"Shimura Danzou, are you aware of why you have been summoned with utmost urgency?"
Hashirama's voice held what I would call a 'dangerous blend'. It wasn't a threatening tone, quite the opposite- he sounded mortified and worried, but mixing it up with seriousness and making it sound like he really was angry. Which I could tell wasn't that far from the truth considering he looked annoyed by something I did. Which, truth be told, didn't limit the list of things that could have gained me this kind of circumstance.
It's been just a few hours since I took Hanzou and his friends to fishing, and I had made plans to enjoy the evening and ensuing night at peace right back at home. Sadly, my plans were foiled by this entire situation. I had yet to understand how it came to be as I could tell it wasn't genuinely something born from any known recent actions. Which didn't leave me that much pleased with the overall disposition of this wannabe 'trial'. Beside Hashirama were Tobirama and Mito, the former giving me a tense look while the redhead genuinely looked conflicted on how to look at me. Another element within the room and one that exuded a degree of confusion was Madara himself. Confusion and annoyance at being pulled away from his home at such an hour. It was far from midnight, but dinner had already come and gone for today, so it should have been the time for most of the village to be sleeping at this point.
"Considering the rushed process behind my retrieval? I'm quite unaware of the reason, Hokage-sama."
Hashirama blinked over my response, the Senju leader sparing me a blank look as he tried to find out if I was being honest or not about this comment, but this effort was quickly thwarted by Madara's own impatience.
"Is there a genuine reason for us all to be here, Hashirama," The Uchiha leader grunted, gaining his friend's attention and glance. "I believe we are well above playing indirectly about any circumstance."
A sigh left the Hokage's mouth and the man nodded. "I see… Well, I wish for you and your student to understand that the reason that sees you here is tied to an action that might or might not cost Danzou-san his current rank."
Madara was surprised, while I was just plain perplexed by that kind of accusation. I just couldn't imagine what could have caused that kind of response. Actually, I had a few notions stuck in my head, but none that should have really been known to the man himself.
"May I know the accusation itself?" I eventually asked, deciding to tackle the issue at hand rather than play the difficult game of 'guess your crime with no clues on which one of the many you committed'.
Hashirama nodded slowly, with his brother passing him a scroll which the Hokage calmly unrolled. He spared it a look and then gave me a long look.
"Shimura-san, are you responsible for the assassination of the Shodaime Mizukage and the sabotage of Kirigakure's military capacities?"
...Shit.
It couldn't have been Yoshiko. I knew for a thing the girl had been true to her word and had kept quiet for the matter. If she didn't, then Mito wouldn't have reacted like this, not this tame compared to how I expected her too. She should have been angry that her niece had been sworn to keep her mouth shut about that topic, but she didn't. Yet, who could have revealed such an accusation? And how could the Hokage be so confident it was so valid to bring me in this circumstance? I was just as confused as worried as this could be tied to Kirigakure reacting in a suspicious way about what happened. Maybe the new Mizukage blurted out the truth in secret? No. That wouldn't be productive for his village's diplomatic standing. Still, due to the way the question was formulated, I feigned ignorance.
"What?"
"The Mizukage was assassinated during the last few days of your visit to Uzushiogakure. Almost a day after the Uzukage was assassinated and you were attacked by the Hozuki siblings," He explained calmly. "You were seen as non responding after the attack."
I blinked, frowning at that last bit. "And how would that corroborate this implication?"
Hashirama glanced at his desk, unable to look at me as I delivered this question and left the duty of going forth to his younger sibling.
"We received a valuable informant which provided us with a solid account of the events which saw the assassination of the Mizukage," Tobirama answered. "And she was capable of providing enough detail to advance this situation to this stage of investigation."
…
"Then why is Sasuke Sarutobi not here?" I asked back. "If this is an investigation, then why this isn't-"
"I don't need to explain that this is no serious trial, Danzou. Mostly on the account that your word is greater than the witness that we could muster and I doubt Kirigakure would be keen to allow any proof to reach us," Hashirama rebuked flatly, his gaze once more aimed at me. "Which is why I want the truth out of you because it would explain your behavior when you returned."
I closed my eyes, holding back the regret as I felt the intensity of their looks aimed at me. "I was grieving-"
"No one is doubting that," Mito finally spoke, showing herself as the 'good cop' in this circumstance. "But we have to be sure that you weren't involved in this. If not, then..."
"It would be a problem. I know," I added for her, the redhead nodding. "Which is why I want to know why this is even happening if my word is better than this… witness'."
