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Orochimaru's POV (Hidden Sound Headquarters - Land of Fire)
The Snake Sannin paced around his throne room. The room was cavernous and barren, lit poorly with candlelight. Before the pacing man was Zetsu bowed patiently as his master continued his energetic march.
"This is concerning. Kabuto has yet to return." Orochimaru voiced unhappily. "He was supposed to return after silencing Tayuya. His expertise is invaluable to the switching of my body. As well as being useful to guard me."
"You have many scientists and medical experts on your team. Surely, a team of them will be able to do it in his stead. That is assuming he hasn't been delayed by a minor issue. We can otherwise guard you." Black Zetsu countered.
"Though admittedly if it was the Akatsuki we would fail though~! We would bet something happened to him. Perhaps the Akatsuki or the Leaf ran into him and silenced him." White Zetsu said simply.
"If such is true, that would be incredibly bad news. Not to mention unlikely. Kabuto could carve a path through the Leaf if he carefully avoided certain people. And the Akatsuki believes him under their thumb." Orochimaru countered. "If he is dead, that would be a shocking and brutal blow. Kimimaro and Guren, my heavies, are dead, Jugo is dead, I'm lacking powerful men, and the recent reports suggest we may face an attack sooner than later. With my weakened state this would be disastrous. If it's a strong force I will be unable to repel them myself. I was foolish to be so wasteful with my forces." The Sannin ranted. To his dismay the ever focused Zetsu broke down their problem further.
"Seven different strongholds hit throughout our territory. Two we can confirm to be the work of Akatsuki member Diedara, formerly of the stone, and Sasori, formerly of the Sand. The other five are the work of a small team. All of which were overrun with absurd speed. Two of these bases even received reinforcements and were still crushed."
"No Survivors either~!" White Zetsu sang. "Whoever they are, they're quite lethal."
Orochimaru openly cursed at this. While he usually wouldn't dare be so open around his men, Zetsu had been expected for a while now. "That reeks of an attack. Perhaps fleeing would be best."
"Perhaps, but I do have a plan you may like."
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Hiruzen's POV (Leaf Exam Camp - Land of Iron)
Hiruzen wished the job of a Kage ended with the day, but often, the night was saved for unexpected and unpleasant meetings. Unfortunately for the old man, this night was no different. Instead of retiring to his tent, smoking his pipe, and wishing he could sleep in his own bed. Mifune had arrived, asking to speak to him. Hiruzen had momentarily considered telling his men for Mifune to talk to him in the morning. But Mifune had told his men it was necessary, and Hiruzen trusted the man to use his time effectively.
The whole trip for him had been miserable. First, he had to adjust to the cold weather; it had constantly reminded him of each long year he had served. The Samurai had offered more than fair accommodations, a sizeable defensible camp with large and luxurious tents, each heated with an impressive built-in fire pit. Yet he missed his warm and cozy office and comfortable bed. As the Hokage, his tent was the most prominent and nicest furnished, but the cold seemed to eat at him all the same. Secondly, Mifune had arrived with his men, and tension seemed to build. And lastly, Hiruzen feared it was related to the disappearances…
The samurai walked into his room on his lonesome. Standing at the entrance silently and respectfully as if waiting for him. Hiruzen inwardly sighed, but with the patience a long life gave him, he smiled at the man and nodded respectfully as he packed his pipe. Mifune bowed slightly at this before entering the room; he glanced at the seat Hiruzen sat at in front of a coffee table and took the opposite place. Hiruzen didn't acknowledge the man at first; he gathered his thoughts as he lit his pipe with a finger. Mifune took a heated kettle from the fireplace and poured them both drinks, sipping his plain as both men enjoyed the moment of calm before the storm commonly referred to as business. Hiruzen sighed; his stalling was finished as he finished his pipe. Hiruzen tapped the now spent pipe's contents into an ashtray with a rueful puff. He faced Mifune and straightened his posture. The old men who had been relaxing were gone, Replaced by the old inhuman legends they both were.
"Old friend," Hiruzen said pleasantly. "To whatever do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"I wish it were a pleasure, Hokage-san," Mifune answered gravely.
