Disclaimer: see chapter 1, Gonzo and Isabella Namikaze belongs to On Soaring Wings.
The Mist Wolf Chronicles: Director's Cut
By Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure
Weeding out the Garden
Word of the attempted kidnapping spread around quickly, the entire village had gathered in front of the Hokage Tower to pay tribute to Konoha's newest additions. Minato looked over the people he had been charged with protecting and began speaking. "My fellow ninja of the Leaf. I've gathered you here today to address a matter of the greatest importance. A few days ago, a group of ninja entered our village with the pretense of making off with one of our own. But we managed to stop them before they got out and it's thanks to five brave souls." He motioned with his hand.
Seiryu and the others walked out alongside the Hokage, all of them now sporting headbands with the familiar swirling leaf pattern, signifying their new allegiance. All five snapped to attention at the railing, Minato patted Seiryu on the shoulder, "Say hello to the newest members of the Leaf! Seiryu Himura, Zabuza Momochi, Haku Momochi, Yuuki Ookami, and Chiharu Hatake! They didn't need to stop the Kumo ninja from taking the Hyuuga heiress, but they did, and saved her from a gruesome fate." The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves. They had heard the rumors of foreign ninja defending the Hyuugas but now it was in front of them plain as day.
In midst of the rolling sea of people came the faint sound of clapping. Everyone turned to see Hiashi and Hizashi applauding, Hinata then started clapping, and then Neji, and soon the entire crowd was following their example, offering their gratitude to the newest additions to their family. Seiryu looked down on the crowd and then to each of his companions. They all nodded and started waving to their fellow villagers.
"I suppose I could get used to this place." Zabuza smirked, his eye on several of the women in the crowd, blowing kisses up at them. "At the very least Konoha's women are easy on the eyes."
"Zabuza needs a girlfriend," Chiharu giggled. After soaking in the praise for a few minutes, Minato ushered the five back into his office.
"You've made quite the first impression, Captain Himura. I doubt you'll have much trouble being accepted by the village for saving the heiress of one of our most preeminent clans. I know Hiashi and Hikari are both grateful for what you did. They said you would forever have a friend in the Hyuugas." Minato said.
"No need for that, Hokage-sama. We were there and we acted." Seiryu replied. Minato took a seat at his desk.
"I know you have my eternal gratitude. Hinata's parents are good friends of mine and you saved their little girl from a gruesome fate." Minato said. "So now the question is, what to do with you guys? I know each of you have your own specialties that I could make use of, but from what Hiashi's report told me, you have a very strong team unity. I wouldn't want to completely break that unity up."
"Actually, Hokage-sama. I think we can solve both of your problems quite easily." Seiryu said. He looked to each of his comrades nervously, "I wasn't just a regular ANBU back in Mist. There was a particular job I did for the Mizukage. Being based in an island nation, Mist has always had to go the extra length to compete with the other villages. A few years ago, we brought in shinobi who had abandoned their villages to boost our own strength. We integrated them into our own forces, forming a special team named Kaitou." Seiryu said.
"Phantom Thief." Yuuki remarked. The Mist Wolf swatted his lupine friend on the back.
"Our mission objective is right there in the name. We infiltrated other villages and stole their secrets right out from underneath their noses. Outside of the unit's members, Yagura himself was the only one who knew about what we did. To preserve our secrecy, we would even leave separately and meet up in a nearby town. We were in and out so fast, we appeared to not even be there, in other words…phantoms." Seiryu said. "As for why we used defectors on the team, it was an extra layer of protection. If we couldn't be ghosts, we could hide what village we fought for. Make them think we were independents."
"Captain Himura…your team wouldn't have by chance stolen anything from us now, would you?" Minato asked.
"Hokage-sama can assure you that we did not!" Seiryu asserted. "In fact, I made it a point to avoid Konoha altogether. None of us wanted to mess with the Leaf as long as you were in charge." Seiryu said. "The point I'm trying to make here is that the village would benefit from having a special team like Kaitou. Although this time we wouldn't be in the business of stealing secrets. Instead, we'd act as the village's elite troubleshooters, above regular ANBU, reporting only to you. This team would only be assembled to deal with the biggest threats to the village, I'm talking SS and even SSS levels."
Minato whistled, SSS threats were so great it usually called for the Kage himself to step in. "I can see what you're saying, Captain. It's an ambitious project to be sure, but what would you do the rest of the time?"
"The rest of the time we're just normal Chuunin and Jounin. The team's existence is limited only to a select few. Ones you know that can be trusted." Seiryu replied.
"What about a name?" Minato asked. "I'm not sure if Kaitou fits here."
"Kishin…" Chiharu immediately spoke up. "What we're doing is a noble mission, we're a noble team. So, Kishin." Yuuki put his arm around his beloved.
"I like that, Chiharu. It has a nice ring to it." The wolf demon said.
"Kishin it is then. In fact…" Minato said, a devious glint appearing in his brilliant azure eyes. "I think I know what your first assignment is going to be. Report back to me in a few days and I'll read you in. I have to make some calls here." The newly minted Leaf ninja bowed and departed from the office. Minato reached into his desk, pulling out a thick folder.
"It looks we'll finally be able to act after all this time," He said, beginning a series of letters to the involved parties. The Sanadas, his sensei and Tsunade, all who had been present the night of the Kyuubi attack were to be informed that they had finally found the right blade with which to hack out the roots of the weeds that had been choking the Leaf for so long.
(Eighteen Months Later)
Seiryu had been introduced to the Sanadas and the two remaining Sannin, Minato then read in the Mist Wolf of what was forever engraved in the memories of himself, his wife, and closest friends as "The Longest Night". The Mist Wolf hadn't shown any emotion at being told that Sarutobi had been betrayed by his own teammates for being what they perceived as soft, but the quiet rage in his emerald eyes was the proof Minato needed he had a new ally in his cause.
They began drawing out plans to neutralize the Elders permanently. Once the old fossils were out of the way, Kakashi would take charge of dismantling ROOT, deprogramming all the operatives and reintegrating them back into the proper fold of ANBU. It had taken a year and a half, but Minato was on the cusp of finally getting total control of his village. However, his plans for that would have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future.
It had started out innocently enough. Minato was in his office, facing off against the mounds of paperwork with the aid of three Shadow Clones, while Naruto played near his desk. The doors banged open and a red-faced courier ninja ran into the room, breathing heavily. "A letter for the Hokage!" He huffed.
Minato took the letter, paying the courier who doffed his hat to Naruto who waved with a chubby arm. "Who is it from, Daddy?" The little boy asked. Minato picked up his son, sitting him in his lap.
"Let's find out, shall we?" He said, taking a look at the scroll. His eyes widened at the symbol on the rolled parchment, a tornado forming over an ocean with a wave in the background. "Aw crap." He muttered, palming his forehead. Naruto looked at his father, not understanding what the problem was. "Come on, son. I need to talk to your mother." He made a set of new clones and set them to finishing the paperwork. Minato picked up his son and the scroll and they vanished in the flash of Hiraishin.
Kushina was busy cleaning the house. She gasped when her husband and son suddenly appeared. "Hi dear. I wasn't expecting you back so soon." She said. Minato said nothing, just pushing the scroll into her hands. The smile evaporated when she saw where it came from. "Really? He's coming here? Why show up now after all this time? I thought he wanted nothing to do with you when you made the choice to become a ninja instead of serving the Daimyo like the rest of your family."
