Ch-75 Reaching Iron Country.
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After learning information about Uchiha Karan, Minato and Kushina became increasingly aware of the dangers he posed. Minato took a deep breath and said, "We need a plan in case Uchiha Karan decides to rebel."
Kushina nodded solemnly and added, "I promise that I'll work closely with Minato to make this plan a reality."
Hiruzen couldn't help but smile at their dedication. "I'm pleased to see that both of you understand the gravity of this situation."
Kushina broke the tension with a light-hearted comment, saying, "Now, let's have dinner before it gets cold." Despite her efforts, the atmosphere remained tense, given the revelations about Uchiha Karan and Jiraiya's students.
After dinner, Jiraiya stood up and addressed Minato, "Minato, I'm heading to Amegakure. I want to see the condition of my students with my own eyes and see if they can be persuaded to change their path."
Minato agreed, stating, "It's the best course of action if they can be convinced."
Jiraiya nodded and left Minato's house. Hiruzen turned to Minato and Kushina, saying, "I suggest you both get some rest; you have a lot of work ahead of you." He then left Minato's house as well.
As soon as Hiruzen departed, an Anbu ninja suddenly materialized in front of Minato's house. Minato sensed the ninja's arrival and appeared before him immediately.
The Anbu ninja knelt and said, "Hokage-Sama, we've found the bodies of ROOT ninjas some distance from Konoha."
Minato's expression grew serious as he inquired, "Have you discovered any clues about why they were killed?"
The Anbu ninja nodded and replied, "Yes, based on the information we've gathered, Uchiha Karan's subordinates were seen in that vicinity. It's highly likely that this was the work of Uchiha Karan's followers."
Minato nodded resolutely and instructed, "Go summon Mr. Danzo; I need to speak with him."
The Anbu ninja acknowledged with a nod and replied, "I will immediately call for Danzo-Sama."
Without further delay, the Anbu ninja left to relay Minato's message to Danzo.
A few minutes later, Hiruzen arrived at the Hokage's office, where Minato was already waiting. Upon entering, he inquired, "I heard that ROOT ninjas were killed by Uchiha Karan's subordinates."
Minato clarified, "It hasn't been confirmed that Uchiha Karan's subordinates are responsible, but it's the most likely scenario based on the Anbu ninja's investigation. That's why I've called for Mr. Danzo."
Hiruzen nodded in understanding and remained silent as they waited.
Shortly after, Danzo arrived at the Hokage's office.
Minato wasted no time and posed the question, "Mr. Danzo, did you send your ROOT ninjas to track Uchiha Karan's subordinates?"
Danzo clenched his fist in response to Minato's change in address, from "Danzo-Sama" to "Mr. Danzo." The clenched fists were hidden within the sleeves of his attire, concealing any visible reaction.
Danzo answered, "Yes, I deployed my ROOT ninjas to monitor Uchiha Karan's subordinates because I suspect they may be planning something significant."
Hiruzen interjected, "Given the circumstances, it's probable that Uchiha Karan's subordinates were behind the deaths of the ROOT ninjas."
Minato concurred, saying, "Indeed, it appears that Uchiha Karan's subordinates are intent on keeping their movements concealed from us."
Hiruzen emphasized the need for information, stating, "We must find out where they're headed."
Minato considered the matter and then made a decision, saying, "I think it's best to instruct our spies in other countries to keep a close watch on Uchiha Karan's subordinates. They need to report immediately if they detect any signs of their presence."
Hiruzen agreed, adding, "That seems like a prudent course of action."
After their discussion, Hiruzen lightly tapped the table, prompting an Anbu ninja to appear in the Hokage's office. The Anbu ninja knelt before Hiruzen and Minato, awaiting their command.
Hiruzen momentarily forgot that he was no longer the Hokage and said, "Minato, I apologize; old habits die hard."
Minato reassured him with a smile, "It's perfectly fine, Third Hokage; it's only natural."
Minato then turned his attention to the Anbu ninja and issued the order, "Instruct our spies to remain vigilant for any signs of Uchiha Karan's subordinates, and to report their findings immediately."
The Anbu ninja acknowledged the order and departed, restoring a sense of calm to the Hokage's office.
----
Four days later, within the Iron Country, in the opulent confines of the Daimyo Mansion, a significant meeting was in session. The topic under discussion revolved around the conclusion of the Third Ninja World War.
Amidst the deliberations, a samurai soldier entered the meeting hall. He respectfully offered a slight bow before addressing the assembly, "Daimyo-Sama, there are five individuals who have arrived outside the Daimyo Mansion and are requesting an audience with you."
One of the Samurai Clan Heads in attendance voiced his concern, "Can just any ninja waltz in to see the Daimyo? Perhaps they should first meet with some lower-ranking officials."
The samurai, however, quickly countered, "These five individuals are no ordinary visitors."
Eager to understand the situation, the burly Daimyo, seated at the head of the gathering, urged the samurai to provide further details, "Be clear, what is it that you wish to convey?"
The samurai responded, "They claim to be the subordinates of Uchiha Karan."
A hushed tension swept through the room as the gravity of this revelation settled in. Mifune, a prominent figure among those present, inquired, "The same subordinates responsible for the demise of Hanzo The Salamander?"
The samurai nodded affirmatively and stated, "Indeed, based on their appearance and other indicators, we have confirmed their affiliation with Uchiha Karan."
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