"Hokage-san? I see; this will be an unpleasant conversation, then. I assume this is regarding the disappearances of several of my men in your land." Hurzen said this calmly, but the ocean of killing intent that seemed to set in the room betrayed his upset nature. Hiruzen knew better than to think Mifune was fully responsible. But there was no question Mifune and his men had sworn to see to the safety of all visitors. Something Hiruzen would not take lightly.
"Indeed." Mifune responded plainly; the seasoned man did not flinch at the considerable wave of intent that washed over him. "Despite the efforts of some of my best men, there is no evidence of them being taken or who did so."
"No evidence of being taken?" Hiruzen asked incredulously.
"According to my men, it was clear they were attacked, with nearly all of them having struggled to some content. But the methodology of such and where they went is a mystery. It seems some third party somehow attacked and took several of your Genin."
"You realize my men going missing here places responsibility on you, correct?" Hiruzen asked with a raised brow.
"Of course, it goes without saying that we and our forces have nothing to"
"HOKAGE-SAMA!" A loud, boisterous voice called out as a group approached. Both older men flinched and gazed at the new arrivals. Several of them leaked killer intent, even making the two legends take notice. The group was headed by the ever-passionate Might Gai. Behind him stood a hesitant-looking Kakashi, angry Mikoto and apologetic Shisui Uchiha, a furious Tsume, and a concerned Choza. "I am terribly sorry to interrupt! But I am guided by Youth, and it demands action!" Gai ranted to the nod of the group behind him. He stopped as he eyed Mifune. "I see you are already discussing such! Excellent!"
"Sorry Hokage-san." Kakashi said while rubbing the back of his head. "I tried to convince him to wait, but he insisted upon seeing you." In truth, it had been a combination of Gai and Ino coming and encouraging him that had led to Kakashi coming. Though he had a sinking suspicion about what decision would be made…
"It's our damn right!" Tsume interrupted. "Especially when some pissants are messing with our pups! We want to know what's the plan to find them and who's ass we're kicking if we don't."
"Tsume is correct in some ways. I mostly want my boy found." Choza added his opinion on the matter. "That being said, whoever is guilty will feel the wrath of the Akimichi for this."
"The Uchiha as well." Mikoto said darkly upset to see one of her few remaining family members go missing.
"Though primarily we wish to find, not cause trouble." Shisui agreed with a sigh. "Please tell me you've found them, Mikoto is liable to snap any minute."
Hiruzen hesitated as he thought about how to spin this well. But Mifune did not share his hesitation; the samurai stood and lowered himself to the floor in a deep bow, apologizing and acknowledging each of them.
"The Land of Iron had no hand in these mysterious kidnappings; we are certainly somewhat guilty in the sense we failed to assure their safety within our land. As such, I have motivated many of my troops to search all of the surrounding area as well as the entirety of the Land of Iron. You can be assured if they are here, we will find them. We will keep you in the loop regarding information, but that is all I can offer for now." Mifune recited, standing to face the crowd.
"The hell are you saying?!" Tsume roared, incensed. "You assured us we'd be safe here; now, one of my litter is missing, and that's all you have to offer?!"
"I sincerely hope there is more…" Mikoto warned as her Sharingan spun wildly.
"Please calm down; I'm sure they'll allow us to do our own investigation as well. We'll surely find them if they don't. I'll head it myself." Shisui assured, glancing towards Mifune.
"Of course, it'll be a limited team, but such is the norm for international incidents. Mifune and I were discussing such." Hiruzen intervened, sensing the tension in the room building.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow such." Mifune replied frankly. The room fell silent at the declaration, but only for a moment. Mikoto, Gai, and Tsume all attempted to stomp forward angrily, only to be held back by Shisui, Kakashi, and Choza respectfully. Mifune did not flinch even as he dealt with the creative threats from Mikoto and Tsume and the odd dressing down of "Youth" Gai described.
Hiruzen allowed his mind to process this as the chaos built. It could have been better; many of those missing were heirs and other prominent shinobi. Furthermore, it burned Hiruzen to even consider allowing his own to be harmed and not acting. Yet Mifune was a reasonable man; if he denied them, it was likely for a good reason. Besides, if they acted against their wishes, it would incite an international incident and potentially lead to a war… unacceptable. His mind was made up. Now decided, he glanced at both parties and sighed as he flexed a sizable portion of his chakra. The chakra made the air in the room swirl and the tent quiver and sway; it broke through the disorder and allowed Hiruzen to grab the attention of all of them.