Minato shrugged "I have no idea, dear. What goes on in the mind of my brother is his own business," He stated, once again looking at the emblem on the scroll, the emblem of the Namikaze clan…his own clan. Despite his infamous reputation during the war, and having ascended to the become leader of all the ninja in his village, many of his admirers and comrades would be surprised to learn the mighty Yellow Flash was in fact the Black Sheep of his family.
The Namikaze clan was as old as Fire Country itself. Countless generations loyally served in the armies of the Daimyo of their homeland. Minato and Gonzo had trained long and hard under the watchful of their father, Katase Namikaze, for the day they would step up and take their place in the Fire Daimyo's legions. However, Minato had changed all that, choosing to become a ninja of the Leaf, feeling he could serve his homeland in that manner. Katase and Gonzo were furious, and cast him out. Minato could only wonder what caused his brother's change of heart, considering the last words uttered between them had been to never set foot in the Namikaze clan compound so long as either of them drew breath.
Kushina slumped into a chair. Naruto crawled into his mother's lap. She gave a slight smile to her precious boy, running her hands through his sun kissed hair. "So what are we going to do, Minato?" She asked, rather perturbed to having to deal with her brother in law. Minato leaned down, kissing her right on the lips, making her face turn red as her hair. He had the "look" on his face. He wore it many times during the war, it was a reassuring gaze that set everyone around him at ease and said that everything was under control. It was one of the many reasons why she had fallen in love with him to begin.
"Easy, we'll accept him with open arms and give him all the respect he deserves. But I'm going to be firm with him. Gonzo may be my older brother, but this is my village and I'm going to remind him who's in charge."
Three days later, Minato stood with his family at the entrance of his office. He was in the brilliant red and white robes that showed his status as the Fourth Hokage, Kushina wore a lovely dark green kimono, which contrasted with her long red hair tied in a low ponytail. Naruto stood by his mother, wearing a formal orange kimono, the boy looked very uncomfortable, but he was unable to escape his mother's tender but firm grip on his shoulders.
"Mommy, Why do I have to wear this stupid thing? It's itchy and hot! " Naruto whined, tugging at the uncomfortable garment.
"Naruto, if you're going to be like your father one day, you'll be required to dress up for formal occasions. Think of it as a learning experience." Kushina said, although her voice was gentle, there was an underlying aura that said 'you will be on your best behavior or you'll get no ramen for a month!' Naruto just pouted, doing his best to put up with the situation. Luckily he didn't have to wait for long. A stately looking carriage painted a brilliant electric blue, and pulled by a pair of enormous black draft horses rolled up.
"Cool!" Naruto said. The driver hopped down, making to open the door, but he didn't get the chance, a yellow and blue blur flew out of the coach, tackling Naruto to the ground.
"Hi, cousin!" A cheerful voice rang out. A young girl of about twelve had wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck. Two pairs of blue eyes stared at each other. Naruto noticed the brilliant blonde hair, the same shade as his own, tied up in an elaborate braid with a brilliant blue ribbon. She wore a light blue kimono. "You don't have anything to say to me?" Her lips pulled into a cute little frown. The boy sputtered, unable to talk since she had such a tight grip on him.
"Let him go, Melina! You can't expect him to reply if he can't breathe!" A dignified sounding voice exclaimed. The owner of the voice, a stately looking woman stepped out of the carriage. Like her daughter, she had long blonde hair, pulled up in a simple yet elegant looking bun. She wore an elegant kimono, in a dark purple, which made her brilliant green eyes all the more striking. "How have you been, Minato? It's been far too long," She said, giving a graceful bow.
"Hello, Isabella." Minato addressed his sister in law. She gave an alluring smile.
"My, my, you have grown into a handsome man. I still remember when I first met you as a Genin. I don't care what Gonzo and your father said, you were adorable as a boy." She smiled. Isabella then directed her gaze to Naruto, He squeaked and hid behind his mother. "Aw, and you must be Naruto." She knelt down to look him in the eye. "Hello there, sweetie. I'm your Aunt Isabella." Kushina smiled, pulling him out. Isabella got a slightly maniac gleam in her eye and folded him up in a colossal hug. "He's so cute! I must say he looks just like his father."
"Thank you, Izzy." The redhead replied.
"It's Lady Isabella," she replied in a huffy tone. "But still, I have wanted to meet you for quite some time, Kushina. It's wonderful our children can finally meet."
"Why have you and my brother come, Isabella?" Minato said, a sudden gust of wind blew through, causing his robes to whip around him. "We haven't spoken in years. I'd think he'd want nothing to do with me."
"I'm not here because of you." A stern voice said. A tall man in his mid-thirties stepped out. He was dressed like an old school samurai in a black kimono and hakama, a sleeveless red haori made of very expensive silk worn over it. His faithful blade, Masurao, hung at his left side in a glossy black sheath. Curly blonde hair framed the dark greenish brown mask that covered his face; cold green eyes gleamed through the large eyeholes. "I'm here to see the boy and make sure he's worthy of the Namikaze name. It's more than I can say for you…brother."
"I'm sorry, did you really just say that?" Kushina snapped, her legendary temper starting to flare to life, her long crimson locks whipping around like the nine tails of Kurama himself, her fury building with each passing second. "How dare you speak to your own brother that way!"
Gonzo just snorted, closing his eyes dismissively. "Hmph, how crass. You'd think that someone born of an ancient line like the Uzumakis would have more decorum." He said.
Minato's eyes hardened at the jab towards Kushina. It was one thing to insult him, but quite another to insult his wife! "You can mock me all you want, brother, but I will not allow you to insult Kushina! I'm sorry I didn't live up to the expectations of father or you, and but I picked my path and I don't regret it one minute!" He said, putting a bit of force into his voice. "In fact, that condescending attitude makes me glad I became a shinobi!"
Gonzo had another retort on his tongue when Isabella's hand whipped upwards, hitting her husband on the back of the head. Her face had a sweet expression, but there was the thinnest hint of steel behind her words.
"Sweetheart…I thought we agreed you would behave yourself." Isabella said measuredly, her sweet voice was gentle and very cold at the same time. That smiled that tugged on her lips twitched angrily. It was very unsettling. Kushina nodded, and smirked. She know how handle husband. Not that Minato ever needed that kind of behavior modification. "I am here to see Naruto and I will not let your stupid pride ruin the chance to bring our family back together! If you do, then you can go ahead and sleep on the couch for the next three months! If you even think about protesting, I'll extend it another month! You want to spend an entire year on the couch? I'm more than willing to go there dear!" Her voice had an instant mollifying effect on him.
Kushina found her respect for her sister in law go up a few notches. If anyone could make a stubborn bastard like Gonzo break down like that.
"Very well then…dear." He said through clenched teeth. He straightened out a non-existent wrinkle in his robe. "It's been a long trip, and I'm quite tired. I'd like to get some rest, have you at least made sure our quarters have been prepared?"
"Of course we have, brother. We have rooms prepared for all three of you." Minato said amiably. Gonzo just grunted, stalking off into the tower without another word, his haori flapping behind him as he walked. The younger Namikaze sighed, looking to Isabella who gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sure you must want to rest as well." He said.
"I wouldn't mind laying down for awhile," Isabella admitted, her somber expression vanished when her daughter trotted up, dragging her cousin along. "Hello dear, are you and Naruto having a good time?"
"Yes, Mommy! Naruto was telling me all about the village! Can we go around and take a look?" the Namikaze heiress put her hands on her hips and gave her most adorable little pout. Isabella giggled, not able to resist her daughter's cuteness, giving her a small hug.
"Well, maybe if you ask your Aunt Kushina really nicely she'll take you around and show you everything. Is that fine with you?" Isabella directed a glance to her sister in law, who gave a big wide grin, happily putting her arms around Melina.
