Author Note

Hi there and welcome to another chapter of Cursed Eyes.

Not much to comment and not any reviews to answer, so let's get going.

Please enjoy.

Cursed Eyes

Chapter 27 – Rabbit Hole

Beta: Scheffinator

An entire week has passed since Tsunade had issued the SS-ranked covert assignment to rid Konoha of the war hawk Shimura Danzo.

This first phase of the plan revolved around the concept of counter-intelligence as the perverted Sannin used his spy network to spread a controlled number of false information here and there about Konoha and the village's ANBU program. Nothing harmful to the village, of course, as his idea was to provide credibility to the ones with the task of information spreading. Operations that occurred a long time ago, operatives that were caught sniffing around Konoha in recent years and even minor skirmishes that the village had to take care of in small covert operations.

All of them were mainly fake or misleading of the actual truth.

Those villages and governments highly acute in the intelligence department would be able to distinguish the rumors and dismiss it as non-existent. However, these so-called rumors began to circulate amongst the Elemental Nations. In every hidden village, from Kirigakure to Iwagakure, people kept on talking how the Konoha's ANBU force were not to trifle with…while the higher level shinobi paid it no mind, the lesser ranked ones, the merchants, low-level thugs, robbers and the like, ended up believing in some of the rumors. Jiraiya's mastermind genius in counter-intelligence had one key aspect…he was able to both capture sensitive information from other villages and spread false information. In fact, Hiruzen Sarutobi had taken advantage of his student's skill one too many times in the last Great Ninja Wars.

Nothing worked better to avoid unnecessary fights than spreading inflated and misleading information about the true power, strength and number of Konoha's forces.

The actual shinobi population's fame – mostly composed of B and A ranked shinobi - did the rest to make the enemies think twice before deciding to move against Konoha.

Right now, the perverted shinobi stood inside Tsunade's office, this time with a dark red overcoat over his usual clothes to hide his missing arm. While he started his assignment with his spy network, Jiraiya had requested Naruto and Kakashi to help him adapt his fighting skills. No longer able to do long sequence hand seals, the perverted Sannin was limited to Ninjutsu he could use with only one hand and his skill with Fuuinjutsu and Space-Time Ninjutsu to compensate. Still, even with such a handicap, both Kakashi and Naruto had to work together to overcome the Sannin.

"Oh! Well, that's interesting." Tsunade was on her desk chair reading over the report regarding the first part of the mission. "I have to hand it to you, Jiraiya, you have quite the gift for creativity."

"Heh, what do you expect from a great novelist such as myself, hime."

Tsunade snorted as she saw the dramatic pose from her teammate. Indeed, this was his area of expertise, though she was kind of miffed to this level of deceit. In one specific intel, the number of shinobi from Iwagakure who attempted to infiltrate Konoha after the failed Suna-Oto invasion was actually half of what the fake intel stated and of course the village's ANBU force slaughtered every last one of them. While the event actually happened, it was not handled by the ANBU force, but rather a team composed of a Jonin and three Chuunin, who were doing recon around the area and they handled close to ten Genin level shinobi from Iwagakure. Of course, at the end of the day, these were nothing but rumors, so Tsunade can easily state as such, if anyone asked.

"I take it you are still due to spread the final intel…the one regarding our target."

Jiraiya nodded as he handed Tsunade a file regarding one of the ROOT operatives that Naruto revealed after going through the captured ANBU's memories.

"Meet Tatsuji…one of ours actually, though presumed to this day missing after a failed assignment close to Amegakure. According to Naruto, though, this man happens to be one of Danzo's hidden spies."

Tsunade grabbed the folder and then looked back to Jiraiya.

"And you believe that he is the right person for this?" The pervert sannin smirked.

"Of course…the Fire Daimyo has received death threats ever since we were born, Tsunade…providing a scenario and motive for one of Danzo's operatives to move against the Fire Daimyo is credible enough. The Daimyo may have his personal guards on standby, but the mention of this possibly being linked to Danzo will force him to call us." Tsunade released a sigh in worry as she went through Tatsuji's file…all of the false intel revealed so far served for this very purpose…even if the rumors turned out to be false, the Fire Daimyo just can't sit on it and not investigate. And indeed, the mere mention of Danzo possibly being behind an assassination attempt…the Fire Lord wouldn't have a choice in the matter.

