Chapter 13

[AN: 500 Powerstones??? You guys EARNED this chapter!!!]

Tsunade arrived at the Hokage's office, her mind racing with possibilities about the urgent summons. As she entered, she found Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, pacing behind his desk, an uncharacteristic look of annoyance on his usually composed face.

"Ah, Tsunade." Hiruzen said, pausing in his pacing. "Thank you for coming so quickly."

Tsunade's brow furrowed. "What's the emergency, Sarutobi-sensei? The ANBU said it concerned our recent visitors."

Hiruzen sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "It does, but perhaps not in the way you might expect." He gestured for her to take a seat. "We've received a rather... unusual complaint from the Akimichi clan."

Tsunade sat, her confusion growing. "The Akimichi clan? What does this have to do with Garp?"

"It seems." Hiruzen began, his tone a mixture of exasperation and disbelief "That our esteemed guest, Monkey D. Garp, visited the Akimichi clan's renowned 'All You Can Eat Buffet' earlier today at Yakimaru BBQ."

Tsunade nodded slowly, still not seeing the issue. "And?"

"And." Hiruzen continued, "He proceeded to eat the entire restaurant's inventory. The ENTIRE inventory, Tsunade."

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock. "That's... that's impossible. Even for the Akimichi, that would be-"

"Apparently." Hiruzen interrupted, "It's not impossible for Garp. When the staff politely asked him to leave, citing that they had run out of food, he refused, stating that the sign clearly said 'All You Can Eat' and he wasn't done yet."

Tsunade couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, which she quickly stifled at Hiruzen's stern look. "I apologize, Sarutobi-sensei. It's just... well, it's rather absurd, isn't it?"

Hiruzen's lips twitched slightly, betraying a hint of amusement despite his annoyance. "Absurd as it may be, it's causing quite a stir. The Akimichi clan is demanding compensation, and frankly, I'm at a loss as to how to handle this... unique situation."

Before Tsunade could respond, the door burst open, and in walked the subject of their conversation. Garp strode in, his massive frame filling the doorway, followed closely by his three grandchildren. All three kids wore expressions of exasperation and mild embarrassment.

"Oi, Old Hokage!" Garp boomed, his usual grin in place. "I heard you wanted to see me?"

Hiruzen's eye twitched slightly at being called so casual by someone who appeared older than him. "Yes, Garp-san. We need to discuss the incident at the Akimichi restaurant."

Garp blinked innocently. "Incident? What incident? We just had a nice meal, didn't we, kids?"

Yahiko groaned, "Gramps, you ate everything they had! Even the napkins!"

Konan nodded solemnly. "It was rather excessive, Grandfather. The poor staff looked like they were about to cry."

Nagato, ever the quiet one, simply shook his head in silent disapproval.

Garp laughed heartily, "Bwahahaha! It's not my fault they didn't live up to their promise! If it says 'All You Can Eat', they should be prepared for someone who can eat a lot!"

Tsunade, watching this exchange with a mix of amusement and disbelief, couldn't help but ask, "How did you even manage to out-eat the Akimichi clan? They're renowned for their appetites."

Garp patted his stomach proudly. "Ah, you see, I have years of experience in eating contests with my old friend Zep-" He stopped abruptly, as if catching himself. "Er, I mean, I just have a healthy appetite!"

Hiruzen sighed deeply. "Regardless of the reason, Garp-san, this has caused quite a problem. The Akimichi clan is an important part of Konoha, and we can't simply dismiss their complaints."

Tsunade, seeing the growing frustration on her old sensei's face, decided to intervene. "I apologize, Sarutobi-sensei. I should have done a better job of monitoring our guests. I'll take responsibility for this and ensure it doesn't happen again."

Garp's expression turned slightly more serious. "Ah, no need for that, Tsunade-chan. In fact, we were planning to head out tomorrow anyway. Don't want to overstay our welcome, you know!"

This announcement took both Hiruzen and Tsunade by surprise.

"Leaving so soon?" Tsunade asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "I thought you were enjoying your stay."

Garp nodded, his grin softening slightly. "Oh, we have! It's been a wonderful visit. But we've imposed on your hospitality long enough. Besides, these little rascals need to get back to their training."

