Chakra Wizard
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Alright, three makes, one fail, and one more Kage to go! xd This one goes back in the timeline a couple days, just to avoid confusion when you read the early half. Anyways, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 086: Guard Duty
Darkness consumed his vision for the briefest moment until sunlight began to seep through his eyelids. When his eyes finally adjusted to its intensity, he was greeted by the sight of a mysterious dark-haired woman, one whose face he found difficult to recognize – or make out, for that matter – though he could swear he had encountered before in the past. Blood trickled over her forehead from a presumed injury to her scalp, but she still wore a smile in spite of the obvious pain it brought her. At the same time, though, there was something undoubtedly heartrending in her eyes, a feeling of sadness that soon came to fruition as tears began falling from her face. Her face grew larger as she drew ever closer to him, her lips and the darkness that came with her head deflecting the sun from his own eventually becoming all he could see. It appeared as though she was about to devour him, but before he could go any further, Airon’s eyes flew open and he began breathing heavily. He looked around to find that he was laying in his bed, the contents of the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand beside it showing that it wasn’t even three hours into the new day yet. He rubbed his eyes in aggravation at having once again avoided a full night’s rest, mostly because the reasoning was the same as the nights that preceded this one.
Airon: (Her again…she’s been showing up in my dreams more and more lately…who the hell is she?)
With his chances of going back to sleep and staying asleep being slim at the most, he quietly got up and dressed himself in a long-sleeved white shirt and black pants before teleporting away, reappearing atop a previously marked portion of the Academy roof – what remained of it, anyways – and walking over to the railing. He remained there for nearly three hours, only the sounds of the night wind to accompany him, before he was joined by another late-night stroller – his grandfather of all people.
Naruto: Staying up late still?
Airon: (He looked at him for a moment before resting his head back on the railing.) …I’ve still got things floating through my mind. All that shit that kept me from going to sleep just keeps me from staying asleep now.
Naruto: (He stared at him in wonder as he walked up to him, gazing out at the village once they were side by side.) Hmmm…well, that sucks.
Airon: (He smirked and looked up at him out of the corner of his eye.) It’s got nothing to do with being a genius, does it?
Naruto: No, that’s probably a serious problem. You should see somebody.
Airon: Hehehehehe…and you?
Naruto: (His smile vanished and he let out a heavy sigh.) My village was just attacked a few days ago. I can’t just sleep peacefully knowing that whoever did it is still running free somewhere out there.
Airon lowered his head after hearing this, understanding how he felt, but somewhat disappointed at himself for filling his mind with other matters that bothered him as of late.
Naruto: Manako told me about the other day.
Airon: (His eyes widened slightly, surprised that this topic was coming up now as much as he was by whom was bringing it up.) He came and told you?
Naruto: (He looked down at him with a disgruntled expression.) Yeah, and what’s that supposed to mean? Ain’t I his granddad, too?
Airon: (His head sank lower out of shame.) Yeah, I guess that’s true. …Sorry.
Naruto: (He set his hand on his opposite shoulder to ease his guilt.) What happened? I know you two fight a lot, but never…with your mouths.
Airon: (He managed a smirk.) Just…conflicting views, that’s all. It’s passed already.
Naruto: Is that why you haven’t talked to each other in the last two days?
Airon failed to come up with a reasonable answer, because he was absolutely right. In the two days since he abandoned Manako on the Third Training Ground, he had neither spoken to him nor even sought him out in hopes of reconciling. Even Nakama and Minto, his other two closest friends, failed time and time again to reach out to him, all his time not on a mission spent training in solitude as he thought back to his encounter in the forest. Coupled with the strange dreams he’d started having more frequently in recent months, Manako was one of the last things on his mind, but now that their argument was out in the open once again, he couldn’t help but bury his head deeper into his arms.
Naruto: If you got a problem, Airon, you can-
Airon: Grandpa, please. …It’s got nothing to do with me and Manako. It’s nothing about anyone in the village…nothing.
