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The dimly lit corridors beneath the Hokage Tower were eerily silent as Hiruzen Sarutobi and Tobirama Senju made their way to Danzo's cell.
'This is a necessary risk.' Hiruzen thought, glancing at Tobirama. 'Danzo's worked with Orochimaru on multiple occasions. If he can help us now….'
'We need every piece of information we can get. If it ans getting Tsunade back, then I suppose this must be done.' Tobirama had a grim expression.
They reached the heavy iron door guarded by two ANBU mbers. With a nod from Hiruzen, one of them unlocked it, and the door creaked open.
Inside, Danzo sat on a simple wooden bench with his limbs in chains. There was a special sealing tag on his bare chest that stopped him from molding chakra. The most eye-catching item was the tal contraption around his neck.
Despite the dire situation he was in, Danzo looked calm as if he was ditating. When the door opened his single eye watched them intently as they entered his cell.
"Hiruzen. Lord Second," he greeted, his tone asured. There was neither anger nor fear on his face or in his voice.
"Danzo. I see you're getting comfortable in your new quarters." Hiruzen spoke with a calm expression as he looked at his old rival.
"I adapt. I always have. You should know that about Hiruzen." Danzo replied with half lidded eyes.
"Hmm…" The third Hokage crossed his arms and looked at the prisoner.
"So what brings you two here?" The forr Root commander didn't waste ti and asked.
"Danzo," Tobirama replied evenly. "We have so questions for you."
Danzo leaned forward slightly. "Questions for ? And you two personally ca here... This must be serious… Alright. What do you want to know?"
Tobirama crossed his arms. "What can you tell us about the current situation in the Land of Earth, specifically regarding their royal court—the ministers and high-ranking officials?"
Danzo leaned back slightly. "The Land of Earth's royal court huh… Well to begin with, that court is a web of politics and power plays. The ministers wield significant influence, sotis more than the Daimyo himself."
Hiruzen nodded. "Any particular figures of note?"
Danzo's eye narrowed thoughtfully. "The royal court is dominated by four key ministers: Minister of War, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Intelligence. There are others in important positions of course but these four are the most influential. They each control significant assets and wield considerable power."
Hiruzen nodded. "What can you tell us about them individually?"
Danzo closed his eye for a mont as he recalled the details. "The Minister of War is a seasoned general. He oversees the Daimyo's military, formulates defense strategies, and the protection of the kingdom. That man is fiercely loyal to the Earth Daimyo but he is also ambitious. Now, the Minister of Agriculture controls the nation's food supply. Because of the rocky terrain of their country, farming is difficult. So he controls major food imports and exports from all over the world. And that makes him indispensable."
Hiruzen and Tobirama quickly absorbed the information. The third Hokage wasn't surprised at the intel Danzo had on their rival nation. 'I know he would have intelligence on the Hidden Stone village but I didn't expect he'd keep his eyes on their Daimyo as well.'
Danzo continued unaware of Hiruzen's thoughts. "The Minister of Intelligence is a cunning man. He manages an espionage team, gathers intelligence on rival nations like ours and monitors both internal and external threats. He always tries to be ahead of his enemies, and he keeps tabs on everyone—including his fellow ministers."
"And the Minister of Finance?" Hiruzen prompted.
Danzo kept a calm face but inwardly he smiled. 'So that's who you're really after.'
"The finance minister is particularly ambitious," Danzo continued. "He's known for his... flexible ethics. He's amassed great wealth, so of which can't be accounted for through official channels."
'He's holding back.' Tobirama thought as he analyzed Danzo's expression. 'He knows more than he's saying.'
"Go on," Hiruzen spoke, wanting Danzo to elaborate. .
But Danzo's gaze sharpened and he answered with a question of his own. "Why the sudden interest in the Land of Earth's internal affairs?"
Hiruzen exchanged a brief look with Tobirama. "We've received intelligence suggesting unusual actions involving so of their officials."
"Who?" Danzo asked.
"The Minister of Finance. He may be involved in unauthorized activities," Hiruzen replied.
Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Unauthorized activities? Such as?"
