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Hiruzen's POV (Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)
Hiruzen, Shisui, and Jiraiya sat in tense silence in their camp. Each was transfixed by the recent disappearance of personnel and the potential chaos that would result. It had been a full day now. Explicit action was needed, and there was no good news or sign of a solution coming.
If Hiruzen was honest, he was not nearly as affected as the other two. Jiraiya was worried because his godson was missing, and Shisui was ill because one of his relatives was missing. But Hiruzen needed help to afford to be overwhelmed by this. He acknowledged that his perspective might be warped, but he did worry for those missing; any Hokage worth their salt would worry other than those they command. However, he was also the leader of this organization. He could not afford to let his worry meddle with his mind.
Besides, he wasn't quite there yet. It seemed Naruto had caught wind of the problem and attempted to solve it. While the Blonde was a bit goofy and reckless, he had shown his worth during the exam. The Hokage was certain that even an experienced Jounin would struggle to match up to him. So Hiruzen did harbor some hope the situation may fix itself. However, it would be foolish not to prepare some counterplay.
Two plans buzzed in Hiruzen's weathered mind. One was undeniably risky, and if it failed, it may lead to the fall of the Leaf. The other was more realistic; however, it may fracture the fragile peace Hiruzen had worked for. Achieving such had been costly and led to enemies likely holding a grudge even now. If he used the leverage he had found, then he could recover and buy the Leaf time to adapt and recover.
What was the better plan? Did he trust his men or his instincts? Hiruzen inwardly sighed as he flexed his chakra to pop Jiraiya and Shisui out of their stupor. It was clear to the Hokage that he needed to discuss it with his trusted allies. Jiraiya was one of his most reliable and loyal. Nearly as experienced as himself and an expert in covert activity. His guidance and opinion were of great use to him. Shisui was wise for his age, and while likely still upset with him, his sharp and young mind may be helpful for creative thinking.
"Jiraiya and Shisui, I need your earnest feedback and thoughts regarding the current situation and how we should respond." Hiruzen barked out as the two flinched before focusing on the Hokage. "I recognize you both have incredibly valid reasons to be concerned. But this situation is a complex and incredibly volatile one. Regardless of the fate of those gone, we must prepare to move to save those left."
"Sasuke wouldn't be in danger if you had kept your word. You had tirelessly assured us our students would be safe in these accursed exams. Yet it has been one of the most dangerous ones I've ever seen. I will do what's necessary to protect my home. But rest assured, old man, if Sasuke and Yuno perish, you will pay…" Shisui spat darkly. (7)
"About that…" Jiraiya interposed, seeming to have regained his calm. "I'm pretty damn concerned too, or at least I was."
"Of course, you're probably preoccupied thinking about women now." Shisui sniped at the sage rolling his eyes to further disrespect him.
"It's not inaccurate, but just think it over for a second," Jiraiya interjected. "Besides, you're looking at someone who had been to Irminsul himself."
"You didn't even know it existed," Hiruzen responded with a raised brow.
"Of course," Jiraiya acknowledged with ease. "However, the existence of it and Terra as a whole has made a previous adventure of mine much more meaningful." (8)
"Do we really have to waste time reminiscing in a time like this?" Shisui impatiently interrupted.
"It IS important," Jiraiya assured. "Remember when I wandered off searching for a summoning clan all those years ago?"
"You're talking about stumbling upon the Toad Clan, right?" Hiruzen asked, and Jiraiya nodded happily. "Though if what Emna said about Irminsul and Terra is true…"
"Then I didn't just happen upon the Toad Clan accidentally; I somehow managed to find my way into Terra, which makes my little journey make a lot more sense. When I returned and gave the report, much of it was discredited."
"That would be because you reported wooing nearly endless women and fighting giant-sized animals and insects that could talk. Not to mention you were in your juvenile years," Hiruzen said with a deadpan.