"I'd love to show her around! You go ahead and rest, Izzy. Mel is in the best of hands. She and Naruto will have fun, won't we kids?"
"Thank you, Auntie Kushina!" Melina smiled sweetly, grabbing onto her aunt's hand. Kushina took Naruto with the other hand and they walked off together, clearly happy for the bonding time. Minato offered Isabella his arm. She looped her arm with her brother in law and let him lead her into the tower so she could get some rest.
A few days went by and there was a cool aura around the Namikaze residence. Minato still had to tend to his duties as Hokage, and Gonzo spent most of his time in his room, but Kushina was playing the part of the ideal hostess, showing Isabella all the pertinent landmarks of the village. Naruto and Melina immediately hit it off, and the little boy quickly introduced his cousin to all of his friends, Hinata, Neji, and the other clan heirs took an immediate shine to Melina.
After a day at the park, Melina and Naruto had returned to the Hokage Residence. The entire Namikaze Clan sat around the table. Kushina went above and beyond the call of duty to prepare a simple but wonderful meal for everyone. "I must say you are a magnificent cook, Kushina. I don't think I've ever had food so wonderful! Wasn't it nice dear?" Isabella replied with an icy stare towards Gonzo, who was idly poking at his meal with his fork. "And do take off your mask at the dinner table, it's impolite."
The elder Namikaze brother grunted, removing his mask, revealing a large burn scar across his face. Naruto gaped at his uncle. He flashed a smirk.
"Wondering about the scar? I got it from fighting a ninja from Stone Country. He hit me with a fire jutsu right in the kisser. Of course due to typical ninja arrogance, he had to gloat and then I introduced him to my friend, Masurao. One slash and that was all it took." He patted the red handled sword, which was propped up against the table. "Let it be a rule of advice, nephew. Just because you're a ninja, doesn't mean you're invincible."
Kushina growled, "Oh that is enough!" She snapped at her brother in law, standing up quickly, sending her chair flying back into the wall with a loud clatter. "I've tried to be nice, but you have been nothing but a patronizing asshole the whole time you've been here! Have you ever even spent any time with your family? Because all I know is you've been sitting in your room, staring at the four walls like you hate the whole world!"
"You misunderstand, I don't hate the world…just my brother who abandoned his station! The brother who abandoned me!" Gonzo's hands slammed on the table, and he delivered a hate filled glare across the table to Minato. "That's right, Minato! I said it! We were supposed to serve the Daimyo together and then what did you do? You left for this den of bandits and lowlifes with no honor! You don't serve the Daimyo, just your own selfish interests! Father said loyalty to the throne comes before anything else! How dare you believe you stand on the same level as Lord Shijimi! I'm ashamed to consider you my own blood!"
Minato slow rose to his feet, "Those are all baseless assumptions, brother. It's amazing you can be so petty and shallow after all these years." He replied. The Yellow Flash's voice was even and measured; a stark contrast to Gonzo's rage fueled rant. "Is the clan the only thing that matters to you?"
"Yeah, if you care so much about your precious clan, then where were you when Naruto was born?" Kushina piped in, "I know and it wasn't anywhere around here! You didn't even give us the time of day! We had to rely on people who weren't blood to help us when we were in danger. People like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Mito Uzumaki, who gave their lives to protect the village and this country from being obliterated by the Kyuubi!" Her voice rose higher and higher, "All you care about is your own personal matters, Minato has done more for your precious Daimyo than you ever did!"
Gonzo was incensed. He snatched his mask and put it back on, picking up Masurao in hand. "I don't need to be lectured any further by the likes of you!" He flicked his thumb, loosening his sword in hand. "It seems brother, there is nothing left for us to discuss. How about we settle this in a more…physical manner?" Minato's eyes hardened, and he was about to let one of his patented tri-pronged kunai slide into his hand, when the familiar chill of killing intent came into the room, Minato and Kushina weren't affected, and Gonzo was unmoving. Seiryu entered the room, Arashi No Ookami drawn.
"Pardon the intrusion, Hokage-sama. I know this is purely a family affair and not really my place, but I can't exactly stand by while the two of you try to tear each other apart." The Mist Wolf replied coolly, before addressing Gonzo. "Lord Namikaze, Whatever your issues are with your brother, you should keep in mind that this village is his domain, and we will react to attack on his person with extreme prejudice, even by his own family. But if it's a fight you want…" He raised his blade in challenge, "I'll be more than happy to take you on!"
Gonzo sneered beneath his mask, "The Wolf of the Mist…I had no idea you had joined my brother's little band of reprobates. I suppose I could indulge you." He rolled his shoulders, causing audible cracks. "It's been awhile since I've faced a shinobi in combat. You'd be much more of a challenge than those common bandits I usually have to hunt down."
"Training Ground Three…twenty minutes, I'll see you there." Seiryu said coolly, giving a curt nod to Minato before vanishing the trademark mist Shunshin of his former village.
(Training Ground Three)
The training ground was a simple field with a view of the mountain range the Hokage Monument was carved into. Seiryu and Gonzo stood face to face with each other, two pairs of green eyes locked. Minato looked from his brother to one of his newest ninja. Both men were stony faced, hands coming up to the handles of their weapons. At a signal from the Hokage, the two lunged.
There was a single pure note of steel on steel. Masurao and Arashi No Ookami both crossed at a single point. Gonzo smirked cockily, "You have a good draw, Himura. Unlike many of your compatriots, there's genuine respect for the blade in your eyes. But against me, you'll still fall short."
Seiryu wasn't fazed at all, "With that kind of arrogance I'm surprised you haven't been defeated sooner, Lord Namikaze." He shot back, scraping his blade along Masurao, the two of them backed away, digging furloughs in the dirt. Isabella clenched her fists, praying he wouldn't use 'that' technique.
"It's not arrogance if you can back it up." Gonzo retured harshly, bringing his blade up into a guard position, "Allow me to show what I'm mean." And to Seiryu's surprise, Gonzo vanished from his side. Reflexes and training kicked in, Arashi no Ookami snapped up, meeting Masurao. Steel clanged on respective steel, sparking on contact when they struggled against on another. "Do you like my little technique? I call it Shiko-Sokudo, invented it myself. I have the ability to accelerate my body's moments to the speed of thought itself, and in the time it takes for my brain to process information, I can choose a reaction and react as needed."
"Super reflex control, not a bad little trick. I can see now how you were able to take on ninja, between your quick draw and your incredible speed, even most the most experienced shinobi would be hard pressed to keep up." Seiryu observed sharply, "But you're not the only one who is familiar with extreme speed!" He vanished but in the effect of Shunshin. "Hiten Mitsurugi, Ryutsuisen!" The Mist Wolf popped up above from above, sword raised overhead.
Gonzo snapped up his blade to block. He blurred out of sight, and went for an Iaido style strike, but Seiryu spun in a circle, carrying him out of the way of Masurao's strike and aiming right at his rival's neck "Ryukansen!" He called out. Gonzo parried Seiryu's strike. "As you can see, I can play the same game. Those who learn my style, Hiten Mitsurugi, gain an incredible almost superhuman speed. It's inferior to what you can do, but I can use it in tandem with Shunshin and it's a very potent combination."
Gonzo leapt back, Masurao held overhead, his face was turning red. Isabella bit her lip, "Damn it, Gonzo, you promised me you wouldn't overuse it!" She hissed. Kushina looked to her sister in law, "My husband's technique gives him a huge advantage in speed, but like anything it has its drawbacks. If used too much it can put a huge strain on its heart and cause a stroke or even a heart attack! I've warned him about that, but does he listen? Of course not!"
