CIATB Chapter 353: Crossing the border.
Chapter 353: Crossing the border.
Chapter 353: Crossing the border.
Kakashi and Daichi set off along the main road, heading toward the Land of Fire's capital to meet Lord Taji Mayima, the Third Minister. The journey was quiet, each lost in their own thoughts.
Meanwhile, deep within the Hokage Tower's hidden chamber, a small group assembled. Danzo Shimura stood in silence with his usual stoic demeanor. Beside him, the reanimated Tobirama Senju crossed his arms, and Jiraiya was near looking over a large map. The Senju had a black hooded cloak that covered him from head to toe and a blue mask that concealed his face.
"We need to decide on the fastest route to the Land of Earth," Tobirama stated, his voice firm.
Jiraiya nodded. "Agreed. With your teleportation jutsu, travel won't be an issue, but we should still consider the safest path."
"The Land of Rain is out of the question," Jiraiya continued. "It's completely closed off. Hanzo the Salamander doesn't take kindly to uninvited guests."
Danzo glanced at Jiraiya from the corner of his eye, memories flickering in his mind. 'Last time I was there, things didn't go as planned.'
"The Land of Grass maintains diplomatic relations with both the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Stone," Danzo said thoughtfully. "It would be easier to move through there, but the Hidden Stone Village will likely expect that."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "So you suggest we avoid the obvious route?"
"Exactly," Danzo replied. "They'll be monitoring the usual paths. We should take an unexpected route to maintain the element of surprise."
Jiraiya stroked his chin. "That leaves the Land of Waterfall. It's less monitored, and with Lord Tobirama's teleportation, we can navigate the terrain quickly."
The Second Hokage nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll proceed through the Land of Waterfall."
Danzo adjusted his cloak. "We should prepare for any unforeseen obstacles."
"Yeah." Jiraiya said. "Orochimaru won't make this easy for us."
Tobirama stepped forward. "Gather close."
He placed a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder and then on Danzo's. "Hold on tight."
In an instant, they vanished from the chamber, leaving only a faint wisp of chakra in their wake.
The sudden shift from the familiar walls of the Hokage Tower to the lush surroundings of the Land of Waterfall was almost disorienting. To Jiraiya and Danzo it felt as if the world was moving around them for several seconds.
The sound of cascading water filled the air, and the mist from nearby falls cooled their skin.
"Welcome to the Land of Waterfall," Tobirama announced.
Jiraiya looked around appreciatively. "You sure know how to make an entrance." He took a breath as he felt nostalgic. 'The last time I experienced this was with Minato. What an incredible jutsu.'
Danzo surveyed the area, ever cautious. "We should move quickly. Even here, we can't assume we're unnoticed."
They began making their way through the dense forest, the canopy above casting dappled shadows along their path.
"The Land of Waterfall isn't heavily monitored," Jiraiya said, stepping over a fallen log. "But you're right, we should still keep a low profile."
The Second Hokage crouched down and touched the ground with this index and middle finger. The other two stayed quiet as they saw Tobirama get to work. Several seconds later the Senju spoke. "I sense several small creatures native to this area. But no humans. No abnormalities. For the moment we're the only ones here."
"That's a relief." Jiraiya said with a small smile. He knew they'd be able to travel quickly without any interruptions.
"Let's move." Tobirama gave the order and the three vanished from their position.
With Kakashi and Daichi
Kakashi and Daichi moved swiftly along the well-trodden road. As they traveled, villagers and merchants passed by, the hustle and bustle of daily life a stark contrast to the gravity of their mission.
After a few hours of travel, Daichi broke the silence. "Kakashi-sensei, do you think the Finance Minister is working with Orochimaru willingly?"
Kakashi considered the question. "Hmm... That's an important question... It's possible. Power often attracts those who wish to expand it by any means necessary. Orochimaru might have offered him something extremely valuable."
Daichi frowned when he heard that. Unaware of his student's thoughts, Kakashi continued. "It's also possible that the Minister is being threatened. But doing something like that is extremely dangerous. If it ever comes to be known that Orochimaru threatened the Minister of a great nation, it would make life extremely difficult for him... Then again Orochimaru might have enticed him with something and is planning to double cross him."
