Escape From Konoha
Chapter 211: 207: Spy

"Drug No. 11 has been taken thirteen times since January, and Drug No. 17 has been taken 16 times in total... Both drugs helps to regulate the body of pregnant women."

The male medical ninja handling the report seemed to be growing suspicious. However, for a young medical ninja running errands for his superiors, he remained unaware of the intended recipients of these two drugs.

"Director Asami, is a certain important person in the village pregnant?"

The numbered drugs were internal drugs discreetly circulated by the Hospital. This specific type of drugs were only accessible to a very limited number of people. The reason behind this exclusivity was the expensive nature of the ingredients and the complicated production process, making them unsuitable for widespread use.

If not for a important figure being pregnant, these two drugs would have no reason for being used. Ordinary pregnant women didn't receive such high-standard treatment. After all, the ninjas coming to collect them were all wearing Anbu uniforms. Whoever was taking the drugs had to be a key figure in Konoha.

"Don't dive too deep into this unless you want an invitation from the Anbu for a tea session."

The young woman, referred to as "Director Asami" by the male medical ninja, warned her junior colleague sternly.

"Of course, I know. I was just a little curious."

"Too much curiosity will kill the cat. You might disappear from the world when you least expect it."

"It's not that serious... right?" The male medical ninja shrank.

"I'm just joking, but don't explore things like this. Our department is only responsible for making, dispensing, and distributing drugs. Deciding who gets them is a matter for the village's senior management. The previous director of the department was curious as we, and that's why he got replaced."

They held an important role among Konoha Hospital's various departments. The department meticulously recorded the dispensing and distribution work within the hospital, detailing who could access the drugs. Of course, some information might not be documented in the files or required special permission to access. So, crucial aspect of this department was avoiding curiosity.

But in several instances, this department handled the dispensing of drugs for high-ranking figures. The names of the druge were covered with numbers, and even the Anbu, responsible for retrieving them, remained ignorant of their name or characteristics.

As a result, some internal medical ninjas couldn't help but express frustration, particularly when high-ranking officials dispatched Anbu to collect peculiar drugs. And those in charge of records in their free time, they'd try to satisfy their curiosity by exploring.

Such curiosity often led to severe consequences. The former director of the department met this fate due to excessive curiosity, imprisoned and likely to never see the outside world again.

Now, Asami Masumi was in charge of the department. An ordinary-looking woman in her twenties, unmarried, and a graduate of Konoha's first medical ninja experimental class from an external perspective. She graduated with top marks from the experimental class, earning commendation from Tsunade.

She was familiar with the characteristics of various medicinal materials, skilled in purifying them, possessed a good memory, and had an unmatched ability to formulate new types of anesthetics by herself. Her outstanding contribution to anesthetics in Konoha Hospital garnered her attention from high-ranking officials.

She actively participated in the second and third Ninja World Wars, displaying exceptional performance in the logistics department of Konoha's frontline troops.

After the Land of Rain War, she returned to Konoha with Orochimaru's troops, securing an important position in Konoha Hospital. After that, she rose to become the director of the pharmacy department. With her stellar details, she managed the department flawlessly and became one of the most senior cadres in the Konoha Hospital system. The remarkable aspect was achieving this position before turning thirty. The prospect of her promotion to director in the future seemed entirely possible.

After the male medical ninja finished the report, he left the office. Asami operated the computer, typing some information.

Wearing a white coat, black curly hair hanging down to her shoulders, black-framed glasses on her chest, and presenting a simple and ordinary appearance, she belonged to the type that blended seamlessly into a crowd.

Though her department, despite its simple appearance, might not be well-known, it was an indispensable and crucial institution in the hospital. Her memory allowed her to know everything about who took the drugs and what kind of drugs was involved.

Within Konoha, she might not know every ninja, but she was familiar with the health status of at least 3,000 ninjas..Without deliberately collecting information, she could collect significant details by sorting through data while sitting in her office all day.

It took about an hour to complete the information entry.

After finishing these tasks, Asami made herself a cup of tea, she began idly reading a medical book from the beginning.

Occupying Room 323 on the third floor of the Konoha Hospital building, only the personnels of the pharmacy department visited her. As the director, she didn't need to handle the routine tasks of dispensing medicines herself. She spent more time reading, managing, and researching new drugs.

With two fixed holidays a week, from nine to five, unless there were special circumstances, this was her designated work and rest time. The rest of her time was freely allocated..It could be described as a leisurely life, enjoying a high salary every month – a position many Konoha ninjas dreamed of.

As Asami flipped through the book, she suddenly noticed something, raising her brows and looking to the side.

A dark humanoid creature mysteriously emerged from the floor, staring directly at her.

"Hello, what's your name?"

Asami turned around, not standing up from her sit, just extending her hand, asking the newcomer.

"Black zetsu."

Black zetsu refrained from shaking hands with her.

Not caring, Asamk withdrew her hand and said, "I know the situation, but i didn't anticipate you appearance so soon. Here, this is what you need." Asami took out a file from the drawer and handed it to Black zetsu.