Kushina patted her on the back. "I'm certain Minato will intervene if it gets too out of control. Even if he and Gonzo don't get along much, he wouldn't let anything happen to family, Izzy. I know that much." She said reassuringly, giving one of her patented contagious smiles. Isabella brightened a little, holding her daughter's hand.
Gonzo was finding that the Mist Wolf was a worthier opponent than he expected. His blade swept in a graceful arc aimed at Seiryu's neck, everyone winced when Masurao found its target, but rather the brilliant red blood he expected, clear fluid splashed on the ground. 'Seiryu' turned into giant puddle of water on the ground. "A water clone." He spat, lip curling upwards in disgust.
Seiryu exploded out of the ground, having hidden under ground after swapping with one of his water clones. "Hiten Mitsurugi: Ryushosen!" Seiryu went for an upward slash, aiming at Gonzo's throat. He flickered out of sight; reappearing behind his opponent and swung in a wide arc. Arashi No Ookami snapped up, parrying Masurao.
Gonzo began panting, his last use of thought speed had been more of a strain than he expected. His heart was pumping even faster than normal. "Damn it, I wasn't expecting to go up against another speedster. We're both too evenly matched!" He rasped, struggling for breath. His chest tightened, fast beating heart letting his know he couldn't much longer. "I have to end this battle with the next blow." His next move surprised everyone as he slowly returned his sword to its sheath, and took up a neutral stance. "Captain Himura…I'm going all the way to the river." He said, shocking everyone, causing tears to start forming in Isabella's eyes.
"You would really go that far, Lord Namikaze? Use up all your strength in one decisive blow?" Seiryu said softly. It was a question, but he also knew the answer. So did everyone else. He closed his eyes, slowly sheathing his own blade. "Very well then. We'll go there. A single stroke battle, winner take all." He looked to Isabella, "It will be okay, milady." The Mist Wolf said before directing his gaze to Minato. "Lord Hokage if you will?" The younger Namikaze brother drew one of his trademark kunai, and let it drop.
Seiryu and Gonzo locked eyes, giving a nod of acknowledgment to each other as two warriors. Before anyone could blink, they vanished in a blur. There was a sound of steel hitting flesh. The two warriors stood a few feet apart motionless as statues. Gonzo faltered before Masurao fell from his hand and hit the ground with a clatter. "Damn it." He rasped, before collapsing in a heap himself. Isabella ran to her husband, tears in her eyes while Kushina held onto Melina.
"Daddy?" the little girl's question was heart wrenching to everyone assembled.
Isabella cradled Gonzo in her arms, tears running down her face. "Ughh." A grunt came from Gonzo's lips. She gasped, amazed that he was still alive. He saw that his robe had been torn open and a large welt was slowly forming. She looked to the Mist Wolf who just gave a jaunty grin.
"It's like I said, Lady Namikaze. Everything would be okay. It would be in bad taste if I killed my boss's family, even if he is a colossal pain in the ass. I turned my blade over at the last minute before I hit him. He's going to be rather sore for a few days, but he's pretty strong so he should recover in no time." Seiryu said, walking off without another word. Isabella just smiled through her tears, hugging her husband tightly. Melina came over to her parents joined in the hug.
A couple days went by to allow Gonzo time to recover. The elder Namikaze was still rather distant to his brother, but he had become more open with his nephew. Naruto would sit at his uncle's feet and listen for hours to the stories Gonzo told of his exploits as a member of the Daimyo's army. How he started as a low level soldier before eventually becoming commander of the Daimyo's Tenth Legion, his most elite unit. But eventually the time came for Gonzo to return to his duties in Fire Country's capital, Kyoto.
Melina was currently squeezing Naruto in a patented Isabella deathgrip. The Namikaze matriarch was known for her killer hugs and her daughter was learning well. "I'm going to miss you!" She wailed loud. A little ways off, Kushina couldn't help but grin, the next generation of Namikazes had become close during this little visit and it was certain many visits would occur between them.
"You have to come and visit us in Kyoto very soon, Kushina." Isabella smiled warmly, it was inviting and very much asked for them to come soon. "The house is so big and can get awfully lonely with Gonzo working all the time and Melina at school most of the day. I think we could have some fun."
"Minato has to be make his annual report to the Daimyo in a couple of months. I'm sure we could stop by and see you then." The redhead replied. Despite the initial impression of her sister in law's snootiness, Isabella and Kushina had grown close as well. Kushina looked to her brother in law, overseeing the loading of the carriage. He still carried himself with the air of someone who saw himself as better than others, but a lot of the hostility had vanished. Ever so often he'd shoot a gaze to Minato, currently watching the kids play, and his lips would twist into a thin smirk.
"Girls, it's time to go." Gonzo called out. Melina pouted before giving her cousin one last hug and ran to get into the carriage. Isabella gave kisses to her nephew and his parents before climbing in herself.
"I'm happy you came to visit, Brother. It was quite nice to see you, all things aside." Minato admitted.
Gonzo put a hand on Naruto's head. "I trust you'll keep up your training, young man. You are the future of our family and will have much to live up to." He gave a bow to Kushina, kissing her on the hand. "I apologize for my behavior to you earlier, Sister-in-law. I was a guest in your home and I acted quite rudely. I didn't even bring you a proper gift. Next time I will remember." He gave a slight nod to Minato, "Brother, next time you're in Kyoto, stop by the house, and we'll talk."
"I'll do that," The Yellow Flash happily. For as much as he initially dreaded this, Minato felt that he wouldn't mind meeting his brother like this regularly.
Gonzo's sharp crystalline eyes then looked to a large tree nearby. "Captain Himura…I want to see you in Kyoto in two weeks time…for a rematch. I ensure you won't be so lucky next time!" The Mist Wolf stepped out from behind the tree, giving a respectful nod to his new rival. Gonzo bowed to his family and boarded the carriage, giving a signal to the drive to depart. With the creak of the wheels it rolled off down the road and out of the gate.
(Uchiha District)
At the same time Gonzo and his family left the village, another family gathering was taking place within the walled confines of the area that one of Konoha's founding clans called home. Hitomi and Mikoto were sitting on the back porch of the main family's home, a stately two-story manor in the center of the district, built by Madara Uchiha himself. The two women sat watching as pair of children played tag in the yard.
"I'm going to get you, Sasuke!" the bespectacled three-year-old girl giggled, chasing after her cousin. Ayami Kaname Sanada was the living image of her mother, bluish-black hair tied up in a single braid. Her bright blue-grey eyes sparkled with childish glee. Like her mother's uncommon eyes, they were possibly the shiniest pair of orbs in the clan. They innately shined with intelligence, and energy. She chased after Sasuke Uchiha, the younger son of Fugaku and Mikoto, the little boy stuck his tongue out at his cousin, before leaping up onto the fence. "That's not fair!" she pouted.
"We're ninja, Ayami, fair isn't in the book." Sasuke shot back. He ran along the high wall, deliberately showing off. His smug expression vanished when Ayami leapt up after him, latching onto his back.
"Tag…you're it!" She crowed, before leaping down to the ground. Sasuke began chasing Ayami around the yard, as she bounced off of rocks and trees, one time just barely keeping from the younger Uchiha's fingers from brushing along her delicate shoulders. Ayami winked and leapt back up onto the fence. "Tired yet, Sasuke?"
"Just to the contrary. I'm just getting warmed up, Ayami." He countered, stretching out. Eventually he was ready to start the next phase of their game.
