{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: The Hyuuga compound}
July 13th.
Line break.
Hinata hadn't expected to be told of potentially marrying the Fire lord's son, but it gave her and her clan too much political Capital to pass up, and it would give herself sway with the most powerful man in Fire country.
However, though the news was good, there was a major issue.
Hanabi's situation.
Before, Her sister was promised to a powerful house that held enough sway to become the next Daimyos of the Land of Fire in the near future. However, from what has been explained to her, the Sakaguchi house had decided to play a tug of war with the Koneko house, and the end result was a planned coup being uncovered. It resulted in the house's power being terminated.
But that wasn't the worst of it. Hanabi found out through the worst means: a branch member taunting her that she would soon be one of them.
'She was supposed to be the one to marry into power. Now she's a spare, and that means she'll likely have the seal placed on her if they are slow to find another suitor. Just what I need. I can't even worry about myself when my baby sister is in danger.' thought Hinata, unsure of how to save her sister from her fate.
She wasn't supposed to know about her security blanket being gone since she wasn't in tune with politics, but Someone has gone into her head, and she has a feeling as to whom. It's the same old man who preyed on her fears when she was little as well.
Hinata roamed the halls not to reminisce—far from it. She knew who really spooked her sister, and as the elder sibling, it was her job to remove any and all threats to her little Hanabi-chan.
As she made her way down the hall, she met with Ko, who gave a bow and began escorting her to her chambers.
"How are you, my lady?" asked the bodyguard.
"I am well, Ko. I have a lot on my mind."
The man nodded, watching as servants parted for the two of them, bowing to the clan heiress as they made their way through the large hall.
"We won't be going to my room. Take me to the eastern drawing room and clear it out."
Ko nodded and quickly turned to take her to the room in question.
In the background, Hiashi watched the two with confusion, and curiosity overtook him as he decided to tail them.
What was his daughter doing? He had to know.
Like him, Ko was naturally confused. The eastern Manor was where the branch members stayed. This meant clearing out the branch members who were using the room to relax after their shifts were over.
They left to the separate compound designated for the branch members, opened the sliding door, and ordered everyone out, from the kids to the women.
Everyone left except for one, and Ko was about to force him out when Hinata stopped him.
"Let him stay, Ko."
Ko stepped back and allowed her to enter before closing the door.
'what is going on?' Ko thought to himself. He wasn't paying attention to who he was about to force out, but had he known, he'd have hesitated.
Hinata sat down at the table before the elderly man who was playing a modified game of shogi.
"You robbed me of my partner." said the branch elder.
Hinata ignored him to look at the game being played.
The man sitting before her is her great-uncle, her grandfather's younger brother, Higashi. This man made her life far harder than it could have been. He turned the branch members against her during the worst point in her childhood. From finding a way to take her only mother figure away to being the one who weaponized Neji's hate for her. Like his brother, he went out of his way to make things difficult for her. Hated on both sides, from the branch family to the main family, at a young age. This man brings nothing but bitter memories for her.
"So, what brings you here, Hinata-hime? I hear you did well in your test," the man asked.
"I did. It was no challenge," said Hinata dismissively.
Higashi hummed and moved a piece. "Well, now you must face Neji, our champion and prodigy. How do you think you'll fair?"
Hinata didn't look at him as she stared at her piece, a frown on her lips. The game is already over. Whoever he was playing with either didn't know a thing about the game or gave up mid-way through.
"Aren't you going to move your piece, my dear?"
Hinata didn't give him a response, and the man sighed. "Must you be this way? What have I done to earn your Ire?"
"Your nosy little spies have already heard the news of what has happened to my sister. You talked to her. I know you did," Said Hinata in a voice that betrayed her true feelings.
Higashi smiled. "You think too highly of me."
Hinata shook her head. "The reason for my visit concerns my sister. I won't have you anywhere near her. Her future has yet to be decided yet, so stop what you're doing."
Higashi raised a brow. "Afraid of me taking her from you? Don't be. At the end of the day, it's your father who decides who becomes one of us and who stays an esteemed main family member,"
She grit her teeth. "You're playing with fire, old man."
"am I? I haven't done anything wrong here. You're the one who's lost her composure because you're in a position to lose something important. Instead of threats, why don't you negotiate?" said Higashi in a sagely manner.
Hinata glared at him. "I'm not falling for that nonsense again. Not when You turned my old friends against me."
"Friends? They were servants. They weren't your equals. I simply reminded them of this," said the old man, cleaning up the board to restart the game.
Hiashi listened to all of this from the adjacent door of the room away from Ko, listening in on the conversation between his daughter and his uncle.
'She's worried about Hanabi.' Thought Hiashi. 'And if what Hinata's saying is true, then He's planning on turning my children against one another.'
Hinata glared," You assisted in my downfall by taking those who would have accepted me away, all because of your resentment towards your brother. I'm not here to negotiate. I'm telling you, if you make another move to sever the only meaningful familial bond I have left, I'll do to you what your brother did to you."
Higashi glared. "How? My son is dead."
Hinata's eyes became hard, and her mouth pulled into a thin line. "Are you sure about that?"
Higashi's eyes widened in realization. "you..."
"In spite of you simply manipulating my cousin for your own gain, you've grown fond of him. He's even replaced Hiroto as your heir. He's like a son to you, no?"
Higashi recomposed himself and turned the shogi board to be played. "You're bluffing. If you do that, you will turn the whole branch family against you,"
Hinata's eyes grew cold, and a smirk graced her lips. " You asked earlier how I think I'll perform against my cousin. Well, I'll tell you. Until you are unable to convince me you aren't a threat to Hanabi, I'll kill Neji in the final exam."
The silent room became even more silent. The two of them stared at one another as they played shogi, moving pieces on the board.
The entire time, Higashi looked at Hinata's eyes, trying to see if she was bluffing. When she looked up from the board, he saw his brother's eyes—no, he saw the eyes of his father.
Something snapped in him when the image of his executed son flashed before his eyes, replaced with the image of Hinata standing over a deceased Neji.
He lunged, and the girl's eyes widened. Luckily she was fast enough to activate the seal before he could reach her.
