Chapter 10

The old bar tucked away in Konoha's quiet corner was nearly empty tonight. Just the soft clink of glasses and murmured conversations filled the air, mixed with the familiar scents of sake and cooking from the kitchen. In the darkest corner, three people sat together – a sight that would've drawn every eye in the village if anyone had been paying attention.

The Sannin hadn't gathered like this in decades, though they'd done it before. First for Nawaki, Orochimaru's student lost in the Second Great War. Then again when Jiraiya's three students died in the Rain. Now they were here for Tsunade, and for Shizune.

Tsunade knocked back another cup of sake, her hands trembling slightly as she set it down. Her eyes were red and puffy, dark circles underneath telling the story of sleepless nights. Jiraiya sat close beside her, all his usual jokes forgotten. Across from them, even Orochimaru seemed different, his usual cold demeanor softened by the candlelight and maybe the sake.

"I keep seeing her face," Tsunade whispered, staring at her empty cup. "Every time I close my eyes. She was just... she was just a kid when she came to me. And now..." Her voice cracked.

Jiraiya squeezed her shoulder gently. "Tsunade..."

"Don't." She shook her head. "Don't tell me it's not my fault. I was supposed to protect her. That's what you do when someone trusts you that much. You protect them." Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.

"We cannot save everyone," Orochimaru said quietly. It wasn't his usual cold logic – there was something else in his voice, something almost gentle. "Even those closest to us."

Tsunade let out a bitter laugh. "That's rich, coming from you. When's the last time you let anyone get close enough to lose?"

Something flickered in Orochimaru's eyes. The sake had loosened his tongue. "I think of Nawaki every day, Tsunade. Every single day. It doesn't get easier. But you learn to carry it."

"She trusted me," Tsunade's voice broke again. "She followed me everywhere, learned everything I could teach her. And in the end, I couldn't... I couldn't..."

Jiraiya pulled her closer as she started to cry, real, raw sobs that shook her whole body. He didn't say anything. There was nothing to say.

They sat there until Tsunade's tears ran dry. Orochimaru left first, quietly, with just a nod. Jiraiya walked Tsunade home through the empty streets to the Senju Compound. When he turned to leave, her hand caught his sleeve.

"Stay." It wasn't a command from the legendary Sannin. It was a plea from someone who couldn't bear to be alone with their grief. "Please."

Jiraiya nodded, following her inside. Sometimes, that's all you can do for someone who's hurting – just stay.

~

The Grand Council Chamber of Konohagakure stood as a testament to the village's history, its curved walls adorned with the portraits of past Hokage watching over proceedings like silent guardians. Night light filtered through high windows, casting long shadows across the circular arrangement of seats where Konoha's most influential figures gathered.

Three days had passed since Shizune's funeral, and the weight of recent events hung heavy in the air. The masked Uchiha's attack on two of the village major figures, especially the granddaughter of the First Hokage, combined with the brutal assault that claimed Shizune's life, demanded a response.

Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, sat at the head of the chamber, his usual warmth replaced by the stern countenance his position demanded. To his right sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, smoke curling from his pipe as he observed the gathering with eyes that had seen three great wars.

The chamber was filled according to its traditional factional divisions.

The Hokage Faction occupied the eastern section, their seats closest to the village leader. Besides Minato and Hiruzen, Homura adjusted his glasses while reviewing documents detailing recent diplomatic communications that he planned to bring up during the preceedings. Representatives from the Aburame, Sarutobi, and several smaller clans filled the surrounding seats, their presence a testament to the Hokage's influence.

This faction also usually included most S Ranked Shinobi that fell outiside of Clan Influence, with this group tending to favor policies that aligned more towards the laws passed by the First Hokage.

They would vote for things like expanding the Village's Healthcare system to get rid of the higher rates paid by Shinobi, increasing the duration of the Shinobi Academy, and usually tended to be in favor of increasing diplomatic relations with other Great Superpowers. While it suffered greatly under the reign of the Third Hokage, it has benefitted greatly under the Fourth Hokage,

The Conservative Faction claimed the western portion of the chamber. Danzo sat with perfect posture, his visible eye sharp as he studied the room. Koharu's stern presence beside him reflected their faction's unwavering dedication to maintaining Konoha's military strength. The Hyuga and Inuzuka clan heads flanked them, their expressions matching their faction's serious demeanor.

