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"Hey, don't bring that stuff you used with Danzō over here." Jiraiya immediately stepped in to mediate. Shuuzawa cast a glance at him, then let out a helpless sigh.
"I understand, Captain Jiraiya. It was just a metaphor. You can rest assured, Lord Tsuchikage—we're not insane."
"It's true we caused a few incidents to distract you, like setting the mountains ablaze. But that's all. Controlling the Five-Tails was likely just an accident."
"In any case, the control can be broken. Konoha has no intention of going to war with Iwagakure. We're only here to investigate the Akatsuki and Orochimaru."
"There's no hostility in our actions. In fact, isn't the real mistake that Lord Tsuchikage hired a high-profile Konoha rogue ninja? But what's done is done."
Shuuzawa's tone softened. "At this point, I think we both need to make some concessions. If you're willing to trust us, there's no need for a fight."
"I can even promise to pull the two spies hidden in Iwagakure out, reducing your losses. I'll also persuade Captain Jiraiya to hand over more intel on Uchiha Obito."
"Furthermore, you can open dialogue with the Hokage. I believe she'd be willing to offer compensation for our current actions, since we didn't inform you in advance. But if that's not acceptable—"
Ignoring Jiraiya's signals, Shuuzawa suddenly brought his hands together, his chakra surging. "Wood Style: Wood Dragon Jutsu!"
With a deafening roar, a massive wooden dragon burst forth, instantly wrapping itself around the Wooden Golem.
At the same time, Shisui controlled the Five-Tails to open its mouth wide, gathering a terrifying amount of chakra, aiming straight at the people below.
"In that case, we'll have to settle this by force." Shuuzawa stood with arms crossed atop the Wooden Golem's head, staring down at Ōnoki.
Shisui, standing atop the Five-Tails, mirrored his stance. "Konoha survived the Night of the Nine-Tails. Let's see if Iwagakure can handle this."
Jiraiya was at a loss for words. In his mind, he had the same thought as Kakashi. "We're really finished when we get back."
Ōnoki wasn't doing any better. He could feel cold sweat forming on his forehead. "This damned brat—he's ready to attack just like that?"
"Who the hell thought it was a good idea to make him a ninja? Oh, right. Shimura Danzō."
"Damn you, Danzō!"
.....
Back in Konoha, at the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe as he read a scroll, though his mind kept drifting to the situation with Jiraiya's team.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Jiraiya—it was that Shuuzawa was just too good at causing trouble.
Hiruzen had to admit: the kid had top-tier talent, sharp thinking, and a powerful skillset.
But there was one thing about Shuuzawa that always left Hiruzen at a loss—he was extreme.
Even Hiruzen, reflecting on the things Shuuzawa had done, couldn't help but curse under his breath.
Sure, everything was done for the good of Konoha—Hiruzen never doubted that.
But there were so many ways to help Konoha. Why follow in Danzō's footsteps?
"Danzō..." Just thinking of his old friend gave Hiruzen a headache.
Not only had the man operated behind his back, he'd twisted a once-good child like Shuuzawa into someone so extreme.
The more Hiruzen thought about it, the angrier he became. "Forget it. Don't think about him." He sighed.
At that moment, the office door knocked. "Come in."
The door opened, and to Hiruzen's surprise, it wasn't just anyone—it was one of his 'dear' students: Tsunade. Since when did she ever knock politely?
"Sensei, do you have a minute?" Tsunade wore what she believed was a sweet smile.
"Just say what you came here for." Looking at her, Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat. He knew his students too well.
They usually just barged in, calling him 'old man.' Respectful in their way, sure, but never proper—aside from Orochimaru.
That's probably why Hiruzen had always favoured Orochimaru. Now, seeing Tsunade act so strangely, he immediately grew suspicious.
"Hey, old man, what's with that look?" Tsunade was clearly annoyed but quickly sighed. "Intel just came in from the front lines. You'd better brace yourself."
"Intel? From the front?" Hiruzen paused for a moment, and a sinking feeling settled in.
What had happened near Iwagakure? "You know Shuuzawa is there. Of course I care about my clanmate and student. That's why I came to check."
As Tsunade explained, she pulled out a scroll. "I happened to run into an ANBU agent who was about to report. So I took the report instead."
"You already read it, didn't you?" Hiruzen's face darkened.
"So, what happened up front? Well... you should read it yourself. I think there's a big misunderstanding in there."
She handed him the scroll with another smile. But the more she smiled, the more uneasy Hiruzen became. He snatched the scroll, unrolled it, and started reading carefully.
For a moment, Hiruzen felt like his heart had stopped. Set fire to the Tsuchikage's tower? Controlled the Five-Tails?
Wooden Golem clashing with giant toads and a rampaging tailed beast against Ōnoki?! His blood pressure surged just reading the report.
They were supposed to investigate Orochimaru! So why does it look like they're launching an assault on Iwagakure?
Jiraiya?! Where the hell are you?! Weren't you supposed to keep them in check? How are you just as crazy as them are now?!