The man's seal glowed, and his body jerked violently. His feet kicked the table away as he fell over, writhing and wheezing, unable to scream as Hinata used the caged bird seal on Higashi.
From the outside, Ko heard the commotion and almost activated his Byakugan to see what was happening, but he heard the frequency of the seal being used and didn't bother. 'Oh boy.'
A hidden Hiashi grit his teeth at what he is hearing and knows that he'd need to address this when possible.
Hinata stood up and put her hands behind her back. "When you are recovered, please clean this mess up. And I am sorry about your game."
Hinata then walked away, not bothering to wait for a response, and exited the room.
Ko quickly began following her wordlessly as she made her way to her room.
"Do me a favor and fetch Hanabi for me. We need to talk before I head out," said Hinata in a voice that left no room for discussion.
Ko nodded and took off to find the youngest Hyuuga.
Hinata watched him go and clenched her fist, turning and walking down the hallway. She knew she had to talk to Hanabi before the branch elders decided to poison her mind against her.
'It seems I've been left with no choice. I can't help Neji so long as that man lives, and I can't sway the branch family either.'
What neither knew was that Hiashi was tailing his daughter, the man initially intending to retrieve her so they could begin their training.
What he witnessed made him realize he wasn't as in control of his family as he thought.
The man was shaken by what he heard, and he heard it all.
'I'm allowing this family to tear itself apart.
He grit his teeth as what he secretly feared was coming to pass. The young girl who reminded him so much of his beloved wife when she was little is slowly turning into his father, Hiroshi. The cycle is doomed to continue if he doesn't act. He'll need to prevent bloodshed, and fast.
Line break.
{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: The Golden Lantern Lodge }
The Golden Lantern Lodge is a very expensive and high-class inn within the higher levels of Konoha. It's a place where only the richest and most influential people can afford to stay. And as luck would have it, Murata Soshu is one of those people.
Murata is Minato's former business partner and mentor. He was put in charge of his affairs and assisted in running his numerous businesses during his reign as Hokage since the position robbed him of his time.
The man is a well-known genius in business, so as soon as he turned up in town, numerous High-class civilians, minor clan nobles, and merchants came for business purposes.
As soon as Jiraiya and Naruto approached the door, they were greeted by Murata's assistant.
"Ah! You must be Lord Jiraiya and his pupil," said the young busty brunette.
Jiraiya's eyes widened in surprise and obvious lust. "Well, look at you! What's a cutie like you doing working for a sourpuss like Murata?"
The girl chuckled, blushing slightly. "I work for my father. He's the real sourpuss. I'm just an intern."
Before Jiraiya could say more, Naruto stomped on the man's foot casually while clearing his throat. "A pleasure to meet you, miss. My name Is Uzumaki Naruto, and this lady's man is Jiraiya, the toad sage. We'd like to speak to Lord Murata, please," said the blonde.
Jiraiya gave Naruto a dirty look before straightening himself up to his full height.
The girl looked at the two and bowed. "My name is Kimi. Please, follow me."
The lobby was a sight. The entire floor was filled with the best furniture, the finest paintings, and the best decor. The reception desk was made of expensive wood and was manned by two men wearing expensive clothes.
They took a right, and Jiraiya couldn't help but whistle. "I should have come here sooner. Look at this scenery," the man said, eyeing up the many young, high-class women who were walking around.
Naruto nodded absentmindedly, thinking the man was talking about the nice decor. "It's pretty nice."
Jiraiya looked at him incredulously. "Pretty Nice?! This is the best place to be! These girls are the best of the best!
Naruto looked at Jiraiya strangely before rolling his eyes. "Why do I feel like I'm the one with the maturity gap between us?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "Oh, just wait til your balls really drop, kid. I'll show you how to lighten up."
Naruto scowled, and before he could comment, they found the table where Murata was sitting.
"There he is. Lord Murata." Said Jiraiya as they made their way to his table.
Naruto looked him up and down. The man had long, greying black hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He was wearing a black-and-white Haori of some kind, and his eyes were a soft brown that exuded intelligence and wisdom.
The man turned and smiled. "Well, now. Look who's here. Jiraiya. It's been a while."
Jiraiya nodded as he sat down. "You're looking good, Sosu-san."
Murata waved him off and chuckled. "Nonsense. I look like shit. Not as young as I used to be, you know. I used to be able to pull all the ladies with my looks alone. Now I need money to do the talking."
Jiraiya shook his head. "Whatever you say."
Murata then turned his attention to Naruto, and his gaze was curious as he looked him up and down. "And you must be Uzumaki Naruto, The inheritor of... well, you know what."
Naruto nodded and took a seat, and Jiraiya did the same. "You knew my father?"
Murata nodded. "That I did. I met him before the war. You see, I did business with his mom before she passed away, so I knew him for some time,"
Naruto's eyes widened. "Huh?! You knew my grandmother?!"
"Woah! Keep it down, Naruto!" hissed Jiraiya, "sorry for my ward. He's a bit excitable,"
Naruto shot his master a dirty look, "Excitable? I'm just curious. My grandma is a subject that hasn't come up even once."
Jiraiya sighed, and Murata decided to entertain the kid. "Probably because she was just a civilian woman. She worked as a shop owner, getting by through selling produce. Her store was actually under my company. She was a very smart and talented merchant."
Naruto nodded. "I'm guessing she also showed my father how to run businesses?"
Murata nodded. "He was very young, though. But I guess having a photographic memory helped him along with a lot of practice."
Naruto frowned at that. 'Photographic memory? He had a photographic memory?"
He looked at Jiraiya, and the man seemed as surprised. 'I guess that explains some things. Why didn't he say anything? Or maybe, given his humble personality, he didn't think it was a big deal?'
Murata frowned slightly at the look the two of them shared. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just... learned something new about my father."
"Oh."
"OK, guys. I think we should move on. Times are ticking, and this one needs to get started in his training soon," said Jiraiya.
Murata chuckled. "He's right. Let's get to business."
The man took out a scroll and unsealed a number of things. Most were stacks of paper and documents, and the rest were maps and pictures.