"While that might be true, our witness has a relevance that can't be ignored. Sure, it wouldn't hold in a normal court, but this isn't one. If the accusation proves to be true, you wouldn't face punishment."
At this response, I was just outright perplexed. "Hokage-sama just mentioned a possible demotion-"
"But not as a punishment," Hashirama interjected. "But… let's skip this troublesome chase, Danzou. I know you're lying and I want you to be honest with me: what happened in Kirigakure that night?"
"I am not-"
Tobirama huffed. "Look, we understand that you're worried this will blow up on your face if that proves to be true, but we need to be fully certain of this because it will create issues if you're lying. And while I am not as convinced as Hashirama is, I trust him that this pressure is warranted to some degree."
Was it? Why? What did I do to deserve this much distrust? I was so confused… but then, the true reason hit me out of nowhere. It wasn't the action itself that was really problematic for Hashirama- it was the way this set a dangerous precedent he was worried about. It was the fact that I was able to kill a Kage and return home with close to no injuries beyond those gained from that ambush before the attack. I, a kid, managed to kill one of the strongest Shinobi in current history. And that was a sign that I was to be treated with caution. Even by those within my own village.
The sheer irony that the strength I gained to protect this place and the people in it was turning into abstract evidence for the accusation was just infuriating. Even so when I noticed that this was a common pattern in the universe I was in: You get really strong, and people tend to get worried about the chances of you going 'dark' or something like that. I didn't have Naruto's positive charisma to dissolve this kind of possibility from the minds of people, so I was stuck with limited options.
I could try to keep denying and hope that this is dropped at the chance of this scarring my reputation with the leaders of Konoha or… try something very risky. I could come out clean, like super clean as I know that all details mattered to keep my predicament coherent and relatable, and pray this will not blow on my face due to any issue. It wasn't exactly a choice I could make without thinking of the issues related to both but… I knew that I had to be honest. Not for morals' sake, or even loyalty, but because I had to prevent this from screwing things up in the near future.
Dammit, why can't I just be given the chance of murdering people and be left uncaught about it?
"I suppose I can provide a proper recount of the affair, Hokage-sama. But I wish for one thing, and that is that any question and comment are delayed until I'm done with this."
Madara tensed up at my words, spotting unease and reluctance but still allowing this to happen as his rival nodded in agreement.
"I shall guarantee you this request, yes. Now please, tell us what happened that day."
And I proceeded to be quite chatty about the topic. Yes, I know, this is going to bite my ass at the proper time, but I knew it was necessary now. It was either being honest and pull the rotting tooth out or allow it to fester and become a dangerous bomb for me if it came up at a latter date. And yes, that would be a big problem for my plans of training and getting enough influence to preserve peace. Everyone listened, with some looking ready to ask questions about how I did some specific things and the secondary plans in case some details went wrong for me. All in all, I was as transparent as possible, and eventually I drew a very mixed reaction from the room with my words.
Hashirama looked uncertain for once. He looked more relieved as he was aware of the Kirigakure plot to attack Uzushio in case the assassination had happened, a matter praised by a supportive Tobirama as he saw my actions as 'necessary and undoubtedly logical'. Mito looked thankful, yet she was doing her best to hide it from the rest of the group due to this very reason, knowing that her home was going to survive this matter due to what happened that day. Madara merely nodded at my words as I was telling the truth, but he offered no response just yet, lost in his own thoughts at what I was telling them. But when I thought I had succeeded and swayed them to understand the points that brought me to what I did, I was stunned when the Hokage went through a bizarre mood swing.
"While your explanation does affirm that you acted in good will and faith, still loyal to your village and its closest ally, it also goes forth to confirm some of my suspicions about this circumstance," Hashirama remarked with a serious tone, his voice gaining our attention but also my surprise. "It is within reason that I wish for you to be demoted at once."
…
What?
"By which reason?" I fought back, unwilling to let go of this matter without struggling against possible BS reasons.
I might not be fully in the right, but I know that my action didn't warrant that kind of behavior. Heck, I shouldn't even be demoted on these grounds due to the explanation I gave. Sure, I was a bit salty that the man was sounding like he didn't care about what he just heard but… it was annoying me to no end and I wasn't willing to let go of this. Not yet.
"You are too young for the rank you got and this situation confirms you. You acted within risks that could have cost your life and more if you had failed."
"I didn't and I didn't plan to," I spoke back, gaining a few looks that tried to warn me to not go any further.
"Even now you're behaving as if this was alright. This wasn't. A young man your age shouldn't be put through this kind of choice," He argued firmly, or as firmly as he could within that pressure. "Which is why I have to demote you to the rank of-"
"No."