Trembling, Hiruzen turned to Tsunade. "This... this is the misunderstanding you meant?"
"There has to be some misunderstanding, right?" Tsunade clearly didn't know how to explain it either, but tried to salvage the situation.
"I mean, Jiraiya's leading the team. There's probably more to it than what's written."
More to it? They're about to start a war with Iwagakure, and you're calling that a secret motive?!
Hiruzen stood up shakily, about to speak, but suddenly his head spun and he collapsed onto his desk.
"Hey! Old man, are you okay?!" Tsunade panicked and rushed to his side. Seeing her so worried eased Hiruzen's heart just a little.
Sure, Tsunade could be hot-headed and addicted to gambling, but at her core, she still cared.
"I..." He had just started to speak when he heard her mutter. "Too angry for your own good? Hmph, so petty..."
"...Good thing I'm here. You'll be fine. I'm not planning to be Hokage—you're still stuck with Jiraiya!"
"...What a bunch of lunatics."
....
Meanwhile, on the border between the Land of Earth and the Land of Rain, the Akatsuki members looked around to confirm they'd finally shaken their pursuers before letting out a collective sigh of relief.
Iwagakure had gone berserk, launching a massive manhunt against them.
Normally, they wouldn't be afraid. They were powerful rogue ninja, after all—highly skilled and fearless.
But they'd just been beaten half to death by Shuuzawa and hadn't even had time to recover before fleeing.
Then Iwagakure started hunting them like rabid dogs. With no time to rest, their condition only worsened—injuries piling up, chakra drained.
Even they were reaching their limit. Thankfully, they were almost at their destination.
"Hey, Orochimaru, what's up with that kid?" Kakuzu glanced around at the sorry state of the group, even feeling a bit guilty himself.
Of everyone here, only he and Konan, thanks to her ability to fly, were in relatively good shape. Trying to shift the mood, Kakuzu turned to Orochimaru.
Of course, it also helped redirect blame, since he was the one who sold out the Akatsuki. "That kid's power is insane. And how the hell did they find you?"
"Wood Style and Flying Thunder God combined... and I'm pretty sure he's a descendant of the Senju clan. Naturally, he's strong."
Orochimaru cast a sideways glance at Kakuzu, a trace of resentment in his eyes.
He hadn't forgotten that it was Kakuzu who made him temporarily mute. Still, it was meaningless to dwell on that now.
Shigenari Shuuzawa had become an enormous threat. Orochimaru was extremely irritated. "As for how they found me... I'm sure Danzō is behind it."
"Oh?" Everyone's eyes turned to him—even Konan landed from the sky. This entire mission had been the perfect example of a 'complete failure.'
They'd clashed with Konoha out of nowhere—even Jiraiya showed up—and got beaten badly.
That's failure, no question. Though to be fair, Kakuzu's intel had been accurate—they did find Orochimaru.
Still, how Konoha found him was a mystery. Was there a connection? Orochimaru's words suggested otherwise.
"They came because of Danzō's orders. I came here under his arrangement, too."
He didn't want to say much—it was embarrassing—but Danzō had pissed him off to the core. So he didn't mind throwing him under the bus.
Besides, Shuuzawa was no easy opponent. If others wanted to be cannon fodder, so be it.
"Even though I left Konoha, I still had some dealings with Danzō. He could reach me, offer interesting research material..."
"I also help him handle the things that are inconvenient for him—like this time."
"You mean... you know too many of Danzō's secrets, so he's trying to cut ties with you?" Konan looked at Orochimaru in confusion, but he shook his head, unconcerned.
"No. He wants to make me Shigenari Shuuzawa's target so that kid stays bound to him forever."
"What do you mean? That kid... can still be controlled? Are you joking?" Orochimaru's words made everyone present look a bit strange—it all sounded absurd.
Someone that powerful, being manipulated so easily? If it were them, they would've turned around and killed anyone who dared try.
Even Kakuzu would've done the same—after all, his relationship with Shuuzawa was just like a boss and his hired worker.
"You don't understand Shigenari Shuuzawa," Orochimaru said, shaking his head with a cold smile.
"He's a child from an orphanage. His bonds lie with his former headmistress and the kids who trained alongside him in Root."
"He's grown too fast. Danzō's already worried he can't control him anymore.
So with people like that, you need a new tactic—create an enemy who's hard to pin down."
"Do you know why I really came to Iwagakure this time?" Orochimaru paused, licking his lips slightly.
After casually explaining the situation with Kabuto Yakushi and Nonō Yakushi, he continued in a low voice:
"I came to witness Shigenari Shuuzawa's old caretaker and comrade turn on each other—and to clean up the mess afterward."
"So that means…" Sasori's gaze sharpened slightly. "When he arrives, he's definitely going to see you."
"Once he believes you're the enemy...if you run, the only one he can rely on is Danzō?" added Jūzō Biwa.
Kakuzu's small green eyes lit up. "That would mean the intel I got... was deliberately leaked by Danzō—so we'd help you escape?"