Jiraiya leaned forward and inspected the papers. "The Hokage gave you these," stated Jiraiya.
Murata hummed. "He had no idea I was even in town. These aren't his direct titles, but weaker claims that can be pressed immediately."
"Like what?" asked Naruto.
"Well, take this, for example. You own a portion of the land in the southern part of the village, a small estate that he had only just purchased. It's in shambles and is better off sold than restored, but with the right amount of work, it could be renovated and sold for a pretty penny."
Jiraiya nodded. "And the pictures are of other properties."
"And other investments. You'll have to liquidate all of it since you don't have a lot of time to be managing businesses not directly under Someone else. However, it would be best to sell them to a trustworthy person, create a few streams of income through pawns, and move from there," said Murata.
Naruto nodded, only understanding half of what was being said. "And those papers?"
Murata pulled a few out and handed them over. "These are the deed to all of these properties, as well as a bunch of stock certificates. He owned quite a bit of stock in numerous companies, and the value of each has tripled since he bought it. Since The Hokage knew of your heritage, it was never lost or sold, so you own every last drop of it. I believe you own nearly eighteen percent of the village's economy."
Naruto nodded. In truth, though, he didn't understand the full significance of that. The man was speaking a language he wasn't fluent in.
Jiraiya nodded. "Okay, so then these can be passed on immediately?"
Murata nodded. "'Yes, but we'll need to take a trip to the Capital. You'll also need to set up a bank account to house your funds. I'll be coming with you so I can handle the paperwork, and I'll assist in selling your investments, but I can't do everything since I'm not your legal guardian."
Jiraiya nodded. "That's what I'm here for."
Naruto sighed. "How long will this process take?"
The two men looked at each other, and Jiraiya was the one to answer. "It shouldn't take too long since what we're looking at is pretty straightforward. We can probably get this all done in three days."
Naruto nodded. "What else would need to get done?"
Murata looked pleased with the question and leaned forward. "We'll be pressing claims on the lands usurped by Minato's old and treacherous business partners. I don't have all the information, though, so that will take some time. The Hokage should help with that."
Naruto nodded and rubbed his chin, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes.
"So, if we were to go today, when could we expect to have all of this settled?"
Murata thought about it. "maybe a week. But you don't have to worry about that bit. The rest will be presented in a court at the Capital, as well as a separate case for the lands in Konoha to be tried in Konoha."
Naruto sighed. 'And here I thought this would be easy.'
Jiraiya handed the papers back over, and Naruto did the same. "This is largely appreciated, but before we get started, I want to have a private discussion with you."
Murata gave a smirk and nodded. "Hey, Kimi?"
The brunette was quick to appear at his side, bowing her head. "Yes, lord Soshu?"
"Take Naruto-san to the hot spring and treat him to a nice dinner. Me and Jiraiya have something to discuss. And don't worry about the cost. It'll be billed to my tab," said Murata.
Kimi bowed once more. "Very well, sir."
Naruto looked at Jiraiya and Murata in confusion before shrugging and standing up. "Let's go, Miss."
The woman nodded and began leading him away, and when they were far enough, Murata turned to Jiraiya. "Now, let's talk business."
"No, let's talk seriously. I know your personality, and I understand that you were part of the crowd that preyed on Minato's fortune. The only difference is that others beat you to it upon his passing," said Jiraiya in a serious tone.
Murata looked looked up and chuckled. "The Third Hokage knew more than he let on? Or was it you?"
"Me. You had a falling out with Rokuda and Minori. Two business associates under the Silverwind trading company. As the senior and higher authority of the once thriving company, you felt you should have been the one to seize Minato's assets in your own name."
Murata shrugged. "That's a bit harsh. I'm just a businessman doing what I do best."
"You are a vulture, and I want you to know that. Your drive for revenge against your rivals makes us allies, but I will not hesitate to put an end to your aspirations if you get any ideas," said Jiraiya in a cold tone.
Murata nodded. "I'm aware of what I am and what you're capable of. And you missed a name on that list."
Jiraiya raised a brow. "And who did I miss?"
"Midori Haruno."
Line break.
{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Rooftops of the Silverleaf district }
one day later.
{Kabuto POV}
"You're a little late, Baki-san," said Kabuto.
"And you have been absent since the exams ended. I thought you got compromised somehow," said Baki, coming out of the shadows.
The two had decided to meet at the roofs of the once wealthy part of the village. It was abandoned thanks to the ninetails attack twelve years ago. Drug addicts and victims who couldn't afford to live elsewhere take shelter here. A somber redlight district with a name that no longer fits its image.
"I had to lay low. I have competition now. Jiraiya is in the village, and thanks to Lord Orochimaru encountering Jiraiya, we've had to disappear," said Kabuto.
Baki's eyes widened. "What?! What do you mean he had a run-in?!" Baki whispered harshly.
Kabuto shrugged. "It was an accident, but Orochimaru's curiosity for Sasuke didn't go unnoticed, and Jiraiya was alerted."
"Dammit!" Whispered Baki, throwing his hands in the air. "We've been compromised! And It's thanks to your master!"
'At least I'm not the only one who thinks so,' thought Kabuto, the memory of being blamed for the toad sannin's sudden appearance still fresh in his mind.
"You can relax, Baki-san. No one knows the real reason for his visit to Konoha. We haven't been compromised. The Sand hasn't been detected." said Kabuto, trying to reassure Baki.
"Don't give me that nonsense. Your other agendas have put our involvement at risk!" said Baki, his voice rising.
"Calm down," Kabuto said, slightly annoyed at this point. "My disappearance was necessary to prevent any more attention. It was an unfortunate event, but it shouldn't affect our plans. Our mission is still in effect, and per our deal, The Sound Village will act as the scapegoat for any of Orochimaru's screw-ups. The Invasion is still on."
In the shadows, Hayate's eyes widened in shock and horror at what he was hearing.
'Invasion?! The Sand and Sound are going to invade Konoha?!' the young man thought to himself in shock.
Baki clenched his fists. "We'll see how that plays out. I don't trust you or your master."