Black zetsu took it, replaceing no issues. Before contacting 'Masumi Asami', he had done some preparatory work on her background. An outstanding student of Konoha's first medical ninja experimental class, Chiba Shiraishi, who had defected from Konoha, was also a medical ninja from that same class.

Besides having excellent medical ninjutsu, she was a special Jonin with good strength and, she seemed to be an outstanding sensory ninja. Medical ninja, special jonin, sensory ninja, and the director of Konoha's Pharmacy Department – truly an advanced spy. It was undeniable that Konoha's medical system had huge loopholes.

Black zetsu also knew now knew how the information about the Nine Tails Jinchuriki leaked. With such a high-level spy implanted in Konoha Hospital, one could uncover important information with a bit of trickery.

After obtaining what he needed, Black zetsu sneaked into the ground and disappeared. For both parties, it was merely a temporary cooperation transaction, driven by a common enemy – Konoha. Perhaps future opportunities for such cooperation might arise. However, he couldn't help but wonder if this was the only spy they had placed in Konoha.

Exposing this spy without hesitation suggested that they werent6 afraid of exposure or that even if exposed, the Hospital would likely be under surveillance. Therefore, the presence of another spy in the hospital was highly possible.

...

Returning to the base, Black zetsu handed over the acquired files to Nagato.

Nagato opened the file, looked at it for about ten minutes, and eventually closed it, releasing a long breath.

"I didn't expect it to be so detailed; it was like witnessing the scene in person."

The spies planted within Konoha by them were exceptionally good, collecting a wealth of important information without arousing suspicion. Even Nagato couldn't detect any traps. At most, they they wanted to use use power to keep konoha busy or even weaken them.

"Masumi Asami, twenty-four years old, a skilled ninja, meticulous and cautious in her actions, has numerous connections in Konoha. She is the director of the Pharmacy Department and also a sensory ninja." Black zetsu relayed the information he had gathered.

This information also proved the remarkable effectiveness of the spy strategically placed within Konoha. At the age of twenty-four, to hold such an important position in Konoha Hospital, Asami Masumi had an impressive medical ninja resume.

What made her even more formidable was her status as a special jounin, indicating her abilities in combat. However, this might also be a disguise, as there was an elusive, mysterious aura about her that made Black zetsu sense she was more dangerous than an ordinary jonin.

"Twenty-four years old... She and Chiba Shiraishi were born at the same time."

"Yes. Both were part of the first batch of students in the first medical ninja class, with her graduating as the second best student at that time. They are exceptional medical ninjas with remarkable abilities."

"Can you make a guess when she joined Chiba Shiraishi?"

Black zetsu shook his head, "Chiba Shiraishi, Uchiha Ruri, and Hyuga Ayane – these three have been in the same class since childhood. Madara-sama began paying attention to them after they defected. However, we lack the details to investigate the arrangements they made in Konoha before leaving."

In other words, when Asami Masumi became affiliated with those three people, Black zetsu couldn't figure it out. Even Konoha seemed oblivious to this. That meant whenthey recruited Asami Masumi, they must have done so covertly. Her ability to get the position of the director of the at the age of twenty-four might have also been done with their help behind the scenes.

"Amazing."

"Yes." Black zetsu nodded. He knew that these three people posed a serious threat, potentially even more significant than the threat from Konoha.

The current cooperation was merely a result of a shared enemy – Konoha – causing them to set aside their previous prejudices. However, the duration of this unspoken agreement remained uncertain, and no one could predict such matters.

"We'll be heading to Konoha to make some arrangements in advance and.. inform the woman we will need her help. Since we've decided to act against Konoha, it's only fair for them to offer some support."

Nagato didn't believe that Chiba Shiraishi's provision of information was merely a show of goodwill or a transaction of mutual convenience. So, allowing the spies in Konoha to contribute further could enhance the success of their surprise attack on Konoha.

...

As the war briefly subsided, Konoha experienced positive recovery effects in various aspects after receiving large amount of funds from the Land of Fire.

For instance, since February of the current year, the number of newborns in Konoha had been on the rise. Konoha Hospital's research indicated an upcoming baby boom in the next few years.

This surge was attributed to Konoha's victory in the war, with many families emerging from the pain of losing their loved ones. Families that made significant contributions during the war received huge amount of supplies, reducing the financial burden on these households and enabling them to focus on growing their families.

Walking out of the conference room, Asami stood out as one of the few executives at the Hospital. Despite her youth, she possessed outstanding abilities, effectively managing the pharmaceutical department and earning the trust of her subordinates and colleagues.

Leaving the meeting room, Asami made her way to the pharmacy. Due to the baby boom, the Hospital's latest plan focused on drugs in this area.

While they could purchase supplies from the Land of Demons, they refrained from putting all their eggs in one basket. Recognizing the potential risks of relying solely on an outside medical company, Konoha had retained the proposal to develop new drugs. The responsibility for drug development fell within the domain of the pharmacy department.