Naruto: (He nodded and looked out at the village, slowly forming a smile as an idea popped into his head.) Is it that guy you fought in the woods…Massarow?
Airon: (He glanced up at him indifferently.) You mispronounced it on purpose, didn’t you?
Naruto: Well, jeez, it’s no fun if you know all my material.
The silence that followed was quickly interrupted by laughter, initially on Naruto’s part alone, but eventually joined by Airon in spite of himself. He could always count on his grandfather to pull him out of even the lowest of ruts, such was the wonder of the man from whom he inherited his own natural comedic talent.
Naruto: Hehehehe, well, at the very least, talk to him. You’re the best friend he has, so it’s probably killing him that you’re avoiding him like this.
Airon: (Recognizing the truth in this, he silently reminisced on it before smiling and nodding in assurance.) Alright.
Naruto: (He grinned and patted him on the back.) And go to sleep, too. I mean, for crying out loud.
Airon: Hmhm, yeah yeah.
Having said his piece, Naruto leapt to the roof of the nearest building, following it with a leap to the top of the nearby Hokage Mansion. Images of the woman in his dreams continued to flutter through Airon’s mind as he saw him off which, coupled with the perfect comedic timing, prompted him to call to him after some consideration.
Airon: Grandpa!
Naruto: Yeah!?
Airon: (He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped short of revealing his concern, choosing to keep with the prank instead.) …Never mind!
Naruto: Uhhh, okay! Well, whenever you wanna talk, I’m here!
Airon: What was that!?
Naruto: I SAID WHENEVER YOU WANNA TALK, I’M HE-
Konohamaru: GODDAMN IT, WOULD YOU TWO STOP YELLING ACROSS ROOFTOPS THIS LATE AT NIGHT!!?
Naruto’s eyes shrank as he peered over the edge of the roof, finding Konohamaru’s nightcap-topped head poking out his bedroom window. His face already beet-red, he rubbed the back of his head and glared over at Airon for assistance, finding to his horror and impending rage that his grandson had already teleported back to his own room for the night, leaving him to deal with Konohamaru’s tantrum alone.
The following morning was filled with unease as the higher-ups awaited word from the Jōnin Commander and his wife, who departed for the Land of Wind late the previous day after receiving word of the Tsuchikage’s assassination. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that they finally received word of the assassin’s appearance, and after another hour of discussion between Konohamaru and a handful of his advisors, Airon and Manako were called to his office to receive the news. The latter was the first to arrive outside the door, forced back in shock moments later by the sudden appearance of the former, mere inches in front of his face.
Manako: Holy! …You should probably set that further off to the side later.
Airon: (He grinned in amusement as he rubbed his heel against the mark on the floor.) Well, jeez, he already made me move it outside. Don’t take this spot from me, too.
Manako: (He returned the gesture, both of their smiles disappearing as they recalled what transpired the last time they spoke.) …You feeling better yet?
Airon: …Not really.
He wasn’t going to bother lying to him about the ordeal. Masurao continued to haunt his mind even now, and he desired nothing more than the chance to redeem himself for he still felt was a draw. Their grandfather’s words weighed heavily on his heart, though, and he knew that Manako only ever meant well when he called that meeting with the remainder of their peers.
Airon: But…I am sorry…for being an ass.
In many ways, Manako was more mature than Airon ever was. He never pulled pranks on others, his fits of rage were as rare as his outbursts of laughter, and when Airon asked for his forgiveness, he smiled, more than happy to give it. Of course, this by no means made him any less one of the Sixth Hokage’s grandsons, as evidenced by his verbal reply to his remark.
Manako: Hole is more like it.
Airon: How about you kiss mine-
The door of the Hokage’s office swung open before Airon could finish his insult, causing both of them to turn their heads in surprise to find Naruto standing there, having been listening the entire time along with Konohamaru, Baiko, and Suzaku. Somewhat embarrassed, the two walked past Naruto and into the room, Airon shooting him a grateful smile as he closed the door behind them.
