Infiltrating the Hidden Stone Village

== Synopsis ==
The genin decide Inojin should stay behind because taking the Akuta with them would attract too much attention. If anything happens to the others, Inojin is to return to Konohagakure with the Akuta as evidence. They hope Ōnoki can help him find out more about the ones Mitsuki left with. Naruto, Sai, and Shikamaru discuss sending men to Iwagakure, since they can no longer contact Kurotsuchi, despite the risk of igniting a conflict. Konohamaru arrives and requests to be assigned to the mission, even after Naruto stresses the diplomatic implications. Konohamaru disguises himself as an Anbu and departs. Boruto, Sarada, Shikadai, and Chōchō notice no extra security on the main entrance, but decide to follow the water mains on the sides. In the cave where they were left, Inojin makes a grave for a dead animal the Akuta finds. From the normal appearance of things in Iwagakure, Shikadai surmises that Kokuyō was no ordinary shinobi, and is likely affiliated with a clandestine group with no formal ties to Iwagakure. While discussing their next step, Chōchō's stomach growls loudly, drawing attention from the crowd, including Akatsuchi. They draw attention of a diner owner, and get in to eat so Chōchō will stop drawing attention. Their knowledge of Ōnoki impresses the diner owner, and they get him to tell them where Ōnoki lives. Akatsuchi follows them from a distance. Inojin has the Akuta pick a new name for itself, and it picks Akkun. The genin arrive at Ōnoki's residence, and are met by Akatsuchi, who informs them the Hokage told them they might show up, and that Kurotsuchi has disappeared, while a cover story was released. He tells them Ōnoki is probably in the old part of Iwagakure, and that he'll be happy to see someone he invited. Akatsuchi takes them to see Ōnoki, who is happy to see them, but denies being able to help them. After he leaves, the genin and Akatsuchi are attacked by a group of Akuta. Kū arrives and addresses Ōnoki as his father and superior, telling him that the test subject is ready, shocking everyone.
== Credits ==