"I appreciate that my subordinates are so passionate; it brings me pride to know you all intend to protect your own fiercely. But you must allow me to deal with matters such as these. It is why I'm Hokage, after all." Hiruzen assured the group, who slowly settled down as Hiruzen faced Mifune. They still didn't like it but knew better than to argue at that moment. "That being said, I would have you explain."
"I intended to." Mifune sniped back. "As you know, I am not the leader of this land, leader of its military, yes, but not its political leader nor the leader of the people of it. As such, when it comes to international law, I must default to the laws put in place by the council."
"Meaning?" Hiruzen asked patiently.
"Meaning until the council members meet regarding these events, I must bar you from investigating the matter. Or performing any unapproved actions." Mifune continued.
"You have no right." Choza countered. "We should be able to pursue this, especially when we're down multiple shinobi. You surely cannot intend to bar us from getting involved."
"Perhaps in most cases, but when it comes to shinobi law, it is different in the Land of Iron. In the past, the Five Kage and the General worked out a peace agreement proposed by the Elder Samurai Council. This has several rules; the main theme is the outright banning of shinobi work in the Land of Iron. There can be exceptions, but the council must vote on such." Mifune told them gravely.
"Why the hell should we listen?!" Tsume countered. "We have sons and daughters missing!"
"One of my family is lost here, and you expect me to sit idly by?" Mikoto whispered darkly.
"WHAT OF THE YOUTH?!" Gai yelled passionately.
But Hiruzen merely shook his head as he interjected. Once again, the group fell silent as their leader chimed in. "So when could we get the Elder Samurai Council to decide on this?"
"They won't be back in session till after the exams." Mifune explained. "I know this could crush the odds to save them, and I'm sorry. My men are working tirelessly in the investigation, and I am using my sway to convince the council as we speak. But for now, you must simply wait. You have my word. What can be done will be."
The group of Jounin all roared in defiance at this, save for Shisui and Kakashi, who eyed Hiruzen with sad but accepting eyes and eyes respectfully. Hiruzen sighed again as he spoke, knowing his people would be dissatisfied and potentially incensed by this. "There is no other way?" He asked. Mifune gravely shook his head no. "But after the exams?"
"I can convince the council to allow some activity, likely not a high-level mission, though." Mifune explained honestly.
"Then so be it." Hiruzen decided grimly. His subordinates were silent at this; they knew not to openly critique his choices, yet Hiruzen could feel the weight of their disappointment settle on his shoulder. It was a familiar weight. "Goodnight." He dismissed simply. Without argument, the combined group marched out of the room, each furious. Even the ever-controlled and kind Gai offered a dark glare at the Hokage. The tent fell silent as they crawled out of it. Mifune and Hiruzen stared at each other; years of experience allowed the two to understand each other on a level others could never. "That being said." Hiruzen began again. "If they are not found, I hope you realize I'll be expected to react. And for my village to react, I shall."
"You crave peace, Hiruzen; let's not pretend otherwise. Reacting would end poorly for both of us. Primarily when one of our rivals picks apart the pieces in this hypothetical." Mifune retorted.
"Yet react, I will." Hiruzen promised darkly. "This job often leads to watching the ones under your order die following them. You never get used to it, and it merely becomes one of the mistakes that haunts a leader. If it turns out you do not allow us to pursue this and they are not found…" Hiruzen warned as he politely guided Mifune out of his tent. "You'll find crossing the Leaf is one as well."
"We are innocent despite how it looks, Hiruzen." Mifune promised.
"I believe you, but I hope I do not regret such." Hiruzen countered as he was left alone. He slouched lower into his comfortable chair as the stress of the day drifted off of him. Before he could fully relax, his mind decided on another decision. "Shadow Anbu!"
An Anbu clothed in all-black clothing and a dark mask appeared and kneeled in the tent's center.