"Sasuke Uchiha, get down from there this instant! Your father will throw a fit if he sees you up there again! Remember what happened last time you fell off?" Mikoto spoke up from the porch, remembering the day very well when Sasuke was practicing his wall running and tripped, it had only been thanks to Itachi's quick thinking that kept Sasuke from getting more than a few bruises.
"Ayami, that goes for you as well, young lady!" Hitomi called worriedly, as amusing as their children's little game had been so far, she did not want to see her baby girl doing such dangerous things yet. Sasuke and Ayami sulked but ultimately did what they were told. It was then Fugaku and Yukimura came in, followed by three boys.
"Hi Mom!" the slightly shorter boy greeted his mother excitedly. "Uncle Fugaku taught us the grand fireball today!" Hitomi stood up, embracing her son. Her youngest son, Yukimasa Ikari Sanada, was a shooting star of enthusiasm. He was fast, and made his mother slightly grunt at his sudden impact. He embraced his mother back tightly. Hitomi couldn't help admiring the boyish grin plastered on his face when he looked up at her. Uncanny red eyes were big and wide like a pair of enflamed moons on a Nine Tails ruled night. They showed with inherent loving vigor for his mother. Neither of them had tomoe to them. Her little boy had pretty eyes just like her his sister. Hitomi ruffled his messy hair. His raven locks had a natural shagginess about it. They curled up, and about like plants reaching for natural light one dawn of a first spring day. Hitomi just liked doing it. Yukimasa let out a pleased little purr in response.
"And you almost burned your throat while doing it, Yuki!" the other boy smirked; gold eyes twinkled with arrogant light. He smirked thinner, placing a proud hand on his chest. Just for emphasis that he was first. "Unlike me, who got it right on the first try."
"Indeed, I don't I had seen such a well formed Grand Fireball since Itachi's first attempt. Morinobu is a shining example of what it means to be an Uchiha." Fugaku agree, a hint of pride in his neutral voice. Morinobu Gendo Sanada was Hitomi and Yukimura's firstborn son and eldest of their three children. Many were lauding his skill. Fugaku called him the latest in a long of geniuses produced by the Uchiha Clan, right up there on the same level with his cousin, Itachi.
Yukimasa Ikari Sanada, the middle of the three children, just rolled his eyes in annoyance. He left the embrace of his mother, joining the other boys. As much as he loved Mori, he could be an insufferable asshole at times. "I got it eventually. Not everyone can pick things up as easily as you can, brother." He said, a twinge of bitterness in his voice. His shoulders slumped. He couldn't deny that Mori was naturally gifted and it hurt to constantly have to hear him rub it in his face.
Itachi put a comforting hand on Yukimasa's shoulder, "Hard work is nothing to be ashamed of, Yuki. Knowing you put real, genuine effort into something gives you a sense of satisfaction that can't be rivaled." He directed a pointed glare to Mori, "Learning everything so easily becomes boring really quick in my experience. Where's the challenge, the rush? Don't be dissuaded by being a hard worker, cousin."
"He makes a valid point, Yukimasa. Your fireball was much larger despite getting it last, and you seemed to have better control over it. I didn't think someone your age could have such precise chakra control or large chakra output. I bet with some extra training you would become a formidable force when you get older." Fugaku's compliment caused Yukimasa to cheer up, while his brother fumed in the background. The younger of the Sanada brothers grinned inside, it wasn't often he got one over on Mori.
"He should have very fine control, Fugaku. I've been taking Yukimasa how to use Projection. It's an art that requires all but requires fine control." Yukimura said, having come in just then. Yukimura was a man of great stature in both station and of height. He was a head above even Fugaku. Like his son Morinobu, his gold eyes were molten pools of gold riches. His sharp tanned features were inherited by his oldest son. In a lot of ways, he was the future in image of what Morinobu look like when he was all grown up. Unlike his oldest, his two younger inherited their mother's softer features. They were lighter skinned, and had dark hair like their Uchiha ancestry would suggest. Sanada men usually were darker skinned, and had lighter hair. Yukimura's platinum hair was swept back, and gleaming in the sun like white gold. Morinobu tried to mimic the same thing with his darker sandy locks. His head lacked the same luster, but Morinobu projected the same power in his father's kingly gait.
"It shows, keep working, Yukimasa." Fugaku said, his lips twitching upward into a rare, small smile.
"Thanks, Uncle Fugaku. I'll make sure to work really hard in the future so I can bring honor to both the Uchiha and Sanada names." He said, looking to Itachi who gave a nod of acknowledgement. Hitomi just beamed, giving both of her sons the obligatory motherly hug.
"I'm proud of both of you. It shows you're both gifted and I hope you two can stand together one day." She acknowledged them both proudly. Mori and Yukimasa just sighed. Morinobu's was sulkier like a dignified prince who had to suffer others. Yukimasa's was more tenderly content. He grabbed his mother's hand, and tightly squeezed it. He wanted to be a great ninja like his mom, too.
"It's good to see the flame of the Uchiha is burning bright." A wizened old voice spoke. They turned to see two older gentleman come in through the gate, one of them, wearing a simple gray kimono with Uchiha symbol on the back, gave a slight bow. Fugaku, Mikoto, Yukimura, and Hitomi returned the gesture, which the children aped.
"Hello, Elder Kagami, it's always good to have your presence here." Fugaku said. His eyes narrowed when he saw Kagami's companion, "Lord Danzo, what can we do for you today?" He spoke, trying to keep the disgust out of his voice. Kagami Uchiha was one of the most respected members of the clan, long noted for his sense of duty to the village, but many couldn't stand the fact he and Danzo were old friends, nothing ever good came about when the head of ROOT was around.
"Elder Kagami was telling me about your children, and wished me to meet them." Danzo explained calmly, his lone visible eye giving each of the five children an appraising look. "And I see you've finally returned home, Hitomi. It seems your sons and daughter is also doing quite well. I trust they're a tribute to their heritage?"
"But of course!" Morinobu smirked proudly, revealing his Sharingan, and much to the shock of the two older men, there were two tomoe in each eye. "Got my second tomoe in my right eye just a few weeks ago, elder. I'm hoping it will be fully matured by my next birthday. I'm eager to see what I can do with it then."
"Quite amazing, well done Mori!" Kagami gave a nod of appreciation, before directing his attention to the other Sanada brother, "What about you, child? Have you awakened your Sharingan yet?"
"Uhh, kind of, sir." Yukimasa replied, feeling a little uneasy about being on the spot like this, "I awoke my doujutsu around the same time my brother did, but it looks…different." He informed them halfheartedly. Kagami cocked an eyebrow, "Maybe you should see for yourself. It's not like any Sharingan I've ever seen before." He willed chakra to his eyes, a pair of black rings materialized into view. They didn't change color like a Sharingan would. This pair of solid black rings floated in his bloody irises, spinning slowly; carefully watching the old men. The elder Uchiha was dumbstruck.
"Hmm, interesting. Yukimasa, I don't believe you even have the Sharingan." Danzo came up behind him, his lone eye widening in surprise. Yukimasa looked back up at the old man. That gleam in Danzo's single black eye made the little boy feel very uncomfortable. It was like he'd struck gold.
"That's correct, old friend." Kagami concurred conversationally, nodding sharply to Danzo. The elder ran a thoughtful finger through his salt and pepper beard. He stepped forward, leaning over to get a closer look. His Sharingan was likewise blazing like Yukimura's red eyes, analyzing every aspect of him. Yukimasa didn't like those eyes at all. The boy stiffened slightly. He looked pleadingly to his mother, or father to step in. Yukimasa very much needed an adult. "Our young friend here possesses a power that's even rarer than the Sharingan. This is called the Enjingan. I had heard stories about this particular Doujutsu in old documents. It was believed to belong to an offshoot of the Uchiha clan. I dare say this is a unique find."
