[A/N : Hey guys. This chapter is Sponsored by Terrance Smith. You can thank him for the double release.]
The three of them discussed the plans for a while before calling it a night. As Fujin returned to his house, he thought, 'This is an interesting turn of events. I didn't expect that my existence would give Konoha such an opportunity. However, it is more than that.
Hiruzen is far more confident right now as compared to a few years ago. Earlier, he might not have taken this risk. If he had this confidence when I returned from my promotion mission, there might have been a new country on this continent…
I guess my wins against Kitsuchi, Juzo, Sasori and Orochimaru are a big factor in this change in mindset. That said, the bigger factor should be that the number of Konoha ninjas has increased dramatically in the last few years. In particular, the Anbu has become very strong. Anyway, how should I approach this attack?'
Fujin fell into a deep thought. He analyzed, 'While I have many attacks that cause destruction on a large scale, the only technique that can guarantee everyone's death is the Wind Domain. However, it has a fatal flaw.
I can't reabsorb the chakra I emitted to create the Wind Domain. It will exhaust my chakra very rapidly. Even though I have Yoroi's body, experimenting on him can't be done in a few days. And that is after I make Kabuto's skills my own. That'll take several months...
The natural alternative is decreasing the amount of chakra I use to create the Wind Domain. However, that isn't feasible in this situation either as it might allow some to escape. So, I'll only be able to destroy 3 to 5 bases before I am forced to stop and recover my chakra…
With soldier pills, I should be able to recover my chakra within a few hours and have another go before Ay returns. However…'
A smile appeared on Fujin's face as he muttered, "That's no fun…"
Fujin thought, 'I had an inspiration during my fight against Orochimaru. If everything goes like how I imagine, then my Wind Domain will have a new aspect. It wouldn't be as convenient as absorbing the chakra back, but it might have some combat applications. Oh well, I have four days to try it out.'
Fujin let out a yawn and muttered, "I'll train tomorrow, I need some sleep first."
The next day, Fujin left his clones to look after the training of his students while he went to a different training ground. Jiraiya began training Naruto as well.
Just like in the original story, he had a talk with Naruto about the two types of chakra and had him sign a contract with the Toads. The only difference was that instead of making him walk on the river or making his clones fight among themselves to exhaust his chakra, he did it by making Naruto practice supercharging the Infinite Breakthrough jutsu.
In Sunagakure, Rasa finally received a reply from Orochimaru. He read the scroll several times, his expression becoming uglier every single time. In the end, he sighed and ordered, "Summon the Council Members for another Council Meeting."
Within a few minutes, the Sunagakure council assembled once again. Goza asked, "Did we get a response from Orochimaru?"
All the other council members were curious as well. Rasa didn't speak and just placed the scroll on the table. The Council Members quickly went through the scroll and their expressions became ugly as well.
Tojuro muttered, "It was true!"
Ryusa said softly, "The Hokage didn't lie!"
Goza added, "Konoha has another ninja at the level of the Sannin!"
Sajo said, "And this one might be even more troublesome. If the chaos in the East was truly caused by him at the age of 13, who knows what he could do when he becomes 23!"
Ryusa agreed, "Yeah, he might make Danzo look like a saint."
Similar comments were passed in the council. Finally, Goza asked, "Lord Kazekage, should we still go ahead with our plan? The Third Hokage might be old, but we shouldn't underestimate him. Baki sent a message informing us that Jiraiya of the Sannin has returned to Konoha. And now there is another one who is strong enough to defeat Orochimaru by himself! While Orochimaru said that Tsunade wouldn't return to the village, we don't know how true that is.
Even though Orochimaru said in the scroll to not worry and that he'll make arrangements to deal with all of them, I don't think we should trust the snake. If the war goes south, he might ditch us and escape."
Sajo added, "In addition, we shouldn't forget that he is a former Konoha ninja. Even though he has gone rogue, we don't know whether their relationship is as bad as Orochimaru says it is. This could also be a trap to lure our elites into Konoha and cause us massive losses."
The addition of another strong rank S ninja made the council very wary of their plans. Even before Fujin's strength was known, their plan was very risky. If they lost, they would be completely at the mercy of Konoha. Now that they knew Fujin's strength, their plan was no longer just risky. Instead, it was almost suicidal.