"Okay, do it, but at this point, I worry about those old fossils from the council. Something like this surely won't escape their knowledge." Jiraiya hummed in consideration.

"Indeed, sensei's old teammates are a pain, but they are crafty." Tsunade sighed in agreement. Ever since she had taken office, those two were at her throat constantly, but she was still unable to understand if they were doing this of their own volition or merely doing Danzo's bidding. "Well…" Tsunade looked up as Jiraiya gave his insight. "How about we spice up their drink for a while?" A vein immediately popped on Tsunade's forehead at her dumb teammate even considering the notion.

"Baka…I'm serious here." Jiraiya, though, merely laughed out loud.

"Hah, don't need to worry about them, Tsunade. I shall keep a personal eye on every correspondence coming from the Daimyo's Office and redirect them straight to your eyes only. You decide how to handle them, then."

"I swear…sometimes, I don't know when you're serious or not…okay, I guess that works. Now, get out of here, I still have a lot to read here." Jiraiya decided whether or not to joke with her some more, before bidding her goodbye for now.

===Throughout the Elemental Nations===

As instructed, Jiraiya had sprung the final rumor to finalize the first step of the plan. And so, he had instructed one of his spies who then told those this spy knew and so forward, until his entire spy network had the information.

As such, scenes happened all across the Elemental Nations…

In Spring Country, two men passed by each other, wearing worn robes and bamboo hats conversing about it…

In Water Country, an old man wearing an eye patch and dressed like a samurai mercenary discussed with his peers while sharing a bottle of sake…

In Lightning Country, a considerably sized breasted blonde lady, who happened to work inside a brothel, was entertaining a group of gentlemen and revealing some juicy story a previous customer of hers conveyed just minutes ago.

In Earth Country, a retired Chuunin now turned mercenary and dressed in a gray overcoat, relayed it to his goons.

In many other places and of course inside many of the shinobi hidden villages, it soon became public knowledge on the streets that a former ROOT ANBU shinobi from Konoha's Shimura Danzo had reappeared with a personal vendetta towards the Fire Daimyo. It was said that the Fire Daimyo had the responsibility to stop the Sandaime Hokage from disbanding the Hidden ANBU after some gigantic atrocity committed in the past. Soon, said information reached the Kages as well and even other circuits, such as Akatsuki and even Orochimaru.

The Snake Sannin, now fully in possession of Kimimaro's body and covered from head to toe in bandages, could only smirk at the rumor, knowing it to be false…though he enjoyed seeing the wheels in motion and who could be responsible.

Akatsuki had lost Sasori, so they now lacked a suitable spy network….but that didn't mean that they were now going in blind. Still, none of the alive members had anything to do with this, so Pein had simply dismissed it and focused on the organization's plans to move on the jinchuuriki.

===In Fire Country's Capital===

Of course, the rumors soon reached the Fire Daimyo's Castle.

The Shinobi Monk Chiriku, who at one point, belonged to the Twelve Shinobi Guardians that protected the Daimyo along with Sarutobi Asuma and many others, had been called upon once more to take care of the Daimyo's protection. So, it came as quite a surprise to him when he was enjoying a morning tea in one of the Capital's diners, only to hear about the story that has been circulating all throughout the Elemental Nations right now. Narrowing his eyebrows, he had calmly finished his tea, paid for it and vanished from his location, heading straight to the Fire Lord's Castle, where he requested an immediate hearing with the Daimyo.

"Is this true, Chiriku-san?" The Fire Lord in question was sitting in his comfortable chair, cooling himself with his fan and trying, but failing miserably, not to show surprise, tension and most of all, utter fear.

"At this point, it could be nothing Daimyo-sama, but as your head of security, we should at least look into it." The shinobi monk at least found the Daimyo's clearly disturbed visage to be justified. The mere mention of Danzo's name was enough to send fear to anyone with at least thirty years or more.

"Oh, yes…indeed, verify…" Chiriku was kneeling and nodded his head.

"I shall begin, then…"

"Wait…" Chiriku was about to vanish, when he looked up at the Daimyo. "Send a message to the Hokage…if this is true, then she and I need to discuss some important matters moving forward." Chiriku acknowledged that Konoha must already be aware of these so-called rumors, so time was of the essence here.