"Ensure the news of these disappearances does not spread!" Hiruzen ordered. The masked man nodded as he vanished. One more weary sigh emanated from the Hokage as he closed his eyes. "I'm too old…
Hiruzen sighed wondering how many more times he would deal with peril…
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Samui's POV (Cloud Exam Camp - Land of Iron)
Samui was led by A's secretary, Mabui, to the Raikage's tent. She had known her leader would call for her soon, especially with what he would see as a failure by her teammates. Samui was hesitant, unsure she could defeat Naruto Uzumaki, yet she knew A would demand it. Samui knew failure wasn't something A tolerated. He usually punished such severely, but Samui was cool with that. She had suffered much before. She just hoped the punishment wouldn't fall on Atsui.
Mabui had been the secretary for A for years now and, by all metrics, was the perfect fit for such. Patient for the chaotic and often loud and violent scene that was the Raikage's life, kind and charming to ensure she didn't suffer A's wrath, strong enough to be helpful, and compliant to a fault. All traits A valued in those beneath him. Samui wasn't fond of A, but Mabui was a woman she had always respected. Mabui had been one of the few to take pity on her after her family's fall and often offered advice and lessons. She had grabbed Samui by the wrist and wordlessly led her away from the main camp. Samui knew to listen to the woman and trusted her to inform her of what was happening. Maybe not to keep a secret, but she was cool despite that.
"Raikage-sama wishes to discuss the performance of Team Bee in the exams so far, your upcoming match with Naruto Uzumaki, and a new order to follow." Mabui lectured as they marched through the camp, primarily empty due to the fair soon to be held.
"Cool." Samui replied blandly. Samui liked Mabui but knew better than to trust the woman entirely. She reported to A regarding anything of note. Even when it came to her friends. Mabui had cemented her spot in A's inner circle by selling out her husband's conspiracy against the Raikage. Samui had no doubt she would not be entirely safe either.
Mabui stopped their trek and walked into a random tent. Samui followed, confused. As she entered, she saw Mabui whispering to a Jounin before the man nodded and left, activating a sound seal to ensure privacy on his way out.
Before Samui could process this, Mabui turned with a serious face as she stared at Samui. "You have always been one of A's favorite kunoichi; he chose you to lead his brother's unit, spared your brother for his treason, and now confers with you during the Chunin Exams." Mabui listed.
Samui frowned at the topic; something about this felt dangerous. Mabui almost seemed desperate to make Samui understand. "Your point? Being vague is only cool in casual conversation." Mabui smiled sadly at this.
"My point is that success differs for us as a Kunoichi." Mabui explained. "How we achieve it, what it means, how others perceive it. We are similar to shinobi in strength yet have a flair for more… unique situations. We tend to be more social, subtle, and successful regarding the more cerebral aspects of being ninja. A will ask you to do something you may not want to do. Something that many substantial kunoichi are asked to do. I warn you to consider what it means to what he says and what it means to refuse it. The problem may seem unsolvable, but when that time comes, you'll discover the true strength of a woman. Adaptability."
Samui frowned at the conversation. Mabui was all over the place? What did she mean? "What exactly is he going to ask me to do? Why are you saying all of this?"
Mabui smiled melodramatically at this. "Because I had a similar moment to this one. I had no one to offer me advice and no time to consider my choice… I made a choice… a choice and regretted it every day since. Consider. Everything. Carefully." She lectured before deactivating the jutsu and marching out of the tent without a word.
Samui was frozen by the odd conversation and the intense feelings Mabui had radiated. Were things truly ever going to be cool? But as she always had done, Samui swallowed her anxiety and feelings and marched forward. Having to speedwalk to catch up to Mabui. The woman seemed locked into her own world, and Samui didn't bother pulling her from such.
The rest of their trek was uneventful and silent. Both women locked into their minds as they traveled, but soon enough, they arrived at the large tent created for the Raikage. Samurai and Anbu alike held a loose perimeter around the tent. As they did at each camp to ensure the Kage were kept safe. Two Anbu marched forward and briefly discussed their presence with Mabui. After a short whispered conversation, Mabui locked eyes with Samui and nodded her into the Raikage's tent. Though she noticeably stayed behind.