"Then you should've done a better job at convincing Lord Kazekage not to go through with this."
"That's enough. I don't have time to argue. What is the purpose of this meeting," growled Baki, his temper rising.
Kabuto turned around and handed Baki two scrolls. "This one is for the eyes of Lord Rasa alone, and this one is the modified plans for the invasion."
Baki took both scrolls and opened the one meant for himself first. It was a missive from Orochimaru, as well as some new formations and angles to breach the village from.
"These are the revised battle plans?"
"Yes. All the teams and the order in which they will arrive have been decided. Just have your Weapon ready for activation. Everything hinges on him. And one more thing. We'll need to be rid of Uzumaki Naruto before the battle starts. You already know why," said Kabuto, chuckling at the man's reaction.
Baki understood perfectly as to why this had to be done. In fact, the man was just about to bring up the boy. He's easily the most threatening thing to their plans. The chakra chains hold the power to subdue even the strongest Bijuu, and Shukaku is the weakest of them all. He wouldn't last against such a technique.
Baki nodded. "It'll be taken care of. Just make sure your side doesn't slip up again," said Baki.
Kabuto smirked. "Good. And speaking of slip-ups, who's going to take care of the little spy that followed you here? Me or you?"
Baki's eyes narrowed, and in the background, Hayate froze. The man had been slowly moving from the corner to report to His kage about what he'd heard.
"I'll handle it," Baki growled and dashed onto the roof, prompting Hayate to dash off the building he was on and raced across the rooftops as fast as possible.
'No! I've been compromised!' Hayate thought in panic. 'I need to warn the Hokage! Anyone, for that matter!'
He didn't get far, though. Before he could even make it to the edge of the red light district, Baki clasped his hands together, the man having jumped off a higher building to get higher ground, and went on the attack.
"Wind style: Vacuum missile!"
Hayate cursed as a blast of concentrated wind slammed into the roof just in front of him. He fell through the ceiling, hitting his back on the decrepit wooden floor and falling through until landing on the concrete floor below.
Hayate had luckily landed on his hands and knees. Before he could get his bearings, shuriken rained from the broken skyline above, and he rolled away and narrowly dodged the projectiles.
Hayate quickly drew his sword and barely managed to block a descending slash from Baki, the force being strong enough to knock him on his back.
'I'm in no condition for a prolonged skirmish. I'll need to be swift, and my time will need to be perfect,' He thought to himself as he rolled to his feet.
Baki gave no time for the man to plan an escape route. He charged forward and delivered a series of slashes with his kunai, forcing Hayate to deflect and force a blade lock.
Baki used his free hand to whip out another kunai, which he jabbed towards Hayate. The younger man let out a panicked cry as he did the same, barely managing to save himself.
The two men pushed each other back, but Hayate, in his sickly state, didn't have the strength to match Baki in a contest of strength.
"You shouldn't have gotten involved in this, boy. You are no match for me," said Baki, wrestling their locked blades down to send a kick to at the younger man, sending Hayate crashing into the wall.
Hayate sat up, pushing the wooden containers he fell on away, and got to his feet. "Why?! Why betray the leaf?! What is your goal?!"
Baki smirked. "It's not for you to know. All I can say is that it's in the best interest of Sunagakure."
Hayate shook his head. "To betray our trust this way. Such treachery,"
Baki scoffed and blew on his kunai. 'wind style: Vacuum blade,' announced Baki in his head, and wind chakra coated the blade, extending it to twice its length.
Baki charged forward, and Hayate knew better than to challenge the modified kunai. He avoided a clash by bending far back and flipping back, weaving and dashing away from the slashing blade as best he could.
"Just give up. You're a dead man either way," said Baki, spinning and slashing at the man once again, prompting Hayate to deflect the blade.
The result was a chipped sword at the upper half of his blade, and Hayate cursed. "Shit."
Baki smirked and slashed at him once more, but Hayate spun his sword down and redirected Baki's wind bade away, breaking his sword but leaving Baki open to an elbow to the face.
Baki stumbled back and received a kick in the chest afterward.
Baki flew back but managed to land on his hands, flipping back to his feet to see Hayate escaping back to the roof.
"Get back here, coward!" yelled Baki as he raced after him, jumping from floor to floor.
When he made it up, he couldn't see Hayate anywhere, and panic set in. 'Shit! Where did he go?! He's not to the left of me, and he isn't below."
Baki's eyes widened as he realized where Hayate may have been, and he turned to see Hayate coming down on him, the moonlit behind him as he prepared to end the battle here.
"Dance of the crescent moon!" yelled Hayate, and three mirages of him came into being, leaving Baki to try to guess which one was real.
He made his choice and jumped back, but he was a hair too late, the real Hayate managing to make a clean slash across the man's shoulder.
Baki hissed in pain and clutched the sword stuck in his shoulder, Hayate trying to pull it free.
"D-damn you! That was a pretty good move, kid. But it was too weak to do more than hinder me." said Baki as he gripped Hayate's sword.
Hayate's eyes widened as Baki summoned wind chakra into his hand, and a dark smirk adorned the Suna shinobi's face. " You have my respect for fighting to the very end, but this is it. Wind style: True wind blade!
Hayate's eyes widened, and before he could respond, he was cut open by blades of wind summoned from Baki's hand.
Hayate coughed up blood and fell back, and Baki removed the sword from his shoulder.
"That was a good fight. But you shouldn't have gotten involved. Now you'll die knowing you failed," said Baki as he walked over to the fallen man and cut Hayate's throat with his kunai.
'D-damn. This is how I go? I'm sorry, Yugao. I couldn't...' thought Hayate, feeling himself fading away.
Baki looked down with something resembling remorse as Hayate died. He'd seen something in the man that reminded him of himself—the look in his eyes when he fought. Even sick, he went on until the very end. He had a fire.
"Well done, Baki-san," said Kabuto from behind, the young man having watched everything.
Baki wiped his kunai against Hayate's clothing before sheathing it and looking at Kabuto. "That was too close."
Kabuto nodded. "I wouldn't have let him get away. Let me heal that wound of yours before you go. Don't want to attract any more attention than necessary."
