Note: there are three scenes that happened after Hirata's mission is over. They were mentioned in this chapter.
----------- Scene 1: In secret organization – sector 2 ------------------
Seated in a stone chair within a compact chamber, a man dressed in black attire queried, "Could you repeat that?" Two individuals, also draped in black clothing that concealed their features from head to toe, stood before him.
A man dressed in black clothing spoke with a slightly fearful tone, "Yes, our plan has failed and we have also suffered significant casualties."
With an expression of frustration, the man clad in black clothing rose from his position while growling in anger. The two men who had come to deliver their report visibly trembled, accustomed to the fact that he would not hesitate to harm them if he was in a bad mood.
"I want a detailed report on what happened and who had interfered with their plan."
"Yes sir. All members involved in the mission, except for the messenger, were killed. The village officials and 'Number 236' were assassinated at the village head's mansion. 'Number 232' evaded capture but led the assailant to our secret underground chamber. Subsequently, 'Number 239', 'Number 232', and 'Number 23' were killed. 'Number 23' used the 'Great Flame Ball Jutsu' to destroy the underground chamber, leaving remnants of a fierce battle. The bodies of 'Number 23' and 'Number 232' were retrieved by Konoha Anbu, but no signs were found of 'Number 239'."
The leader cut the subordinate off, "That's enough of your nonsense. Now tell me, who is responsible?"
"Sir, regarding the perpetrator, we do not have exact information. However, the most plausible conclusion is that a single individual was responsible for the killings, except 'Number 23' who perished in the explosion caused by his own 'Great Flame Ball Jutsu'."
"So, you're saying that one single person destroyed all of my work and you have no idea who that person is... Is that correct?"
"Sir, yes, but..." the subordinate started.
"What else do you have to say?" the leader asked impatiently, cutting off the subordinate.
"Sir, all of the individuals were killed at the same time and in the same manner. It appears to have been carried out by a highly skilled group of assassins," the subordinate explained.
"So, you're telling me that they were all killed at the same time and in the same way?" the leader confirmed.
"Yes, sir," the subordinate replied.
"And you believe that it was the work of the Konoha Anbu assassination team?" the leader asked.
The leader fell into deep thought. "Or perhaps it was the work of a single individual who is capable of using high-level Shadow Clone Jutsu," he pondered aloud. He then turned to the two subordinates and ordered, "Find a ninja who can use Shadow Clones in combat. Utilize all of our available resources, but I want results as soon as possible."
They both nodded and exited the room. As soon as they stepped out, a sense of relief washed over them and they exchanged a glance before walking away.
Another figure emerged from the shadows. "You seem to be in big trouble, 'Number 2'," he said.
"Number 2" snorted, looking at the uninvited person. "You have a lot of free time, 'Number 4'. You are always wandering around my sector. It would be better if you could produce results that satisfy our leader."
Now "Number 4" snorted and disappeared into the shadows, saying, "I know what to do."
----------- Scene 2: Politicians and Official's secret meeting -------------
The room was filled with tension as several politicians and higher officials sat around a large table, discussing the recent failure of their plans to create trouble to oppose the idea of handing over the military power of the Fire Nation to Konoha.
"Our efforts have not been successful," said one of the officials, his voice laced with frustration. "We have been unable to sway public opinion in our favor and the idea of giving up military power to Konoha is gaining more support every day."
Another politician spoke up, "We cannot afford to let this happen. The Fire nation's military power is too important to be controlled by Konoha. We must find a way to stop this."
"Agreed," said a third official, "but we need to come up with a new plan. The people are beginning to see through our previous attempts and we cannot risk losing their trust."
Suddenly, the door opened, and in walked Sakumo Hatake, accompanied by a group of shinobi. The politicians looked up in surprise as the famous ninja, Sakumo Hatake entered the room.
Sakumo Hatake, a young nineteen-year-old ninja, inherited his family's prized possession, the white light chakra saber. This unique weapon emitted a brilliant white chakra streak with each swing. With the weapon in his hand, he became a fierce warrior, known as the "Konoha's White Fang," as he roamed the battlefield like a death god.
"Excuse the interruption," Sakumo said calmly.
The officials looked at him skeptically, but Sakumo continued. "My team and I have been investigating the recent attacks and we have uncovered evidence of outside interference. It seems that someone has been manipulating the situation to create chaos and opposition to the idea of handing over military power."
The politicians and officials looked up in surprise as Sakumo and his team entered the room. One of them tried to protest, but Sakumo silenced him with a wave of his hand.
"Your treachery has been uncovered," he said, his voice cold and hard. "You have been manipulating the situation to create chaos and opposition to the idea of handing over military power."
The corrupted officials looked at each other, realizing they had been caught.
"We will not let you get away with this," said Sakumo, as he signaled for his team to move in and apprehend the culprits.
As the politicians and officials were escorted out of the room in chains, Sakumo and his team disappeared into the shadows, determined to restore peace and stability to the Fire nation.
---------------- Scene 3: Hirata and Tsunade -------------------
Thirteen-year-old Hirata had just been discharged from the hospital after being bedridden for a month due to a serious injury. He was excited to see Tsunade, whom he hadn't seen in a while. As he made his way through the bustling village, Hirata's heart raced at the thought of seeing Tsunade again. He spotted her sitting on a river bed and ran towards her.
"Tsunade!" he called out, out of breath from running. "I missed you so much!"
Tsunade looked up and smiled at Hirata. "I missed you too, Hirata. How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling much better," he replied with a grin. "I can finally move around again."
Tsunade's expression turned from a smile to anger as she fixed her gaze upon Hirata. Observing the fury in her eyes, Hirata trembled and began, "Tsunade, I understand I took a chance, however-"
"You could have died!" Tsunade scolded, cutting him off. "What were you thinking?"
Hirata looked down, feeling guilty for worrying Tsunade. "I know, Tsunade. I'm sorry. But I had to do it for the sake of the village."
Anger, fear, and frustration; are the emotions that Tsunade had been holding back, but now they burst forth upon realizing Hirata's intentions. "I know why you did, but that doesn't mean I have to like it."
Hirata took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Tsunade, there's something I wanted to tell you."
Tsunade looked at him curiously. "What is it?"
"I don't know how to say this," Hirata started nervously, "but when I thought I was going to die, I realized that I wanted to spend more time with you."
Tsunade was taken aback, her eyes widening in astonishment. She had never expected Hirata to confess his feelings for her. She blushed at the thought and couldn't believe what she had just heard.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, both looked at each other but were unable to speak. Finally, Hirata broke the silence, "Tsunade, why don't we go home now? I'm not feeling well."
Listening to Hirata, Tsunade supported him with one hand and said, "Let's go home quickly." Then both of them left.
Aika, overwhelmed by fear, looked at Mito and lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Mito-sama. I wasn't able to teach that child properly."
Mito, who was initially pleased, chuckled at Aika's remark and replied, "I'm pleased that Tsunade is in the best hands, Aika. I like Hirata as much as my grandson and he has the potential to surpass both the first and second Hokage. Leaving Tsuna in his hands is the best option for me. With both of them together, I can live peacefully without any worries."
Aika was relieved to hear such high praise from Mito Uzumaki. Seeing that Aika had relaxed, Mito suggested they return home, and everyone left.