"I'm glad you're so intrigued by what my son's doujutsu is, Elder Shimura." Yukimura said, his golden brown eyes sending a clear warning to Danzo to not even consider what he was thinking. He stepped to his son's side, and put a protective fatherly hand on his shoulder. Yukimasa's red eyes gleamed with joy. Dad was always there to protect him. Fugaku gave his own fierce glare, but Danzo was unaffected. He had endured the disapproving stare of the Second Hokage himself, both of the other men were mere children compared to Tobirama Senju.
Kagami cleared his throat, trying to dispel the tense atmosphere. He set his features into the stoic expression of a ninja and politician. "Fugaku, Hitomi, as one of the founding clans of this village it's our responsibility and duty to keep it safe, no matter what. I know you both agree with me on this, correct?" He asked. The two cousins shared a look, neither of them liked where this was going, but they kept their cool.
"Yes, Elder. The Military Police take their oath to the village very seriously, the entire corps is on constant alert and I personally would never let anything happen on my watch. And despite living on the other side of the planet, Hitomi too is a daughter of the Leaf. I know my cousin would come back at the drop of the hat if the village was ever in any danger." Fugaku said, to which Hitomi emphatically nodded.
"I know, but there are those enemies in the shadows that extend beyond even the Military Police's jurisdiction, enemies that can dig all the way to the root of the village." Everyone gave a mental groan at the badly masked pun, Kagami was known for having a bad sense of humor. It made Maito Gai's ranting about the flames of youth look palatable. "Danzo has dedicated himself to protecting ourselves from the shadows who'd do us harm by facing them on their own terms. He's looking for a few good recruits to his team. Perhaps…one of the children could join ROOT?"
That simple comment ignited a firestorm hotter than if the entire clan used the Grand Fireball simultaneously. Fugaku and Hitomi's Sharingan immediately flared to life. "Mikoto, please take the children inside, we need to have a discussion with the Elders." Fugaku's voice brokered no argument. His wife wouldn't need to protest, she had no love for Danzo and his little army of drones either. She quietly ushered Itachi and the other kids inside, flaring her own Sharingan for a split second as a warning to Danzo and Kagami. They had just invoked the wrath of an angry mother, and were now at the top of her shit list.
"I will be polite this one time, Elder Shimura. So I will ask you to please remove yourself from my home and never return to the Uchiha district. Please go…before I do something I regret!" Fugaku almost shouted, anger trembling in his balled fists. Danzo just shook his head, almost like he was a parent who was disappointed at a choice that his child made.
"Very well, Lord Uchiha, but I will warn you, pride comes at a price. It may not happen right away, but eventually…you will have to reap what you sow." His one dark eye closed, Danzo hitched up his kimono before giving an icy stare at the rest of the adults before walking out of the gate.
"How could you say such a thing to a man like him, Fugaku? Danzo is one of the foundations of this village! He has protected this village for years and we have a responsibility to aid in that defense!" Kagami was incensed at the younger man's lack of respect. He flinched when Fugaku's ruby gaze was aimed at him.
"Let's discuss your conduct, uncle! The Uchiha bow to no one! There is no way I would condone Itachi or Sasuke becoming part of ROOT, even if it is for the good of the village!" Fugaku furiously snapped.
"And you can be damn certain that none of my kids are becoming part of that old fossil's private army of drones!" Hitomi put in crossly, Sharingan's anger lit up her red eyes almost onto the purple spectrum. "Perhaps you've gotten a little senile in your old age, Uncle. It could be time for you to step down from your duties and let someone take your place. Isn't that right dear?" She looked to Yukimura, Her husband was slow to anger, but when his wrath was unleashed it was terrifying to behold. She was half expecting him to unleash the full might of the Vault on Kagami right there. But the Sanada Patriarch was a man of reason.
"Indeed dear, I think it might be time to look at the elders in general, see if it's time to inject some new blood." Yukimura rejoined evenly, crossing his arms over his chest. One intimidating finger lifted, everyone knew a simple chakra infused snap of the fingers could mean death. "You're time is long over, Kagami Uchiha. Make the informed decision and step aside. I dare say it won't end well for you if you persist." Kagami just sighed.
"I suggest you remember Danzo's words. Pride always comes before a fall. You're only hurting yourselves if you do this." He walked off to his apartment, leaving the others behind. The pleasant mood from earlier had evaporated completely and wouldn't be coming back anytime soon.
(D-Day for Operation ROOT Removal, Hokage Office)
Minato sat at his desk, in full Jounin combat garb. It was finally time to cut the sickness out of the village for good. Kakashi stood beside him in full ANBU armor. The fourteen men and women had been handpicked by the Hatake heir for their loyalty to the Hokage, and would do anything for him. Minato stood up and walked up and down the lines of troops. "Thank you for assembling here tonight. I know you'd rather be home sleeping, but this mission requires those I can implicitly trust." The Yellow Flash replied.
"Our job is to serve, Hokage-sama." One of the ANBU, wearing a tiger mask replied. "Give us our orders and we'll carry them out." Minato nodded.
"We all know what kind of man Danzo Shimura is. He claims to have the village's best interests at heart but I have to disagree. He's willing to pick a fight with the other villages over the smallest insult." His eyes hardened and all the ANBU were reminded of why the man was named Hokage in the first place, "This is not what the village was built on."
"The mission is to kill Danzo Shimura. Once we've done that we can begin dismantling ROOT itself and folding their resources back into the proper fold of ANBU." Kakashi said.
"The assault will be spearheaded by our newest addition…Kishin Team." Five more ninja entered, wearing a heavier version of the ANBU armor, and smooth white masks, bearing the kanji for "Noble" and a number on the forehead. They bowed to Minato and let him continue. "Kishin One will lead the initial attack into ROOT HQ, and secure Danzo. The first half of the ANBU team will follow Kishin inside and mop up while the second half secures the perimeter. Everyone, this mission decides Konoha's future, may the Will of Fire burn brightly in all of you!"
"Yes Hokage-sama!" Everyone snapped to attention. Kakashi slid his faithful mask, carved to look like a dog over his face, and the nineteen ninja vanished from the office. The attack force swiftly leapt across the rooftops of the village, moving so fast they almost seemed to be flying. Thanks to the Aburame and their insects, the entrance to ROOT Headquarters was found inside a derelict building bought in Danzo's name near the boundary of the village's southeast wall. Kishin Team and their ANBU backups, landed in the alley next to the building.
"Okay Inu, we'll go in first and secure the target, you wait thirty seconds and follow us in." Kishin One said. A curt nod was all Kakashi needed to give. "Kishin, move in! Kishin Three, would you kindly get the door?" The one with the kanji for three on his mask nodded. He cocked his fist back and with a single punch, shattered the heavy steel reinforced wooden door. The five ninja stormed in finding a pair of ninja in innocuous black garb with plain white masks with no markings.
"You're not…" The ROOT ninja wasn't able to finish as one of the Kishin operatives lunged forward, stabbing the guard in the neck with a kunai, falling to the floor with a meaty thud as a pool of blood slowly grew around him. The second ROOT ninja made to raise the alarm but Kishin One dropped him with a swift kick to the jaw.
"A little quick on the draw, Kishin Two?" The leader replied in a dry tone.