Baki looked at his wounded shoulder and nodded, and Kabuto walked over and healed the man's wound enough that it wouldn't be a hindrance.
Baki sighed, looking at Hayate. "You fought well, soldier."
They then went about their way after destroying any evidence of the battle, leaving the corpse to be discovered by the first drug addicts who would wake up.
What they failed to notice was an orange and black toad blending into the shadows, having watched the entire scene play out before him.
'Well, well, well. It looks like we've got ourselves a problem,' thought the small toad, taking a puff of his little cigarette before vanishing.
Line break.
{Anbu headquarters}
"There. That should hold, said Hiruzen as he watched the curse-sealing technique latch itself onto Anko's curse mark.
Anko felt Orochimaru's influence fade, and the pain in her body vanished. She sighed in relief. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen nodded and watched as Anko stood up on shaky legs.
She was placed in an empty white room with seals around every corner to prevent any form of surveillance from Orochimaru. No one knows whether he has the ability to see through the Curse curse or not.
As a result, Anko had been in this room for a couple of days too long, and she was happy to be free. The silence was killing her.
"What do you think? Did it work?" asked Hiruzen.
Anko nodded. "Yes. I can feel it. It's gone. The curse mark is contained."
Hiruzen sighed in relief. 'That's one issue finally dealt with.'
The anbu commander and his three captains made way for both of them.
"Get Inoichi in here to do a surface-level scan on her before sending her on her way to get some much-needed rest. Then, send a message to Danzo requesting his presence at the next meeting with the council. Village security is of the utmost importance at this point in time, and I need all hands on deck," Said Hiruzen, the man taking a drag of his pipe.
The anbu commander nodded and left.
"Now that the curse is sealed, you'll be allowed to leave, but you won't be able to resume your duties for a while. For now, you're suspended from active duty. Rest for now," said the Kage.
Anko scowled but nodded and quickly made her way out of the room, the anbu escorting her.
Hiruzen sighed and sat down. 'What a mess this has become.
Line break.
{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Unknown location }
It was a long day for Jiraiya, and he figured it was time for the second nightly report from his frogs. He had just left Naruto with Murata, the man showing him his new bank account and introducing him to his team of accountants who would assist him in managing his fortune.
Well, that wasn't to say Naruto was alone with a potentially corrupted merchant. He has a shadow clown hanging around. It's late, though, so everyone is already hitting the hay.
Jiraiya walked into the clearing and released his summons, the seven frogs appearing from thin air.
"Mission report. Tell me what you've got for me tonight so I can sneak in some late-night research and sleep."
"I have something interesting to share," said the orange frog.
Jiraiya raised a brow. "And what's that?"
The frog rolled out a tiny scroll, and Jiraiya sighed.
He planted his hand on the tiny thing and performed a basic transformation hand sign, increasing its size.
When he opened the door and read the detailed report of Kabuto and Baki's meeting, he shook his head.
"It's so much worse than I imagined. TSandand has betrayed us," he said in a tone that conveyed his disappointment.
"What will you do?" Asked the orange toad.
Jiraiya thought about it: "We're still unaware of how they plan to attack us, so keep up the surveillance. But this time, target the Suna team."
The frogs nodded and saluted before poofing away.
Jiraiya sighed. "Well, let's go and see the damage."
Line break.
{Land of Fire: Konohagakure: Hokage's office}
The next day.
Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu, and Hamura, along with Shikaku and Inoichi, were having a heated discussion on how to handle the situation with Sand.
"We cannot let this slide! we must act immediately!" Said Koharu.
Hiruzen shook his head. "We can't be sure of anything yet. We don't have enough information to make any moves."
"And trying to do so with no proof will be seen as an act of aggression. That could spark a war," said Shikaku.
"We are already at war if what this says is true. It came directly from Jiraiya, and the body was recovered from where it was claimed to have been hidden," said Hamura.
Hiruzen nodded and glanced at Danzo. "What do you think?"
Danzo sighed. "We should turn the situation around. We know they plan to attack, and given Oroshimaru's reported threat towards Anko and Sasuke to stopping the exam, there isn't much we can do to stop it. So, coming up with a way to reverse the situation is the only option."
Inoichi rubbed his chin. "And how do we do that?"
Shikaku leaned forward, "We wait. The purpose of this meeting isn't to throw things at the wall. A countermeasure isn't the issue here; it's what we do after all hell breaks loose. This is the beginning of something catastrophic for the rest of the shinobi world, and we need to prepare for the fallout."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "The Sand village are our enemies now. We shall gather all our top Jonin and debrief them on the situation. Ever so slowly, we'll plant this information throughout our ranks and keep them vigilant. We will not give genin from Suna a chance to breathe without the threat of death on their shoulders. We will not allow their weapons to run loose in our village, either. Because now, we are effectively at war."
Line break.
Three days later.
{Land of Wind: Sunagakure: Rasa's quarters}
A cloaked Orochimaru sat before both the Kazekage and the Wind Daimyo's little brother, Tairo.
"I received a message from my head Jonin. The plans for this Invasion of ours have been altered a bit, said Rasa, with a scowl on his face. "You promised the death of the Wind Daimyo."
Orochimaru schooled his expression, "Yes, I did. And you'll get what you want. It will just take a bit of time."
Rasa looked at him suspiciously. "And what do you mean by that."
Orochimaru smiled." My side won't be able to accomplish this task anymore. We'll be tied up more with Jiraiya running about, So our duties will need to be... shuffled a bit."
Tairo looked between the two men nervously. The tension in the room was palpable, and he didn't want to be caught in the crossfire.
"You want us to take the lead in the Invasion. Why?" asked Rasa, annoyed. "I wanted a solution to the failing economy of my village. If attacking Konoha proves to be a risk not worth taking and everything goes to hell in a handbasket, I'll-"
"I can assure you that Konoha is as aloof as ever. They, as usual, are resting in their cradle of power, completely unaware of the coming danger. But now, Jiraiya is in town. I was not expecting it, nor did I think he'd arrive so soon, but here he is," said Orochimaru. "He is dangerous, and having myself skulking about, as well as my agents, is too risky. He knows what to look for. But with your people, there will be no problem. They can get close to the walls and into key locations within the village with fewer issues."