"Missing shipnts, unaccounted for resources," Tobirama stated. "We believe these anomalies may be linked to larger threats."
Danzo tilted his head. "And by 'larger threats,' you an Orochimaru."
There was a brief silence.
"Possibly," Tobirama admitted.
"So you've co to the sa conclusion?" Hiruzen acknowledged as he asked Danzo.
"It wasn't difficult. You two wouldn't have co here at this ti with questions if it wasn't related to Orochimaru." Danzo replied. "His ambitions are no secret, and the Land of Earth would provide ample cover for his experints."
"We have reports suggesting the minister is helping Orochimaru build a lab of so sorts." Hiruzen spoke.
Danzo leaned back. "If that's the case, you're dealing with a dangerous alliance. But there's more."
"What is it?" Hiruzen frowned and asked.
"The Hidden Stone Village. The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, is wary of the royal court's growing power," Danzo explained. "Onoki is a cautious man. He would never allow Orochimaru to operate within his country if he knew about it."
"So you believe Onoki is unaware of Orochimaru's presence?" Tobirama asked.
"Precisely," Danzo confird. "The relationship between the Hidden Stone Village and the Royal court is delicate. They tolerate each other out of necessity, but there's underlying tension."
Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'This complicates matters.'
Tobirama crossed his arms and leaned on a nearby wall. "Since the subject of our matter is the minister of a rival nation, our options to investigate are limited."
Danzo's eye narrowed and he nodded his head. "Interrogating a minister of another nation could indeed spark international conflict."
"Precisely," Hiruzen agreed. "We need another way to uncover Orochimaru's location."
Tobirama and Hiruzen were keeping a close watch on Danzo with impassive faces. They wanted to know if he would willingly give up information on the warlord in that region.
Danzo was silent for a mont before speaking. "There is another group, aside from the Daimyo's military and the Hidden Stone shinobi, that possesses secret intelligence—especially regarding clandestine routes and operations."
"And who would that be?" Tobirama asked, his eyes narrowing a fraction.
"The criminal underworld," Danzo replied. "Specifically, a warlord who controls much of the illegal activities in that region. Nothing significant happens without his knowledge."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "A warlord?"
Danzo nodded. "He's a man of considerable influence. He's bribed, blackmailed, and threatened key figures within the royal court and even the Hidden Stone Village. If anyone knows where Orochimaru's shipnts went, it would be him."
Tobirama considered this. 'So a dangerous individual, but maybe a necessary ally in this ti of crisis.'
"You've had dealings with him before," Hiruzen stated rather than ask.
"Yes. He's a very private individual. I've only t him once." Danzo admitted. "He's extrely secretive and values his own interests above all else. But he can be reasoned with—for the right price. Well, sotis. He has a strong temperant."
"Could he know for certain about Orochimaru's shipnts and activities?" Tobirama asked.
"It's highly likely. He would most likely know where that Snake is." Danzo replied.
Hiruzen considered this. "We can't approach the ministers directly without risking conflict. Even our Daimyo won't allow that."
"Yes." Danzo said. "But the warlord operates outside official channels. I'm sure he can provide the information you need—for a price."
"And what price is that?" Tobirama asked.
"Ten million ryo," Danzo stated plainly.
Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly. "That's a substantial amount."
Danzo shrugged slightly. "Information of this caliber doesn't co cheap. It's the cost of doing business in his world. And it's the only way to ensure he'll agree to a eting and get his cooperation."
"And you believe we can secure a eting with him?" Hiruzen asked.
"No. Absolutely not." Danzo smirked and shook his head. "He'd never agree to et any of you. Especially not in such a short ti fra."
"And who will he agree to et? You?" Tobirama scoffed at Danzo's plan.
"Yes." Danzo affird. "But I need to go to the Land of Earth to et him personally."
Tobirama's expression hardened. "You expect us to allow you, a prisoner, to leave the village and enter another nation unsupervised?"
"I wouldn't expect you to let go unsupervised," Danzo replied calmly. "But ti is of the essence. Orochimaru won't wait. It's the only way you'll learn the truth."