Konohamaru: We appreciate your colorful chitchat out there, boys. It was a hell of a lot more cheerful than what we’re discussing in here.
Airon: (He briefly looked around at the people in the room before turning back to the Hokage.) I’m assuming the Kazekage survived his assassination?
The corner of his mouth twitched as all four sets of eyes grew wider, the four seasoned shinobi exchanging surprised expressions before looking back at Airon.
Suzaku: You reading minds again, Airon?
Airon: (He smiled and shook his head.) No, the Kazekage has his sand abilities, so I just had a feeling he’d be the one to survive out of any of them.
Konohamaru: (He nodded in understanding as he reminisced on this, hanging his head slightly as he thought about his own fate and the fate of Shijima.) Well, it was a hard-earned victory for us. …And not without its price.
Their heads hanged low as Naruto picked where Konohamaru left off, his grandsons looking around at them in confusion as they wondered what just transpired in the Sand Village.
Naruto: Gaara sent us a few pieces of advice after his attack. He told us the assassin can somehow make himself completely undetectable. No scents, no sounds, no chakra readings, nothing. He’s pretty slick, too, cause he managed to slip right out of Gaara’s grip after he cornered him with his sand. We’re still not sure how.
Konohamaru: He also said that the assassin somehow knew about their plan to ambush him. He didn’t even respond to the decoy they planted and instead went after the shinobi who were hiding around the room. Thankfully…and unfortunately, the only one he managed to kill was the Kazekage’s wife.
Manako: (He lowered his head briefly in remorse before lifting it again with a more determined expression.) Was he able to detect their presence or…did a mole clue him in before he arrived?
Suzaku: We’re not sure of that yet, but we have taken both possibilities into consideration.
Naruto: (He smiled as he finished his thought.) Which is why we called you boys here…to think up our strategy for protecting Konohamaru.
It was Airon and Manako’s turn to look surprised by what had been said, exchanging wide-eyed glances with one another as they struggled to think of a response, much to the amusement of the four shinobi standing around them.
Manako: Wait a minute, you want US to decide the best way to keep the Hokage alive?
Airon: Grandpa, that’s not a responsibility I wanna take on.
Konohamaru: (He smiled as he stood up from his desk, walking around to the front before crossing his arms and leaning against it.) Well, that’s too bad, cause I don’t feel comfortable giving it to anyone else. …Unless, of course, you WANT to guarantee I’ll be dead come tomorrow.
Neither was a stranger to having someone’s faith placed on their shoulders, as both Airon and Manako had been given more than a handful of high-profile missions in the four years they had been jōnin. However, to receive what clearly went beyond an S-rank mission in both personal risk and severity in the event that they failed, not to mention with such assurance from those offering up the task, was something neither of them was fully prepared for. All they could do up to that point was look slowly around the room, skimming over each confident smile they came across with disbelief and bubbling appreciation in their eyes until finally, they looked back at one another, exchanging thoughts via their unique ability as their teeth gradually began showing beneath their parting lips.
Airon: Well, we might have an idea.
Manako: Or two.
All but one of the veterans breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at one another, pleased the two were now taking part in their operation. The exception was Baiko, who seemed more eager to hear their plan than overjoyed to find they had one.
Baiko: Well, don’t keep them to yourselves. Share them with us.
Every smile in the room vanished as Airon and Manako looked over at Naruto, who adopted a more serious expression before nodding, prompting them to begin sharing their plans after a few more moments of strategizing.
