Igaoka's message was clear: they couldn't pursue Kato Dan outside the village. In other words, Kato Dan was likely still in Konoha. For someone as shrewd as Sarutobi Hiruzen, making such a risky choice seemed uncharacteristically reckless. Whether or not Tsunade would find out, the stakes were high.
*Could Kato Dan still hold that much importance?* Reiki pondered. *No matter how valuable, keeping him is like holding onto a ticking time bomb.*
With these thoughts, Reiki returned to the hospital.
"Reiki, where's my sister?" came a voice. Nawaki had woken up, and thanks to the stamina potion, he was already mobile again.
"She went out on some business, Brother Nawaki," Reiki replied. "Let me check on your condition." Reiki placed a hand on Nawaki and scanned him.
"You're stable," Reiki noted. "But your spirit's taken a hard hit. You'll need more rest."
Nawaki nodded, then his face grew serious. "Reiki… Kato Dan attacked me, didn't he?"
"Yes," Reiki answered honestly. "Tsunade-sensei probably went out to deal with it. Go rest. Leave it to her."
Nawaki looked as though he wanted to say something, but he held back, nodding before heading back to rest. Reiki could sense the frustration and remorse in Nawaki's eyes, but he knew this might push Nawaki to become stronger.
Yet Kato Dan remained a threat. His spirit transformation technique could strike without warning.
*He needs to be eliminated.*
…
Meanwhile, on Tsunade's end.
"So, you don't know anything about this?" Tsunade asked, her gaze piercing as she faced Orochimaru.
"I don't know… I haven't had any contact with him. Do you think Kato Dan hasn't left the village?" Orochimaru asked, his expression serious. Tsunade had come to him, hoping for his help, since Jiraiya wasn't in the village.
"It's not just what I think. If he was outside, I would've heard something by now. I've already informed Jiraiya." Tsunade's face remained grim. She knew that Jiraiya, with his extensive intelligence network, would have detected Kato Dan if he had truly left Konoha.
"I understand," Orochimaru replied, licking his lips thoughtfully. "I'll help you search. If I find him, you'll be the first to know. Of course… he may be dead by the time you're informed."
Orochimaru had heard about Kato Dan's actions and couldn't believe he'd dare remain in Konoha.
"Thank you," Tsunade said. "Orochimaru, if you do become Hokage someday, I hope you won't let things remain as they are."
As she left, Orochimaru sighed softly. He knew his future path might not live up to her expectations. But now, his mind turned darkly to Kato Dan. If the man was still in the village…
He rose, leaving his quarters.
…
In the Hokage's office, Danzo, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane gathered with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, what are you planning to do about Kato Dan?" Koharu asked, breaking the silence. "Are you going to keep protecting him?"
They were all aware of Kato Dan's recent betrayal and alliance with Taki ninjas, hoping to sacrifice Tsunade to Nanao Shigeaki. This betrayal troubled them all, and they wanted Hiruzen's stance on it.
"I wasn't aware of his alliance with rogue ninjas from Taki," Hiruzen replied. "Now that Kato has defected, our priority is to find him and hand him over to Tsunade."
"You'd better handle this properly," Homura added. "Tsunade's reputation among the village, especially with civilian ninjas, is strong. Mishandling this could erode the village's credibility."
With those words, Homura turned and left, choosing not to interfere further. He cared only about protecting his interests, unlike Danzo, who was always scheming.
Koharu shared Homura's sentiment. "I agree. Handle this with care." With that, she also departed.
Once alone with Hiruzen, Danzo gave him a shrewd look. "If you're only here to repeat their sentiments, Danzo, you may leave as well," Hiruzen said calmly.
"I know some things, Hiruzen, and your choice this time isn't sound. How are you going to handle this?" Danzo replied. "Do you really plan to hand him over? Remember, Tsunade's apprentice Reiki is a special advisor to the Interrogation Department."
Danzo smirked slightly. If Kato Dan were handed over to Reiki, every secret would be revealed.
"Give it time, Danzo," Hiruzen sighed. "Tsunade is too emotional right now. Some things… fade with time."
Danzo gave a cold laugh. "You'd better hurry and resolve this. With the current unrest in the ninja world, if Tsunade also leaves, Konoha may lose many loyal shinobi. And others might… lose faith."
With that, Danzo left. Hiruzen knew what Danzo meant. With the world in turmoil, if Tsunade were to leave, the village's morale would plummet, and outside villages would pounce on the opportunity. If war erupted again, the consequences would be devastating.
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