Naruto：Immortality and the Eight Inner Gates[Double agent]

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In the darkness, a faint rustling sound murmured softly, occasionally accompanied by eerie chuckles that sent shivers down the spine.

"Rinnegan... hehe..."

"Corpses... Edo Tensei..."

"Hanzō of the Salamander... Kanda of the Salamander... hehehe..."

"Uchiha Madara... peaches..."

"Konohagakure..."

...

The long night passed, and dawn once again spread its light across the land.

Early in the morning, Rinjin walked out of the inn, clutching his head as if suffering from a hangover, his face full of exasperation.

Behind him, a man wearing a dog-faced mask, Tsuchinu, stumbled after him.

Tsuchinu's mission was to monitor, protect, and prevent Rinjin from making any unwise decisions.

As for what happened last night, Rinjin himself wasn't sure. Simply put, he had lost his memory. Although he didn't know what had transpired, every instinct and premonition in his body screamed at him not to think about it—absolutely not.

And being someone who was both pragmatic and a bit timid, Rinjin naturally decided not to dwell on it.

Walking ahead, Rinjin turned his head to look at Tsuchinu. "Dog Bro..."

Before he could finish, Tsuchinu took two swift steps back, hastily covering his eyes.

"D-d-don't turn your head! Don't make that motion! I'm freaking out here!" Tsuchinu shrieked.

Hearing this, Rinjin's face darkened instantly.

Damn it, this bastard. You're scared just because I turned my head? But hey, your high-pitched scream is quite impressive!

After calming Tsuchinu down, Rinjin led him to a dingy noodle shop.

"Ahem... Boss, two bowls of tonkotsu ramen, please."

Beside him, Tsuchinu weakly tugged at the shop owner's sleeve and timidly added, "Boss, I don't want any meat. No fish, no pork, nothing."

"Got it."

Soon, the ramen was served.

"I'm digging in!" Rinjin said as he broke apart his chopsticks and picked up a handful of noodles, ready to stuff them into his mouth.

Across from him, Tsuchinu screamed again.

"C-c-close your mouth!"

Rinjin was utterly speechless. Sure! Sure! I might've unleashed something I shouldn't have last night, but do you really have to be this terrified? And you call yourself an ANBU?

Under his mask, Tsuchinu rolled his eyes, let out a haughty snort, and carried his bowl of noodles to another table, where he began slurping away in a corner.

"...," Rinjin sighed, deciding to ignore the guy entirely. He dug into his ramen, his mind drifting back to the events of the previous day.

Yesterday, Hiruzen Sarutobi had informed him that Mizuguma was dead, and Rinjin had been devastated, feeling as though he'd lost a parent.

In his grief, he had rented a room at an inn.

At that time, Tsuchinu had been crouching silently on the ceiling beam.

Overwhelmed by sorrow, Rinjin hadn't noticed Tsuchinu's presence. He lay on the bed and released that... thing.

As a result, Tsuchinu, who witnessed everything, developed a psychological trauma due to Rinjin's slightly twisted actions.

Actually, calling it a "thing" wasn't entirely accurate.

Rinjin had merely temporarily suppressed all his morality, honor, responsibility, and any emotions that restrained him.

What remained was an utterly rational, morally unbound, and extremely deranged lunatic. Borrowing the madness of this persona, Rinjin had come up with a brilliant idea—a way to bring Mizuguma back.

The side effect, however, was indiscriminate mental contamination of those around him.

After all, in the face of something incomprehensible, the human mind is fragile and helpless.

But humanity's strength lies in this: I may not understand now, but once I figure it out—ha! Sorry, it's mine now!

Rinjin could tell that Tsuchinu was currently in this state. He was trying to adapt to Rinjin.

In simple terms, the guy was evolving—mentally fortifying himself.

And what's the benefit of that? Immunity to genjutsu, perhaps?

After all, genjutsu is created by ordinary, comprehensible ninja techniques.

If one could adapt to and accept Rinjin's mental contamination, then genjutsu would be child's play.

Glancing at Tsuchinu, who was sneakily stuffing noodles under his mask, Rinjin felt he should ask Hiruzen Sarutobi for some training fees.

After breakfast, Rinjin, now in high spirits, left the ramen shop and headed toward the Hokage's office.

...

