Chapter 100: Information Leak

"Damn it, who actually leaked the information!"

In the Hokage Office, Qianshou Feijian sat at his desk with a gloomy expression.

After Hashirama's death, he clearly sealed the news immediately, and almost no one knew about it.

Yet the next day, Konoha already spread the news of Senju Hashirama's death.

It wasn't just the Village; the entire Ninja World heard it!

The heads of the major clans came to him to inquire about the news.

Qianshou Feijian could only claim that the news of Hashirama's death was false.

"He's already retired now, staying at home with his granddaughter."

Qianshou Feijian understood that this couldn't be hidden for long; before it was fully exposed, preparations had to be made.

If his prediction was correct, other nations were already stirring.

Those Kage would definitely send a large number of spies to Konoha to gather information.

If they learned the news was true, they would launch a war without hesitation.

He had thought the news of his elder brother's death could be concealed for a while, but the leak spread across the Ninja World, completely derailing his plan.

Qianshou Feijian could only fabricate the illusion that Senju Hashirama was still alive, to buy more development time.

"Go fetch Lian Ye," Qianshou Feijian said to the corner.

"Yes!" a ninja wearing an animal Mask left the office.

It is an organization he established after becoming Hokage, called the ANBU.

The original purpose of forming the ANBU was to consolidate the Hokage's authority.

Under the current system, the Hokage can mobilize ninja families' combat power during war, but cannot directly control it.

In essence, ninjas still answer to their clan heads, not the Hokage.

Thus Qianshou Feijian created the ANBU, an absolutely reliable ninja force that the Hokage could command.

Because the Uchiha Clan had established the Konoha Security Force in the Village.

The Uchiha were already a great clan, and possessing law‑enforcement authority made other families uneasy.

Qianshou Feijian exploited this sentiment, forming the ANBU which absorbed ninjas from the various clans.

ANBU members wear masks to conceal their actions, severing ties with their original clans, and over time they become loyal only to the Hokage.

……

"Uncle, I'm here," Lian Ye pushed the door open and entered.

"Kid, the information has leaked," Qianshou Feijian rubbed his forehead.

This matter was clearly sealed, how could it be exposed so quickly?

If it had been longer, people might have just noticed a clue.

But this is only the next day!

He had already locked up the participants and interrogated them.

In the end he found that they hadn't leaked the news at all…

Now only three people have not been interrogated.

Xuanwo Mizuto, Gangshou, and Lian Ye.

Qianshou Feijian didn't think they would leak the information, so he didn't interrogate the three.

"I understand, what should we do now?" Lian Ye asked.

On his way here he had already heard villagers spreading the news of Senju Hashirama's death, so he knew the matter was exposed.

At this point, if the situation can't be suppressed, Konoha will be in trouble.

"The matter can't stay hidden for long…" Qianshou Feijian's face turned sour, "Spies from other nations are probably already on their way."

"During this period, you should lead a squad, intensify patrols of the Village, and never let spies get in."

He cannot institute large‑scale alerts directly, as that would reveal that Konoha has nothing to hide here.

He can only use this method to delay the major ninja villages from learning the truth.

In Qianshou Feijian's view, this war is inevitable.

Facing the fertile lands of the Fire Country, almost no nation could endure.

Unless he surrenders without fighting, choosing to cede land and pay reparations.

Qianshou Feijian would never do that!

Even if he dies in battle, surrender is not an option.

As soon as a surrender opening is made, Konoha Village is finished!

"Let Ri Zhan and his team patrol the Village with you," Qianshou Feijian added.

He recalled that the Rizhan Squad had just returned from a mission not long ago.

With their strength, they are sufficient for Village patrols.

Konoha Village has a Perception Barrier; the Perception Squad handles detection, and upon spotting a spy infiltrating the Village, they can send Lian Ye and others to capture the spy.

"Got it, Uncle," Lian Ye turned and prepared to leave.

"By the way…" Qianshou Feijian called him back, "Don't tell anyone about the elder brother's matter."

Lian Ye's steps paused, and he replied softly, "Mm."

Even without Qianshou Feijian's reminder, he wouldn't say it.

The fewer people who know the truth, the better.

After Lian Ye left, Qianshou Feijian went to the window, gazing at the prosperous Konoha, his thoughts unknown.

"Elder brother, I will not allow anyone to destroy the Village you built."

"Give the order, Konoha, prepare for war!"

————————

"Lian Ye, is the First Elder's matter true?"

Konoha Training Ground, Yuanfei Rizhan couldn't help but ask.

When those words were spoken, everyone subconsciously looked at Lian Ye.

When they learned of this news, their first thought was disbelief.

Konoha's First Hokage, the legendary God of Ninja!

How could he have died so easily?!

In their understanding, Senju Hashirama could not possibly die.

Amid the tense gazes of the crowd, Lian Ye said, "This news is false."

Hearing this, several people couldn't help but sigh in relief.

"Ha ha, I knew it was a rumor," Mizuto Menyan said with a laugh.

"That's right, how could the First Elder possibly die?" Zhi Cun Tuan Zang agreed.

"Why doesn't the teacher arrest those who spread rumors?" Uchiha Jing said softly.

"Perhaps the uncle has his own considerations," Lian Ye explained.

"I think Lian Ye is right; the teacher has the teacher's thoughts," Yuanfei Rizhan said with a look of agreement.

Compared to those who casually spread rumors, they are still more willing to believe Lian Ye.

"Lian Yejun, why did you call us here?" Zhuan Qin Xiaochun looked puzzled.

Only then did the few recall this matter, and they all looked at Lian Ye.

"The uncle wants us to cooperate with the Perception Squad to capture the spy who infiltrated the Village," Lian Ye said.

Upon hearing this, the few's expressions grew serious.

This matter concerns the Village's safety and must be handled cautiously.

Lian Ye began assigning tasks, "Two per team, patrol Konoha with the Perception Squad."

————————

"Did you hear? God of Shinobi Senju Hashirama is dead!"

In a tavern in the Ninja World, several wandering ninjas talked loudly.

"Is the information accurate?"

"This news came from the Exchange House, about eighty percent true."

"Tsk tsk, even such a great figure can die..."

Hearing the few's conversation, a man in a black robe in the corner set down his chopsticks.

The wide hood concealed his face in shadow, making it impossible to see his features.

"Hashirama... is he dead?"

With Senju Hashirama's death, the Ninja World no longer has anyone who can interest him.

The black‑robed man, his face hidden under the hood, showed a complex expression, his pupils flashing a scarlet hue.

"This time I have won, Hashirama."