Naruto: Kage of Kages

The spreading internal division was dangerous, especially with war on the horizon.

It was no wonder that the Hokage and his advisors were scrambling to find a solution.

“We can’t allow this trend to continue, Hiruzen.” Danzo gravely spoke.

But the Hokage remained silent, merely taking a long drag out of his smoking pipe.

“Danzo is right, Hiruzen. Our authority in the village is being eroded and that is exacerbating the internal conflict we have worked so hard to contain.” Koharu echoed.

Homura too seemed like he was about to speak up in agreement but the Third Hokage finally spoke up before he could.

“I am aware of that but there is not much we can do against Mito-sama right now, especially after giving her such a huge opening to exploit.” He declared, sending a sharp look of blame Danzo’s way.

He had no intention of pursuing the matter further however.

Fighting with his staunchest allies whose authority depended on him and thus could not betray him, was a terrible move.

Danzo himself was more critical of his own failure than his friend and bitter rival ever was anyway.

“There is only one way we can counter that old woman’s rising influence.” The Darkness of Shinobi declared in a low gravelly tone.

Homura and Koharu seemed to be in a state of confusion at not knowing what Danzo referred to but also relieved that a solution might exist.

Hiruzen on the other hand, had already considered the path his old friend was alluding to, it had originally a method to completely solidify his authority and break away from a dependance on his master’s name and the clans’ approval.

Though he knew the Third Hokage got his meaning, Danzo gave another hint for the benefit of their two less aware comrades.

“Lady Mito is not getting any younger, especially with the burden of suppressing the Nine Tails’ corrosive chakra for all these years.” He pointed out.

The other two immediately realized what he was implying.

“Perhaps it is time to let Mito have her much deserved rest and select a young new jinchuriki capable of actively participating in the coming war.” The Third Hokage spoke with resolve.

“Indeed. We need time to train this new jinchuriki before the conflict fully erupts after all.” Danzo echoed with an internal smirk.

The rest was left unsaid.

After Mito’s death, the new young jinchuriki could be moulded into a loyal asset that would solidify Hiruzen’s authority as the Hokage and prevent clan dissent from escalating too far, giving the elders free reign to expand their influence.

But there was a slight hiccup that would complicate this plan.

“We need to address that boy as well.” Koharu suddenly interjected.

Danzo’s expression darkened at the mention of his woes but knew the woman was correct.

‘Mito, that old woman, will insist on training the new jinchuriki herself and while she will be gone after the transference of the Nine Tails, I have no doubt she will try to forge a strong bond between her successor and Ryumon Shiki.’

‘Being so powerful at a young age as well as unnaturally sharp and politically aware, his presence would significantly complicate our plans . . .’ Danzo plotted.

And though he was not as nearly as ruthless and iron blooded towards the matter of Shiki, Hiruzen too thought his presence would overcomplicate things.

“Let me deal with the brat Hiruzen.” Danzo suddenly spoke up.

“Now is not the time.” The Hokage refused and Homura along with Koharu were inclined to agree.

“Don’t worry, I plan to take things far more slowly this time around, change my approach. Even if that woman suspects something I just have to lay low until she dies from passing on the Tailed Beast.” The Darkness of Shinobi countered.

“Hmm . . .” Hiruzen fell into thought.

In truth, while Danzo’s methods were undeniably effective in certain cases, he was not quite sure about this particular one.

Minutes passed as the Hokage deliberated on how to proceed.

“Alright but keep it quiet and try to use your people as little as possible. I’ll be preparing a somewhat more . . . delicate . . . approach.” He finally said.

“Hmph! Suit yourself Hiruzen.” Danzo somewhat disrespectfully replied.

He knew full well what kind of methods his “old friend” was partial too and just like Hiruzen doubted Danzo’s own methods, so too did the bandaged man hold a measure of disdain towards the Hokage’s ways, despite the fact they oftentimes showed great effectiveness.

They simply required more time and effort to set up and could prove ineffective in certain scenarios, with he, Danzo, serving as the backup to solve the issue in a more brutal manner should that come to pass.

“There is also the matter of Kumo’s actions. We cannot show weakness at such a critical time by letting them go unanswered.” Homura spoke.

‘For once, this timid fool speaks sense.’ Danzo thought.

“That is already being handled as is the client that dared to conspire against Konoha.” He said in response.

The Hokage nodded in acknowledgement and the main matters for discussion were thus over.

*

Back to Shiki, he had already set off on his second C rank mission with the rest of Team 6.

Their previous one was reclassified to A rank and added as such to their record so it could also be said that this was in fact their first C rank.

The content was rather simple. A mining town, supplying ores to a big Land of Fire merchant had recently been taken over by a less reputable sort that jacked up the prices significantly.

Negotiations fell through so the merchant paid Konoha to send shinobi in order to reinstate the previous leadership in any way they saw fit.

So long as the prices returned to their previous rates and the supply rate was not too greatly affected, the client would not have any questions nor complaints.

On the trail to the mining town, a reasonably cautious Mei was unwittingly trying her best to raise flags.

“This mission better be as advertised . . .” The bespectacled girl mumbled.

It was already the third time she had said something to that effect.

“Relax Mei-san.” Shiki spoke out.

“If you keep saying those kinds of lines, it will almost certainly result in exactly what you hope to avoid.” He said with certainty.

“Is that how it works?” Mei sceptically inquired in response.

“Yes it is.” The boy responded like his previous words were an immutable law of reality.

Inori watched with awesome amusement, relieved that, at least for now, tensions within the team were low enough that they could work together.

‘Things might not hold up in high pressure situations but for regular C rank missions, we should be more than fine.’ The Violet Rose thought to herself.

She wondered whether there was a guardian or two following them, sent by Mito or the Uchiah perhaps.

Her sensory abilities did not detect anyone but she failed to notice Tsunade last time as well.

‘Maybe some fuinjutsu interference.’ She correctly theorized.

It was not her problem though.

Inori was no longer involved in any funny business regarding her team, at least this time she wasn’t.

‘Regardless of his intentions, Shiki’s suspicions that resulted in Tsunade coming along as well as his actions on the active battlefield had effectively saved my life, maybe the lives of the entirety of Team 6.’ The Yamanaka thought to herself.

‘I am many things, some rather unflattering but I’m not ungrateful I will repay this debt. You can count on that, my freakish student.’ She solemnly made a silent vow.

And this vow of hers would certainly be tested in the future.

+++++

Hey, Author here!

Just a reminder that you can read up to a FULL MONTH ahead of this site on pa-treon.

I’m trying to become a full time Author now and I’m not going to be starting any new novels just so I can make sure this one is properly completed.

Find those sweet advanced chapters on pa-treon.com/lusoba without the -