Chapter 7: Dark Chess: Hiruzen's Hidden Strategy
Pacing restlessly back and forth, Shimura Danzo was clearly agitated.
"What is happening with Hiruzen? Why can't I anticipate his actions?"
It started with the post-attack transformation of the Kyuubi. Then, he noticed something odd about Hiruzen when he agreed to become the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. And most recently, his unexpected change in appearance, along with the inexplicable fortune of awakening a Kekkei Genkai related to vitality. Danzo suspected there was more to it than Hiruzen was letting on.
The uncertainty about the true potential of this Kekkei Genkai supposedly awakened by Hiruzen deeply troubled him.
Additionally, that same day, his spies reported that Hiruzen had brought a woman and her Uzumaki daughter, previously captives in the Hidden Grass Village, into the village. The way Hiruzen had executed the rescue, right under their noses, was bold.
If Danzo had found out about this so promptly, with Hiruzen acting so openly upon returning to the village, it wouldn't be illogical to assume that the Hidden Grass Village would also be aware. Even their infiltrated spies must have already reported back to them.
"Hiruzen... What are you planning? What drove you to take such a risky action? Are you seeking a conflict with the Hidden Grass Village?"
Although that particular village did not represent a major threat, Danzo knew how averse to war Hiruzen was. This made Hiruzen's current strategy even more enigmatic.
After a period of silent reflection, Danzo finally spoke, his voice firm, cutting through the silence: "Keep Hiruzen under surveillance. Inform me immediately of any change in his actions."
"Yes!" The response came in unison from several ninjas hidden in the shadows, who promptly dispersed, blending into the environment.
As they moved to carry out the order, Danzo resumed his troubled path, hands clasped behind his back, his mind boiling with strategies and conjectures about Hiruzen's next moves.
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As Danzo had anticipated, the next morning, the Hidden Grass Village became aware of the situation thanks to spies infiltrating the Hidden Leaf Village.
The Kusakage, Hayato Fūsui, was incredulous and exclaimed: "So it was the damned Hokage of Konoha?!"
He had his suspicions; after all, although many ninjas could employ cloning techniques, the use of shadow clones was a trademark of the Leaf Village. Even if it was not fully confirmed that it was a shadow clone, the evidence was clear for those willing to see.
Consumed by anger, the Kusakage struck a blow that split the table before him in two, his eyes sparking with fury upon confirming the perpetrator.
At that moment, a man entered the village leader's office hurriedly, without even knocking, indicating his state of agitation.
"Kusakage-sama, Kusakage-sama!" exclaimed the newcomer, panting. "A messenger from Konoha has arrived, and it seems to be serious!"
Upon hearing this, the Kusakage briefly paused, the signs of his anger momentarily replaced by surprise. With his breath still heavy, he adjusted his posture, preparing to confront the emissary from Konoha, his gaze still laden with a threatening intensity.
"Bring him here now!" ordered the Kusakage, his voice resonating with undeniable authority.
"Y-Yes," replied the ninja, clearly shaken by the intensity of the Kusakage's fury. He did not hesitate, moving as quickly as his body allowed, almost wishing to have an extra pair of legs to speed up his mission.
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In the silence of his office, Hiruzen Sarutobi found himself deep in thought.
The task list was extensive, especially considering the knowledge he possessed. One of these central concerns was his wayward disciple.
The Chunin exams were approaching, and it was during the conclusion of these exams that Orochimaru planned to carry out his experiment with the cursed seal, resulting in the death of ten children. Of these, only one would survive: the girl who was now before him, Anko.
"Hokage-sama?"
Anko's voice, still laden with youthful innocence, pulled him from his thoughts.
"Ah, yes," replied Hiruzen, looking at her directly. "Anko, I summoned you here to entrust you with a mission of vital importance..."
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"What did you say?" asked the Kusakage, his voice laden with incredulity.
His fury was indescribable. The Kusakage was visibly red with anger, a vein throbbing on his forehead as he attempted to process the messenger's words.
"As I mentioned, Hokage-sama sent me here to demand 500 million in cash and two tons of ninja weapons, for the damages caused by the abuse inflicted on the people of Konoha. Otherwise... Well, you already know the rest," the messenger responded, standing firm before the enraged leader.
The Kusakage began to breathe heavily, struggling to accept the reality of the threat. The idea that Hiruzen Sarutobi would resort to such an extreme was almost inconceivable, but recent events forced him to consider the seriousness of the situation.
The actions of the Hokage, employing merely a few shadow clones, had caused a devastating impact, surpassing the damages of larger-scale conflicts. In fact, the attack on the ration depot resulted in a significant loss of supplies, nearly a fifth of their reserves.
