CIATB Chapter 350: A Last Resort
Chapter 350: A Last Resort
Chapter 350: A Last Resort
Intelligence Department
In the bustling communication center of the intelligence department building, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood amidst a sea of shinobi coordinating the attacks on Orochimaru's seven bases.
A monitoring ninja approached him. "Lord Hokage, the captains of all seven teams have reported in. The bases have been destroyed, several prisoners captured or eliminated, but... no sign of Orochimaru or Lady Tsunade."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "What are the casualties?"
"21 confirmed dead. 8 wounded." The ninja replied with a somber tone and Hiruzen merely nodded.
The Kage glanced over at Shikaku Nara, who was studying a map spread out on a nearby table. Shikaku looked up, meeting Hiruzen's gaze. 'So, the casualties were as expected.' Hiruzen thought. 'Two to four from each team... Root sleeper agents, removed from play without arousing suspicion.'
Shikaku approached him quietly. "Everything is going according to plan regarding the Root agents," he said under his breath.
"Hm... It had to be done." Hiruzen nodded and replied softly.
The Third Hokage was also keeping an eye on the battle with Hashirama Senju. Learning that the First Hokage had been brought back was a bitter pill to swallow. Through the jutsu that brought his predecessor back, he could see the battle that had taken place.
He saw Tobirama confronting his brother, and saw Hashirama taking the revelation of Tsunade's abduction hard.
As the vision continued, he learned of Orochimaru's location. 'The Land of Earth... So Daichi was right all along.'
He remembered Daichi's theory that Orochimaru might be hiding in Earth Country. 'I should have trusted his instincts more.'
He turned to the Jonin commander. "Shikaku. Begin gathering intelligence on the Land of Earth. I want whatever updated information we have on the movements of the Hidden Stone village patrol squads."
"Has there been any new piece of information, Lord Hokage?" The Nara asked.
"Orochimaru is in the Land of Earth. This has been confirmed. I'm sure Tsunade and Shizune are with him as well."
Shikaku nodded. "I'll find out what I can."
Hiruzen nodded and was about to leave the room to organize a new strategy when Kakashi appeared at the doorway. "Lord Hokage, may I have a moment?" Kakashi asked, his tone unusually serious.
Hiruzen paused. His brows, slightly furrowing. "Of course, Kakashi. What is it?"
Kakashi stepped closer, lowering his voice. "It's about what Daichi and I were looking into. We have some new information that could be crucial."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Tell me."@@@@
"We have reason to believe that Orochimaru is working closely with the finance minister of the Land of Earth's royal court," Kakashi explained. "We've connected several dots—shipments, patrol patterns, and other intel suggest that Orochimaru's main base might be located there."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "This aligns with what I've just learned. Orochimaru is indeed in the Land of Earth."
Kakashi seemed surprised. "You've confirmed it?"
"Yes," Hiruzen replied. He turned head and called Shikaku over. "Shikaku. It seems we might have new leads. Kakashi, tell us everything you've found out." Hiruzen ordered and the silver haired Jonin began explaining his finding with Daichi and their reasoning.
By the time Kakashi was done explaining, the Hokage had a serious expression on his face.
"Kakashi, are you sure the Finance minister is involved?" The Hokage asked his Jonin.
"All the evidence we've gone through suggests that. And Daichi seems to believe it. I trust his instincts." Kakashi backed up his student.
Hiruzen was surprised. 'I just wanted to keep the boy busy but I never thought he'd get me such solid results. Well done Daichi.'
"This could be troublesome. An official from the Royal court of Earth nation colludes with a known criminal like Orochimaru. If this matter is exposed it could cause tensions to rise between our nations and the Daimyo courts." Shikaku could already foresee the shitstorm that's about to come.
"Yes. He has a lot to lose. So why would he do that?" Hiruzen crossed his arms and thought about why a man in such a highly respected position with a lot of wealth and influence would risk such a thing.
"The benefits Orochimaru promised him has to outweigh whatever risks involved. So it must be something big." Shikaku thought and several things came to mind but he couldn't form a good conclusion.
"Lord Hokage, there is something else." At that moment the silver hired Jonin spoke up.
After getting the old Kage's attention, Kakashi continued. "Now that Daichi has a lead on his teachers, he's determined to go into the Land of Earth. I saw it in his eyes. I doubt we can keep him occupied here for much longer."
The old man sighed. "I understand Kakashi. Give Shikaku here all your findings. And bring Daichi to my office. I need to discuss this matter with Jiraiya as well. I'll decide what to do after."
Tobirama glanced at Hiruzen. "You're placing a great deal of trust in him."
"Because he's earned it," Hiruzen replied. 'Daichi may be young, but his contributions have been significant.'
Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck. "I just don't want to see the kid get hurt. Tsunade would never spare us."
Hiruzen smiled softly. "I understand your concern. But Daichi is determined, much like all of us here."
Jiraiya chuckled lightly. "Alright, point taken."
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "His dedication is admirable. We'll need more shinobi like him in the days to come."
As they were talking a thought suddenly struck Ox, and he looked at the Third Hokage. "There might be someone who could perhaps help us..."
Hiruzen turned to him, curiosity piqued. "Who do you have in mind, Ox?"
Ox took a deep breath. "Danzo. He might have insights into the underground networks in the Land of Earth."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed. "Danzo? Are you sure that involving him is wise?"
Jiraiya crossed his arms. "What's Danzo got that we don't?"
Ox met their gazes steadily. "Danzo has connections with certain... unsavory elements. There's a warlord in that region who controls the criminal networks. He's secretive, powerful, and well-protected because he's paid off the right people."
Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'Could Danzo's past dealings actually help us now?' "You believe Danzo has information on this warlord?"
"I'm unsure. But it's worth a try. He is in interrogation. I could ask him." Ox replied with slight hesitation in his voice.
Tobirama exchanged a glance with Hiruzen. "This warlord might have access to the secret routes and intelligence we're missing."
Jiraiya sighed. "But trusting Danzo? That's a risky move."
Hiruzen considered their options. "Given the circumstances, we may not have a choice. If this warlord can lead us to Orochimaru, we need to pursue it."
Tobirama crossed his arms. "I agree with Jiraiya's concerns, but time is of the essence. We need every advantage we can get."
"How do we even know he'll help us? He's just sitting in his cell waiting for his execution. And we're the ones who put him there. I'm not so sure he's itching to help us with this." Jiraiya said with a sigh.
"It's precisely because of that, that I believe he'll help us."
Hiruzen's answer brought a frown to his student's face. "You're not thinking of pardoning him are you?"
The third Hokage shook his head. "No. Regardless of whether he'll help us or not, his fate is sealed."
Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck. "Trusting Danzo is a bad idea."
"I know. I haven't forgotten the lesson I learned a few hours ago." Hiruzen nodded and turned to his Anbu commander. "Ox, arrange a meeting with Danzo immediately."
"Understood," Ox replied, turning to leave.
As Ox exited, the room fell into a brief silence. 'This could either be a breakthrough or a disaster.' Hiruzen thought.
Tobirama broke the silence. "We should prepare for all possible outcomes."
"Agreed," Hiruzen said. "I'll brief the Anbu to monitor the situation discreetly."
'It's a risky path, but perhaps the only one left.' Tobirama considered. It was soon decided that the two Hokage's would meet with Danzo and talk to him.
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Author's note:
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