The night was surprisingly peaceful, considering what was to come the next day. The four shinobi taking part in Airon and Manako’s plan met early the following morning at a large train station several miles outside the village borders, which had been emptied of regular passengers and attendants after receiving word the previous day of the Hokage’s arrival. The surprisingly sophisticated train – despite being hindered by the use of Lightning Release in operating it – was only three cars long to suit the small number of passengers, at the very back of which the four met. After twenty minutes of waiting at the station, the engineer signaled to Naruto from the front of the train that he was set to depart, prompting him to turn to Konohamaru and Baiko, who were already stepping onboard.
Naruto: Looks like we’re all ready to go.
Baiko: (He nodded and turned to Konohamaru.) This train is set to turn around when it reaches the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers. That should put us on the railway for roughly twelve hours.
Konohamaru: Six, Baiko. Don’t forget who else is joining us.
Airon slipped past Baiko and onto the train just moments after he finished speaking, much to Baiko’s surprise and the amusement of the others as he took his seat next to the Hokage.
Airon: I’ll be on the train, too. If one of us suspects the assassin is on the train at any point, I’ll activate the Flying Raijin and exchange the Hokage’s position with Manako’s, which will be at the safe house we set up earlier. I don’t know exactly what this guy is really capable of, but Manako and I’ll be sure to give him a good test run before we head back to the village.
Baiko: (He frowned after he finished speaking.) Um, I’m staying with the Hokage, too, you know.
Airon: (He feigned surprise.) Oh…right.
The quartet barely had time to express amusement at this short episode as lightning-enhanced chakra began surging through the overhead wires, signaling that the train was about to begin moving.
Naruto: Alright, I’m heading back now. …Catch you later, Konohamaru.
Konohamaru: (He smiled back at him.) Let’s hope so.
Naruto: (Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes and hearing it in his voice, he gave him a thumbs-up as he placed his other hand on the door handle.) I know so…believe it.
He waited for Konohamaru’s invigorated smile before shutting the door and fastening the handle, watching from the platform as the train quickly sped off beyond the hills separating the vast tree lines, an ominous look in his eyes as it moved further and further away. Having never ridden a train before, Airon quickly stood up and gazed out the back window, finding to his amazement that his grandfather was no longer in sight.
Airon: Wow, these trains ARE fast…I can barely see the station anymore.
Baiko: (He stood up and joined him by the window, showing just as much surprise when he looked out.) That’s good…
His slightly gaping mouth morphed into a wicked grin as a kunai emerged from his weapons pouch, plunging it into Airon’s lower back and sending him toppling to the floor as Konohamaru looked on in horror.
Konohamaru: AIRON!!!
Baiko: Now no one can see what’s happening onboard.
Konohamaru had little time to respond before Baiko’s knee was pushed against his chest and his kunai up to his neck, his advanced age giving him a disadvantage as he tried to snatch it from his hand. This brief struggle only resulted in one of his hands being pinned to the seat by another kunai while the other was held against the wall by Baiko’s free hand, leaving him completely at his subordinate’s mercy.
Konohamaru: Baiko…ngh, why? Why you?
Baiko: (He twiddled the kunai in his hand as he tried to hold back laughter.) I’m not gonna waste my breath explaining it to you, even if you are about to die. …Just know that the Leaf Village is in for some long overdue changes once I become Hokage.
A similar reason was well within Konohamaru’s range of ideas, but for the aspirant Hokage to be Baiko himself seemed almost laughable, an impulse he might’ve acted upon if there wasn’t a kunai pressing against his neck at the time.
Konohamaru: You…Hokage? …Baiko, there are over a dozen shinobi in our village…mph, that are stronger and more respected than you. …Your chances of being chosen over them are slim at best.
Baiko: (He seemed confounded by his own brilliance as he gave his solution to this apparent setback.) Which is why the assassin is waiting patiently in what was supposed to be your safehouse, so he can eliminate the only two left who pose a legitimate challenge to that theory of yours.
Had he not been more confident in Naruto’s chances of survival, Konohamaru’s reaction might’ve been stronger, but the fact that Baiko was considering Naruto and Manako to be his only two rivals for his title was enough to leave him perplexed by this revelation. Baiko evidently saw this in his expression, disregarding his previous statement as he elaborated further on his brilliant plan.
