Hiruzen's Manipulation

The day was hot. The sun spread its wings as far as the eye could see. There was a feeling of excitement flowing through the air. These sorts of days didn't come along that often. Multi-clan sparring. A chance for clans to test out their upcoming potential shinobi. There are no records collected, no data, just see how well you can do.

"Once everyone knows who is taking part, please place their name inside one of the boxes beside me. Please, and I mean this, please make sure you choose the right box. We don't want someone entering a spar with the intention of testing their limits."

The crowd began to laugh. Sasuke Sarutobi was usually off fighting somewhere, but having him around always brought joy. Being so talented and respected for his capabilities, Hiruzen didn't even consider stopping his father from hosting this event.

"Now, because this is the first time this is happening, I will explain what each box is for. Youngsters, they must be placed into the sparring box, they are not here to have dangerous battles. These are children whom we are testing. Next, technical spars into this box, for those trying new tactics or who want to improve a certain part of their arsenal. Third, hardcore 1v1s, anything goes like a real battle, where I will intervene when I feel it is out of hand. Finally, handicap. For those who find one opponent too boring."

Exhilaration circulated like wildfire. What an amazing chance to see the talent on show, and to see how those who are brave enough handle handicap matches.

Sat on their own, were Danzo and Hiruzen.

"Well, I guess it doesn't take a genius to guess that your father came up with the idea for this event?" Danzo jokingly remarked.

"Of course he did. He loves anything to do with fighting and its technicalities."

"Did he have anything to say about you becoming Hokage?"

"Tobirama knew that my father has no interest in being the Hokage. He is too much of a free spirit. As intelligent as he is, he likes to make decisions and fight based on his emotion. That's why he has been so successful in battle against the Uchiha because once he gets going, his emotions make him extremely dangerous. I don't know exactly why, but it's earned him the Uchiha's respect."

"Damn... I sure would love to see him take part today."

"And who do you think will beat him? Tobirama is dead. Only an Uchiha is capable enough to trouble him, and that wouldn't be a good idea. Just in case an Uchiha feels like it's their time to get revenge for battles they lost against him."

They both sat and watched the first few matches. As they did, Hiruzen noticed Torifu take a seat a fair distance away.

"Danzo... it has been brought to my attention that Toka is dead. Apparently, she was killed whilst we were away with Tobirama. Now, Kagami wants to send the Senju away because he feels that they are under attack."

"How do you know this?"

"Itari Uchiha told me. He also informed me that Kagami wants to convince Torifu to help him spy on me and you."

"Spy on us? Why us specifically? Do you think he knows what we did?"

"I don't know. But, if he's spying it means he isn't too sure. Otherwise, he would have made his mind up to kill us. I'm gonna speak to Torifu before he does. I'm gonna make him a double agent, and inform me of what Kagami is planning."

"But Saru, they're best friends."

"I know. Which is exactly the reason why I'll be going to Torifu."

"And when will--"

"I'll do it now!" Hiruzen sprung up out of his chair and beamed toward Torifu. He hurried through the crowds in order to secure the seat next to him.

"Lord Third! It's good to see you. It was a great idea to have this event today." Torifu's face lit up with delight.

"Come on, Torifu. You should know you can call me by my name. And unfortunately this wasn't my idea, it was my father's."

"Well, that doesn't surprise me at all! Your father always has had an eye for this sort of thing. He must be overjoyed that you are now the Hokage."

"He is. I still have a fair way to go before I can match him, but he is confident that I will."

"I am sure of that as well! Being able to master all five chakra natures is not common."

"Torifu... I don't mean to dampen your day. But, I feel like something this important cannot wait."

"Hiruzen, your intellect is beyond mine."

"It's about Kagami... Torifu. I don't even know how to put this... but the fact you two are best friends is the sole reason I am coming to you. Because, for all I know, you both could be in on this. But for the safety of the village, I'm taking the risk in coming to you anyway."

"Kagami... what? What has he done?"

"He... wants to get rid of Senju, entirely."

"Kagami? Hiruzen, with all due respect, have you thought about what you just said?"

"Torifu, I know it is hard to accept. But let me explain. I have been informed by an Uchiha that Kagami himself stated that he wants to send the Senju away. This is coming after both Lord Second and Toka have died."

"Toka died?!"

"SHH! Yes. She was killed whilst we were all on mission with Lord Second."

"And why does this mean that Kagami wants to get rid of the Senju? Why couldn't he be sending them away for safety?"

"Torifu... who suggested that one should stay as a decoy?"

"... Kagami."

"We all knew that Lord Second would sacrifice himself for us. We all knew. Even if all of us stepped forward as a sacrifice, he would have told us to go. Kagami suggested that knowing that it was an easy way to get rid of him. And then I find out that Toka is dead as well!"

"Hiruzen, I don't know... I don't know what to make of this. I don't know if I can believe it."

"I know. It's hard. I'm not telling you to believe me straight away. Just think about it. Everything I have just mentioned, them two dying, him wanting to send the Senju away... the fact that he is an Uchiha."

"Kagami doesn't have the hate within his heart."

"Thoughts and feelings can change, Torifu. Think about it. Remember, this is a private conversation. If anyone else finds out, I'll know it was you who spoke out... and you will be punished for treason."

"... yes, Hiruzen."

Hiruzen concealed his serious face with a smile and left. Torifu was still trying to grasp what he had just been told.

"Sorry, I'm late!" Kagami came crashing in behind Torifu, grabbing his shoulders and forcing him forward.

"I've made it in time for a good one." Kagami sat next to Torifu, who struggled to forget what Hiruzen had told him. Whenever Kagami spoke, Torifu forced himself to appear cheerful.

Sasuke Sarutobi's next announcement followed, "Now! We have two young gentlemen whose potential is frightening. Even though it is technical sparring, I do not doubt that it will be an exciting one. Can we put our hands together... for Fugaku Uchiha and Sakumo Hatake."