Rasa crossed his arms. "I don't trust how this is going, Lord Orochimaru. I'll send new orders, but only when the time is right. It's only suitable when the exams are closer, and we have a full two weeks before my agents can be given the green light."
Orochimaru nodded and turned to Tairo. "That's Good. When the time comes, you can finally start using your newest pawn as well."
Rasa glanced at a determined but scared Tairo. "Indeed. He'll make a wonderful new Wind Daimyo."
Tairo bowed. "There's no need to talk as though I'm not here. Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it.
Both men gave him a nod, and then the meeting was adjourned, both parties leaving to carry out their own plans.
When both men were gone, Orochimaru released a sigh.
'Things are not going to plan, but it's still salvageable. Now Is the appropriate time to gather the vessels for my forbidden jutsu. That old monkey won't see it coming.'
Line break.
{Land of Fire: Outskirts of Konohagakure: The canyons}
One week later.
Sakura sat at the large campsite set up for this training trip, eating a sandwich while listening to the sound of explosions in the distance.
She was really roughed up and tired from all the drills Kakashi had her do. These weren't simply physical drills either, but also ninjutsu drills.
Sasuke has been working on a new technique with Kakashi for hours, and she cannot help but envy his stamina.
The girl sighed and shook her head. 'He's hellbent on catching up to Naruto. It's admirable but a bit much.'
She finished her sandwich and went to see how far he had come.
She peeked over the cliff to see Kakashi giving Sasuke some advice.
"Remember, you're not trying to blow up a mountain here. You're trying to penetrate it. Adjust the concentration of lightning to a point before striking. And adjust your speed. The more, the better.
Sasuke nodded, the boy panting and sweating up a storm. "Got it!"
Kakashi nodded and backed off, and Sasuke formed his hand signs.
"Chidori!"
He slammed his hands down, one grasping his wrist and the other gathering lightning chakra.
The lightning didn't come; it just sparks, but the point was to create friction.
Sasuke bolted as fast as he could, the boy becoming a blur as he pumped chakra into his legs. Sakura watched in amazement as the boy dragged his hand across the ground, and lightning chakra began exploding out wildly.
When the boy reached the boulder, his jutsu was at its peak. For the first time, he managed to pierce the stone, resulting in an explosion of chakra and debris, which forced Kakashi to shield himself.
When the smoke cleared, Sasuke fell to his knees, completely drained.
"Good job. You finally did it."
Sasuke panted. "I'm not fast enough."
Kakashi chuckled. "You noticed that? Indeed. Your jutsu requires too much chakra maintenance. The point of being quick is to reach your opponent and end the fight as soon as possible. This is the first time you've created the real thing, but as you can see, it's still faulty without the extra speed. Let's try it again tomorrow. Get some rest."
Sasuke nodded wordlessly and struggled to his feet.
Sakura smiled, jumped down from the ledge she was on, and ran over to them.
"I saw the whole thing! It was so cool! You did it, Sasuke-kun!" cheered the girl.
Sasuke smiled tiredly. "Yeah. It won't be long until I master it."
Sakura nodded and helped the boy up, Kakashi watching the two.
'I'm getting stronger at a faster rate. Watch out, Uzumaki, I won't be lagging behind much longer,' Thought Sasuke.
Line break.
{Land of Fire: The Fire Capital: The Emberstone Judicial Complex}
High Chancellor Watase Mashiro fast walked towards the a large meeting room, beside him being his assistant and behind him being the one who informed him of this impossible news, Sakutaro Kogane, the Supreme Arbiter, the highest authority in legal matters presiding over significant legal claims, save for the Daimyo himself.
Kogane wasn't bothered by what was happening, but evidently, Watase was.
The man pushed the giant doors open to the council chambers, and they entered a large room with a long black marble table and a large seal of the fire daimyo in the middle.
Around the table sat a number of people, and when Watase and Kogane entered, the group grew silent and stiff.
Watase took a seat and turned to Kogane, who began handing out numerous files and paperwork sent to him by the higher staff members.
"What's this about?" asked one of the council members.
Kogane didn't say a word and kept handing out the files.
Watase cleared his throat. "Word has yet to spread of this... very complex situation, and it must be kept this way until we get to the bottom of this," Said the man. Kogane personally notified me about this, and I want you all to read it and give your input on the matter.
The council members looked at each other and began flipping through the files, their faces morphing from confusion to shock to utter disbelief.
"What is this nonsense?!" asked one of the councilors. "This signature is invalid; Namikaze Minato is dead!"
Watase nodded. "Indeed, he is. However, the man's dead accounts have been reactivated from Konoha and now from here as well. His files were handed in a week ago by a man named Murata Soshu, and accompanying the man was Jiraiya, the toad sage."
The councilors looked at him in shock, and another one spoke. "Is this true, Kogane? Can you attest to this?"
Kogane finally sat down at the end of the table, and when he finished handing out the papers, he folded his hands together. The man had not said a word until now.
"It is. The documents are legitimate. We've checked them over numerous times now and can confirm that they originated from Third Hokage. This is no jest." said Kogane.
Watase nodded and turned to the council. "The claims were pressed in a timely manner as well. Minor claims have already been pressed and seamlessly accepted thanks to the validity of the deeds, as well as the signature of the Hokage being high enough in authority to allow him to act as a proxy for the current owner, Uzumaki Naruto, a twelve-year-old boy. His legal status as a ward of the state is making this transition far easier than it should be, and with everything that has come to light with Lord Hokage's message about the boy's identity, it all makes sense."
"What about the boy's identity? None of this makes sense. Why do we allow this boy to claim these lands? The massive lots that hold our industrial forges and small towns? as well as mines? Do you realize the number of business owners and workers who will lose their jobs? They'll be left destitute!" said a councilor.
Kogane sighed. "This isn't a question of morality; it's a question of law. There's no choice in the matter. There is one large plot of land previously owned by Minato that has been turned into a small town, and two large plots of land that are being used for industrial development owned by the Silverwind trading company, as well as a single port town off the coast. Those are the properties that will need to be dealt with."