Baiko: Bear in mind, Seventh, that Danzō Shimura was only days away from becoming the Sixth Hokage before he was killed by Sasuke Uchiha, when the daimyo and the rest of the council were all highly in favor of Kakashi Hatake taking that position. …A little persuasion is all it takes to change the course of history…whether it’s enforced or not.
The holes in Baiko’s logic and the questions they raised in his mind were enough to leave Konohamaru occupied for several minutes as he sorted them all out. However, he would only have a few seconds to do so as Airon vanished from behind them in a puff of smoke, thought Baiko chose to shrug this off in favor of completing his task.
Baiko: Hmph, pathetic. He couldn’t even commit to his role as bodyguard enough to show up in person.
Konohamaru: (He forcefully ripped his pinned hand from the seat and wrapped it around Baiko’s wrist as he attempted to drive the kunai into his chest, smiling all the while.) Then I guess that means I couldn’t fully commit to my role as Hokage.
With the emergence of another cloud of smoke, Konohamaru revealed himself to be none other than Manako. The shock of the revelation hadn’t even fully processed in Baiko’s mind before he was forced to turn around as Airon reappeared where previously laid his clone, which took the time to mark the floor with Flying Raijin seal before vanishing.
Baiko: What the-
Manako: (He raised his legs and pushed Baiko back against the opposite wall in his moment of confusion before standing up.) Were you able to catch all of that?
Airon: (He smiled in brimming amusement as he grabbed Manako’s outstretched hand and began healing the gaping wound at its center.) The clone stayed conscious just long enough.
Baiko: (He pushed his back further against the wall as the two unsheathed their swords and pointed them at his chest, his rage boiling over as he tried to determine where he went wrong.) H-hey!! What the hell’s going on!?
Airon: Your plans fell through, shithead. Read between the lines, why don’tcha?
Baiko: (He stared up at Manako.) So…the Hokage…what the hell happened to the Hokage!?
Manako: (He smirked in amusement as he answered.) Oh, he’s probably still sleeping soundly in the REAL safehouse. The one Grandpa’s heading off to as we speak.
Airon: Well, that was actually just his clone. Makes things a little more convenient where travelling is concerned.
Baiko: (His eyes expanded even further as he gritted his teeth in frustration.) What real safehouse!? We only ever discussed ONE!!! I didn’t leave the Hokage’s side yesterday until he had already fallen asleep and even then, I kept guard over the Hokage Mansion throughout the night!! There’s no way in hell you could’ve talked to him then!!
Airon: And we didn’t.
Manako: Actually, we discussed our real plans at the same time we shared our fake ones with you. …And that was me sleeping in the Hokage’s bed when you came for him this morning. He, Lady Moegi, and the rest of his family were off at the secret safehouse already hidden away where neither you nor the assassin could come looking for them. …The Flying Raijin makes getting out of a hotspot unnoticed pretty simple, even against experienced watchmen like you.
Airon: (Yeah, way to rub it in, cuz. That bed’s supposed to be amazing.)
Manako: (Hey, you had the chance to take my role, Airon. But no, you just had to be the one seen boarding the train with the Hokage.)
Baiko: (He squeezed either side of his head in confusion as he called to mind their meeting from the previous day.) Rrrgh, you’re not making any sense!! Manako was the only one talking the entire time you shared your plans! Airon, you never even opened your-
His lips suddenly stopped moving as he lifted his head to bring Airon and Manako into his line of sight, both of whom were smiling as they eagerly waited for him to recall their unique mindreading jutsu.
Airon: Finally got it, did ya?
Manako: Jeez, it took you long enough.
Baiko: (He slowly lowered his hands as he struggled to speak.) So…you knew about me…all along.