Hiruzen frowned. "Allowing you to leave the village, especially into another nation, is a significant risk."
Danzo t his gaze steadily. "I understand your hesitation Hiruzen, but ti is running out. If you hesitate, it could cost you their lives."
Hiruzen glanced at Tobirama. 'He's right about that. But can we trust him?' He sighed.
"What guarantees do we have that you won't use this opportunity for your own agenda?" Tobirama questioned.
Danzo was silent for a few monts before he looked at Hiruzen. "I fought for what I believed in. I lost. I've accepted my fate."
He then turned his gaze to his forr teacher. "Aside from my words I don't have anything else to give. But we all know you two don't trust . If I was in your position I wouldn't either. It's not the logical thing to do. But to rescue Tsunade and her apprentice, you have to."
Danzo's gaze sharpened as he looked at the two Hokages. "And because Orochimaru is a threat to our village. Whatever differences we have, the safety of the Hidden Leaf village cos above all else." The forr leader of the root beca silent and he leaned back against the wall.
Hiruzen studied his old friend's face. 'Is he sincere?'
"We'll need to discuss this further," Hiruzen said finally.
Danzo nodded and spoke only three words. "Every mont counts."
As Hiruzen and Tobirama turned to leave, Danzo spoke again. "Hiruzen."
Hiruzen paused at the doorway. "Yes?"
"Use my assets to fund this operation," Danzo offered. "Consider it a gesture of goodwill. I want to see Orochimaru stopped as much as you do."
Hiruzen regarded him silently for a mont. "How generous." A tinge of sarcasm appeared in his tone.
Leaving the cell, the heavy door clanged shut behind them. Walking down the dim corridor, Tobirama voiced his concerns. "This could be a trap."
"I'm aware," Hiruzen replied. "But we have very few options left."
Tobirama spoke in a low voice. "He's offering a lot. Do you think he has an ulterior motive?"
"Undoubtedly," Hiruzen replied. "But he may also be our best chance."
"If he leaves and becos a headache, we'll have another enemy. Right now with our focus on saving them, if Danzo does anything, we will be at a disadvantage,"
Hiruzen sighed. "I know sensei. I haven't forgotten who he is, but if there's a chance to find Orochimaru and rescue Tsunade and Shizune, we have to take it."
Back in his cell, Danzo sat alone, contemplating. 'They're desperate.' he mused. 'And desperation can be useful.' He closed his eye, a faint smile playing on his lips. 'I go out on my own terms, Hiruzen. No one else's.'
Outside in the dimly lit hallway, the two kages were still discussing the matter.
"So we agree to his terms?" Tobirama asked.
"Reluctantly," Hiruzen said. "But we'll have to put asures in place to monitor him closely."
"I'll do it. I've already decided to infiltrate the Land of Earth. I'll keep Danzo in my sights at all tis." Tobirama suggested.
"I understand." Hiruzen agreed. "And I'll have Jiraiya accompany you two as well."
Tobirama nodded. "Yes. That's fine. You don't have any problems with this do you?" Tobirama suddenly asked as he looked into a shadowy corner. A couple of seconds later Jiraiya's form erged and he looked at the two with crossed arms.
"You're trusting him? After everything that happened." Jiraiya was not happy with the decision that was made.
"Not entirely," Tobirama interjected. "But we have little choice."
"Danzo has agreed to help," Hiruzen inford them. "He provided us with valuable insights into the Earth Royal court and the Hidden Stone Village."
"He needs ten million ryo to secure information from a warlord," Hiruzen continued. "We'll use his seized assets."
Jiraiya sighed. "Oh this just keeps getting better and better… Well, I suppose it's better than using village funds."
"I need you to accompany them," Hiruzen said to Jiraiya. "Your presence will ensure that he doesn't stray from the mission."
"Alright," Jiraiya agreed reluctantly. "But I still don't like it."
"Neither do we," Tobirama admitted. "But finding Orochimaru and rescuing Tsunade is our priority."
The choice was made. The order was given for Danzo's release and soon in the shadows of the village, the forr leader of the Root forces was escorted under heavy guard to prepare for the journey. He glanced at the ANBU surrounding him. 'They don't trust . Wise. Ti to find out who'll keep company on my journey.'