"What gives him the right to lay claim to this land?!"
"He is the son of Namikaze Minato and Uzumaki Kushina," said Watase with a scowl.
The entire room went silent, and with a nod, Kogane slid a copy of Naruto's birth certificate to each member of the council.
"This is madness." whispered one of them.
Kogane shook his head. "You can deny it all you want, but we've already checked the information. By law, I was obligated to acknowledge his status as the son of both the Fourth Hokage and Uzumaki Kushina. This makes him the legal inheritor of many lands that have increased in value over the course of twelve years."
One of them slammed his fist down in anger. "This is a mistake! We can't allow this to happen! He's just a boy! I personally own some of the land being claimed! Surely, his status being hidden takes him out of the running! He didn't exist until now!"
Watase glared at the old man. "Sit down this instant and stop Yelling!"
The councilman seethed but did as he was told.
"I will not allow anyone to make an exception based on the fact that the boy's heritage was hidden from everyone. The best thing we can do is perform a legal binding towards Sarutobi and hold him responsible for the withholding of the information of Naruto Uzumaki being the heir to Namikaze Minato. I will send word to the Daimyo when this is all over and sorted so he can prepare a declaration of recognition towards this case. We need to settle this now so that when the time comes, we are prepared for the potential economic fallout that will happen once the news is shared with the public," said Kogane.
"So people are being stripped of lands they've managed and cultivated for years due to a secret kept by the Hokage?" asked a councilwoman. "These families have invested resources and labor into these lands, believing them to be unclaimed or abandoned. What about the people who had nothing to do with the theft of these lands and purchased them fairly? The people who really thought these lands were abandoned? They will have to fight in a court for them because some random child who was hidden away from the world for his entire life suddenly comes in and lays claim to these lands. Minato had no living relatives until now, so this case should resolve some of the innocence as well."
Kogane nodded. "Those people will be compensated. You are correct that families have managed these lands and maintained them for some years, but according to these documents, they were never theirs to begin with. These show that ownership failed to legally pass over because of Hiruzen witholding this information. That and the fact that the child himself was hidden away as well. These factors have made the situation very complicated. The laws are clear and have been established for centuries. We cannot be biased to any of these parties."
"Fuck this!" yelled a younger councilman. "A piece of paper isn't going to dictate to me what is mine! My family will lose everything to this boy!"
Watase scowled at the man. "Do you think I like this? I stand to lose a little something, too. But take solace in this. While the lands legally belong to Naruto, the concealment of his identity has created a unique situation. The Daimyo will seek to maintain this country's stability and honor investments made by his people in good faith. We can propose a compensation fund for those who are being made to relinquish lands yet have not unlawfully usurped any titles belonging to Minato."
Kogane nodded. "That isn't all. Hiruzen will also need to be tried for concealing this information since he's actively fanning this flame. This controversy will create a domino effect that could easily be avoided by making this a simple case of ownership transfer. The only thing that makes this a legal grey area is the boy's heritage and his sudden emergence into public life. If we move fast enough, we can get a binding deal between the Daimyo and Naruto, but that will take time."
Half of the council seemed to relax, but for those who sought to profit off the land and the fewer who knew Minato and purposefully kept the land under their thumbs, they were seething.
"Now, let's go over these claims and what we can do about them. We're here to find a solution, not argue over semantics. Because after this, we have to go over the business claims the boy is pressing too."
Once again, the room erupted into chaos.
Line break.
{Land of Fire: The Fire Capital: The Civic Hall}
On the very other side of the large city, Lord Murata Sosu was staring at the many papers spread out before him and sighed.
He was left to deal with the rest of this on his own since the boy had a tournament to train for.
Signatures were being signed before him, and businesses that were unlawfully seized or inherited were being challenged or frozen, given the strict laws in place.
The most important ones were the shipping and Mining companies. The boy also had other smaller claims, but they were minor and useless.
Murata looked up at the man across the table and sighed. "So? It's legit."
The man nodded slowly. " I can see that. But what's being presented would... definitely cause problems. The Silverwind trading company is one of Fire country's largest assets, and they have been a staple in our economy for some years now. If we freeze their accounts, we could disrupt countless businesses, and create an economic crisis. And your claimant trying to seize this company isn't that-"
Murata slid an extra paper in, and when the desk man read it over a few times, he finally grasped the gravity of the situation.
"This can't be right. This would make them illegal. This is still a trial rather than a seizure. This will take time, maybe a few years," said the man, his eyes wide.
Murata shook his head. "We're prepared. Now, do your thing."
Line break.
{Land of Fire: Midoriyama Village: Serene Pines Lodge}
One week later.
Midoriyama village, AKA Green Mountain village.
It's located north of Tanzaku Quarters and is one of the most peaceful villages in the Land of Fire. It's known for its beautiful scenery and vast grasslands. It's named after the mountain off in the distance, the formation being completely green due to the abundance of trees and plants on the mountain's surface.
There are many shops and businesses that cater to tourists who come from all over to see the village and its renowned hot springs or trek the mountain to visit the shrine at the peak.
The village also has a rich history. The Sarutobi clan established it before they left to become part of the growing Leaf village.
It's on the outskirts of this beautiful scenic village where Naruto is training if you want to call getting punted across a grassy field being trained.
"You're not moving fast enough! Come on!" yelled Jiraiya as he blurred in front of the boy, Naruto only having enough time to block the kick that sent him flying through the air.
He landed in the grass, rolled, and got to his feet. "I'm going as fast as I can! Give me a break already! I'm just a kid!"
"Oh, please! You're a legal adult!" yelled Jiraiya as he came down on Naruto with a heel kick.
Naruto sidestepped but failed to avoid the backhand and was sent sprawling across the field again.
Jiraiya sighed and rubbed his head. "Okay. Time to switch things up."
Naruto groaned and got to his feet. "I can't move with these stupid seals on! For the last time, they're too heavy!"
