In another place in the village,in a dimly lit room, a small flickering candle cast shadows on the faces of a group of men adorned in dark robes. The air hung heavy with an ominous silence as they gathered around, their attention focused on one figure who stood at the center, serving as their apparent leader.
The room echoed with the anticipation of an impending discussion. their leader addressing them
" The time has come.We have patiently awaited this moment, and now, the stage is set for the resurgence of our influence."
The group, maintaining their stoic silence, listened intently with ardent zeal,as the leader continued to speak with zeal and conviction.
"Our manipulation will weave through the fabric of the ninja world, and chaos and blood shall pave the way for our ascendance. The time for subtlety is at an end. Our influence will spread, and the seeds of our lord will take root."
As the leader spoke with passion, the candle's feeble flame flickered, casting eerie shadows on the faces of the hooded figures, symbolizing the unfolding of a sinister plan hidden in the shadows.
Suddenly, the leader, sensing an approaching presence, swiftly turned his head to the side, and an air of tension permeated the room. The hooded figures, responding to their leader's subtle cue, tensed up, unsheathing kunai and blades as a precaution. The room now filled with an anxious silence, punctuated only by the distant echoes of approaching footsteps.Candle flickering off,the door swung wide open, revealing a silhouette in the doorway. The figures relaxed slightly, recognizing the newcomer as Mizuki. However, the weapons remained at the ready, a testament to the inherent mistrust and caution that permeated the secretive gathering.the candle lit again.
The leader, a figure draped in shadows, spoke with a voice that conveyed authority and impatience,
"You are late, Mizuki." Mizuki, wearing a smirk , responded nonchalantly, "Can't be helped. Didn't want to tip off those lurking in the shadows."
The man, undeterred, cut to the chase, "Did you prepare what we asked for?"
Mizuki,showing a small scroll in his hand, displaying a mix of cockiness and annoyance,
retorted, "I did,but…",his eyes cold,"Nothing comes for free."
The man,Looking unfazed by Mizuki's tone,continued "You will get what was promised to you"pressed on, questioning Mizuki about the status of their plan "did you prepare everything ?".
Mizuki, with a chilling demeanor, revealed that the plan was nearing completion and urged the group to not reveal themself before his signal. In a month, on the day of the academy
class graduation, he ominously declared, "The Nine-Tails will play a crucial role in our scheme."
Hearing this,the hooded figures exchanged knowing glances, recognizing the potential significance of this revelation.The room, now charged with an unsettling anticipation, fell into a contemplative silence as the gravity of their impending actions hung heavily in the air,becoming a chamber of dark deliberations as plans were set into motion, guided by a sinister alliance with Mizuki, an ally of interest, hidden in the shadows of the leaf.
Mizuki, following with a defiant edge to his voice, warned the hooded leader not to underestimate him and insisted that they prepare everything necessary for the upcoming plan. "I won't work for nothing.Nor I appreciate being used by you."showing greedy eyes,he continued "My position as a teacher for the Ninetail offers more opportunities than you could ever dream of, understand that i'm no lacky of your."emphasizing the advantage his position as a teacher afforded him,the intent for immediate rewards obvious.
The tension in the room rose as the figures surrounding the leader seemed ticked by his apparent insolence to their leader,ready to unleash their aggression on Mizuki.
However, the hooded leader, maintaining a sense of control, raised his hand,signaling his men to stand down. The weapons were sheathed, but a palpable air of animosity lingered.
The leader throws Mizuki a glass tube, containing a concoction with an ominous red glow ,who receives it from the air. With a sinister smile, Mizuki accepted the vial.Then,in a quick motion,threw the scroll to the Hooded man.with blank eyes,he cryptically said, "To a fruitful deal."
The leader,not done with him,felt the need to warn Mizuki.
"Without the stone,you better use it wisely"Insinuating that the content of the vial apparently having a price for its use.
Then,Finishing with a menacing tone,he added "you better don't mess up,mizuki,or else" emphasizing that they possessed the means to neutralize him if he were to betray them or fail at his task.
Mizuki, with his back to them,didn't bother to give an answer and left the room. disappearing into the shadows.
The robed leader,not checking the scroll in hand,showed surprising trust in Mizuki, nodded to his men, signaling their departure.as they melted away into the darkness. The room, now empty, held an eerie stillness, the consequences of their clandestine alliance hanging over them like a shadow.
Suddenly,another robbed man appeared this time, wearing a mask,he stood still,seeming to look in the direction the robbed figures had gone.
Then just as he appeared,he disappeared in the shadows,leaving no trace of his presence.
Inside the Hokage's building, in a room adorned with calligraphy paintings,a candle lit, the Third Hokage sat in deep contemplation. His pipe emitted a faint trail of smoke as he focused on drawing the kanji for "Growth."
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of gravity and reflection. In the midst of this, the Third Hokage's hand paused, and he turned slightly as he sensed the presence of an Anbu kneeling nearby.
"Report."
The Anbu,respectfully informed the Third Hokage about Mizuki's encounter with a group of suspicious individuals. Due to the delicate nature of the situation, the Anbu admitted not getting too close to avoid alarming potential threats.
Third Hokage inhaling deeply his pipe,say
"Keep a watchful eye.Order your team to not lose their trails,Let them reveal themselves. Do not intervene unless necessary. "
The Third Hokage's gaze remained unfocused, his thoughts deepening as the room echoed with the distant sounds of Konoha outside.
Amidst the quietude of the room, the Third Hokage issued another directive to the Anbu, his
voice measured and authoritative. "Keep a vigilant eye on Naruto," he ordered, "and ensure no one suspicious approaches him. I want him under close observation."
The Anbu operative nodded in acknowledgment, committing to the new assignment. Before departing, the Anbu hesitated for a moment and inquired about Mizuki.
"What about Mizuki ?"
The Hokage, his focus still on the calligraphy, responded with a stern yet confident tone,
"Leave Mizuki to me. Focus on Naruto and any potential threats around him.You may rest for now."
The Anbu, acknowledging the order, nodded in affirmation. With a swift swirl of leaves, he vanished, leaving the room in a silent hush. The Third Hokage's contemplative gaze returned to the intricate strokes of his drawing . His thoughts are a total mystery to his subordinates. The room embraced a profound stillness as the Hokage continued to carve the symbol of endurance onto parchment, giving it the last stroke. Seemingly satisfied with the result, he called out for someone lurking in the shadows, asking,
"Did you hear it all?" The voice responded affirmatively, and the Hokage instructed,
"Go to Kakashi and let him know that he might be needed soon."
The voice, shrouded in secrecy, acknowledged the order and melted into the darkness. Before disappearing completely, it said,
"Do I need to report it to the Elders?."
The Hokage thoughtfully nodded, acquiescing to the request.
"Yes"
feeling as the figure vanished, leaving only a faint echo of falling leaves behind it.
As his subordinate departed, the Hokage lifted the brush,showing an intent to draw.
Suddenly turning to another direction, his expression shifted into a sly smile.
"How about you, did you hear enough too?"
To be met with the sound of hurried footsteps retreating hastily from the scene.
Giving a hum,he went back to his calligraphy,his face showing satisfaction.