Visiting the pharmacy this time was about finalizing specific types and quantities of drugs, determining the next drug development plan. Despite being the director, her ability to develop drugs wasn't the strongest in the department. However, her adept coordination skills among the various department members justified her role. This department had attracted numerous elite drug researchers in the village, and the researchers boasted resumes that were just as impressive as hers.

"Thanks."

Asami's thought was interrupted by an immature voice.

At a window stood a child of around five or six, receiving various medical supplies from the staff. She quickly deduced the purposes of the supplies in the child's hands. Part was intended for pregnant women, and the rest, bandages and wound, were allocated for ninjas who might get injured during training.

Noticing the Uchiha Clan emblem on the kid's clothes, Asami realized that the drugs for pregnant women were meant for someone else. However, the bandages and that for injuries intrigued her.

'Had the kid started intense physical training at such a young age?' Asami wondered.

There were signs of muscle strain on his arms and calves showing a practice regimen that was already excessive for a child. Moreover, his age suggested that he wasn't a student at the academy.

"It's best not to exercise for more than four hours a day; otherwise, your body won't be able to support it." Asami reminded the Uchiha kid as she passed by.

Ninja training differed significantly from that of ordinary people. Even a continuous four-hour exercise regimen was hard and completely different unlike the physical exercise for ordinary people.

Obviously, the kid's approach to training clearly aligns with ninjas, focused on combat than simple body strengthening.

"Huh?" The kid seemed surprised but politely bowed to her. "Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine." He said before walking away.

Shaking her head, Asami observed the kid had a distinct and independent sense of self-esteem.

From a ninja's perspective, such traits might be considered powerful, but it also involved overdrawing the potential of the growing body. Regardless of physical strength, every human body has its limits, and surpassing these limits can result in hidden injuries bursting out later on in their life.

Casually mentioning this concern, she acknowledged the kid's choice in choosing how to use the medicines she provided. As a pharmacist, her role was to offer medications and advice, and she had no authority to intervene in how the buyers chose to use them.

"Director Asami." a staff member called out respectfully.

"Who is that kid?" Asami asked with interest.

"I believe his name is Uchiha Itachi. He usually comes here with his mother, Uchiha Mikoto, who's expecting. He helps take care of her."

"Uchiha clan? Their police force hasn't had the best reputation." Asami said recalling her impressions of the Uchiha.

The Uchiha Police Force overlapped with Anbu's responsibilities, and their authority allowed them to directly arrest people with solid evidence. This sometimes led to an arrogant attitude, fostering fear and resentment among the villagers and other ninjas in Konoha.

"Yes, but this kid is different. He's very polite, and sometimes assisting the staff in patient care. His actions are even more careful than some of the nurses. We could use more polite and well-cultivated ninjas from the Uchiha clan." The staff member praised.

Asami nodded. Seeing how the staff liked the qualities of the boy named Uchiha Itachi. After obtaining information about the remaining drugs in the pharmacy, she returned to her office. Upon entering, she sensed an unusual chakra in the room.

"Come out. Although your camouflage is mysterious, I'm no ordinary sensory nin." Asami said locking the door behind her. Turning around, she found 'Black zetsu' there.

"The information should have been passed on, so any more transaction between use should have ended." Asami stated.

"Our leader hopes you can provide some more help."

Putting on her black-rimmed glasses, Asami sneered, understanding the implied request. "Sorry, I'm just an intel officer. Poisoning and assassination aren't within my professional scope. The information had already been provided to you, and how you use it is your business. Don't expect any more help from me."

"Aren't you afraid that we will reveal your identity?"

"You can try and see if I can escape from Konoha after being exposed." Asami stared blankly at Black zetsu.

Unable to replace any flaws in her demeanor, Black zetsu realized that she was unlikely to provide further assistance.

"Are you truly a spy with principles? Forget it. When the day comes, do remember to conceal yourself properly to avoid dying untimely. Otherwise, it might affect our future cooperation." Black zetsu warned before melting into the ground, disappearing.

Asami paid little attention to Black zetsu's departure, focusing on her role as the director. Her responsibility was to pass on information, not to engage in assassinations. Seeking success in her position within the hospital was the best request she could make of herself.

...

Shiraishi had made all the necessary preparations, awaiting the day of the Kirigakure coup.

In late September, almost approaching October, Yagura sent two items from Kirigakure.

The Dual Lightning Sword, Kiba - One of the seven ninja swords passed down through generations in Kiri, it was a sword that harnessed lightning, significantly increasing the power of lightning release. The delivery of this sword indicated that Yagura was preparing to make a move, and Kiba was intended for Ameyuri Ringo.

The second item was a scroll containing critical information. After unlocking the seal and scanning its contents, Shiraishi frowned.

"The wielder of Samehada... Isn't that Suikaza Fuguki?"

Quickly closing the scroll, he walked out of the office with Kiba and headed towards where Ringo was.

The Kiri swordsmen would more effectively resolve disputes among themselves.

----

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