Jiraiya shook his head. "Can't you at least try to implement the fighting form I taught you? You're sloppy. Your movement is far too unrefined. You're not just moving in any direction, but you're just flailing about,"
Naruto crossed his arms and scowled. "Hard to move around when you have a building strapped to your limbs, back, and chest!"
Jiraiya groaned. 'Training Minato was so much easier.'
"OK, forget the blitz training; let's work on your form over again. It requires-"
"Flexibility, agility, speed, and an understanding of the body's movement and flow. I know. I read that damn book over and over again," said Naruto, already in the starting stance for the first form.
Jiraiya smirked. "Good. Now, let's go over it."
Naruto sighed and went through the motions, Jiraiya watching closely and correcting him as needed.
"You're losing your focus, Naruto. The key here isn't strength but focus. Keep your eyes on me and react as needed."
"These things are too heavy. I don't have a choice but to rely on my physical strength. If I didn't, I wouldn't be able to move at all!"
Jiraiya sighed. "Take them off then."
Naruto gave him a surprised look. "Really? But I thought you said they were necessary."
Jiraiya nodded. "They are, but they're also a hindrance to you. I need you to reach a level of mastery of this form before we can continue. It will be necessary to face Lee. Now take them off and start again."
Naruto nodded and began taking the seals off one by one until he was free, the boy shaking himself off and stretching. "Damn. I feel so free."
Jiraiya smiled. "Alright, begin."
Naruto did as he was told, and Jiraiya began correcting him again.
Naruto took in everything his sensei said and applied it to his movements, yet whether he had them on or off, it didn't change a thing. He was still slow.
After what felt like an hour of repeating the same form, they finally gave up.
Now, Naruto was resting on one of the beds in the Hotel, his limbs burning and his body tired from all the training he'd been doing.
Jiraiya had been taking his training a bit far, which has pushed him beyond his limit. The weighted seals he put on him were too much, yet he still went through with it. It wasn't just his arms and legs, but his back and chest, too. It sucked. He didn't understand how Lee could do this every day and regretted mentioning the method to Jiraiya.
Jiraiya entered the room and sat across from him.
"How are you feeling?" asked Jiraiya.
"Like shit. My body is killing me. I can barely move my legs. What were you thinking?" asked Naruto, sitting up.
Jiraiya frowned. "You need to get stronger. It was worth the risk. We'll be at i again tomorrow."
Naruto shook his head. "What?! That's crazy! I can barely lift my arms!"
"Good. You need to struggle to improve. Now come here; I need to show you something important."
Naruto groaned and rolled off the bed, falling on his face, and Jiraiya rolled his eyes at Naruto's behavior. "Hurry up already; we don't have all day."
Naruto cursed at the man under his breath and pulled himself up, the boy struggling to do so.
Jiraiya placed a formula in front of Naruto via scroll. "I want you to learn this right here."
Naruto's eyes squinted as he read the fuinjutsu. "Five Element seal? Do you want me to learn this? I'm barely keeping up with the taijutsu crap."
"Yes. I have reason to believe that the Chunin exams are going to be the target of a massive invasion."
Naruto's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Yes. It's a long story, but know that it's happening. Orochimaru, as well as Suna and Otogakure, are going to be a huge problem, and we need to be prepared for what's to come. We have two weeks and some change to work with before we have to return, so I'm going to have you train like mad.
Naruto nodded, feeling a touch nervous but also determined. "Right. Well, what do we know about this Invasion?"
Jiraiya smirked. "Sit down. There's a lot to talk about."
Line break.
One hour later.
Naruto paced the room, no longer as tired as before.
The scale of this Invasion and the geopolitical impact it's going to have on the world is coming down on Naruto like a ton of bricks.
This one altercation will either lead to Shinobi World War Number Four or leave world tension in a state that it will never recover from.
"So, my mission is to single out Gaara and put this seal on him? " asked Naruto.
Jiraiya nodded. "Correct. He's the Jinchuuriki of the One Tails. He's Sunagakure's Weapon."
Naruto cringed at the term used. 'If he's nothing but a weapon of destruction, then what am I.'
Naruto saluted. "I won't let you down, old man. I'll make sure I'm ready."
Jiraiya nodded. "I'm counting on you. We all are. As of right now, you are acting as my assistant on an S-ranked assignment, so treat this training period as such because I'm not training you to defeat Lee. I'm training you to destroy Konoha's enemies."
Naruto felt the weight of his mission in that very instant but nodded nonetheless. It's times like this that remind him that this isn't a game. The road before him is about to become coated in blood.
Line break.
Two days later.
{Land of Fire: The Fire Capital: Hikarinoya Palace/Palace of the Fiery Field}
The Fire Daimyo, Lord Hisaki Koneko, and his father, the previous and dethroned Daimyo, Yusuke Koneko, were sitting in a private chamber discussing the matter of the marriage proposal between the Hyuuga heir and his youngest son when there was a knock at the door.
"I swore I told the servants not to disturb us!" barked Yusuke. "Enter!"
The door slid open to reveal a messenger, the man in full regalia.
"Forgive me, My lords, but a message has arrived from the Land of Fire's Ministry of Justice. It's urgent."
Yusuke snatched the letter and opened it, the contents of the message causing him to nearly faint.
"What is it? What did you say?" asked Hisaki in a calm manner.
His father didn't say a word. He simply handed over the paper and left the room.
Hisaki read the message over and over again, and each time he did, the gravity of its contents sank in more and more. Thanks to what he was holding, the plan to travel to Konoha early for the festivities was cut short.
Hisaki folded the documents up, now understanding his father's Ire, and sighed.
"Fuck"
Line break.
End chapter.
{A/N}
As promised, I have delivered a chapter within the two days I said I would, and made it larger than the last one, 10k words.
This was geopolitical and political-centric. The purpose of this chapter was to get rid of complicated bits so that when things go down, and characters act as they do, you'll know why.
Sorry if it's a bit complicated. I'll try to avoid too many political chapters if possible. The next ones will be far more tame in comparison and will drive things forward more. I didn't sleep while writing this, so my sleeping pattern is completely shot to hell.
Anyway, Thanks for reading.