Tento cursed again the mischance that had kept his father in bed. True, he wasn't young anymore, but Tento thought he could uphold his duties as Daimyo for many more years before passing the tedious work on to his son. This was just a bad cold, but it had chosen the right moment to visit their household, as an important meeting had been scheduled with the five Kages and the other Daimyos. Not going was not an option, as his father had reminded Tento of, between two bouts of coughing.
- You are old enough now to represent me, and hopefully smart enough not to get me into too much trouble.
The second part was more tricky. Tento found he had little patience with old men conversing, and so he arrived at the designated location in a foul mood, eager to get it over with and go home. The other Daimyos took the opportunity to look down on him and offered him many insults disguised in praise. The welcoming part was just over and Tento was already sick of it. Thinking about his father, he realized the old man was a saint for putting up with so much stupidity. As usual, he felt more at ease with the shinobis that provided his escort, and discovered he'd been appointed a young Sarutobi kunoichi, though he thought better than to ask her about her runaway relatives. When the meeting finally started, he elected to remain silent and observed the Kages each in turn. They were roughly from the same age, and some had aged better than others since their cherished peace had gone up in flames. However, he was surprised to find that the Hokage seemed in better shape than he had been the last time he saw him. Last year he had looked miserable and unkempt, but now he seemed to be back to his old self, though his eyes were an endless pit of sorrow. He had taken it with grace that Konaha was not the prominent village anymore, and that the Kazekage would lead all debate from then on. Tento had to remind himself they considered themselves friends, those five Kages, even though they all had their agendas.
He did his best to seem attentive even though his mind was far away as they perused endlessly on foreign politics, border disputes, trade agreements and so forth. Being the youngest and acting on behalf of his father, it would have been impolite to speak his mind anyway, and would have reflected badly on his father's honor. In any case, the ruthless advisor that had traveled with him would pass on the important information to his colleagues and that would be sufficient. Tento thought he would definitely fall asleep when suddenly something caught his interest. The Raikage was rumbling about something and everyone made faces, shattering the soporific atmosphere. Mentally pinching himself, Tento tried to be more attentive.
- We only found rubble by the time we got there, but it seems there'd been heavy fighting.
- No body then ? asked the Tsushikage.
- No. But by the look of the crater, nothing could have survived such a blast.
- So you believe the enemy was finally brought down ? Who could have done such a thing ? wondered the Mizukage, clearly shaken.
Tento could have slapped himself but before he could stop, he'd giggled. The stupid merry sound made everyone's attention slide to him, and he cursed in his mind, putting on a vague smile to hide his thoughts.
- Something you find funny, young Lord ? the Raikage asked in an insulting tone.
- No no, excuse me, I was daydreaming.
But now the Hokage's eyes were on him : Uzumaki Naruto knew him better than the rest of them, and maybe he had a better opinion of him. More concerning, Sarada was just a pace behind the Hokage and her flat eyes were telling him he was in for a scolding later.
- We welcome all opinions here, and would be glad for your insight. the Hokage said slowly, to the astonishment of the rest of the assembly.
Tento was thinking fast, not daring to break eye contact with the Hokage. This was clearly a trap, but he was tempted to step in it anyway. He was tired, and angry and if that meant he would never had to come to one of those stupid meetings again, maybe it was worth it. A little truth telling might be the best to happen on that day - or the worst. In any case, Tento put on his most annoying smile, the one he labeled "spoiled rich brat" and made a dismissive gesture.
- In truth, I found it funny how you all pretend not to know what's going on.
- Don't hesitate to enlighten us. offered the Hokage in a calm voice.
- Or is it that they all are in the dark and you keep your cards hidden, old man ? Tento hissed before being able to stop himself.
- Is there information you are withholding, Naruto ? the Kazekage asked, wary.
- Only suspicions.
At that Tento couldn't hold his laughter anymore. He was baffled by how much resentment he had stored over the years. Seeing now all those eminent people dancing around each other made him bitter. This was a colossal waste of time ! So when he talked again, his voice was harsh and cynical.
- You really need to wonder who's been doing the dirty work in your stead ? he asked the Hokage, willing his words to cut deep. You're fucking useless !
- Oi, watch it ! the Tsushikage said, rising from her seat.
- Those are harsh accusations, Tento-dono. whispered the Kazekage. Some could wonder where your loyalty lies.
- My loyalty never wavered. Tento answered haughtingly.
- Ah, I see. Naruto sighed. You too, then, would take my son's side.
- What ?! It was Boruto ? shrieked the Tsushikage, catching up.
- Of course, who else ? Tento sneered. You might complain about too many rogues wandering our lands, but some of them are actually getting work done.
- You have good intel, my lord. the Mizukage said, and Tento heard the threat behind the easy words.