Hashirama sighed, frustration appearing on his expression. "Danzou, this is for your own good-"
"No, it is not," I sharply cut his voice, eyes narrowing at him as I finally got what he was trying to do with this line of thought. And I didn't like it at all. "At least, not mine."
My harsh comment stunned most of the occupants, but only Madara spotted the unease growing in his rival's face. It was brief, yet the man could tell something was gnawing in the Hokage's face despite his effort to appear calm and in control of the situation. Something that Madara didn't like.
"I understand you're enraged by the situation but-"
"If you wanted to do 'my good' as you are reasoning, Hokage-sama, no kids should have gone to war," I interrupted again. "I believe- no, I know for a thing you're being as dishonest as I was at the beginning of this session. So please, let us be truthful for once."
"That's a dangerous accusation you're leveling on your leader, Shimura-san," Tobirama half-accused, half-warned. He looked genuinely concerned, but I could tell he was thinking of what I was saying, while Madara scoffed at the Senju brothers.
"I think my student is onto something, and I can see it myself now," The Uchiha leader argued, his gaze narrowing at his first friend. "How about you ditch the flimsy effort to cover your guilt, Hashirama?"
The newer accusation gained more interest and less doubt from the others, but Tobirama quickly jumped to defend his older brother.
"The Hokage's decision is driven by a legitimate concern-"
"Which is devalued by previous ones. He is not trying to do something for my good because he knows this will only hurt me in the long-term. No, he is trying to feel better at the fact I'm in danger at times and-"
"And you shouldn't be, like the rest of the children," He reasoned heatedly. "This whole situation could have prevented if-"
"If what?" I interrupted and the Hokage slammed his fists on the desk.
"If you weren't that stubborn to go into deadly situations!"
…
Instead of being off-put by that outburst, I felt even more furious at the circumstance.
"Well, maybe I didn't ask to be dealt these cards to begin with, but I still go forward without any genuine whining," I returned with the same loudness. "I didn't ask for being put in a war, but I dealt with it because I knew it was either act or let people die. I didn't ask to be put through the harshness of some decisions, but life is not fair and we can't just expect good changes to happen overnight. You are not worried about my wellbeing, not with this decision- you are trying just to get your consciousness clean for what you feel it's your fault, the fact I've seen war with others, that I had lived in it and was turned into someone that will never revert back to a 'happy kid'."
I expected a response to it. More anger, more upset- and yet the Hokage had gone quiet, his gaze aimed low as his eyes closed. The silence, which was meant to be a soothing factor on the matter, only irritated me more. I was so angry, I was so illogical- it was bloody nighttime and I was barely awake at this point and... I barely remember unfastening my forehead protector and moving closer to the desk. I wanted to place it down, call it quit and be done with all this drama.
I preferred to stop at this point, I wanted to not be subjected to distrust for doing something that I had done in good faith and within logical sense for everything. It felt unwarranted, enraging and extremely offensive towards myself but also the memories of those people I wanted to respect. Those that died and couldn't speak anymore. But as I got close enough and moments away from going through the deed, I had a hand grasp my wrist. I turned to the side, glancing at Madara as the man gave me a serious look.
"Don't."
"I-"
"You will not go through that gesture," Madara harshly rebuked, his annoyed glance aimed at Hashirama. "My student shall not be demoted and, as far as my concern, that's my decision to make if that needs ever side up."
"Madara-"
"I had been patient about your dreams, Hashirama. I see no reason for us to renege the promise we made as children, but one thing is to allow those to drive us to success, another is to use them as motivation for guilt that should be yours to deal with. I suggest taking a night off so you can sleep it off and think about this better rather than jump to conclusions. You're the Hokage, the leader, people want you to be able to lead them, not be driven by just emotions, but also mind that I know you have."
Mortified, confused, Hashirama fell back to his chair with a numb look, and Mito was instantly keeping by his side while his brother stared at this development with a grim look. He wasn't as convinced of the situation himself tied to the Hokage's attempt to demote me, something that flashed in his eyes during that exchange despite his vehement defense of it, and had thus decided to keep quiet at this point. More silence, but Madara pulled me away from the desk and out of the office altogether. There was no effort to stop us and… he looked annoyed. Annoyed, but not angry. I gave him a questioning look, and he replied to it with a blank glance.
"We're going to check something before I take you back home. You will not act irrationally."
I frowned, unsure what he meant with that but I would soon learn that he wanted me to see something.