It all connected. Every piece fell into place! Orochimaru cleans up the aftermath.
Shigenari Shuuzawa witnesses it, feels hatred, and the Akatsuki unknowingly help Orochimaru flee.
So that's what this was about. Shimura Danzō had used everyone as pawns—
Even those who considered themselves above such manipulation were dancing to his will.
"What a dangerous man…" Sasori's gaze brimmed with killing intent. Jūzō Biwa tightened his grip on his execution blade.
"The infamous 'Darkness of the Shinobi World'—he certainly lives up to the name!"
Konan's expression was clouded with darkness, too. She could never forget the damage Danzō had caused her before.
But this time, she truly experienced his cunning. He was insidious to the core.
"…" Only Kakuzu looked slightly awkward. He knew more truth than the others—
Danzō wasn't as all-knowing as he seemed. Still, he didn't dare say anything. Instead, he asked,
"If that's the case, why not just tell the kid the truth? Maybe he'd kill Danzō."
"Hmph, you think I haven't tried?" Orochimaru gave Kakuzu a sour look, then shook his head.
"I did. But Jiraiya's sudden appearance made me unsure of their status. They might already be dead, or maybe one of them is still alive. Either way, I'm clearly connected to the incident. I was there."
"Besides, that kid trusts Danzō deeply. It wouldn't surprise me if Danzō had ordered him to kill me on sight."
Orochimaru still remembered Shuuzawa's chilling line: "Lord Danzō asked me to send his regards."
Something felt off about it. But no matter how strange it seemed, one thing was certain... They were all pieces in Danzō's grand game.
"Danzō… I never imagined your schemes and reach would go this far."
Orochimaru's gaze narrowed. Just then, he turned to look behind him—and so did the others.
More Iwa-nin had appeared. Their faces sank—they were about to be forced on the run again.
And in that moment, everyone except Kakuzu couldn't help but think the same thing: "Shimura Danzō, you truly deserve to die."
....
"Father... you're really letting them go just like that?" In Ōnoki's home, Kitsutchi was training diligently in the yard, while Deidara was fuming beside her.
A similarly frustrated Akatsuchi looked at his father with a hint of hesitation.
Honestly, he felt just like Deidara—boiling with frustration. The village had been thrown into chaos, and in the end, they didn't even go after those responsible.
Instead, they turned to hunting the Akatsuki. Was his old man too trusting of those Konoha bastards?
Even if their sincerity seemed real for now, who could say if the intel they shared was even legit?
Besides, they even used this as a chance to take two of their spies back!
It was a massive loss, no matter how you looked at it.
"Hmph, and what would you have me do—keep them here?" Ōnoki turned to glare at his son, but after a moment's hesitation, he resisted smacking him on the head.
He was dumb enough already. Any more hits, and he might be a total write-off.
"That brat already made his threats. Both the Wood Golem and the Wooden Dragon were aimed right at our men. If we don't make a decision now, it'll be too late, idiot!"
Ōnoki was fuming. For a moment, it felt like his blood pressure skyrocketed.
This was just outrageous.
Someone wielding Tailed Beasts and Wood Release, threatening to break into their village if talks fell through. Honestly, he found himself missing Hashirama Senju.
Sure, Madara Uchiha had been a monster, but Hashirama had at least been a decent shinobi. He wouldn't have done anything like this.
But now? Someone like Hashirama had emerged and grown strong at that—
Yet somehow, the brat turned out just like Madara!
"Whose legacy are you exactly? Hashirama's… or Madara's?"
"Still, our losses weren't as bad as they seemed." Ōnoki forced himself to speak calmly.
He wasn't referring to the Tsuchikage Tower—that topic was now forbidden within Iwa.
"Sure, they managed to take two spies back, but do you know how much time and effort it took to plant those spies in Konoha?
Losing them now might actually be a bigger blow to Konoha, and besides that…
We obtained intel on Uchiha Obito. Now we can confirm the facts ourselves—
And let the entire shinobi world see what kind of monster Konoha has bred."
"You mean… you plan to leak the intel?" Kitsuchii looked thoughtful.
"Hmph, why should only we be embarrassed? The rest of the world deserves to know the truth, too." Ōnoki snorted coldly, his gaze turning sharp.
"Uchiha's ultimate power, fused with the Senju clan's ultimate power. A kid who knows techniques similar to, or even stronger than, the Flying Thunder God."
"He's filled with hatred toward Konoha. Someone like that will draw all eyes to him."
"Even Konoha won't be able to sleep easy nd we can use this to demand compensation. Maybe test Sarutobi Hiruzen's stance too. More importantly, I've finally confirmed one thing."
Ōnoki stopped, fury rising in his eyes once again. Shigenari Shuuzawa…He was entirely Danzō's man.
Everything about this mission reeked of manipulation, and he was convinced Danzō was behind it all.
The mere thought of it made his fists tighten. Shimura Danzō...You've gone too far. Too far indeed!
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