"Hey, I didn't say I blamed ya. The situation was crazy to me, too, and I actually lived it. Plus, I will admit there were not nearly as many bodacious babes as I had claimed. But I was never lying about the creatures I had encountered. But with no one else ever encountering them or any evidence to prove what I had seen, I let it go. Convinced myself it must've been a dream or something. Now it seems clear somehow back then I had found my way to Irminsul; that means I've actually experienced what they are encountering." Jiraiya explained. "It's why I'm currently so relaxed; while fierce, the wildlife there isn't something that should overwhelm competent shinobi. The Clans, maybe, but with those who have moved to make the save, I have doubts they would even be a real threat. Naruto is no joke; Sasuke is a close second, not to mention the rest aren't slouches. Honestly, I imagine they'll find a way out."
Shisui hummed in contemplation. "Well, they all are quite the unit; with both Sasuke and Naruto, I'm sure they could take anything but a true threat like a veteran shinobi; even then, they would likely be able to survive. But the problem isn't that simple."
"Indeed, while it alleviates my concerns about my men's eventual return, it still leaves us with the concern of our rivals' movement —a concern one must admit is a bigger problem than their disappearance." Hiruzen agreed.
"The others don't know yet, do they?" Shisui asked.
"No, surely not yet, but it is only a matter of time." Jiraiya agreed with ease. "Surely they have spies nearby and will eventually confirm the news."
"So, would the other Great Villages really forgo a truce?" Shisui asked, somewhat doubtful. "Each war has arguably gone largely in the Leaf's favor. Surely they are not looking to repeat their mistakes…"
"The Sand likely will not make a move; they have been our allies for long, and with how costly war can be, they couldn't afford to start a fight with us; they would merely leave themselves open to an attack by the others. And frankly besides the power of Rasa and Gaara would be of little challenge. The Mist similarly is not a true threat at the present moment. Intel suggests they are still engulfed in a more than-supposed civil war. They likely have their hands filled at the homefront, and even if they did move, it would likely be noncommittal." Hiruzen explained. "The true problem is the Stone and Cloud. While I have some leverage I can use, I worry if the opportunity is too golden, it won't affect their decision-making."
"The Stone is still sensitive over what Minato did to them. Likely, that old fence sitter Onoki won't move unless it's a safe move. But if he gets confirmation, we're missing a jinchuriki and future prospect, hehe will either go for the opportunistic play or prepare to do so." Jiraiya further explained.
"What if we bluffed that they were missing at all?" Shisui wondered out loud.
"Go on." Hiruzen politely allowed.
"Well, if our enemies discover our newly weakened state, they'll likely make some sort of play. But if we're able to convince them it wasn't an issue, we wouldn't need to worry about them," Shisui pointed out. Jiraiya nodded in agreement while Hiruzen smirked.
"So plan one it is," Hiruzen said. "I had briefly considered this myself, but with you coming to that conclusion as well. I feel it must be the correct move. We need to fool the observers… Jiraiya, does this sound wise to you as well?"
"Sounds like the best choice we have…" Jiraiya said with a troubled frown. "But precisely how are we gonna achieve that?"
"Excellent question." Hiruzen said, standing confidently as he marched to the other side of his large tent. "Then the choice is clear; we will leave the Land of Iron immediately. This will make it appear all is well, and even if our enemies suspect the truth, it serves to mislead them. For surely, if we leave the site where my men supposedly went missing, it would suggest such was not true. Second, starting from this moment, we must be wary of espionage. This action will further aid that as well. Time to begin our first step, eliminating the current spies before we leave…"
"Ah, so we do all sense them. I figured if I could, the two of you could. I'm assuming you want us to take care of them?" Shisui said with a small smile.
"If you can, either way, it will be done." Hiruzen said sweetly.
"I get left side; you get right?" Jiraiya asked with a jovial smile, one that Shisui matched as he nodded. The two suddenly dashed off to their agreed-upon sides, chakra filling the tent as their intent to attack became clear.
"Please just surrender next time. It is always a bother to hunt spies down." Hiruzen said loudly but pleasantly as Shisui and Jiraiya prepared to unleash attacks.