"Certainly Daimyo-sama, I will get right on it." After seeing the shinobi monk vanish, the Daimyo entered into panic mode this time, as he remembered how scary the old war hawk was every time they met.

The Daimyo then received the information that Tsunade and Jiraiya were available for a meeting on short notice if the Daimyo so desired. As such, the meeting was scheduled as Tsunade and Jiraiya had joined the Fire Daimyo's entourage of councilors and Chiriku to address the situation at hand. Shizune was ordered by Tsunade to handle the goons from the council and relay to them that the Daimyo has simply called the Hokage for a short meeting, but wasn't forthcoming with the subject.

So, once everyone was seated, Chiriku relayed the rumors to everyone present. Tsunade and Jiraiya were stone cold as they heard the shinobi monk tell them what had occurred.

Afterward, Tsunade had simply crossed her arms and hummed with her eyes closed, while Jiraiya made pondering noises as his eyes rested on everyone present, particularly monitoring all of the councilor's sudden reaction to the news.

"Tsunade-hime, what do you think of this?" The Hokage opened her eyes and looked at the Fire Daimyo.

"I must say, it's troubling news, Daimyo-sama, though how credible is this, Chiriku-san…we happen to know that there are a lot of rumors circulating in the streets these days about Konoha's ANBU force…Perhaps, this new one is just like the others, no?" The shinobi monk could attest to the Hokage's cautiousness at this point. "As much as I don't enjoy being in Danzo's presence and he knows that, I can't say that he would ever consider such a reckless endeavor." All of the councilors nodded pretty much at the same time, while Jiraiya turned to Tsunade. With the experience they had, this game was child's play, really.

"Indeed…to this day, Danzo has nothing but Konoha's best interest in his actions. Plus, his ROOT division was disbanded by the Sandaime Hokage many years ago."

The councilors and even the Daimyo all breathed easier to this, but Jiraiya had a sense that one of the councilors was visibly silent through this ordeal.

"Ah…okay, so I can breathe easier, then." The Daimyo opened his fan with a smile. "Yes, I believe you're right, Tsunade-hime, Jiraiya. So…I…" Before the Daimyo could finish the meeting and dismiss this as nothing more than a rumor.

"Chiriku-san, can you repeat the name of the shinobi cited in this rumor?" The shinobi monk nodded.

"His name is Tatsuji, a former member of Konoha's ANBU ROOT." Jiraiya placed a thinking hand beneath his chin and pondered aloud. The councilors and the Daimyo looked at the perverted Sannin in apprehension.

"Well, that name is familiar…one of our ANBU Jonins, in fact named Tatsuji, went missing a couple years ago." Tsunade turned abruptly to her teammate.

"What are you saying, Jiraiya…are you believing in this nonsense about Danzo targeting Daimyo-sama." Her narrowed eyes and heavy increase of killing intent served to spike the tension in the room and everyone tensed.

"Hummm, despite this not making any sense to me, I lived my life following rumors, Hime, you know that. Stories that were first too hard to believe, which turned out to be the truth." Jiraiya then turned to Chiriku. "And I can see it in your eyes, Chiriku-san, that you take your job quite seriously to simply dismiss this, no matter how far fetched it is." The shinobi monk held his head up high and acquiesced to the perverted Sannin's assumption. "Still, doing something based on a rumor…I don't know." The Daimyo was working his fan as fast as he could at this point, trying to ease his mind of the worry.

"I…don't know…the Sandaime Hokage always had nothing but praises to say about Danzo…" Tsunade, this time, made her voice known.

"Indeed, Sensei and Danzo were teammates and they both protected the village through the Great Shinobi Wars. However, while it remained unclear why, sensei had opted to disband Danzo's ANBU division." Of course, Tsunade knew the reason why, but that was an S-ranked secret of the highest degree. "Perhaps, there could be some truth to this rumor, after all, Daimyo-sama." That was certainly not what the Fire Lord was expecting to hear and now became even more tense as everyone could see the tension and sweat drops.

"Hold on there…you're not suggesting we do something about Danzo, are you?"

Tsunade and Jiraiya both eyed the councilor from the far right, wondering when he would begin talking.

