Danzo strode into the Hokage's office,
Danzo, ever composed, entered the room with his usual air of smug authority.
Tsunade watched Danzo enter with a frown plastered on face.
Word had reached her that certain parts of the village had lost power—because Danzo had cut electricity to fuel his ironworks. The civilians affected by the outage had come to her, outraged and demanding answers. Now, she was here to get them.
Tsunade didn't bother with pleasantries.
"Danzo, how is your ironworks project coming along?" she asked bluntly, folding her arms.
Danzo's usual dour expression shifted, replaced with something almost… self-satisfied. Clearly, he had been preparing his response.
"Lady Hokage," he said smoothly, "you have nothing to worry about. The ironworks have been a resounding success."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Oh? That's great. Then I'll go check it out myself."
Danzo's composure faltered for a fraction of a second before he quickly recovered. "That won't be necessary," he said hastily. "This was only a test run. The full-scale operation will take a little more time."
Tsunade frowned. "Time? Why? The factory is built, the resources are in place, and you've already gone through with the whale blood extraction. What's the delay?"
Danzo's mind worked quickly, formulating a response.
He scoffed, as if offended by the mere question. "We aim to surpass the quality of the Sand Village's ninja tools. That takes precision and superior materials."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "Superior materials?"
Danzo nodded. "Yes. Our research has led us to Emeral Steel. By infusing it into the beheading swords, our weapons will outclass anything Sunagakure has. However, we need time to acquire a substantial amount."
Tsunade's brows furrowed. "The Emerald Steel that is being controlled by the Fire Daimyo? His private mines hold the largest reserves."
"Exactly," Danzo said smoothly. "That is why I request to be sent as Konoha's representative to negotiate with the daimyo. If we are to maintain our military superiority, the daimyo must support us in securing the Emerald Steel."
Tsunade leaned back, contemplating.
Danzo pressed on. "Konoha is the backbone of the Fire Country's military strength. Yet, if we allow Sunagakure to surpass us in weaponry, our position weakens. The daimyo has a duty to assist us."
Tsunade's voice remained level. "And what kind of support are you asking for, exactly?"
Danzo's tone was resolute. "Ideally, we should be granted control over the mines. That would be the most efficient course of action."
Tsunade shook her head. "The daimyo will never agree to that."
Danzo's single visible eye glinted. "The cost of Emerald Steel is already astronomical. If we purchase it at market price, we will never compete with Sunagakure's affordability. We need direct access."
Tsunade remained silent, mulling over the situation.
The village's relationship with the Fire Daimyo was always a delicate matter. There were those within his court who believed that shinobi should be under direct control of the daimyo, not independent leaders like the Hokage. Asking him to hand over control of his mines could create an even deeper divide.
Danzo, unsurprisingly, wasn't concerned with such politics. He continued to push his agenda.
"Lady Hokage," he said firmly, "we have already invested hundreds of millions into this project. Surely, you do not intend to let those resources go to waste? If this fails, it will be difficult to explain to the villagers."
Tsunade's jaw tightened. That scheming old fox. He had backed her into a corner.
If the project collapsed, she would take the blame. Hundreds of millions in funding would be lost, and the villagers would demand accountability.
She considered her options carefully before finally meeting his gaze.
"Fine. I will entrust this matter to you, Danzo. But remember this—you are not to do anything that will damage Konoha's relationship with the daimyo."
Danzo bowed his head slightly. "Of course, my lady. You have my word."
As soon as he left, Tsunade turned to her Anbu guard. "Keep an eye on him. I want regular reports on his movements."
The Anbu nodded and vanished.
Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. She needed a backup plan. She needed leverage.
"Send me Kakashi," she ordered.
Minutes later, Kakashi entered her office. "You called for me, Lady Hokage?"
Tsunade leaned forward. "I have a secret mission for you. I need you to go to the Sand Village and bring Mufasa here."
Kakashi blinked. "Mufasa? The Kazekage?"
Tsunade nodded. "Yes. But do it quietly. I don't want anyone knowing he's here. Can you handle it?"
Kakashi hesitated for a moment. "Honestly? That's going to be difficult."
Tsunade slammed her fist on her desk. "You can do it. Can't you?"
Kakashi sighed. "Yes…"
"Good," she said, leaning back. "Figure out an excuse for him to come. Make something up."
Kakashi deadpanned. "...You want me to come up with an excuse?"
Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose. "Just do it. And remember—this is a top-secret mission. No one can know why you're really there."
Kakashi straightened, realizing the weight of the task. "Understood. I won't fail."
As he left, Tsunade slowly spun her chair, gazing out at the crimson sunset.
A storm was brewing.
She didn't know how this would play out, but one thing was certain—Danzo couldn't be trusted.
He thought he could manipulate her with his half-truths and schemes, but she had already received intelligence from the ironworks.
She needed a second opinion.
She needed someone she could trust.
Maybe… Mufasa would have some insight.
After all, he wouldn't lie to her. Would he?
...
After receiving a confidential mission, Kakashi went home to pack his things and set off without delay.
Naruto, meanwhile, was training under Jiraiya, pushing himself to new limits. Sakura had been placed under Tsunade's guidance, learning the art of medical ninjutsu. With them occupied, Kakashi found himself alone, left to his own devices.
As for the reason behind inviting the Kazekage…
Kakashi let out a sigh.