The only S Ranked Shinobi outside of Danzo that was in this faction was Orochimaru, with this faction tended to align more towards the major policies passed by the Second Hokage.

Between these two powers sat the Stagnant Faction, led by Chōza Akimichi. Shikaku Nara's scarred face showed his characteristic blend of boredom and calculation, while Inoichi Yamanaka maintained a carefully neutral expression. Their positioning - both physical and political - allowed them to tip the balance of any vote.

The Uchiha delegation, led by Fugaku, occupied seats that technically fell within no faction's territory. Their careful political maneuvering required such visible neutrality.

"This emergency session of the Konoha High Council will now begin." Minato declared, his voice carrying easily through the chamber. "We face unprecedented threats that demand our immediate attention."

Hiruzen leaned forward slightly. "Before we address the recent attacks, there are several pending matters requiring votes. The first concerns the proposed expansion of the Academy curriculum to include advanced medical training."

A subtle shift ran through the room as political instincts engaged. The bill, sponsored by the Hokage Faction, represented their broader push to strengthen the village's infrastructure rather than focus purely on military might.

"The financial burden of such a program would be considerable." Koharu noted, her voice carrying the weight of her economic expertise. "Resources that could be better spent strengthening our existing forces."

"The long-term benefits would far outweigh the initial investment." Homura countered. "More medical ninja means higher survival rates for our forces and better healthcare for our civilians."

Danzo's cane tapped once against the floor, drawing attention. "While I appreciate the humanitarian aspects of this proposal, we must consider timing. With external threats mounting, now is not the moment to divert resources from our core military strength. Perhaps we can try to renew this bill in the future?"

Hiruzen felt the familiar headache building that often accompanied political disagreements with his old friend. Despite their renewed personal bonds, Danzo remained as stubborn as ever in council matters.

"All in favor?" Minato called for the vote.

Hands raised throughout the chamber. The Hokage Faction's support was unanimous, while the Conservative Faction largely opposed. All eyes turned to the Stagnant Faction, whose votes would determine the outcome.

Shikaku raised his hand with a lazy motion that belied his careful political calculation. Several other clan heads followed his lead, tipping the balance.

"The measure passes." Minato announced. "Implementation will begin next term."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the chamber as Orochimaru's hand remained raised in support of the bill. The Snake Sannin's alignment with the Conservative Faction was well known, making his support for a Hokage Faction initiative unexpected.

"The benefits to our research capabilities outweigh factional concerns." Orochimaru stated simply, though his eyes flickered briefly to Hiruzen.

Danzo's expression remained neutral, but inwardly he noted how his old ally's reconciliation with his mentor had shifted some of his political stances. It was a reminder that even in politics, personal relationships could transcend factional lines.

"We must now address the grave matters that prompted this emergency session." Minato continued, his tone growing more serious. "Three days ago, our village faced two coordinated attacks. The first targeted the Third Hokage and Elder Danzo directly. The second resulted in the death of Shizune and demonstrated capabilities we've never encountered before."

The chamber grew silent as attention turned to the masked Uchiha and the mysterious orange-haired attackers. These threats demanded a response, but the factions' approaches to handling them would likely differ dramatically.

"Lord Third, Elder Danzo." Minato nodded to them. "Please share your encounter with the council."

Hiruzen stood, his weathered face grave. "The masked Uchiha still possessed abilities beyond any we've previously encountered. His space-time ninjutsu allowed him to become intangible at will, making conventional attacks useless."

"More concerning," Danzo added, "Was his knowledge of village operations. The timing of his attack suggests he knew of our mission to retrieve Tsunade-hime, indicating a serious intelligence breach. We were already suspicious of this during his attack three years ago, but this makes that even more potent."

Fugaku Uchiha leaned forward, his Sharingan activating briefly. "This individual has no connection to our clan. We've investigated thoroughly and found no missing Uchiha who could account for his abilities."

The tension in the room increased slightly. Despite the Uchiha's neutral stance, any mention of a rogue Sharingan user raised old suspicions.