Airon: (He exchanged sideways glances with Manako.) Actually, no. We never even thought about reading your mind until Grandpa started glaring over at you when we were sharing our plans. …It wasn’t until then that we realized you had the same barrier shielding your thoughts that Masurao did back in the forest.
Manako: You see, the whole mindreading jutsu is pretty direct and doesn’t always work…but Grandpa’s ability to sense negative emotions comes naturally and he knew right away that you were up to something ever since the Raikage was first assassinated.
Airon: (He recalled his remark about Danzō Shimura with a smirk.) Or maybe you aren’t such a history buff that you bothered to read up on Kurama and all his unique powers.
Baiko: (His eyebrows dropped slightly as he searched his mind for the name’s origin.) Kurama…you mean the Nine Tailed Fox.
Airon: No, I mean Kurama, Baiko. He has a name now…and you’d do well to remember it, cause he’s the reason your sorry ass is going behind bars the moment we get back to the village.
As Airon had previously stated, Baiko’s mind was completely inaccessible to his technique, for which reason he and Manako appeared somewhat surprised when he started displaying amusement rather than a sense of defeat.
Baiko: Hnhnhnhn, the hell I am!! You think our assassin wasn’t smart enough to see through your little ploy!? He knew all along the Hokage wouldn’t be going where you said he would be! In fact, he’s probably been dead since last night, and now he’s here to pick you two off, as well!! Isn’t that right!?
He stared straight up at the two young jōnin as he made his loud inquiry, his large grin slowly vanishing when neither of them even bothered to glance around to ensure this wasn’t the case.
Airon: He’s not here, Baiko. He’s not coming to get you at all. …As a matter of fact, if everything went according to plan, he’s laying amongst the ruins of the safehouse we DID reveal to you, which we made sure to fill with enough explosive tags to collapse a skyscraper the moment he stepped into it.
Manako: Just face it, Baiko. …You’re all alone now.
Baiko sank lower in his seat as the failure seared itself into his mind. For what was likely weeks or months in advance, he had plotted his ascension to the position of Hokage, believing beyond a shadow of doubt that all factors and probable hindrances were accounted for. To be brought down by something that should’ve come as second knowledge after so many years working alongside them was almost too great an embarrassment for him to bear. To his surprise, though, neither Airon nor Manako seemed eager to scoop him up and return to the Leaf Village, instead choosing to stand there and stare down at him blankly, their swords still pointed at his chest.
Baiko: So…what happens now?
Manako: (He shot Airon a quick glance.) (You think they’ll be mad with us?)
Airon: (He heaved a sigh of annoyance as he put away his sword, walking over to the back door of the train and pushing down on the safety lever.) (Hmhm, the hell if I care. The old man gets pissed off at me every other day, anyways.) Maybe we’re too soft, but you’re not a valuable mole anymore and I don’t wanna have to carry you down to the Police Force headquarters, so we’ll leave you to whatever the hell you still think you gotta do.
Manako: (He sheathed his weapon, as well, and stepped back to allow Baiko to stand.) Just bear in mind that you’ve already been added to the Bingo Book. …Your chances of returning to the village and going anywhere but straight to prison are completely gone now.
Traces of relief in Baiko’s expression made it seem as if he was primed to thank the two of them for their lenience, but expecting a hidden motive behind their actions, he maintained a blank face as he walked up to the open doorway, stopping just short to look up at Airon.
Baiko: You know this isn’t over, right?
Airon: …Why do you think we can’t stop smiling?
Airon and Manako were indeed grinning profusely as they watched Baiko leave, though in contrast to his prior assumptions, this was only because of the former’s intentions of kicking him in the back the moment he leapt off the train, something he broke into laughter immediately after accomplishing. He waited until Baiko was out of sight before shutting the door again and looking back at Manako, who also appeared to be on the verge of cackling out loud.
Manako: Now, honestly, how mad do you think he’ll be?