Or rather, someone.
Hozuki Gura had seen the worst days. Which was ironic considering where she wound up due to her failed infiltration attempt.
Sure, prison here in Konoha is still harsh and the interrogators were nothing short of psychopaths when they were on a roll with the questioning, but these faltered before the standard treatment in Kiri. Not like the girl was going to mention that to anyone, the last thing she needed was to get her wardens feeling challenged over that notion. Still, things weren't horrible. She had bland food, she had water. And her cell wasn't as small as she expected it to be. It was quite eye-opening to realize how this was 'good' compared to her expectations. It was still prison, but it wasn't a place that worried her due to the way she was being treated. She was a foreign kunoichi, she was thus precious due to the information she had about things back home. Not much, but it was enough to leave her with some good conditions tied to her solo cell.
In a way, it was sad since she had this little plan of finding the biggest and meanest thug in the place, beat him up and become top-dog in jail. Despite her age, Gura knew a few things on how prison worked by reading reports about behaviors from prisoners back in Kiri. But in these conditions, she was just alone to be subjected to endless questioning and promises of tortures. So, she just waited for the next round of questioning which was meant to happen around the next morning. Much to her surprise, that 'appointment' was pushed up in her schedule and she was woken up from her cell as the guard said someone wanted to talk to her. Which raised a few questions with the way he formulated that affirmation, mostly on the basis that when it was once more the turn of her wardens to interrogate her, the guard would say something along the lines of 'it is time again'. Yet this felt 'novel', new.
And Gura was right on her guess as she was soon delighted to the point the feeling washed away any need of sleep within her body. After all, the reason she came here in Konoha was right there, on the other side of the table she was now sitting by. Giddy, ecstatic, and even kicking her legs in delight… or she would have if her legs and hands weren't bound with chains. Despite the awkward disposition she was in, she knew that her wish was still going to come true.
"You," Danzou Shimura muttered grimly, his murderous glance just enabling the girl to feel excited. This was it- had she been granted her wish already? Was this her chance?
Also, how did he fix his eyes like that?
"Hello~."
The other visitor, a tall man with red armor and spiky long dark hair offered a grunt, a gesture which was matched by Danzou as he glanced at him.
"Why did you take me here?"
...
"Wha? You aren't here to kill me?!" Gura remarked in complete annoyance. "And here I thought that you wanted to grant me that wish!"
"He is not going to kill you. I told him that he has no permission for that," The tall man rebuked, further aggravating Gura but… not enough for her to bring out insults at him.
For some reason, her instinct told her that it was best to not aggravate the guy and… she felt pushed to comply with that kind of behavior. There was silence at first, and then the girl huffed.
"Are you going to say or do anything or what?"
"Did you know she was spying on you and your little brother when you were going to fish before she was caught?" The man's comment was instantaneously drawing a reaction from the boy.
Gura felt a taste of what she remembered back in that cave, back when she was fighting Danzou and… he looked furious. He looked ready to kill her, once more getting her happy and ready to give up as he murdered her but… that didn't happen.
"Don't," The man further added. "You will not kill or even maim this prisoner."
"Why?!" Danzou asked angrily. "Why did you even bring me here then?"
"To draw a line," The calm adult remarked. "Between want and duty."
Gura was incredibly confused at what was going on, almost stunned by the fact that this was all a… game or something? Before she could say more on this, she saw the two leave. There was something about this that just frustrated her to no end. She had gone through a lot in recent weeks, she had patiently waited for this moment to come and… she was just going to be ignored just like that? She gritted her teeth, anger burning deep within.
"Why don't you just kill me?!" She half-screamed and, much to the girl's surprise, Danzou turned to stare at her dead in the eyes.
"Why the hell can't you just let me be instead of stalking and begging me to kill you?" He angrily asked, eyes narrowing furiously at her. "Fuck off."
Despite having heard many horrible things in the past, these last words left a very big hole in her chest. As if something deep down was actually missing despite her mind regaining control of everything, shattering what her brother had done to her to a degree. Yet she felt like something was now lost as Danzou left. Something about him made her feel 'right' and dependent on his duty. To kill her. She was an enemy, a killer, a murderer and someone that he had tried to kill already. But while she asked some unknown gods how this situation happened, her mind shifted elsewhere as her rage was replaced by… dissatisfaction.
...A-Are those tears?
Gura blinked, confused by the sudden need to cry. Why was she so upset? Why does what she just heard make her so angry and so incredibly disappointed at herself?
Why does living feel so… difficult? Why does freedom… hurt?