Will of embers

Chapter 25

"Why are you here if you are not going to talk?"

Hiruzen only lifted his eyes from his book for a second to look at Orochimaru before returning to his book. Not a word came out of his mouth. And what would he even say? The reason he was here was because it was quiet and calm down here, unlike in his office, where every five minutes, someone would interrupt him. He felt he could enjoy some downtime here and escape his work for a bit.

Well, that was before Orochimaru started talking. Hiruzen could only sigh in disappointment as he didn't expect Orochimaru to break his silence so fast. Officially, Hiruzen was here to make Orochimaru talk. Since failing to do so gave him more time to just relax down here without anyone watching over him or disturbing him, he didn't like that Orochimaru opened his mouth so soon.

"What can I say?" Hiruzen asked. "I have said everything I wanted to, but if you want to say something, I am listening."

Orochimaru smiled at Hiruzen, but that smile didn't reach his eyes. Still, that satisfied Hiruzen immensely, and he smiled back at Orochimaru before returning to his book. As long as the silence was kept, Hiruzen was satisfied, even if down here was a bit dark and damp. Having only Orochimaru staring at him, rather than his ANBU and everyone who entered his office, made it worth it.

…

How many days had it been? Weeks? Months? Maybe even years? Orochimaru prided himself on the calm mindset that wouldn't start cracking no matter what torture he experienced. But even he needed to sleep, and since the food was brought randomly throughout the day, he lost track of time. It wasn't very pleasant, but nothing he couldn't handle.

But the way his sensei looked at him as he entered this place and how he kept silent, just sitting here and reading, made Orochimaru feel dread. He didn't even realize when he started to feel it. His sensei did nothing; he just sat there and read. But what he didn't do made Orochimaru shudder in fear and something more.

Orochimaru wanted to yell at his sensei to look at him. To speak to him. To do something. But his pride couldn't let his mouth move. And here he thought he had shed away such emotions as pride. They were useless to him, after all. And yet here he was, restrained by it. His sensei truly knew him well; Hiruzen Sarutobi knew well how to torture Orochimaru most painfully.

Feeling like he didn't exist before his sensei's eyes was truly horrible. He could only blame himself for seeking out his sensei's approval. Orochimaru couldn't deny it anymore. He wanted his sensei to see him. To see how strong he was. To see what he had been able to accomplish. He didn't care if he was hated and despised; he only wanted his sensei to acknowledge him.

The Third Hokage knew it, too.

Danzo was wrong. His sensei didn't go soft. His sensei only found other ways to fight and oppress his opponents. More impressive ways than just using strength. After all, he was the Third Hokage, the God of Shinobi. Regular methods were far beneath him. And that is why Orochimaru failed to defeat him, and that is why Danzo will also fail. Still, even knowing that his sensei could destroy him just as he created him, Orochimaru didn't want to give up just yet.

…

How terrifying. Hiruzen could only admire Shikaku Nara's abilities and mind. To put his half-assed ideas into reality and make a soundproof plan was something only Shikaku Nara could do. And that is why Hiruzen was most careful around him. If there were anyone who could notice the difference between him and the real Hiruzen, it would definitely be Shikaku.

Hiruzen didn't have the leisure to make even the slightest of a mistake around Shikaku. If it were possible, Hiruzen wouldn't even be in the same room as him. Too bad Hiruzen needed Shikaku's abilities. And he was proven once again why he needed Shikaku. Kusagakure had to be taken care of, as they were too ambitious.

"The trust between them and surrounding countries is at its lowest," Shikaku said. "So, it isn't a surprise they would reach out to you so fast."

"The question is what they will ask," Hiruzen replied.

"Help, probably," Shikaku wasn't concerned. "It doesn't matter as it is already decided what they will receive from us."

"Genma Shiranui," Hiruzen muttered the name as he read the report about the young shinobi. "Most impressive. The number of missions he has taken and the rate of success can only be rivaled by Kakashi."

"Choza has nothing but praises for him, and he was even trained a bit under the Fourth Hokage," Shikaku added. "And even though he is still a brat who tends to make fun of most situations, he is an excellent shinobi."

"Ebisu, on the other hand," Hiruzen turned to another page.

"Uptight, stern, and too quick at making up his mind," Shikaku said. "And it seems he is a bit of a pervert as Choza had caught him looking at women and even sneaking up at women's baths."

"Everyone has their faults, small or big," Hiruzen replied as he read more about Ebisu and grimaced when he came to one part.

"I can't say much about his faults, but he has shown his true dedication to his village by not revealing even the smallest bit of information under the intense torture he experienced at the hands of Kiri shinobi," Hiruzen didn't know that. "He is someone who would endure whatever is thrown at him if it meant protecting people precious to him."

Hiruzen sighed in self-deprivation as he read how much Ebisu, a simple and funny-looking guy, had been tortured at the age of thirteen. He was only a genin at the time, too, only getting promoted last year to chunin. It reminded him that there was always something hidden under the surface, and he shouldn't take everything he sees and knows at face value.

"They seem good enough to lead the shinobi," Hiruzen finally said after regaining his composure. "Now we only have to wait for Mabuto Jinzatsu, the Kage of Kusagakure, to arrive."