However, the demands made were absurdly exorbitant. Shouldn't they, the Hidden Grass Village, be the ones demanding compensation? Why had the situation reversed so drastically? And since when had Hiruzen Sarutobi adopted such a bold stance?
Reflecting deeper and compiling information from spies, it became evident that Sarutobi's newfound confidence emanated from the newly awakened Kekkei Genkai, rejuvenating him and potentially enhancing his combat capabilities.
A clear example of his power was the rescue operation of the mother and daughter Uzumaki, executed with such precision that it caught them completely off guard...
To make matters worse, one of the messages contained a veiled threat: "Oh yes, Hokage-sama also said: 'Perhaps there are more of my shadow clones infiltrated, posing as ninjas and civilians in your village... Oh, and an important reminder... In case there is any doubt, remember who is the current Jinchuuriki of Konoha. Upon discovering, you will understand that this 'gentle' warning might very well be a reality whether or not there are so many of his shadow clones infiltrated in your village...'"
Remaining still, the Kusakage absorbed the words, a mix of anger and concern reflected in his eyes, as he pondered the best way to respond to the unprecedented threat imposed by Konoha.
In the end, the Kusakage recognized that, for now, concessions were necessary until he could identify and eliminate the shadow clones infiltrated by the Hokage. Only after getting rid of them, would it be time to plan his revenge. He convinced himself that, as the saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold; sooner or later, he would have his opportunity to retaliate. With a resigned sigh, he nodded in temporary acceptance of the situation, already silently plotting the next steps for his retaliation.
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Immediately after Anko's departure, disguised as a member of the Anbu using a transformation jutsu, Fugaku, the leader of the Uchiha clan, made his entrance.
"Did you summon me, Hokage-sama?" inquired Fugaku, with a formal tone of voice.
"Indeed," responded Hiruzen, as he slid a folder across the table towards Fugaku. "Read this carefully. However, I need you to be aware not to act hastily after reading it. Remember these words well."
"Understood." Fugaku nodded, the seriousness in Hiruzen's expression not allowing him to take the situation lightly.
As Fugaku flipped through the documents, his expression grew increasingly grim. It wasn't long before his Sharingan was activated, a red glow reflecting his rising anger.
"Fugaku!"
Hiruzen's authoritative tone made him look up at the Hokage, even though the fury in his heart remained unshaken.
"This... So, all this time..." Fugaku murmured, struggling to contain his fury. The loss of brothers and friends in missions or wars was one thing, but to find out that many of these events had been a farce and that, in many cases, a terrible secret involving dark experiments with his own people was being concealed?
How could he not be enraged by such revelations?
"I will kill him!" The words sprang from his soul, laden with an uncontained desire for revenge.
"I do not oppose you," said Hiruzen calmly, "but it cannot occur within the village. I have prepared a plan to make him leave the village; then you may act. However, you will have only one opportunity, and it must be decisive. It would not be good if he survived, do you understand?"
"Yes!" Fugaku's response was determined, his voice echoing an unwavering commitment to his mission.
What Fugaku did not know was that, although the files were informative, some crucial information had been omitted, especially those related to Hiruzen's 'beloved disciple.'
"It will be tonight, be well-prepared," instructed Hiruzen, his voice carrying a weight of urgency. "He must not find out about this, or it will all have been in vain. Reflect carefully on who you will take with you."
Fugaku nodded in understanding, his face reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "I know what to do," he affirmed, determination evident in his tone.
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Led by 'Anko,' Orochimaru reached a remote area of the village.
"Where is this, Anko?" inquired Orochimaru, his voice tinged with a slight impatience.
Anko did not respond; instead, she took a firm step on the ground and suddenly disappeared into a hole.
Immediately, Orochimaru went on high alert. Soon he saw someone approaching.
Recognizing the figure that emerged from the shadows, he murmured with surprise and a trace of respect: "Sensei..."
"Orochimaru, do you admit your mistakes?" Hiruzen approached him with measured steps, his voice serene conveying an unquestionable authority, as if he had the situation completely under control.
"What mistakes? I really do not know what you are talking about, Sensei~" Orochimaru responded, hiding his unrest under a facade of disinterest. At the same time, he remained highly vigilant, activating his sensory abilities and staying alert to any movement around.
"It seems you refuse to admit, but that does not make your mistakes disappear simply because you choose to ignore them," Hiruzen continued, his calm voice contrasting with the expansion of his chakra, signaling the gravity of the situation.
Orochimaru wondered internally if Hiruzen had discovered his clandestine experiments or knew of all his actions and chose this specific moment to intervene. Uncertain about the extent of what Hiruzen knew to adopt such a grave stance, Orochimaru began to feel a cold sweat running down his spine, especially in the face of Hiruzen's intensifying chakra.