"I'm not suggesting anything, councilor…however, should anything happen to Daimyo-sama, and we do nothing to stop it…well, that's certainly ill-advised at this point and I believe Chiriku-san agrees with me."

The other councilors started debating amongst themselves, some agreeing with the Hokage, others denying it. Jiraiya and Tsunade both took this time to measure just how this meeting was going, while the councilors were in heavy debate with each other. Both knew that the Daimyo wouldn't make any decision here if none of the councilors were in favor of it. And truth be told, Tsunade herself was still in doubt whether or not she wanted the Daimyo to give her the green light. At the end of the day, moving against Danzo could lead to an outbreak in the village and any and all blood would be on her hands. Jiraiya, for his chance, knew the responsibility that lied on his teammate's shoulders at this point. It was part of his job, after all, to help ease the burden, even if he needed to push things a little bit.

"Excuse me, Daimyo-sama, councilors..." The tension in the room eased a bit as everyone, including Tsunade, looked at the perverted Sannin. "Whether or not this rumor is actually true or not, it's safe to say that it's out there…and whether or not Danzo actually is planning something…it still remains to be checked. However, know this, Daimyo-sama, if he plans on doing something, then chances are none of your security team will be able to stop him." Tsunade narrowed her eyes at Jiraiya immediately after he closed his mouth. The councilors stared him down, each of them trying to correct him, but couldn't. The Daimyo certainly knew that to be true, so Jiraiya kept on pushing. "This man was responsible for training an undercover ANBU unit and each one of these operatives were masters of their craft. Hiding in plain view, merging with the shadows, getting into highly secured locations, trust me, no matter when or how, they would fulfill their assignment and leave, without anyone knowing they were there in the first place."

At this point, both the councilors and the Daimyo let the idea sink in their brains, about the true danger that was Shimura Danzo and his ROOT ANBU.

"So…the only question here, Daimyo-sama, is…" Jiraiya let the pause linger for a while, as he looked around. "How safe do you feel?"

At this point, the room was in complete silence, save from the Daimyo waving his fan as fast as he could.

===With Tsunade===

The overall meeting lasted a few more minutes, before Tsunade and Jiraiya were excused with the Daimyo's final choice in the matter.

"You shouldn't have done that, Jiraiya…" Walking calmly towards Konoha, the perverted Sannin looked at the Hokage from the corner of his eyes and droned. "If things get out of hand, then the village will suffer the consequences and it's on me."

"After what we witnessed him doing, hime, you're still in doubt? He needs to be stopped…who knows what sort of hidden schemes he's currently making at this point…perhaps he's still meeting with that snake behind our backs…perhaps he's starting to place another village against us again, like he did with Sand and Sound. There is simply no way we can continue to work this way…whatever his actions are, the consequences will reflect on you in the end. Because he still operates under the Konoha flag."

"I know that, alright…!" Jiraiya backed away slightly as Tsunade raised her voice, before looking solemn. "It's the repercussions I'm worried about. What if he holds the village hostage."

"That won't happen…" Tsunade looked at her teammate in doubt. "I won't allow it and I'm sure the kid won't, either." An empty laughter erupted from Tsunade as Naruto came into her mind. "Naruto knows the secret passageways…we can hit hard and hit fast, not giving him time to operate a counterattack."

===Inside the Hokage's Office===

As soon as the Hokage arrived in her office alone for the day, she was not surprised to see Homura and Koharu there, waiting for her.

She had left Jiraiya in charge of gathering the ones involved in this mission's next step, so all that was left was for her to deal with these goons and rest for the night. By the time she wakes up tomorrow, it would already be done.

"Okay, out of it, you two…I had a long day and I'm not interested in prolonging this." Both senior elders frowned at the lack of respect.

"I understand you were called into the Daimyo's Office, Tsunade…you should have contacted us right away." Koharu started berating the Hokage and Tsunade wished to resurrect sensei only to ask why he bothered with these two.

"Yes, he called in, asking for a meeting. And I decide who I get to take with me, not you two." Homura cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses.