- Only common knowledge. Or do you not listen to the people who praise him for their savior ?
- Yeah, we've heard plenty of tavern tales. I wonder who spins them.
- How is he then ? asked the Hokage.
Silence fell in the room. The Hokage's voice had been raw, deeply concerned : the voice of a father that had lost his son and was mourning still. The atmosphere grew heavier and colder. Tento suddenly felt as if he could not lie to the broken man facing him.
- That fight has been taxing. he heard himself answer slowly. Seems he used means that no one in his right mind would resort to. That being said, I do not worry overmuch. He's already got plans to hunt the rest of them down. You might just have to sit down and enjoy the show.
- You have faith in him. Naruto stated.
- Absolute faith.
The words hung for a minute in the room, during which Tento thought Sarada's gaze would burn him alive. He'd made a mess of things, but looking at it from a new angle, maybe they needed to rock the boardgame a bit.
- Naruto, does this make sense to you ?
- Yes. Ever since he'd been banished, Boruto has traveled far and wide, and we believe he's targeted some of our most dangerous enemies, working his way up to their leaders.
- Now, if he was actually working undercover for Konoha, you would tell us, right ? the Tsushikage asked, wary.
- Trust me, I'd give everything for it to be so.
- And what is the kid babbling about ? the Raikage pointed, clearly displeased.
- It seems that among our people, some support Boruto even though he'd been flagged as a rogue. Though our young lord is the first to openly reveal himself.
- This is bad. the Kazekage warned.
- I wonder. Naruto replied, deep in thoughts. Someday we'll have to appoint us a Hachidaime.
All eyes were drawn to Sarada, who didn't flinch nor blushed, which was a feat in itself.
- I know you've been grooming her for years now. the Kazekage went on. But do you really think she'll be able to deal with her former comrade ?
- She is right here in the room. Sarada countered with more fire than she would have liked. My utmost concern is the safety of the village, and I'll do whatever is necessary to protect it.
- And there you have it. Naruto said, smiling with fondness. Like it or not, we're old already. I for once plan on following my sensei's footsteps and spend the rest of my life visiting the onsen baths.
No one was fooled by such careless words, or rather they found meaning in it. Kakashi was still overseeing things as part of the Elders council, and no one would imagine he'd fight his last battle.
- What should we do, then ? Try to stop Boruto, even though his actions benefit us ? Let him be ? Help him ? the Mizukage asked, confused.
- Well, I guess he'll remember we share the same goal, if things were to get out of hand. Naruto pondered. His business is with me. I don't believe he's a treat to the Alliance, and that's why I haven't taken further actions.
- What do you mean, he has business with you ? Gaara asked suspiciously.
Since it seemed Naruto would not answer, Sarada stepped closer and put a hand on his shoulder. The gesture seemed to comfort him and gave him substance.
- I won't let anything happen to you, Nanadaime-sama. she vowed.
- Things are that bad, eh ? Gaara sighed.
Tento was watching all this and even though some could have believed Sarada to be false, he now understood she was carving her own path. She was not the puppet Boruto would replace his father with. Nor was he a hunting dog she'd dispatched to do her dirty work. They still needed to find an agreement, but the future didn't seem as bleak as it was a few hours ago.
- I'd still like to hear more about our lord Tento's knowledge of rogue shinobis whereabouts. the Kazekage went on.
- Well, I guess you could torture me. he answered haughtingly. And you can of course put even more tedious surveillance on me, but I don't believe that will bring you any results.
- Why is that ?
- Because the moment I spoke, the story was already being told outside these walls. In a few hours it will be spoken in every tavern in the land of Fire, and beyond.
- And Boruto would know you're compromised. I must say, you put yourself in a dire position.
- No more Five Kage's meetings for me, what a shame ! I guess I'll revert to covert debauchery in my summer palace then. Don't let my words reflect poorly on my father, he told me to keep my mouth shut.
The meeting ended up in a mess, the Kages agreeing only to meet again to discuss matters more seriously. Tento felt hollow, his mind racing to try to divine what would come out of his careless speaking. Then he felt Sarada's presence in his back. She was not alone, the youngest Nara adviser was just a pace behind her.
- That was the stupidest thing… ! she whispered angrily.
- I know, I know. Spare me.
- What did he do ?
- I don't understand much of it, but apparently he used some sort of life shortening sealing trick.
- So he found an Uzumaki fuuin master. That's dangerous !
- He's relying on Orochimaru to get back on his feet quickly.
- That's a mistake, we've often discussed it !
- I don't know… From what I gathered, the guy seems to really dote on them.
- You better behave from now on. she warned as she passed him, and his heart missed a beat noticing she was sporting the Sharingan.
- Good luck. Shikadai offered with a wink.