Mabuto was keen on diplomacy, but he was too hasty and narrowminded to see through obvious traps. Still, even though Hiruzen's plan might have been simple, it required a lot of planning. Since Mabuto by now should have realized how much he fucked up, he will have no choice but accept the Konoha's shinobi entering his forces.

It took a lot of thinking about who he would send to Kusagakure as he needed not only the shinobi to be capable but also discreet. Genma was the most excellent choice. Even though he achieved quite a bit in his career, he had a low profile. Well, many shinobi from his generation were hidden by the massive shadow cast by Kakashi, so it wasn't a surprise.

…

The Kage of Kusagakure was a young man. Well, compared to Hiruzen, everyone was young, but still, Mabuto was in his twenties, with long, dark, as-night hair and a smooth face, with a little scar under his right eye. His demeanor was calm, but Hiruzen noticed a few sweat drops running down his forehead as he sat before him.

"Kusagakure will eternally be grateful for the support Konoha has provided for us," Mabuto said. "And we apologize for causing trouble for you, Hokage-sama."

"Nonsense," Hiruzen replied. "We are allies and I am sure your village would come to help us in our need. Konoha will provide as much help to Kusagakure as we can. You don't need to worry."

And sure enough, Konoha was ready to provide Kusagakure with two squads of shinobi to reside in Kusagakure to help with their problems. Mabuto couldn't even say a word against it. And so, Konoha invaded Kusagakure without any bloodshed. Not only will Konoha shinobi have full access to their village, but also to all the information they have and even voice in any decision they make.

It won't take long before Kusagakure can't do anything without Konoha's approval. And they will also be paid for it. Mabuto knew well what it meant for his village, but he had no other choice but to accept it. As of now, his village was rapidly declining, and if he came any later, Hiruzen would be able to demand even more from him.

And Hiruzen wouldn't be shy to shake them for the last pennies they had. Mabuto thought he could take advantage of them after the Nine-tails attack, and Hiruzen wanted to show him and the other village that it wasn't wise to mess with Konoha, even at its weakest. Of course, Hiruzen was also careful not to push too much, as he knew how short-tempered and shortsighted some shinobi were, and he didn't want a rebellion against him in Kusagakure.

"Ding!!! A hidden quest has been completed. Congratulations, host. You have put Kusagakure's foolish ambitions to rest and gained their service for a limited time. Ding!!!"

"Ding!!! For completing the quest, you are rewarded with the unique skill of insight. Ding!!!"

Suddenly, Hiruzen felt his senses sting in short but enormous pain. It felt like, for the first time, he could see. The ANBU he knew were here but could not see were now in the open. But it wasn't with his eyes that he saw them. He could feel their presence. At the corners and in the ceiling, they were everywhere, watching over him.

Chill ran down Hiruzen's spine, but that wasn't the end. For the first time since coming to this world, he could feel the strength of the shinobi before him. It wasn't chakra sensing or emotions. It was pure instinct that told him how strong they were. And that terrified Hiruzen. He knew before that every single one of them could kill them if they knew the truth about him, but now his instincts knew that too and were telling him to run.

Hiruzen worked hard to keep his expression calm. He didn't move a muscle as he tensed up all over. Hopefully, nobody saw it, as his robes hid him completely. Insight was fucking scary, even if it was probably the most useful skill he had gotten yet. It will take time to get used to it and to be able to control his instincts so they don't control him.

…

Shikaku shook hands one last time with the terrified and trembling Kage of Kusagakure. Shikaku felt pity for the young man. He at least managed to stand up steadily and still bow his head to the Hokage before leaving. Any other shinobi in his position would have probably fainted after receiving such a scare from the Third Hokage.

Shikaku saw how Mabuto was turning the gears in his head just as the Third Hokage told his conditions for helping his village. Shikaku didn't doubt even for a second that Mabuto would try to send Konoha shinobi to the most dangerous missions or even do something himself to kill them. And just as that thought formed in his little stupid head, the Third Hokage only needed to tense up.

It was a clear warning. The Third Hokage saw right through Mabuto and told him with his body that he could destroy him and his village any moment he wanted, so he better not screw around. Mabuto was lucky that he was smart enough to take the warning and accept the conditions without any complaints. Otherwise, Kusagakure would have regretted it.

Shikaku was glad that the Third Hokage took care of the troublesome things so easily. It would have been a real pain in the ass to play those little games with Kusagakure, pretending they were friends while being careful of the hidden blades. It seems that nothing can be compared to the Third's efficacy in taking care of this kind of thing.

As much as Shikaku was worried for the village after the Fourth's death, he was glad that the Third was with them. He could take his naps more soundly, knowing that there was nothing the Third couldn't do. Before the Third's experienced eyes and the knowledge he held, they were probably children playing around. Nothing escaped him.

Lucky for them, the Third was a kind elder who first reprimanded the children for their misbehavior before punishing them. Shikaku could only shudder at the thought of something making the Third angry. He could only be glad for the Third's patience and kindness. And hopefully he will remain like this until a suitable shinobi takes over his duties. It would be troublesome to deal with the consequences of the Third's anger.

A.N. Hello there. Long time no see. Sorry it was so long since the last update, but I was just unlucky and got patrol and guard duty on weekends, so I couldn't go home for a whole month. Hopefully, my luck will turn around, and I will be able to write and post more often. Well that all for now, see you.