"As the Hokage's councilors, we have a voice in these matters, Tsunade. Whatever the Daimyo needs to communicate with you, we should be made aware of it as well. It was like this with Sarutobi." Tsunade snorted at that, she truly did. It may be disrespectful and all, but she was really fed up with these two. Worthless fossils who barely contributed to anything these days. Plus, Tsunade couldn't count the number of times that they backed Danzo against sensei and even herself, throughout the years. Who's to say that they weren't on this as well. Shizune was behind her, but just couldn't stop her master in time from leaping in front of the elders and holding each by their collars in the air.

"W…what is this…release us, Tsunade.!" The Hokage paid Homura's complaint no mind as she snarled at them.

"You two may have been sensei's teammates in the past, but now…now, you are nothing but worthless. I don't have to listen to anything you say…I don't have to tell either of you anything…now, get out of my face, before I get really mad."

The two elders were on the ground like two sacks of potatoes, before they watched Tsunade march away with Shizune in tow.

===With Jiraiya===

At the same time that Tsunade dealt with the elders, Jiraiya eyed the impressive line-up of shinobi that were called upon for this SS-ranked mission, now sanctioned by the Fire Daimyo.

Kakashi, Asuma and Naruto as Jonins followed by ANBU members Yamato and Tora.

Kasumi, Itsuko and Genma were also there, but their assignment was entirely different. Considering the possibility that Danzo actually tries something, these three would march straight towards the Fire Daimyo's Castle, both to assist Chiriku in guarding the Daimyo and apprehend the councilor that Jiraiya knew to be working as Danzo's informant on all matters regarding the Fire Lord's subjects. Whether or not they survive in this mission, the cat is already out of the bag. Danzo's schemes and hidden agendas would no longer see the light of day anymore.

The perverted Sannin quietly observed as Kasumi and Itsuko approached their respective other half.

"Kakashi-kun, you take care alright? And please make sure our little brother comes back alive as well." The scarecrow Jonin merely nodded and placed a comfortable hand on his lover's shoulder.

"You don't need to worry, Kasumi…both me and Jiraiya-sama shall be with him every step of the way. Now, hurry up and move towards the capital. There's a high chance that Danzo is already waiting for us."

The Hyuuga Jonin curtly nodded and moved close to Genma as he would be their respective mission's captain in this assignment.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Itsuko were chatting with Tora next to them.

"Naruto-kun, I know this is something you must do, but please be careful. I won't forgive you if something happens." Naruto smiled and gave his girlfriend a quick hug, before she turned to Tora. "Tora-taichou…"

"Relax Itsuko…I have been teaching the kid for a while now…I know what he's capable of. Plus, ROOT represents a dirty stain in our ANBU's history for far too long now. It's time to put a stop to this as Sandaime-sama should have done a long time ago." Itsuko nodded and then placed her mask back on, before looking back at Naruto, before gently caressing his face and his hair. She didn't care if it was unprofessional. She just wanted to feel him and comfort herself with the knowledge that she shall see her beloved when she comes back.

"Itsuko, we need to go now." The Eagle masked ANBU turned to see Kasumi and Genma waiting for her. Turning to Naruto once more, she was about to say something, but he beat her to it.

"I shall wait for you when you get back home, Itsuko-chan." The tight feeling in her chest at those words worried her even more…however, she needed to have confidence that like he said, she would see her boyfriend tomorrow.

After all, her boyfriend needed to have this closure in his mind. He needed to avenge the one responsible for the death of the Uchiha Clan. He needed to avenge the loss of the Uchiha brothers, whose eyes were now joined in his sockets.

"Yes, we will, Naruto-kun…" After that, she shunshined away from the group, followed by Kasumi and Genma, as the three were heading fast towards the Fire Country's Capital to meet with Chiriku.

With that out of the way, Jiraiya now initiated his explanation on how the mission was to proceed.

"Okay, we are at a loss whether or not Danzo's entire ROOT division will be there. So, we need to thin out the herd before actually going inside. Naruto and I shall use the summons for that first part. I trust that you aligned it with Shirotora?"

"Yes, I shall summon him in due time and he shall call in the cavalry by himself." Jiraiya nodded as he already had the toads he would summon for this assignment.

"Excellent…well, we shall divide ourselves in two teams…the hidden base has two main entrances, so Tora, Kakashi and Naruto will be team one, while Asuma, Yamato and myself shall take the other base entrance. It's quite possible that Danzo will choose this moment to flee, but I have to know where he is at all times. Our side mission shall also be to capture every piece of document inside…we need to know just how extensive his current dealings through the Elemental Nations are. Any questions?"