Airon: Hehehehe, ah boy. I’d probably expect something along the lines of-
Konohamaru: YOU DID WHAT!!?
The floor of the safehouse, which was in a small cavern several miles outside the Leaf Village, had previously been marked by Airon during the night as they moved the Hokage and his immediate family out of their homes, but he and Manako still took their time returning to the village before teleporting the rest of the way, knowing full well that this was what awaited them. The fact that they saw it coming made it nearly impossible for them to restrain from laughing as he continued his rant.
Airon: He was useless, Hokage. We couldn’t probe his mind for information, and what are the odds of him trying to return to the village?
Konohamaru: That’s not the point!! You allowed a rogue shinobi to go free when you had him completely cornered!! You might as well be considered an accomplice to him AND his assassination attempt!!
Manako: But we’re not, Hokage. And you know that. Besides, isn’t it better for him to go free, anyways? Chances are that he’ll seek out whoever the assassin or his employer is now that his plans have failed. His chakra signature’s far more recognizable than Masurao’s and unlike him, we actually have evidence that he’s connected to the attack on the villages and the assassinations of three of the Kage, so tracking him down is easily our strongest bet to find out who we’re up against.
Naruto: (He raised an eyebrow as he leaned against the wall in the corner of the room.) You two had that in mind when you let him go?
Manako: (He grinned in amusement.) We came up with it after the fact. Either way, I say it’s pretty accurate.
Both of them chuckled softly at this as Airon motioned to Minto for a mint, a silent argument that carried on for several seconds until he finally caved in and threw him an entire pack. Moegi and Ayumi sat and watched this transpire from one of the six futons laid out for them during the night while Raiden sat alone with his back leaned against the other wall of the cave, Taigen resting next to Minto’s leg just a short ways from Konohamaru, who finally rubbed his eyes after having grown tired of yelling.
Konohamaru: Huhhh, forget it. Naruto, you think you can track him down still?
Naruto: (He grinned and held out his fist, thumb pointed upwards.) Last I checked, there was only one other ninja in the world as fast as I am. …Unless he pulled something clever like a reverse summoning, I’ll find him within two days if I leave now. You said he jumped off only twenty minutes out, right?
Airon: Not even.
Konohamaru: Good. In that case, make plans to head off immediately. …As for you two, I have another job I need done.
Airon: (A bit surprised by the short intermission, he exchanged looks of confusion with Manako.) Does it involve more guard duty?
Konohamaru: You could say that. …According to what you just told us, the assassin went to the faux safehouse instead of the train, so he could kill Naruto and Manako. Baiko placed it upon himself to kill me and you.
Airon: (His eyes grew wider, having nearly forgotten about this secondary piece of their plan.) That’s right. …Did his body ever show up at the safehouse?
Konohamaru: Not a trace. He definitely showed up there, though, cause the building’s completely destroyed from what Suzaku informed us. …He must’ve pulled some clever trick to escape the explosion.
Airon and Manako: (Damn it.)
Konohamaru: Anyways, Baiko did this in order to dispose of me and the three likeliest candidates to take my place. And to tell the truth, that probably would’ve been enough. …He’s put over twenty years into his services to the Leaf Village, more than most other shinobi in the village can take credit for, and those left who do outshine him in strength are unlikely to seek the position or accept it if they ARE chosen. …Sasuke’s an obvious example.
Manako: (His eyes lit up slightly upon hearing the latter remark, having previously heard about his impending return.) Have you contacted him, by the way?
Konohamaru: Naruto called him as soon as the train started moving to determine his current location. He’s already in the Land of Fire and he should return early tomorrow morning.
He nodded over to Naruto after finishing, prompting to return the gesture before leaving the cave via Body Flicker. Once he was gone, Konohamaru turned back to Naruto and Manako and continued.
Konohamaru: According to the information Gaara sent us, he faced a similar situation during his own assassination attempt. Rather than go for him, the assassin went after his granddaughter Sabure, who was also lying in wait to ambush him when he arrived.