He could try saying that Lady Tsunade was gravely ill, that her days were numbered. But that wouldn't work—Tsunade was as healthy and strong as ever. No one would believe it.
'Why did I have to be the one to come up with an excuse?'
He shook his head and pushed those thoughts aside. There was no time to waste. Without another word, he slipped out of the village under the cover of night.
The next day, Shimura Danzo set out for the Land of Fire's capital. He traveled in a grand carriage with his entourage, maintaining the appearance of Konoha's strength and dignity. As the village's representative, he had an image to uphold.
Upon arriving at the daimyo's residence, the grand castle stood tall, its golden rooftops gleaming under the midday sun. Danzo was ushered into the vast audience chamber, where the daimyo, Lord Yoshimitsu, awaited him.
The room was extravagant, decorated with fine silk banners and elaborate carvings. The daimyo sat cross-legged on an elevated platform, adorned in regal attire. Behind him stood a silent retainer gripping a ceremonial blade, while to his left and right, influential elders and advisors, including the esteemed Lord Hosokawa, observed the meeting.
Danzo stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Lord Yoshimitsu."
The daimyo, a large man with an easygoing smile, nodded in acknowledgment. "Danzo, what brings you here today?" His tone was friendly—Konoha and the Land of Fire had faced tensions in the past, but overall, their relationship remained strong. Their mutual dependence ensured the nation's prosperity.
Danzo was a seasoned strategist. He knew how to play the game. And so, he began with an alarming declaration. "My lord, Konoha is in danger. The Land of Fire is in danger."
The sudden intensity of his voice startled Yoshimitsu. He straightened in his seat. "What happened? Have the other nations formed an alliance against us?"
Danzo shook his head. "No."
The daimyo frowned. "Then why the urgency?"
Danzo took a deep breath before continuing. "Lord Yoshimitsu, are you aware of how popular the ninja tools and merchandise from the Village Hidden in the Sand have become in our nation?"
Yoshimitsu chuckled. "Of course. My wives and concubines adore their products. I quite enjoy them myself." He leaned back with a smirk. "I've even considered commissioning a few special orders."
Danzo's expression remained serious. "That, my lord, is the problem."
Yoshimitsu raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
Danzo's voice was firm, filled with conviction. "The Sand Village is draining the Land of Fire's wealth. By flooding our market with their goods, they are steadily growing stronger while weakening us. If this continues, the Land of Wind will rise in power while our nation declines."
Yoshimitsu turned to Lord Hosokawa for his thoughts. The elder stroked his beard thoughtfully before replying, "The Hidden Sand Village's goods are well-made and affordable. The people love them. Furthermore, they pay taxes as required. In truth, our business tax revenue has increased significantly due to these trades."
Many of the advisors in the room had personal investments in the Sand Village's trade network. They found Danzo's concerns exaggerated, if not outright amusing.
Danzo scanned the room, his eye narrowing. These fools… Could they not see the looming threat?
Hosokawa shook his head with a smirk. "Danzo, you are being overly dramatic. The Sand Village is merely conducting business. It is hardly an act of war."
Danzo knew he needed a new approach. "My lord, this is not just about civilian goods. Their ninja tools have also surpassed our own. Even our shinobi now rely on weapons crafted by the Sand Village."
Yoshimitsu shrugged. "And?"
Danzo's tone darkened. "That means their craftsmanship is superior to ours. Our ninja equipment is falling behind. More importantly, should war break out, they could cut off our supply. Konoha's shinobi could find themselves without kunai or shuriken at a crucial moment. Surely, my lord, you do not wish for Konoha's strength to decline."
A cold voice interrupted. "You give yourself too much importance, Danzo."
Danzo turned toward the speaker. "And who might you be?" he asked icily.
The man smirked. "I am Kazuma, the daimyo's personal ninjutsu instructor."
Danzo's gaze hardened. He recognized the name. Kazuma was once a member of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, part of the faction that had opposed Konoha's growing influence. His side had been defeated, but his hatred for the village remained.
Kazuma sneered. "Konoha has grown arrogant. You act as if the entire Land of Fire depends on you."
Danzo scoffed. "And who do you think, has fought and bled to keep this land safe? Without Konoha's shinobi securing our borders, do you think the Land of Fire would be as prosperous as it is today?"
Kazuma said nothing, but his smirk never faded. Instead, he turned to Yoshimitsu. "My lord, do you see? The Leaf's leadership grows bold. They believe they deserve special treatment. If left unchecked, their ambitions will one day challenge your own authority."
Yoshimitsu sighed. He was well aware of Kazuma's opinions, but destroying Konoha was not an option. The village was still a valuable asset to the Land of Fire.
He raised a hand, cutting through the tension. "Enough. Danzo, tell me what you propose."
Danzo did not hesitate. "Konoha is establishing an ironworks and a ninja tool factory to compete with the Sand Village. We need your support, my lord."
Yoshimitsu arched a brow. "And how exactly do you want me to help?"
"Not money," Danzo clarified. "We require access to the Emerald Steel mine."
A heavy silence filled the chamber.
Then, immediate protest erupted from the advisors and merchants.
"Ridiculous!"
"The Emerald Steel mine is a major source of wealth for the Land of Fire!"
"You think Konoha has the right to claim it?"
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Word count: 1945
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