"Just one…" Jiraiya turned to Kakashi. "We are to consider the possibility of facing fellow Konoha shinobi, therefore we should expect to face our village's known bloodline abilities as well, right?"

"Indeed…Danzo had his clutches on at least the Aburame and the Yamanaka Clans. It's possible that we might face members from the Nara Clan and even one from the Hyuuga Clan as well." Jiraiya allowed some time for that to sink in. Jiraiya was about to give everyone the final order, when Naruto stopped him.

"Whatever happens in there, I must be the one to kill him." The perverted Sannin and the others turned to see Naruto, just as he had awakened the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. "Right now, I can feel the anger and hatred passing through my veins…Sasuke…Itachi…myself even…I…need this." Kakashi, Asuma and Tora looked at their joint student/brother in apprehension. No matter how powerful Naruto has become, Danzo was known to be a master of using the emotions of the enemy to his advantage.

Jiraiya, for his part, merely placed a thinking hand below his chin as he analyzed the blond Jonin. To this day, seeing the Sharingan eyes in Naruto's eyes still bothered him. Jiraiya wanted ocean blue eyes full of life to look back at him…he wanted to see an exuberant looking kid with a positive outlook on life…he wanted above all for Naruto to have a different life than he has right now. However, unfortunately, the ship sailed a long time ago. All he could hope for at this point was that he manages to at least be there for him as he grows, perhaps guide him along, for him to take a different path from the Uchiha's Cursed Path.

"As long as you promise you'll take him seriously, Naruto, then I have no problem with that." The blond Jonin nodded, before he turned to Asuma, Kakashi and Tora.

"Thank you, everyone, for doing this with me. Please watch my back." The three Jonins nodded and Asuma allowed himself one last smoke as he observed his precious Genin student.

"No sweat, Naruto…we are here for you every step of the way."

===With Danzo===

Shimura Danzo was inside his old ANBU Headquarters's Office.

Only a few candles here and there illuminated the room as the man calmly and without showing much emotion, read through the contents of the scroll sent to him by one of his hidden assets inside the Fire Lord's Castle. The contents left much to be desired, in his taste. Indeed, ever since he became aware of the sudden onslaughts of rumors reaching the streets about Konoha's prowess, Danzo knew that something was up. He wasn't naïve enough to believe to dismiss them as mere hearsay. He and his ANBU detail checked out each and every rumor out there and actually had the paper to disprove the majority of them. When the last one appeared, that's when he knew that someone would be coming for him. Based on the possible perpetrators, Danzo, sadly, couldn't pinpoint it on one.

His first assumption was that Orochimaru had betrayed him. The snake Sannin was perhaps the only one alive whose moves he couldn't predict. His other assets were at his beck and call.

The other hidden villages couldn't be behind this and certainly not the Hokage, because she followed in Hiruzen's naïve ideals.

Akatsuki was so far a puzzle in Danzo's mind as he couldn't figure out their agenda. However, they were targeting the jinchuuriki, not bothering to spread false rumors about Konoha.

As he finished reading, however, Danzo's only visible eye opened slightly as the message finished with the authorization sanctioned by the Daimyo for the Hokage to deal with him as she saw fit. Merely two seconds passed before his entire base started rumbling and the noise of two different explosions coming from different sides of the base erupted. One of his operatives shunshined inside the office immediately as the ROOT leader lifted from his chair.

"Danzo-sama, we are under attack!"

The old war hawk merely turned to his operative and gave the order.

"Torune, please take care of our guests until I arrive."

"Hai…" The operative vanished, while Danzo calmly walked towards the shadows of his office, ready for perhaps the last battle. Whether or not he survived it…this would be his last stand as a loyal shinobi of the Leaf.

Author Note

Ok, that's it for now.

Somewhat short, true. But, I'm saving the action for the next chapter. The pieces are in play as the next chapter shall be packed with action nonstop. Naruto has been suffering long enough going through Sasuke and Itachi's memories of the Uchiha Clan's last stand. There will be known enemies and a few creations of my own to spice things up a bit.

Please tell me your thoughts.

Next update: Nidaime no Sairin