Behind the scenes
Elincia's advisor, Bastian, had heard something fishy was in Daein. He wished to investigate it himself, but he was badly needed on his own turf.
"I need you to advise me on how I rule, I am still new to this position, and I need the people to accept me." Elincia told him.
That's right, the 'other' reason I have to leave... Bastian thought to himself. "I understand that, my liege, however such a valiant foe must be observed, preferably on the inside. The threat they may represent could be greater than that of your people." Bastian...explained.
Elincia closed her eyes in concentration, trying to decipher what Bastian said, and his hidden meaning. Bastian always had an unhealthy amount of secrets. "Bastian, I don't think you go. You're the only person that keeps the senators in check."
"Ah, so you have also seen the senate's hostility towards thy genteel majesty." Bastian flourished with a bow. Elincia slapped her forehead, trying to distract her impeding headache. "Even though you shall dislike it, I believe that such a unique experience will assist in your goal to command this nation, and guide it towards your lofty goals."
Elincia waved him off lazily. "Just go, then. Fetch a healer on the way out, and send a message every week."
"I thank you, my generous queen." Bastian left the room. Works every time, make yourself incredibly annoying and people will let you do whatever you want, just to be rid of you. Bastian smirked. I merely mask it as political capability.
.
The Hokage had drunk herself senseless. Where the hell had they gone? Two days ago, Naruto had returned to the village, and yesterday, 8 ninja were gone. And the strange blue flames that had replaced them? What exactly were they? They didn't have any connection to either chakra or nature, and couldn't be sealed. Iruka barged in through the door.
"Lord Hokage! I found the connection between the missing ninja!" Iruka exclaimed.
This roused the Hokage from her drunken depression. "What is it? ! ?"
"It's the graduating class from 4 years ago, all 8." Iruka explained.
"Perhaps all 9...Contact Orochimaru and ask if Sasuke is also absent. It's a vital piece of information to this puzzle." Tsunade said soberly.
"But-" Tsunade glared at him. "Yes, lord Hokage." Iruka muttered in defeat.
.
"Where is Sasuke! ? !" Orochimaru demanded
A shaking servant came in from the door. "Uh, my lord, he's missing." He said fearfully. "Blue flames were scattered throughout his room."
His fears were well founded, as his blood was used as a new coat of paint for his room.
"A message from...sigh...do I need to force another one of our ninja to be your servant?" Kabuto asked.
"The message. Has it been decoded yet?" Orochimaru asked.
"No, it wasn't coded in the first place. It's from Konoha." Kabuto replied. He handed it over. "Do you think it's a trap, my lord?"
"Probably. We're leaving for Konoha."
Kabuto blinked, and followed Orochimaru out of the room.
.
.
Yes, time in Konoha still flows normally as well. The next chapter will be a bit weird, but chapters like the next one won't happen often. Will update tomorrow.