Chapter 50

Sorting through the accumulated pile of documents, Tsunade puzzled over the strangeness of the task assigned to her by her relative. While Linli may have invited Ryu over, her own home would have been just as suitable, rather than the Senju estate.

Besides, he wasn't such a significant figure yet, despite all his achievements, to warrant the attention of figures like the wife of the first Hokage. Or perhaps it was Mito-ba-chan's desire to finally meet her relative and bring the young Uzumakis together?

Then why invite Sae Nara as well? With a sigh, Tsunade dismissed the meddling old lady from her mind and immersed herself in her work.

***

"Hokage-sama, a report from observers in the Land of Lightning," an ANBU member appeared in the Hokage's office, bowing as he handed a scroll to the Third Hokage sitting behind the desk.

Taking it, Hiruzen Sarutobi unfurled the message and began reading it, paying no attention to the ninja who disappeared with a small puff of smoke. However, he didn't have much time to dwell on it. The door swung open, and Shimura Danzo entered the office with determined steps.

"Hiruzen, Kumo and Kiri have mobilized their forces!"

"Kiri too?" Hokage sighed, finishing reading the scroll and setting it aside. "It was to be expected that they would try to negotiate between themselves for a truly lucrative prize."

"What are our actions?"

The Hokage gestured for his guards to leave the room and indicated a chair for his longtime rival.

"Danzo, take three-quarters of your men and personally monitor the attack on Uzushio! They're almost certainly going to attack the island from our coastline."

"Just observation or...?" Danzo immediately clarified.

"Just observation," Sarutobi ordered calmly. "If the Uzumakis fall, you only engage in battle when you're absolutely certain of victory."

"Suppose the redheads win, but they're severely weakened, what then?" Shimura raised an eyebrow in question.

"As soon as they let their guard down — attack," the Hokage replied coldly, stuffing and lighting his pipe. "We don't need such a former ally nearby, and their wealth and knowledge will be useful in the war that has begun. Besides, the Senju will behave more subdued without outside support."

"Another possibility is that Uzushio repels the attack," Shimura chuckled. "With their relatively small numbers, those red bastards are extremely strong, powerful, and cunning, so they might have prepared something just for such a case."

"Then finish off the survivors, regardless of losses! They must not reach their villages!" 

"It will be done, Hokage-sama!" The head of the ANBU Root shifted to a formal tone.

"And Danzo," Hiruzen's voice stopped him at the threshold of the office, "take Orochimaru with you. He seemed very interested in the redheads' library, so let him try to gain new knowledge if there's a chance. And send word to our patrols and border posts to withdraw inland for a week and a half — we don't need unnecessary casualties."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."