Hokage Building
Senju Tobirama sat behind his desk, his sharp eyes scanning the room filled with his most trusted disciples, war advisors, and high-ranking officials.
"Monkey, Kagami, Tofu, Homura, Koharu, Danzo—you will accompany me to the peace talks."
The six individuals nodded in unison, acknowledging their Hokage's command.
Tobirama's gaze swept across the room. "What are your thoughts on the peace negotiations with the Land of Lightning?"
Utatane Koharu stepped forward. "Teacher."
"Speak."
Receiving Tobirama's approval, Koharu nodded and began her assessment.
"I don't foresee significant issues with these negotiations. First, we all know the Second Raikage's temperament. While he is aggressive in battle, he is reasonable and diplomatic when dealing with people."
The others nodded in agreement. The Second Raikage was known to be an anomaly among the warlike Cloud Shinobi.
Seeing no objections, Koharu continued with greater confidence.
"Second, the war has lasted two years and has severely drained our resources. We are struggling, and smaller villages like the Rain Village have suffered even more. A peace agreement would benefit all parties."
She paused before making her final point. "Third, the chosen location for the negotiations—the battlefield in the Land of the Moon—borders both the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning. This significantly lowers the chances of an ambush."
"I agree," Mitokado Homura interjected. "If we delay withdrawing our forces, we can maximize the safety of this meeting."
For the first time in weeks, a faint sense of relief filled the room. Even Shimura Danzo, who had been particularly irritable lately, allowed himself a small smile.
Ahem...
Tobirama's familiar cough instantly silenced the room. The smiles disappeared as everyone focused back on their leader.
"Now is not the time to celebrate," he reminded them. "Monkey, send a letter to the daimyo requesting funds for compensation. The bodies of our fallen comrades must be returned and buried properly. Their families will be taken care of."
Tobirama's gaze shifted to the map of the ninja world on the wall. "One more matter—the recent movements in the Land of Wind. Danzo, what have you learned?"
Danzo stepped forward, his expression grave. "Our reconnaissance team reports that the Land of Wind has been considering military action against the Rain Village. According to our spies, they have already launched an attack."
"And the result?" Tobirama asked calmly.
Danzo hesitated before answering. "The Rain Village, under Hanzō of the Salamander's leadership, repelled them with heavy casualties."
"A complete defeat?" Koharu asked in disbelief.
Danzo nodded. "Hanzō's summoning beast, the Salamander, released massive amounts of toxic gas on the battlefield. The Wind shinobi were unprepared and suffered severe losses. Eventually, Chiyo of Sunagakure developed an antidote, but by then, the damage was done. However, the Rain Village also sustained heavy casualties."
Tobirama's expression grew thoughtful. Hanzō of the Salamander… a battlefield force unlike any other. His sheer killing efficiency is remarkable.
His mind shifted to another thought—Sakuta Rinto.
This boy needed to be firmly under Konoha's control. If another war broke out, Rinto's intelligence could be the key to countering threats like Hanzō.
"Monkey, how is Rinto Sakuta doing?" Tobirama asked.
Sarutobi Hiruzen hesitated, recalling his encounter with Rinto the previous night. His expression turned strange. "Teacher, I included that information in this morning's report."
"Did you?" Tobirama massaged his temple. "I've been too busy."
Setting aside the thought, he refocused on the mission at hand. "We leave in three days. Prepare yourselves."
"Yes, sir!" The gathered shinobi responded in unison before dispersing.
The office grew quiet as Tobirama sifted through the paperwork. Finding the report on Rinto, he read through it carefully. His expression darkened.
This boy's strength is hidden far deeper than expected.
According to Sarutobi Hiruzen's assessment, Rinto's combat level ranged between Special Jōnin and Elite Jōnin. His taijutsu and battlefield judgment were particularly exceptional.
Hiruzen had even issued a warning: Close combat is not recommended unless necessary.
However, the report also noted Rinto's weakness—he lacked a solid defense against long-range, large-scale ninjutsu.
Three Days Later
Early morning. Hiruzen and the others gathered once more in the Hokage's office, fully armed and prepared.
Tobirama stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his arms crossed. He wore his Hokage robe and hat, his battle-worn armor underneath.
"Are we ready?" he asked.
"Yes!" An Anbu agent knelt, reporting crisply. "Half of Anbu forces have been dispatched to protect Lady Mito. The Konoha Guard is on high alert with increased patrols."
Tobirama nodded. "Ensure the village remains stable in my absence. Any individual attempting to cause unrest—execute them on the spot."
He paused before adding, "All Anbu are to remain on full alert for any movements concerning the Nine Tails. We cannot afford a disturbance."
Turning back to his team, he asked, "Any further concerns?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward, adjusting his forehead protector. "Teacher—Rinto Sakuta."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed slightly. "Your thoughts?"
"The Anbu Dungeon," Hiruzen stated seriously. "Rinto's combat abilities, intelligence, and cunning make him too dangerous to leave unmonitored while we are away."
Koharu and Homura exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "We support this proposal."
Danzo, standing quietly at the back, finally spoke. "I agree with Hiruzen's suggestion."
Tobirama then turned to Uchiha Kagami. "And you?"
Kagami hesitated before voicing his thoughts. "Teacher, I propose an alternative. Instead of imprisonment, Rinto should stay in the Uchiha district under strict surveillance."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. The Uchiha's Sharingan was certainly useful for observation, but the clan's divided loyalties made this a risky proposition.
Seeing his teacher's hesitation, Kagami pressed on. "This will allow us to monitor him closely while also showing him a different side of Konoha."
Tobirama remained silent, deep in thought. The sound of shuffling feet broke his concentration as an Anbu agent appeared beside him.
"Hokage-sama, Rinto Sakuta requests an audience."
A flash of cold light passed through Tobirama's eyes. Does this boy know something?
"Let him in."
The wooden office doors creaked open. Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others turned, curiosity evident on their faces.
Rinto Sakuta strode in casually, a smirk on his face.
"Well, well, everyone's here. What a coincidence!"
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