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had just finished his beloved Biwako's breakfast, was once again immersed in his busy work.

However, his work was soon interrupted—Rinjin had arrived.

Looking at the young man before him, who seemed both unchanged and yet subtly different, Hiruzen felt a tinge of curiosity.

"Rinjin-kun, have you adjusted already?"

His curiosity was understandable. After all, only one night had passed since yesterday's events—it was almost unbelievable.

Still, he didn't doubt Rinjin's grief from before.

As someone who had experienced loss, Hiruzen could discern genuine emotions.

But the Rinjin before him now... this child was too mature! Mature to a rare degree!

Sighing silently, Hiruzen remembered his responsibilities as Hokage. Slowing his speech, he gently asked:

"Rinjin-kun, can you share your thoughts?"

Hearing this, Rinjin's lips curved into a slight smile. His gaze softened as he nodded. "It's simple: get stronger, then kill Hanzō of the Salamander and Kanda of the Salamander."

He wasn't lying, nor did he need to. He simply left out a few minor details.

Konohagakure was a crucial part of his revenge plan, and Hiruzen Sarutobi, the longest-serving Hokage, was not someone he could afford to deceive.

Hearing this, Hiruzen nodded slowly.

A very, very normal choice. Given what he knew about Rinjin, this petty guy seeking revenge was the most natural thing in the world.

"Is there anything I can help wi—" Hiruzen began, only to be interrupted by Rinjin's smile.

"Uncle Sarutobi, there's no need. This is a personal vendetta. If you intervene, it changes everything."

With that, Rinjin casually found a chair and sat down, completely at ease.

Facing Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't carry the same pressure as facing Tobirama Senju. It wasn't that Rinjin underestimated Hiruzen's intelligence, but this old schemer hadn't yet grown into a true master manipulator.

"Uncle, I accept the mission to Kumogakure. You can share the specific requirements and intelligence with me.

As for payment, could you help me retrieve Mizuguma's body?"

Hearing this, Hiruzen suddenly felt a pang in his heart, recalling a certain forbidden jutsu from the Scroll of Seals.

"That's doable. But Rinjin-kun, what do you plan to do with it?"

Noticing the fleeting frown on Hiruzen's face, Rinjin sighed inwardly. The plan his darker self had devised was indeed brilliant, but carrying it out always required countless lies.

With a wistful and sincere look in his eyes, Rinjin replied:

"I'd like you to help me bury him near Konohagakure, so I can visit him from time to time."

Hearing this, Hiruzen didn't completely relax, but he did feel a significant sense of relief.

"Alright! And the mission to Kumogakure?"

"No problem, Uncle. Just provide the operational funds; I'll handle the rest.

Oh, and don't cut off contact with Amegakure. We can't afford to be lenient when it comes to exploiting them."

Rinjin's tone was calm as he spoke.

If anyone else had said this to Hiruzen Sarutobi, he would've scoffed. But Rinjin's calm demeanor made him seem incredibly reliable.

After all, this guy was practically a miracle worker.

Despite having his identity as an Amegakure spy exposed, Rinjin had managed to live freely in Konohagakure, thriving and even saving money!

Such an improbable feat had been orchestrated entirely by this man.

Seeing Rinjin take on the mission, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long sigh of relief, already envisioning a future where Kumogakure was thoroughly infiltrated by Konohagakure. A smile crept onto his face.

Hmph! Hanzō of the Salamander is nothing but a blind salted fish. How could he fail to cherish such a super-talented spy?

Well, now he's mine—Hiruzen Sarutobi's!

What a win!

After discussing some details and agreeing to depart in three days, Rinjin politely bid farewell to Hiruzen Sarutobi and prepared to leave the Hokage's office.

"Wait, Rinjin-kun!"

Hiruzen suddenly seemed to remember something. Moving swiftly to his desk, he retrieved a scroll and handed it to Rinjin.

Rinjin gazed at Hiruzen with a faintly amused expression.

"Uncle, didn't I already tell you? My grudge against Hanzō of the Salamander is personal. If you intervene, it changes everything."

Hiruzen suddenly shed his Hokage persona, transforming into an ordinary middle-aged man.

Scratching his head with a sheepish grin, Hiruzen shoved the scroll into Rinjin's hands and said with a laugh:

"This is a little private help from your Uncle Sarutobi—just some of my research on chakra nature transformation. Hehe, consider it my support for you!"