"I was getting impatient." Two replied, flicking the blood off his kunai. They went down into the basement. The shortest of the team went up against the wall, tapping it twice.
"This is it, just as the Aburame's reports said." Kishin Five replied, "Four, if you will?" He looked to the last member of the team, who began setting up a series of small exploding tags along rim of the door. They were specially created to burn a hole with a minimum amount of noise and flash. Kishin One gave the signal for the team to stack up, before nodding to Four; who brought their hands up into the ram sign, triggering the tags. There was a small spark and a sizzle, as the fire chakra contained within the tags burned through a large chunk of the wall, One and Two quickly caught the piece before it could hit the ground.
"All right, Four and Five, secure the entrance until Inu's team arrives, once you do that, I want you secure any and all documents. Two and Three…I want you to start killing any ROOT operatives that get in your way, be as silent as possible, they're going to give their lives for Danzo without a second thought. I don't relish the idea of offing them, but we can't be gentle here. I'm going after the main root himself. If we deal with him, the others will fall into disarray. Let's get this job done quickly. Kishin…move out!"
The team of masked shinobi slipped into the shadows of the tunnel, traveling deep into the bowels of ROOT's headquarters. Kishin Team were methodical in their dismantling of everything Danzo Shimura had spent years building. Behind the masks, faces twisted in disgust at finding several young children in the barracks, their faces blank and emotionless.
Kishin One's fury especially, as a ninja he knew from long experience that he was a weapon, but he was still human, he could still feel. These children had been turned into drones, their emotions buried in the darkest regions of their minds. Maybe they could suppress it for a while, but eventually those emotions would come out, and the full weight of the things they had done would hit them. Such stress would be devastating. He made a mental note to see to it they all received much needed therapy.
Eventually they made it to the central meeting area for ROOT. It was a large cavern with a ceiling at least twenty feet high. Sitting on a raised platform illuminated by a pair of torches was the king himself. In the faint light thrown out by the torches, Kishin One got a good look at the Chief Elder's face. There was weariness in his lone visible eye, but also an inner fire that hadn't completely gone out. "I was wondering when Minato when finally come to shut me down." He finally spoke. "I take it you're here to arrest me…Himura-san?"
Kishin One grunted, removing his mask to reveal the Blade Wolf's face, "No, For the crimes of high treason against The Village Hidden in the Leaves and the murder of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage…Danzo Shimura you are hereby charged with death! And I am your executioner!" Arashi No Ookami came out, the fire dancing in the reflection of the shining blade.
Danzo didn't look disturbed at all. The old man was the picture of the calm, and then the ends of his lips twitched slightly, and a slight chortle escaped from them. The stoic mask fell away and he began laughing, it was a dry laugh, devoid of any warmth at all. "Oh that's rich! You have no idea what I've given up in the name of protecting this village! I've given my WHOLE LIFE to keeping Konoha safe from the shadows! Sarutobi was a senile old fool, and Minato isn't any better, preaching about peace when he should be making the village stronger! Being the strongest is the only way to gain respect! Iwa and Kumo found that out the hard way during the last war! You kill me, then Konoha is wide open to attack!"
"You're a fossil…a relic of an age long past!" Seiryu growled back, raising his blade in challenge.
"You children have no respect for your elders! It seems I have to educate you in that regard!" He sneered, surprising the Mist Wolf when a fully intact, heavily tattooed arm emerged from the folds of his robe. "Allow me to show you my strength!" He bit his finger and swiped blood along his arm, obscured by a cloud of smoke.
"A summon contract?" Seiryu said, tensing up. A low laughter emanated from the dust.
"You think I'd be that stupid to try a summon in a closed in space like this?" Danzo replied. "No, I'm just pulling out my main weapon. He has seen me through many campaigns…much like your precious blade. I like to keep it close at hand at all times. Say hello to my dear friend…Yomi," The Mist Wolf's eyes widened at the wicked looking mechanical construct looming up in front of him.
"A puppet? I didn't think Konoha had such ninja." He replied. He had known of the puppet masters of Hidden Sand, but the thing in front of him was nothing like what they wielded. It had a basic humanoid shape, painted dark blue and trimmed in red, a head that extended out in two points, blades on the feet, and what appeared to be wings jutting out of the back. Danzo just smirked.
"I am a man of many talents, Himura-san. I spent some time undercover in Suna and learned the art of puppet ninjutsu. It's a fascinating branch, but extremely difficult to learn and master. But I thrive on a challenge! You'll be Yomi's first meal in quite a few years!" Thin strings of chakra extended from his fingers, connecting him to the puppet. The construct lunged forward, a large spike shaped blade erupted from the right hand, impaling the Mist Wolf in the chest, before it turned clear and splashed into a puddle on the floor.
A series of shuriken, followed by a trio of kunai flew from the shadows. Yomi's arm came up, the small spiked discs bouncing off the steel plated surface before batting the knives aside with its blade. "Hiten Mitsurugi, Ryushosen!" Seiryu flew from his hiding place in the doorway; glad he had sent the water clone through first. Danzo gave a slight flick of the wrist, causing Yomi's arm to come up, Arashi No Ookami met the spiked blade.
Danzo laughed, "Think that little lump of iron can match against my Yomi? I've spent years reworking her to be the most perfect killing machine possible. Let me show you more of what she can do." The blade retracted, and two slots opened on the bottom of the wrists, launching a barrage of kunai, turning Seiryu into a pincushion before he vanished in a puff of smoke, and a bisected log crashed to the ground. Danzo started looking around for his foe. "Where is he? There are few places to hide here."
"Wind Style: Tornado Fist!" Seiryu descended from the vault above, having used Kawarimi to make a quick leap up to the ceiling, using chakra to stick to the roof. A small cyclone had formed around his free hand. Danzo did a series of movements with the chakra strings, the chest cavity opened, spouting out a gust of flame. The fire and the wings surrounding his fist connected, resulting in a quick but massive flare up.
A dome of earth retracted, having been how Danzo had shielded himself from the firestorm. "I would have thought someone of your intelligence would know what happens when you mix a fire jutsu and a wind jutsu." He replied dryly, noting the drenched Mist Wolf, "I'll give you credit for whipping out the water prison jutsu to protect yourself from the flames."
Seiryu whipped his head back and forth, spraying water all over the place, before raising his blade once more. "Would you believe me if I said that's not the first time I've pulled that maneuver?" He drawled smartly, weaving a quick series of finger tangling hand seals, "Water Style: Teppodama no Jutsu, Rapid Style!" He reared his head back, and let loose a rapid series water bullets, aimed not at Yomi, but at Danzo.
The old man's reflexes were sharp for someone of his age, but to dodge, he had to cancel the link between him and Yomi for a split second, just enough time for Seiryu to make his next move. "Hiten Mitsurugi: Kuzuryuzen!" The attack nearly instantaneous, He moved at speeds, nearly untraceable with the human eyes, The Mist Wolf's face was one of cold determination, swinging his mighty blade nine times at Yomi, before coming to a stop at the foot of the dais. He looked over his shoulder, before sheathing his blade.
"Nothing happened." Danzo said. Seiryu just held his hand up, counting down from three. Several thin lines started appearing all over the puppet. To the old man's horror, Yomi came apart at the seams, crumbling to the ground in a series of splintered wood and metal shards.
"Oops…I guess I broke your little toy, my bad." Seiryu's lips twisted into a sinister leer. Danzo reached into his robe to pull out a weapon but the younger man was faster; A single movement, and a slight flash of light on steel was all that Danzo Shimura would remember in his last moments of life, as his head bounced down the platform, landing at the foot of his throne.