The three children perked up at the mention of training, their earlier embarrassment forgotten.

Hiruzen studied Garp carefully, sensing there might be more to this sudden decision than the old warrior was letting on. However, he decided not to press the issue. "Well, if that's your decision, we certainly won't force you to stay. Though I must say, your visit has been... memorable, to say the least."

Garp laughed again, "Bwahahaha! That's the best kind of visit, isn't it? Better to be remembered than forgotten, I always say!"

As they discussed the details of Garp's departure, none of them noticed the brief flicker of a shadow outside the window – a ROOT agent, silently observing and relaying the information back to Danzo.

'Does he allow his friend to keep spies in his room? I'm sure that there is more to their relationship than meets the eye.' Garp thought suspiciously.

After finalizing the arrangements, Garp and his grandchildren left to prepare for their journey, leaving Tsunade and Hiruzen alone in the office.

Tsunade turned to her old sensei, her expression thoughtful. "There's more to this sudden departure than he's letting on, isn't there?"

Hiruzen nodded slowly. "I believe so. Garp is... not what he seems. His power, his knowledge, even the abilities of his grandchildren – there's alot we don't know about them."

"Do you think they pose a threat to Konoha?" Tsunade asked, her voice low.

Hiruzen was quiet for a moment, considering. "Not directly, no. But their presence here, their ideas... they've stirred things up. And in times of war, any disruption can be dangerous."

Tsunade thought back to her conversations with Garp, about peace and the ninja system. "Or it could be exactly what we need." she mused softly.

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow at this but didn't comment. Instead, he said, "In any case, we should see them off properly tomorrow."

Tsunade nodded, understanding the dismissal. As she turned to leave, Hiruzen called out, "Oh, and Tsunade? Congratulations on your engagement. Dan is a fine shinobi and a good man."

Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with a smile. "Thank you, Sarutobi-sensei. How did you...?"

Hiruzen chuckled, some of his earlier stress melting away. "I may be old, but I'm not blind. The way you two look at each other... well, let's just say it reminds me of how Biwako and I were in our younger days."

With a final nod and a warm smile, Tsunade left the office, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts.

The Third Hokage moved to the window, gazing out over the village he had sworn to protect. Garp's visit had raised many questions, and even more possibilities. The old warrior's words about peace, about protecting the weak – they resonated with something deep within Hiruzen, something he had perhaps lost sight of over the years of constant conflict.

"Perhaps." Hiruzen mused aloud, "It's time for a change in approach."

His mind wandered to Amegakure, to Hanzo the Salamander. Garp had mentioned residing there, under Hanzo's protection. If someone of Garp's caliber had chosen to align himself with Ame, even informally...

"An alliance with the Rain." Hiruzen murmured, the idea taking shape in his mind. "It could shift the balance of power, potentially even bring an end to this war."

As he pondered this possibility, weighing the potential benefits against the risks, the door to his office burst open once again. A jōnin rushed in, out of breath and wide-eyed with excitement.

"Hokage-sama!" the shinobi exclaimed. "We've just received word from the front lines. Jiraiya-sama has defeated and captured the Four-Tails jinchūriki!"

Hiruzen's eyes widened at this news. The capture of a tailed beast was a significant victory, one that could indeed turn the tide of the war. But he knew it wouldn't be that simple.

"And Iwagakure's response?" he asked, already suspecting the answer.

The jōnin's expression turned grave. "Reports indicate that the Tsuchikage himself, Ōnoki, is headed to the battlefield."

Hiruzen's expression hardened. Ōnoki, the Fence-Sitter, was not a man to be trifled with. And with him in his prime, he remained one of the most formidable shinobi in the world. If he were to confront Jiraiya directly...

"Assemble my personal guard." Hiruzen ordered, his voice carrying the full weight of his authority as Hokage. "We leave for the front immediately."

The jōnin's eyes widened in surprise. "You're going personally, Hokage-sama?"

Hiruzen nodded grimly. "Ōnoki is not an opponent to be taken lightly. In a confrontation of this magnitude, only a Kage can match another Kage."