For a moment, Rinjin was stunned. A warm feeling slowly welled up in his heart. Mimicking Hiruzen's gesture, he scratched his head and grinned.

"Then thank you, Uncle!"

After bidding farewell once more, Rinjin left the Hokage's office.

Back at his desk, Hiruzen Sarutobi still wore a lingering smile.

Remembering Rinjin's words from yesterday—"From now on, I'm not her brother!"—and his cheerful smile just now, Hiruzen suddenly had a moment of clarity.

Rinjin didn't distrust all authority figures, nor did he distrust Hiruzen himself.

He simply didn't trust politics.

...

Three days later, Rinjin, carrying a backpack and holding Rie's small hand, made his way to the grand Senju estate.

The traditional, elegant mansion stood with its wide gates open. At the entrance, a blonde girl with a high ponytail stood waiting.

Beside her was a dignified and graceful middle-aged woman.

It was none other than Tsunade and Mito Uzumaki.

When Tsunade saw Rinjin approaching, her previously sulky face instantly lit up with a radiant smile, and she waved enthusiastically.

"Rinjin! Over here, over here!"

Watching Tsunade's exuberant behavior from a distance, Rinjin turned his face away in mild exasperation and whispered to Rie beside him.

"Rie, this is your target. Be careful—this kind of craziness is contagious."

Hearing this, Rie puffed up her chubby little face and nodded solemnly.

"Don't worry, big brother! I'll do my best to perform well and infiltrate the Senju clan as soon as possible. I'll become Rie Senju!"

At those words, Rinjin's face instantly darkened.

This little brat! I told you to integrate into the Senju clan for protection, not to change your surname!

Ungrateful little rascal!

While mentally cursing Rie, Rinjin instinctively flicked the little girl on the head.

"Behave yourself! Who told you to change your surname?"

The little girl clutched her head with her chubby hands, her face full of defiance.

"Who said I changed it? I'm Sakuho Senju Rie!!!"

Hearing this, Rinjin was utterly speechless.

This kid is beyond saving!

What's next? Are you going to call yourself Sakuho Senju Uchiha Yamanaka Akimichi Nara Aburame Inuzuka Hyūga Rie?

Damn it, your mother's spirit will strangle you from the afterlife!

At that moment, Rinjin fell into deep self-doubt. Could it be? Could this little brat actually be the ultimate double agent?

Immortalizing her achievements by embedding them in her name for eternity?

The thought sent a shiver down his spine. He shook his head vigorously, trying to banish the terrifying idea.

Stop! Stop thinking, Sakuho Rinjin! You've been poisoned by this chubby little girl!

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Rinjin adjusted his mood and walked forward.

"Good day, Lady Mito. Good day, Princess Tsunade."

"Hello, Rinjin-kun." Mito Uzumaki greeted him with a gentle smile and a nod.

In response, Tsunade shot Rinjin an annoyed glare before quickly composing herself and nodding slightly.

"Hello, Rinjin."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Rinjin got straight to the point, intending to entrust Rie to Tsunade. However, before he could speak, Mito Uzumaki brought up the subject herself.

"Rinjin-kun, are you here to ask if your sister can stay with us for a while?"

Rinjin was momentarily stunned but quickly responded with a warm smile and a nod.

This sort of request should have come from him as the petitioner, not from Mito Uzumaki as the host. Clearly, the lady was extending a gesture of goodwill.

Perhaps it was because he had saved Tsunade, or maybe she knew something else. Regardless, goodwill was far better than hostility, especially for Rie.

With this in mind, Rinjin patted Rie's head and introduced her.

"Yes, this is my younger sister, Sakuho Rie."

At this, Mito Uzumaki stepped forward, crouched down in front of Rie, and looked at her chubby little face. Then, she smiled warmly.

"I've heard from Anko that Rie-chan is a very well-behaved child~" she said, reaching out a delicate hand to gently pat Rie's head.

Rie didn't flinch. She simply stared at Mito with her big, round eyes, her face full of innocence. To her, this mature woman seemed much like Aunt Anko.

Perhaps it was Mito's ability to sense malice that allowed her to express kindness so naturally. Her regal elegance exuded an unimaginable warmth, putting even the usually shy Rie at ease.