"The second attack is equally troubling." Minato continued. "Tsunade-sama reported six attackers with orange hair and... the Rinnegan."

Jiraiya rose slowly, his typically jovial demeanor replaced by an uncharacteristic gravity. "Based on Tsunade's description we can confirm that these attackers possessed the Rinnegan - a legendary dōjutsu thought to be a mere myth until now. At least without including a prior student of mine who was killed a few years ago."

A wave of murmurs swept through the chamber. Even the most composed clan heads showed signs of concern at this revelation.

"The Rinnegan?" Hiashi Hyuga's pale eyes narrowed. "The eyes said to belong to the Sage of Six Paths himself? The third of the three Great Dojutsu that has never reappeared?"

"Indeed." Jiraiya confirmed. "And if these individuals truly possess it, they represent a threat greater than anything we've faced since Madara Uchiha."

Danzo's grip tightened imperceptibly on his cane. His knowledge of Pain's true nature burned in his mind, but revealing such information would raise impossible questions about its source. Instead, he chose his words carefully.

"These events cannot be coincidental." Danzo stated. "A masked Uchiha with unprecedented abilities appears simultaneously with wielders of a legendary dōjutsu. This suggests coordination at a level that should deeply concern us all. The fact that we could deal with such a major intelligence leak as well as powerful opponents makes me wonder the efficiency of our Villages Intelligence and Counter Intelligence Operatives."

"Agreed," Minato nodded. "Which brings us to our response. The Conservative Faction has submitted a proposal for immediate military mobilization and increased security measures."

Koharu stood, producing a document. "We propose doubling ANBU patrols, implementing stricter monitoring of village entrances, and increasing funding for our intelligence operations by 30%."

"Such measures would strain our resources." Homura countered. "And risk escalating tensions with other villages who might view such mobilization as aggressive."

"Better tension than vulnerability." Tsume Inuzuka growled from the Conservative section. "These attackers killed a citizen of Konoha. We must show strength."

Shikaku Nara's lazy drawl cut through the growing debate. "Troublesome as it is, we need to consider all angles. Both attacks demonstrated extensive knowledge of our operations. Before we mobilize, we need to address the potential intelligence leak that Lord Danzo spoke of earlier."

"The Yamanaka clan can assist with enhanced screening procedures." Inoichi offered, carefully maintaining his faction's neutral stance while offering practical solutions.

Orochimaru spoke next, again surprising many with his position. "While I support stronger security measures, full military mobilization might be premature. Our research division has been developing new barrier techniques that could enhance village defense without obvious military escalation."

'Damn brat.' Danzo grumbled, a bit of himself and Markarov slipping through.

Danzo felt another piece of his faction's unity crack at Orochimaru's moderate stance, but kept his expression neutral. 

"Perhaps," Hiruzen suggested, smoke curling from his pipe, "we could find a middle ground. Implement enhanced security measures while maintaining our current diplomatic initiatives."

"A compromise that satisfies no one." Danzo replied, though his tone held more resignation than bite. "Some threats require decisive action, old friend."

"And some responses require wisdom over force." Hiruzen countered, rubbing his temple as the familiar headache intensified.

Minato raised his hand for silence as the debate threatened to spiral. "We'll put both proposals to a vote. First, the Conservative Faction's military mobilization plan."

The vote split largely along factional lines, but with some notable deviations. Orochimaru's abstention and several smaller clans breaking ranks led to the proposal's narrow defeat.

"Now, for the Hokage Faction's measured response plan." Minato continued. "Enhanced security through barrier techniques, increased but not doubled ANBU patrols, and continuation of diplomatic initiatives."

This vote carried, though the margins revealed the deep divisions within the council. The Conservative Faction's core remained opposed, while the Stagnant Faction largely supported the more moderate approach.

"Implementation will begin immediately," Minato declared. "Now, regarding the upcoming visit from Kumogakure—"

The chamber doors burst open with enough force to crack the ancient wood. All heads turned, many hands instinctively reaching for weapons, only to freeze at the sight before them.

A sober and healthy Tsunade Senju stood in the doorway, her honey-colored eyes blazing with determination.