As the jōnin rushed to carry out his orders, Hiruzen quickly penned a note. "Send a messenger to Tsunade. Inform her that she'll need to see Garp and his grandchildren off in my stead. And tell her... tell her to be ready. If this confrontation goes poorly, we may need her on the front lines as well."

The jōnin bowed deeply. "Understood, Hokage-sama. It will be done."

As the shinobi left to deliver the message, Hiruzen moved swiftly, donning his battle armor. As he placed the Hokage's hat on his head, he caught his reflection in the window. The face that looked back at him was not the kindly old man many in the village saw, but the hardened warrior known throughout the ninja world as the God of Shinobi.

"So be it!" Hiruzen murmured. "If Ōnoki wants to escalate this war, it's a bigger war he'll get."

Within minutes, Hiruzen and his elite guard were racing through the forests surrounding Konoha, heading towards the battlefield where Jiraiya awaited. The Third Hokage's mind was focused on the coming confrontation, but a part of him couldn't help but wonder about Garp and his impending departure.

Something told Hiruzen that the old warrior's visit, brief as it was, would have far-reaching consequences. Whether those consequences would be for good or ill remained to be seen.

~

In the guest quarters assigned to Garp and his grandchildren, preparations for departure were well underway. But Garp's mind was far from the simple task of packing.

"Gramps." Yahiko asked, stuffing clothes haphazardly into a bag, "Why are we leaving so suddenly? I thought we were having fun here."

Garp's usual grin was in place, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that his grandchildren had learned to recognize. "Ah, well, you know what they say. Never overstay your welcome!"

Konan, neatly folding her clothes, looked up with a frown. "There's more to it than that, isn't there, Grandfather?"

Nagato, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. "You're anticipating something."

Garp's grin widened, pride shining in his eyes. "Sharp as ever, brats. You're right, of course. Our little visit has stirred up quite the hornet's nest, and it's time we leave or deal with it."

"You mean the man in the shadows. You referenced him once before." Nagato said softly. It wasn't a question.

Garp nodded, his expression turning serious. "Danzo Shimura. A man who believes he's working for the greater good, but has lost sight of what that truly means. He's been watching us, plotting. And now, he'll make his move."

Yahiko's eyes widened with excitement. "Are we going to fight him, Gramps?"

"Not exactly." Garp replied, ruffling Yahiko's hair. "We're going to give him the opportunity to make a mistake. And when he does..."

He left the sentence hanging, but the implication was clear. Garp's playful demeanor had vanished, replaced by the calculating strategist that had made him a feared and respected figure in another world.

"But why not just confront him directly?" Konan asked, her brow furrowed in concentration. "If he's a threat, wouldn't it be better to deal with him now?"

Garp shook his head. "Politics, my dear, is often more complicated than simple combat. Danzo has his supporters, and his place in Konoha's power structure. Confronting him directly could cause more problems than it solves."

He stood, moving to the window and gazing out over the village. "But if attacked, I hold all rights to defend myself. And knowing the Monkey, he'll likely cover the situation up, as I am not an enemy he'd want to join in this war."

The three children exchanged glances, absorbing this information. They had grown used to Garp's occasional bouts of strategic brilliance, so at odds with his usual boisterous personality, but it still sometimes caught them off guard.

"So what do we do?" Yahiko asked, his earlier excitement tempered by the seriousness of the situation.

Garp turned back to them, his grin returning. "We do exactly what we said we'd do. We leave. But we'll be ready for whatever Danzo throws at us. This, my little rascals, is where I show you the level that you three need to one day reach!"

The children nodded, determination shining in their eyes. Whatever was coming, they would face it together, as a family.

As they resumed their packing, Garp's mind was already several steps ahead, planning for the confrontation to come. Danzo Shimura was a decent opponent, but Garp had faced far worse in his long career. And this time, he had something worth fighting for – the death of a man that could be attributed for everything that went wrong in the world.

"Get ready, Danzo." Garp muttered under his breath, his eyes hardening with resolve. "I wonder if your darkness can compare to that man's?"

Outside, the sun was setting on Konoha, casting long shadows across the village. In those shadows, ROOT agents moved silently, preparing for the operation to come. Neither they nor their master realized that they were playing right into Garp's hands.