—-
Author's note:
A small summary of this arc so far. Tsunade abduction arc.
The First Act of this Arc.
279-283: Orocimaru vs Tsuande
(Tsunade and Shizune are defeated and taken. Zetsu informs Madara and Pain of this incident. Guren kills Anbu who was monitoring Kabuto and rescues him before going after her second Target: Daichi. Orochimaru brings Tsunade and Shizune to an unknown location. Begins his experint. Daichi learns of the abduction the next morning. He gets a new quest to rescue her. 60 hr. Ti limit. He informs the Hokage.)
V
284-293: Daichi Interrogates Mizuki.
(Hiruzen was being briefed by Inoichi and Ibiki on the situation regarding Mizuki, his accomplices and the events that transpired last night. At that mont Daichi cos in and informs them of the situation. Hiruzens assembles a Jonin team. In the anti they speculate why Orochimaru did such a thing.)
(Kakashi and a team of Jonin leave the village to investigate. Daichi proposes to interrogate Mizuki. Hiruzen allows it. Daichi talks to Mizuki. Fails to convince him. Starts his interrogation. anwhile, Hiruzen ets with Danzo and his advisors. Gives warning to Danzo. Daichi formulated a plan to attack Orochimaru and make the most of this situation. Uses points to increase his strength. Creates powerful jutsu with his Parallel processing skill. Daichi gets clues from Mizuki. Convinces the Hokage to leave the village to investigate.)
V
294-296: Daichi, Anko, Genma: Investigation
(Daichi Genma and Anko head to a location near the Capital. Found Ko Yamanaka's booby trapped corpse. Daichi secretly creates two clones. One heads to the capital to et the 3rd Prince. The other heads to Land of Sound. Target: orochimaru's base.
In the Leaf Danzo prepares for war. Recalls his root ninjas. Danzo provides Hiruzen with information on Orochimaru's 7 fake bases.
Hiruzen sends scouts to investigate the 7 bases. He already sent another two man team to investigate the 8th base the day before.
Kakashi and his team investigate but reach a dead end.
Daichi, Genma and Anko investigate in Fire capital but find no leads. Returns. anwhile Akatsuki holds a eting and begins targeting Daichi.
V
297-304: Ambush- Daichi vs Guren.
Daichi's team and Guren clash in a forest. Daichi wins. Kakashi and his team appeared at the end and assist. They capture the prisoners. They return to the Leaf. anwhile Jiraiya is made aware of the situation.
End of First Act. Beginning Second Act.
V
305-308: Returning to the Leaf and preparations.
All the Great nations notice heightened security and activity of the Hidden leaf ninjas and they raise their vigilance. Orochimaru experints with Tsunade's blood. Daichi's first shadow clone ets with the 3rd Prince. Gains valuable Intel. The Shadow clone then goes to the Land of Earth. The real daichi proposes a theory that Orochimaru might be in the Land of Earth. Tsunade's condition is getting worse.
V
309-313: Infiltration: Land of Sound.
Night ti: Daichi's second Shadow clone infiltrated Orochimaru's base in the Land of Sound. Begins raiding the place. Knocks out Kimimmaro. Creates another clone to practice Reanimation jutsu. Main clone starts looting everything. Gets several dical equipnts and genetic samples.
Scouts teams begin reporting back about the 7 bases and their guards and defenses. anwhile, clone Daichi gets his hands on 8 tails horn cultivated. Daichi completes his infiltration quest. That clone poses as Kimimaro for the ti being. Learns reanimation jutsu. Akatsuki holds a eting and Pain sends Kakuzu and Hidan to the Land of Earth to find Orochimaru and Tsunade if possible.
V
314-319 : Interrogation and Battleplans.
Hiruzen, Shikaku, and Ox create battle plans. They suddenly learn that Danzo recalled all his root ninjas from Hiruzen's spy in root. Shikaku figures out the 7 bases were ant to keep the Leaf occupied while Danzo started a coup.
