Tanokuni's Underground Bounty Office
Jiaodu had just completed a bounty mission and was counting his earnings at the counter, a satisfied smirk on his face.
To him, nothing was more gratifying than the crisp sound of ryo bills.
As he flipped through the money, he suddenly stopped, plucking out a worn banknote. With a slight frown, he handed it to the nearby clerk.
"This one's too old. Replace it."
"Right away, Lord Jiaodu." The clerk swiftly swapped it for a fresh bill, not daring to question him.
Just then, the bounty office manager stepped forward, his voice hushed.
"Lord Jiaodu, we just received an S-rank mission."
Jiaodu's eyes gleamed. S-rank meant big money.
"How much?" he asked immediately.
"Fifteen million ryo."
Without hesitation, Jiaodu shut his money box and stood up.
"I'll take it."
The manager hesitated before adding, "This mission is top secret. Once accepted, there's no turning back. Also, the client has placed restrictions—each bounty office can assign only one person."
Jiaodu scoffed, waving dismissively.
"Then it's mine. You know my strength."
The manager nodded and retrieved a secured scroll from the safe, handing it over.
"The target is Chiriku, the head monk of the Fire Temple."
Jiaodu raised an eyebrow.
"A monk? For that price?"
"Chiriku isn't just any monk—he's one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja. But the client is strict: the assassination must happen before he enters the Land of Fire."
Jiaodu smirked as he read the details.
"Fifteen million is plenty. I'll take care of him. While I'm at it, I might as well pick off a few others in Yuno Country."
---
Yuno Country – Rose Street
Five days later, Minato Namikaze and his team escorted Chiriku toward Yuno Temple.
Rose Street, nestled at the base of the temple, was alive with activity. Buddhist monks and followers from across the continent had gathered for a major debate.
As Chiriku passed through the street, believers on both sides dropped to their knees in reverence, pressing their hands together in prayer.
Minato took in the sight before falling back slightly, letting Chiriku take the lead. Uchiha Tunan and Kakashi followed behind him.
Chiriku paused every few steps, bowing in greeting to his followers.
When they finally reached the temple's base and left the crowd behind, Minato wiped his forehead with a grin.
"Master Chiriku, you're quite the celebrity."
Uchiha Tunan observed the monk carefully.
"They respect him… not out of fear, but from true faith."
Chiriku glanced back, his expression calm.
"They do not follow me. They follow the path of the Buddha."
For a moment, admiration flickered in Tunan's eyes.
Then Chiriku's brows furrowed. He had sensed something—an unsettling presence. He turned slightly and looked at Tunan.
"Tell me, young one… what kind of person do you wish to become?"
Tunan adjusted his glasses, considering the question.
"Before my father died, he told me to be a kind person. A man of virtue. Someone untainted by corruption."
Minato smiled, reaching out to ruffle Tunan's hair.
"I believe you will."
But Chiriku remained silent.
Through his spiritual training, he had developed the "Mind's Eye," an ability to sense the intent within others.
And what he felt from Tunan… was unsettling.
Was it merely an error in judgment? Or was there something deeper?
Chiriku pressed his palms together.
"Keep the sutra I gave you. If you ever feel lost, come to the Fire Temple."
By then, they had reached the summit.
A group of monks stood at the entrance, palms pressed in greeting. Leading them was Abbot Huizong, who stepped forward.
"Master Chiriku, welcome."
Chiriku returned the greeting.
"Abbot Huizong, it's been too long."
"The debate is tomorrow. Please rest here tonight."
"Much appreciated."
---
Nightfall
Uchiha Tunan and Kakashi took turns standing guard.
Kakashi handled the first shift. Tunan took the second.
The crescent moon cast a dim glow over the temple grounds.
Inside, Chiriku sat in silent meditation before a golden Buddha statue.
Outside, Tunan remained motionless near the entrance. But his mind was far from still.
His white doves, enhanced with Sharingan, scouted Rose Street. Through their eyes, he saw everything.
Scattered throughout the city, he detected several chakra signatures. Most belonged to Yuno Country's ninja, likely stationed to maintain order.
Then… something caught his attention.
A lone figure. Moving with deliberate, controlled steps.
His chakra was immense.
Tunan's Sharingan flared, narrowing the field of vision.
The image sharpened.
Jiaodu.
The rogue ninja was lying on a hotel bed. But suddenly, he tensed.
He turned sharply toward the window, his instincts flaring.
But he saw nothing. Just the empty street below.
"Tch. Must be my imagination."
The eerie feeling faded. Reluctantly, Jiaodu lay back down.
On the rooftop, a white dove spread its wings and silently took flight.
Tunan exhaled, his expression unreadable.
"His awareness is terrifying… But why is he here?"
His fingers curled slightly.
"It's unlikely he's after me. My bounty isn't worth much."
Just then, the door behind him creaked open.
Tunan turned slightly as Chiriku stepped into the moonlight. The monk's expression was solemn.
"Master Chiriku, still awake?" Tunan asked, his tone polite.
Chiriku didn't answer immediately. Instead, he sat beside Tunan and gazed at the night sky.
"I felt something just now. A dark presence."
Tunan let the silence stretch before murmuring,
"Did it come from me?"
Chiriku's gaze didn't waver.
"You are a shinobi. Darkness follows all who walk that path. But I am a monk… it is my duty to guide those who stray."
The pale moonlight cast a glow over Tunan's face.
For a long time, he said nothing.
Then, in a quiet voice, he asked:
"Master… do you wish to save me?"