be fine..."
Afterward, Itachi went to grab a few skewers of three-color dango.
Ever since learning that his brother was alive and had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, Itachi's mood had been improving day by day. Many things that had troubled him before now seemed easier to accept.
As for Kisame...
"Yo!"
"Hey."
At the tobacco shop, Kisame exchanged a brief greeting with Asuma, who happened to be there, before they went their separate ways.
Coincidentally, Asuma was also there to buy cigarettes.
Later, Kurenai, who was waiting outside, asked, "That guy who just greeted you... wasn't he from the Akatsuki?"
Asuma lit his cigarette. "Kisame, yeah. But he was probably just here to pick up some cigarettes. Guess even he thinks Konoha's brand cigarettes better than the stuff outside."