Jiraiya arrives and begins collecting Intel starting with Land of Earth. Tobirama also arrives after investigating Madara's tomb. He learns that Madara's corpse is absent. Tobirama is angry after learning what happened.
Ibiki interrogated Rinji. Inoichi mind walks Guren. Both of them die due to failsafes. Hiruzen learns of Orochimaru's immortality jutsu.
He also begins taking action against Danzo. Hiruzen assembles a team of ninjas. They are sent to 7 bases. There are Root sleeper agents ant for elimination.
Anbu Ox is moving towards the 8th base with Tobirama's special knife.
Another Anbu is headed for the Sound Village. Danzo also prepares for a confrontation with Hiruzen.
V
320-322 : End of Root Begins.
Daichi has a heart to heart with his inner self. Obito gets greedy for Shisui's sharingan, Daichi and Naruto. Daichi gets a new quest to plunder the root. He increased his sealing skill and learn the basic teleportation jutsu. His clone in Land of sound increases level of Reanimation jutsu. Uses it on root corpses he had and gets Intel from them. Daichi sends Shadow clones to infiltrate Root.
Hiruzens, His anbu and Jiriaya go in several minutes later. Obito also arrives in the leaf village at that ti. 3:35 am.
V
323-327: Daichi vs Danzo.
Daichi begins looting Root archives disguised as Monkey D Dragon. Daichi attacks Danzo and takes sharingan eye. Daichi learns true identity of Root 2nd in command. Kensei reanimated son. Daichi's wrath on Danzo. They battle. Daichi in disguise gives danzo false information about himself to create confusion. Daichi takes danzo's sharingan arm. It has 7 eyes usable left. Danzo flees. Hiruzen and his people enter the base. Daichi(in disguise as Dragon) ets Obito. Daichi sensed a strong chakra coming and both of them leave the compound.
V
328-336 : Hiruzen vs Danzo. End.
Obito is angry he didn't get Shisui's eyes. Just as he was about to go after Daichi, Itachi's crow show up, warming him. Obito leaves the village but tasks Zetsu to find Dragon. Daichi learns multiple new ninjutsu including hidden jutsu. Quest completed with several level and skill increases.
Hiruzen confronts Danzo. They battle. Anbu and Root ninjas clash. Tobirama appears and the fighting ends. Danzo surrenders. They talk about the new adversary. Dragon. Danzo makes a request to prolong his execution till Tsunade is rescued.
V
337-343: Leaf's military operation begins.
Jiriaya ets Tobirama. Conclusion of Root arc. Next morning Tenzo ets Kakashi (who was outside Daichi's ho keeping an eye on him) and updates him on the situation with Root.
Daichi begins studying the best ways to get into the Land Of Earth. Kakashi and Hiruzen talk about the possibility of a sacrificial play to rescue Tsunade and Shizune.
Leaf ninja teams begin attacking the 7 hideouts. Root sleeper agents are discreetly eliminated. Hiruzen getting real ti updates on the situation. anwhile Ox reaches the 8th hideout.
Daichi and Kakashi investigates the movents in Land of earth and see so anomalies.
V
344-351 : Tobirama vs Hashirama.
Ox summons Tobirama and Jiraiya(sage mode). They battle Blue B and Hashirama. Ox infiltrates the base but finds nothing. Tobirama and Jiraiya defeats their opponents. Hashirama's soul is freed and he points them to the Land of Earth. Orochimaru doesn't know Hashirama pointed them to Land of earth. He is confident that they won't find him in ti.
Black Zetsu appears at the battlefield and learns of the use of Reanimations ninjas.
The real Daichi in the Leaf village sends his Shadow clone on the Land of Earth towards the Ho of the minister of Finance for interrogation. And to find the true motives of his alliance with Orochimaru. Kakashi tells hiruzen of Daichi's findings and Hiruzen talks it out with Jiraiya, Tobirama and Ox. Ox tells them of a warlord who might be able to help get so information on Orochimaru's whereabouts. They go and talk to Danzo. Danzo wants to help.
V
End of Second Act. Third Act Begins. The Final part of this Arc.
Thank you for sticking with for so long.
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