(Hokage Office, a few days later.)
There were times when Minato loathed taking the job from Sarutobi. The endless nights of staying up late and grinding through mountains of paperwork were hardly his idea of a good time. However sometimes it was worth being the man in charge, after the successful raid on ROOT headquarters and the subsequent death of Danzo, it was a matter of dragging the remaining heads of the council before him and forcing them to admit to their crimes. But before he did that, Minato decided to let his inner prankster out some. He had slapped them with a six a.m. summons, and it was now eight.
"Time for the show to begin," The Yellow Flash said, buzzing his secretary to admit them. Homura and Koharu's faces had the usual stern frowns but they carried an extra bit of strength to them today.
"I hope you can provide an explanation for your behavior today, Hokage-Sama! You told us to be at six o'clock sharp for an important meeting. We were prompt and we waited for two hours! I would think you would have more respect for your top advisors!" Koharu spoke sharply. Minato just rolled his eyes at her.
"Apparently you didn't read between the lines. I said for both of you to arrive here at six a.m., I never said the meeting would happen right away. I would watch your tone if I were you…Jounin Utatane." Koharu was taken aback at the use of that particular title. She hadn't been referred to by her formal ninja rank since before she became a council member in the time between the Second and Third Shinobi Wars.
Minato's voice had an authority behind it there usually wasn't. "You may be my advisors, and retired from active duty, but both of you are still ninja under my command. Something I think you and Jounin Mitakado seem to have forgotten over time. I know you've served as Sarutobi's councilors ever since he took the office, a given that you've been teammates for so long." His sapphire glare pierced deeper than a kunai ever could. "Which is why for the life of me I can't understand why you would betray his trust…and actively try to kill him!"
Both Homura and Koharu's expressions became panicked. "What exactly are you implying, Hokage-sama?" Homura said, trying to get a handle on the situation. Minato pulled out the file and threw it on the desk. He picked it up with trembling hands, "An Autopsy report…on Sarutobi?"
"Correct, compiled shortly after his death by one of our top medical ninja." Minato said. Koharu took the file and looked it over.
"So what? We know how he died. The Kyuubi impaled him and Lady Mito before he was sealed into your son. Sarutobi sacrificed himself to protect the village, as any shinobi should." She replied. "I don't see what the point of all of this is."
"It's a proven fact that Sarutobi was impaled, but that's not what caught our attention." Minato said, pulling out another chart, "You see, in the months leading up to the attack Sarutobi had been feeling ill and couldn't explain why. A few weeks prior to the incident, he called on one of the few people he really trusted to give him an examination." Koharu and Homura paled; there was only one medic ninja Sarutobi fully and implicitly trusted.
Minato smirked; their reactions proved their guilt and now it was time to close the trap. "Tsunade was quite thorough in her investigation. She found trace elements of poison in his body, specifically his lungs, designed to make it look like cancer killed him. A very slow acting and subtle poison…if I recall, weren't you well versed in poisons, Jounin Utatane?" Both of the elders recoiled in horror, Minato stood up, fixing his gaze on them. "I'm guessing it took a lot of courage to go against your teammate and join with Danzo!" Both of them flinched when Minato slammed his hands on the hard oak surface of the desk, "The only question is…why?"
"Danzo forced us to!" Koharu snapped, her voice trembling. "He had leverage and threatened to expose both of us if we didn't follow his lead. He came to me to create a poison into his meals, that way when he died, everyone would think it was because of his pipe."
"Okay, but why do this? He was your teammate and friend." Minato pressed the question.
"Danzo believed if anything happened to you and Sarutobi was forced to take power then he make us weaker!" Homura blurted out. "The village needs a strong leader who can take action when needed. Do you know how nervous we became when that monster got loose and you died performing the sealing? Hiruzen's always preferred negotiation to more aggressive actions. Between the losses taken during the war, and because of Kyuubi's attack we're still not at full strength! Iwa and Kumo have never forgotten or forgiven those losses and even now continue to build up their military power while we lower the size of our own forces. We're spread too thin!"
"And you believed Sarutobi wouldn't be able to make the hard decisions when the time came?" Minato said. Their rigid stance was all the answer he needed. "You know…I do value and respect the contributions you've made to this village, as active duty shinobi and later as councilors, but I think it may be time for a changing of the guard. It would be smart if you both stepped down."
"I wouldn't be so rash, my boy." The voice was old and weathered, like a creaky old staircase that hadn't been maintained in decades. Both of the elders turned to see the source of the voice. Koharu gasped and Homura had to remove his glasses to make sure he wasn't seeing things. A hunched over corpselike figure walked into the office, clad in a simple dark green kimono and hakama under a black haori, leaning on a gnarled cane made of a dark mahogany. Two void like eyes painted stark black against cataract laden white irises wandered to the shocked elders, and then to the Hokage. He bowed his head respectfully to the leader of the village. "If you're going to pin the blame on anyone, son, it falls on my shoulders. Danzo was my disciple, and thus my responsibility." He indicated to the shocked elders, "You leave these two to me, and I'll whip them into shape."
Koharu, and Homura made no protest. They bowed out, and followed the elder man through the threshold. The door creaked to a close like how it had opened to the man's unsettling presence. It was like death himself had paid them all a special visit. The entire was office was left in a quiet, shaken air. Not even Minato knew how to respond for several more moments.
"That was…" Seiryu said.
"Yeah…" Kakashi nodded.
"Isn't he supposed to?"
"Last time I checked…" Kakashi looked to Minato, "What do you make of this sensei?" Minato sat down behind his desk, crossing his fingers in front of his face.
"Zouken Matou, the father of ANBU Black Ops and one of the founding fathers of this village alongside the Senju Brothers and Madara Uchiha themselves. He was Danzo's Jounin instructor once upon a time. I will say I did not see this coming, but if he is involved, then this runs far deeper than we initially thought." The Yellow Flash spun in his chair to look out over the village.
"What's our next course of action?" Kakashi asked.
"For right now, nothing. I want to track this very carefully. The old man created ANBU, and he's a master of deception. We can't afford to make a rash move. Keep this quiet and only between those we know can be trusted, you're dismissed!" Kakashi and Seiryu saluted and vanished in a swirl of leaves and a flash of mist. The game had just taken a major swerve.
(Konoha Rooftops)
Unbeknownst to anyone, there had been another witness to this entire meeting. A figure shrouded in a dark cloak darted across the rooftops of the village. "So Zouken's still alive and kicking, eh? What are you up to, old friend? In all likelihood nothing good." He looked back at the Hokage Monument, sweeping across the stone faces before falling on the image of the Nidaime. "If you're intending to cause trouble…don't expect me to go easy on you." The hooded figure spoke with a strong conviction before vanishing suddenly with an audible pop.
Matou Zouken glanced up at the rooftop, and managed a quiet chuckle. "I see, I see…" The elderly man nodded to himself fondly. "I guess it is impossible to walk the street of the village I helped found without some watchman stalking us. Reminds me of the old days…"
"Master…" Koharu whispered. Zouken shook his head, immediately quieting her. The man smiled twistedly. "It's just the beginning, Koharu-chan. Fret not. Our time shall come."
Homura adjusted his glasses with a simple poke. The lenses of his glasses gleamed under the streetlights, hiding a sinister glare. "Quite, Sensei. Shall we?"
The old man cackled distortedly. "Yes, yes…" He agreed cheerily, twisted smile growing thinner. "We do have much to discuss…"
The three vanished into the night, into the deep ground that made the foundation of their village so strong.