After patting Rie's head, Mito stood up and joked lightly:

"A few days ago, when Anko came back, she told me about Rie and how much she couldn't bear to part with such a sweet child. She even cried a little, you know~"

Hearing this, Rinjin lowered his head slightly and said, "I was too stubborn."

Then, he tentatively asked, "Lady Mito, do you know the surname Sakuho?"

Mito's eyes sparkled as she gave Rinjin a subtle glance before nodding gracefully.

Seeing this, Rinjin was inwardly alarmed. It seemed this woman knew no less than Hiruzen Sarutobi!

He even had a feeling that if she were to take over as Hokage, she might handle things far more adeptly than Hiruzen ever could.

Impressive!

With a silent sigh, Rinjin decided to be forthright.

"Since you already know, I'll speak plainly.

Rie has nothing to do with my background. She's just a poor little girl.

I promised her mother I'd take care of her until she's grown."

Beside him, Rie clung tightly to Rinjin's hand and muttered softly, "Not until I'm grown—until forever."

"Ahem..." Rinjin cleared his throat and continued, "Until... forever.

But I do have responsibilities. As you know, someone like me doesn't have the freedom to choose. I can't take her wandering from place to place, living in constant fear. So, I humbly ask you to look after her for a while—three years, at most."

As he spoke, Rinjin opened the suitcase he was carrying, revealing neatly stacked bills amounting to one million ryō.

"This is for her living expenses. Please accept it."

With that, Rinjin bowed deeply, his face full of sincerity.

Beside him, Rie also bowed respectfully, following Rinjin's lead. Sometimes, this little girl could be mature enough to break one's heart.

Seeing this, Tsunade, who had remained silent, bit her lip and looked longingly at her grandmother. After all, in this household, Mito's word was final.

Mito Uzumaki didn't keep Rinjin waiting. She nodded solemnly and said, "Rest assured, leave Rie to me!"

Hearing this, Rinjin felt a wave of relief wash over him. With a touch of melancholy, he gently placed Rie's small hand in Mito's.

"Thank you!"

With that, Rinjin bowed once more, then turned and left without looking back.

Behind him, three females of varying ages stood hand in hand, watching his retreating figure.

Rie could no longer hold back her tears. Her big eyes brimmed with tears as she called out to Rinjin's back.

"Big brother! If you don't come back in three years, Rie will... will bring Mako and the others to find you!"

At these words, Rinjin stumbled mid-step and fell flat on his face.

Seeing her brother's misfortune, Rie burst into laughter. Her chubby little face was a mix of tears and smiles as she murmured, "Big brother, come back soon!"

Tsunade watched the siblings, her heart a swirl of emotions. She didn't want Rinjin to leave, but she also deeply envied the bond they shared.

"Grandma, I want a little brother or sister too," Tsunade said, pouting at Mito.

Beside her, Rie wiped her tears haphazardly and suddenly grinned like Rinjin.

"Tsunade-neechan, you should ask your parents for one. Grandma Mito can only give you uncles and aunts!"

Hearing this, Tsunade's face instantly darkened.

On Rie's chubby little face, Tsunade saw the spitting image of Rinjin.

These two really were siblings through and through!

But the thought of having a sister like this made Tsunade's face darken even more.

Forget it. A little brother will do. Sisters are just not my thing!

Mito chuckled warmly, holding Tsunade and Rie's hands as they walked into the mansion.

Deep within her mind, a massive nine-tailed fox lay lazily before a giant iron gate, letting out a haughty laugh.

"Well now, Mito girl, it seems your granddaughter has taken a liking to quite the remarkable fellow!"

"Is that so?" Mito replied, her curiosity piqued as she looked at Kurama. In her inner world, her regal demeanor gave way to a hint of playfulness.

"Kurama, have you figured something out?"

The Nine-Tails didn't answer immediately. Its slightly open pupils slowly narrowed into slits.

"It's been too long! I don't remember anymore.

But if you get the chance, you could plant that guy in the ground. Who knows? Maybe something interesting will grow."

With that, the Nine-Tails closed its eyes, adopting an expression that signaled it would say no more.

In the courtyard of the Senju estate, Mito gazed at the gently flowing stream in the distance and murmured softly.

"Plant him in the ground, huh?"