The genin sighed. "So the truth is, we can only make speculations till we know what kind of a guy we're dealing with."
"Essentially, yes."
Daichi frowned slightly. "Given his status he could already have everything needed for a great life. It's difficult to understand how someone in such a high position could align themselves with Orochimaru, knowing the kind of person he is. It has to be something really good for all that trouble."
"Greed, ambition, fear—there are many motivations," Kakashi replied. "Our job is to uncover the truth, whatever it may be."
They continued on, the landscape gradually shifting as they neared the Capital. The sun slowly moved and stood at its apex in the sky. About an hour later, towering buildings began to appear on the horizon.
As they approached the city gates, Daichi felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. "It's been a while since I've been here."
Kakashi glanced at him. "Any memories I should be aware of?"
"Captain Tadashi. We need to meet Lord Taji. It's very important." The urgency and seriousness in the Genin's voice alerted Tadashi.
"Of course. Come on in." Tadashi nodded and invited them in.
"Captain... Um they don't have a prior appointment." One of the guards said hesitantly.
Tadashi's eyes narrowed and he immediately understood the situation. Without saying a word he turned to Daichi and Kakashi and gave a small bow which shocked the two guards. "Please forgive the rudeness they have shown. They're new. They don't know who you are."
"Don't worry about it, Captain Tadashi. I understand." Daichi spoke with a small shrug.
"You don't have to apologize. They're just doing their job. We get it." Kakashi also waved his hand indicating the matter was over.
"Thank you. I'll take you to Lord Taji right away."
The two guards watched them walk into the mansion with surprise on their faces. "Who was that kid?"
"Must be someone important if the captain is taking them directly to Lord Taji."
"Oh man. Do you think we'd be in trouble for stopping him?"
"Na. If those two won't push that matter the captain won't pursue it." The other guard waved nonchalantly and they got back to their duty.
—-
Tadashi escorted them through manicured gardens to an elegant sitting room adorned with fine art and lavish furnishings. "Please wait here. I'll inform the Lord of your arrival right away."
With those words Tadashi quickly left the room. A few minutes later Lord Taji Mayima entered, his demeanor warm and welcoming. Behind him were a few guards Daichi met the last time he was there.
"Daichi! There's my favorite genin. It's a pleasure to see you again." he exclaimed, extending his hand.
Daichi bowed respectfully. "Lord Mayima, thank you for seeing us on such short notice. I apologize for interrupting your meeting."
"Think nothing of it. It's the least I could do for you after all." the minister replied, then turned to Kakashi. "And you must be Kakashi Hatake."
Kakashi gave a polite nod. "A pleasure, Lord Mayima."
The minister nodded and turned to the Genin with a smile. "You know, you should visit us more often. Leo will be excited to see you."
Daichi had a small smile. "Yeah, sorry about that. Been a bit busy."
The minister chuckled. "I can imagine."
"Please, have a seat," the minister gestured to the comfortable chairs. "Now, Tadashi said you wanted to meet with me about something important. Tell me how I can assist you?"
Kakashi was silent as he let his students take the reins of the conversation.
The minister noticed the hesitation on the Genin's face and waited patiently for the boy to speak.
"Lord Taji. The matter I have to discuss with you is extremely sensitive. The less people know the better." Daichi spoke as he looked at the minister with a knowing look.
Tadashi and the other guards standing a few feet behind the minister were surprised. They knew the child was different from other Genin ninjas. So they immediately understood that whatever Daichi had to say to the minister must be of extreme importance.
Lord Taji saw the serious expression on the boy's face and waved his hand. "Please close the door behind you. And Tadashi, make sure we're not disturbed by anyone."
If it were any other Genin team the guards would have hesitated or made a slight protest but since they knew Daichi they immediately left and soon the room was sealed with only the three of them inside.
"What's this about Daichi?" Taji asked.
"I need all the information you have on the Finance minister of the Land of Earth, assuming you have them."
Taji's brows slightly furrowed. He couldn't think of a scenario where Daichi and that man would cross paths. "Why?"
"Orochimaru kidnapped my sensei, Lady Tsunade. And I believe the finance minister of the Earth royal court might have had some hand in this."
Daichi's words shocked the minister. It took him a few seconds to process that information. Then "What!?"
Time: 2:12 pm
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Author's note:
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