22 Arc 1- Border Skirmishes

Prelude:

Hokage tower

"Danzo, dispose of that reserve in the next mission at all costs. Use your 'guards' if you have to. With Shikaku riling up things, this may be your only chance in a long time." Hiruzen Sarutobi commanded.

Danzo nodded, "It will be done Hiruzen."

"In a week's time, he will be sent for border patrol near the Land of Hot Springs. Jiraya's intel suggests a heavy presence of Kumo Anbus in that general area. Make it look like an accident and do not disappoint me." Hiruzen looked Danzo right in his eye. "I won't forgive any more transgressions on your part." Shinobi no Kami said with steel in his voice.

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The mission control room, T&I Department, Kumogakure

The usually empty control room was bustling with top dogs of the entire village hidden in cloud, trying to form 'The plan'.

The circular table was filled to the brim with debating Intelligence agents, department heads, and elders trying to form the outline of one of the highest priority missions ever in the history of Kumogakure.

Plans were made and scrapped, ideas were thrown around, proposals accepted, and after the entire day and night of brainstorming, an outline of a feasible plan begin to form.

"Everything else is well and good but we are overlooking one problem." An elder sat up. Pointing at the border outposts of Land of Fire, he continued, "The garrisoned troops at these outposts are way larger than our forces could manage without being spotted. We simply are not capable of exterminating them before they could relay information back to Konoha."

"We could deploy our jinchuriki." A department head argued.

"No, that will be a blatant breach of the treaty by sending a Jinchuriki to the territory of the land of Fire," Elder argued back. "Moreover, movements of a Jinchuriki will not escape the notice of Konoha's spy network."

Raikage intervened, "I will send Darui to lead the attack on the border outposts. He along with the rest of the jonin will be enough for the attack."

Most occupants nodded their heads at the idea. Darui was one of the strongest combatants in the entire village and his storm release was especially deadly against large enemy groups.

One advisor disagreed, "While this plan might have worked normally but we deliberately leaked the information about the presence of Anbus near the land of Hot Springs to hide our movements. Konoha might bolster their outposts in light of said intelligence."

"So, any bright idea?" Raikage asked, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.

Advisor smiled, "Have you heard of Akatsuki?"

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Author notes:

The Border Skirmishes arc starts.