Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Has It Come to This? No One Believes the Truth Anymore?

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Has It Come to This? No One Believes the Truth Anymore?



Takuya put on a wide-brimmed sun hat, carefully tucking his hair underneath. After checking his reflection in the mirror and confirming that he looked less conspicuous, he finally felt satisfied.

"Tsk, having a face like a celebrity really makes it hard to sneak around and enjoy some good drama," Takuya mused to himself. Even he hadn't anticipated the impact of simply sending Snowy to post a few sheets of paper.

The Third Hokage must be tearing his hair out by now.

"Going to watch the show, huh..." Kushina didn't quite know what to say.

Fortunately, she had to stay with Nami, so she couldn't follow Takuya around. If Takuya wanted to enjoy the chaos on his own, she wouldn't stop him.

Outside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was electric.

Owners of the hot springs and bathhouses were standing around, demanding a reasonable explanation from the Third Hokage.

"So, this 'Telescope Technique'... is it really that powerful?"

"It can even let you see people bathing in the bathhouses."

"Shhh, keep your voice down! My cousin's friend already tried it, and it's crystal clear. We're in for a real treat, hehehe..."

"Make sure you include me, or I might just report you."

Listening to the whispered conversations of the villagers around him, Takuya had to stifle his laughter, his sides aching from trying not to burst out.

The faces of the hot springs and bathhouse owners had darkened considerably.

Perched comfortably in a tree not too far from the Hokage's office, Takuya found a good spot to watch the drama unfold, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Inside the Hokage's office, nearly every jōnin who wasn't out on duty had gathered in the conference room. The room, which was usually half-empty, was now filled to capacity.

The Third Hokage, along with Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, were the last to arrive. As they walked into the conference room, they noticed Tsunade sitting in Danzo's usual seat. They took their places without comment.

"Ahem!" The Third Hokage cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention before he began speaking.

"I'm sure you've all heard about what happened this morning. There's no need to go over the details again. The village needs to conduct a thorough sweep for spies. I hope you all take this matter seriously. If the ANBU requires your cooperation, please offer your full support."

"Wait!" Tsunade's hand shot up as soon as the Hokage finished speaking.

Everyone turned to look at her, and the Third Hokage's face twitched slightly as he forced himself to ask, "Tsunade, do you have any questions?"

Koharu and Homura exchanged nervous glances, subtly trying to signal Tsunade to hold her tongue.

But Tsunade either didn't notice or chose to ignore them as she asked, "As I recall, only the Hokage knows the Telescope Technique, correct? So how did it get leaked, and are the hand seals and sequence that were leaked accurate?"

As she exited the Hokage's office, Tsunade didn't even glance at the crowd gathered outside. Instead, she looked around before zeroing in on the tree where Takuya was perched.

"How did you know I'd be here watching the show?"

"The old man's been having you followed this whole time. If he's in trouble and you don't show up, that would be weird."

Hopping over to a nearby branch, Tsunade sat down and kept her eyes fixed on Takuya, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

"Why are you staring at me? Did I get even more handsome?" Takuya teased, running a hand

over his face.

Could you be any more full of yourself? Tsunade nearly choked, her expression turning

dangerously sharp.

"Was this your doing?"

"Yep, it was me," Takuya replied nonchalantly, nodding as if it were the most obvious thing

in the world. "And I'm planning to leak all the forbidden jutsu from the Scroll of Seals next. Then our dear Hokage will really be done for."

Yeah, right, like I'd believe that! Tsunade had only asked on a whim, but Takuya's immediate confession made it impossible to take him seriously.

He was just a kid, but his ability to lie so convincingly was impressive. Who'd actually buy into

that?

"This whole mess is going to have a huge impact. The Telescope Technique has definitely been leaked, and it's probably already been passed on to spies from other villages. There's no way to take it back now," Tsunade mused, more to herself than anyone else.

"The bathhouses and hot springs are probably going to see their business plummet after this. But maybe that's for the best-at least certain people won't have an excuse to keep peeping."

"..."

Watching Tsunade muttering to herself, Takuya rolled his eyes.

I told the truth, and she doesn't believe me. How has it come to this?

Humans really are complicated creatures. When you lie, they believe you. But when you tell the truth,

they don't.

"If the bathhouses and hot springs close down, so what? It doesn't really affect me. Worst case, I'll just go soak in a hot spring outside the village."

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