Another Council Member said, "I know that we are very angry at what Konoha did in the East and want revenge for the same. We also want to use this opportunity to improve our village's finances by putting the Wind Daimyo under pressure. However, all that will happen if we win the war.
If we lose the war, then our situation will worsen in a terrifying manner. We will not only lose several of our Elites, but the Wind Daimyo will also become closer to Konoha. With such high stakes, we shouldn't go into such a risky war."
Except for Tojuro, who wanted to see chaos and become the next Kazekage, nearly every other Council Member advised Rasa to put a temporary hold on the plans.
Rasa heard everyone's advice and said, "I understand your thoughts. I agree. This plan has become too risky to implement. We will stop it and make a new plan later at a more optimal time.
However, we will need Orochimaru's help when we try to attack Konoha once again. We could also use his help when we try to lure Suzuki Fujin and eliminate him. So, I won't be blowing him off like several of you suggested.
Instead, I'll meet him and check out what arrangements he has. If they are truly as good as he claims they are, then we will continue with the attack. However, if they are inadequate, I'll call off the attack and we'll stay in touch for our next plan."
The council thought about it and agreed. Goza said, "For a plan to be adequate, he would need to have methods to restrain both Fujin and Jiraiya while the two of you fight against the Hokage. He also needs to have a contingency plan to deal with Tsunade if she shows up. In addition, we shouldn't forget about Hatake Kakashi and the several Clan Leaders in Konoha."
Rasa replied, "Obviously. Don't worry, I'll keep everything in mind."
The Suna council discussed a few more things before dispersing.
Four days later, Fujin walked into Hiruzen's office and saw quite a few familiar faces. He smiled and said, "It's been a while. Have you been doing well, captain?"
Akimichi Tsuyoshi chuckled and said, "Considering that you're a part of the council, it should be I who should call you respectfully."
Fujin chuckled and said, "Ah, that would sound awkward. Leave it, you know I've never been one for formalities."
Teru smirked and said, "Looks like you haven't changed much, Fujin."
Fujin replied, "Why would I change?"
Teru laughed and said, "You've become quite a legend in the Anbu. Well, you already were one, but it has reached a whole new level since you defeated Orochimaru. Even my subordinates can't stop talking about you!"
He faked a sigh and complained, "It was fun at the start but now it has become very annoying."
Fujin just chuckled without replying. He turned his gaze towards Fumito and Yugao, his former subordinates. Both greeted him saying, "It's great to work with you again, Captain."
Fujin replied, "Well, we won't be working together much in this mission. But yeah, it's good to see you two."
Fujin looked at Yugao and thought, 'Since I killed Kabuto, Hayate didn't have anyone to chase after and hence isn't dead. Not to mention, Orochimaru's defeat made Suna very apprehensive. Baki won't be as bold as he was in the original story. I guess she is the one who benefited the most after me due to my move.'
Seeing that they were done greeting each other, Hiruzen said, "It's good to see all of you. Are you ready to move?"
Fujin and the others looked at Hiruzen and Shikaku and became serious knowing how critical their missions were. Everyone nodded. Hiruzen said, "Good. Stick to the plan as much as you can. However, if you need to change it due to the situation, feel free to do so. Just try to convey the same to us as soon as you can."
Everyone nodded as Hiruzen took a pause. With a serious expression, Hiruzen said, "Be careful. I want to see all 5 of you back in the village within a week!"
The Four Anbu Captains nodded solemnly. They didn't know what Fujin's mission was but knowing that their mission was to lure the Raikage and the Jinchuriki of Eight Tails, they were very nervous.
Hiruzen smiled and said, "Good luck. You can disperse."
Fujin and the rest immediately left. A minute after they left, a messenger bird flew from Konoha. A few hours later, Mabui ran into the Raikage's office.
Ay looked at her with surprise and asked, "Why are you in such a hur…"
Before he could complete his sentence, Mabui said, "We have received a report that Suzuki Fujin left Konoha and is moving towards the Land of Hot Water!"
[A/N: Latest chapter on pat reon - Black Flames!]