Manako: (Being the first time he caught word of this, his eyes widened in concern.) Is she alright?
Konohamaru: (He nodded as sorrow came over his expression.) Thanks to the efforts of Lady Shijima, yes. …But more importantly, this shows us that the assassin also had multiple targets in mind when dealing with the Kazekage. I wouldn’t be surprised if his brother and grandson were also meant to be targets.
Airon: (He exchanged thoughts and worried looks with Manako before replying.) You don’t suppose they had a rat, as well…and that the assassination was a ploy to open up the Kage position for them?
Konohamaru: That’s exactly what I think. I would wager the only reason the other Kage were singled out is because those next in line to succeed them were powerful and respected enough not to require other shinobi in their villages to die. …This means we have an international scandal on our hands, one that involves traitors in every village bent on taking the Kage position for themselves.
Manako: (He fought the impulse to clench his chest as an ominous feeling grew in his stomach.) …But, for what reason? What plans could they possibly have once all five of them were in power?
Konohamaru: …That’s what we’re going to find out.
He pulled out his phone as he spoke, searching leisurely through his contacts before clicking on one he hadn’t used in quite some time, looking up to ensure he still had Airon and Manako’s full attention as he held the ringing phone up to his ear.
Konohamaru: Afternoon, Rounin. This is the Seventh Hokage. …Recent events have begun taking a serious toll on our national security, and we need to meet up now so we can to deal with them firsthand. …Yes, please inform the new Kage, as well, when and if they’ve been chosen. …We’ll arrive in two days.
It was only through the rare instances where they heard it that Airon and Manako recognized the name of the samurai general, and with the number of occasions which would call for his involvement narrowed down to one, their eyes widened in shock as Konohamaru stood up from his futon, sliding the Hokage robes laid out beside him over his arms and shoulders before placing the matching cap atop his head.
Konohamaru: Alright, head home and gather your belongings, you two. We leave for the Land of Iron tomorrow morning, as soon as Sasuke returns.
A Kage summit has been requested – how will the two surviving Kage deal with this lingering threat!!?
The End
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Chapter 086: Guard Duty
Darkness consumed his vision for the briefest moment until sunlight began to seep through his eyelids. When his eyes finally adjusted to its intensity, he was greeted by the sight of a mysterious dark-haired woman, one whose face he found difficult to recognize – or make out, for that matter – though he could swear he had encountered before in the past. Blood trickled over her forehead from a presumed injury to her scalp, but she still wore a smile in spite of the obvious pain it brought her. At the same time, though, there was something undoubtedly heartrending in her eyes, a feeling of sadness that soon came to fruition as tears began falling from her face. Her face grew larger as she drew ever closer to him, her lips and the darkness that came with her head deflecting the sun from his own eventually becoming all he could see. It appeared as though she was about to devour him, but before he could go any further, Airon’s eyes flew open and he began breathing heavily. He looked around to find that he was laying in his bed, the contents of the alarm clock sitting on the nightstand beside it showing that it wasn’t even three hours into the new day yet. He rubbed his eyes in aggravation at having once again avoided a full night’s rest, mostly because the reasoning was the same as the nights that preceded this one.
Airon: (Her again…she’s been showing up in my dreams more and more lately…who the hell is she?)
With his chances of going back to sleep and staying asleep being slim at the most, he quietly got up and dressed himself in a long-sleeved white shirt and black pants before teleporting away, reappearing atop a previously marked portion of the Academy roof – what remained of it, anyways – and walking over to the railing. He remained there for nearly three hours, only the sounds of the night wind to accompany him, before he was joined by another late-night stroller – his grandfather of all people.
Naruto: Staying up late still?
Airon: (He looked at him for a moment before resting his head back on the railing.) …I’ve still got things floating through my mind. All that shit that kept me from going to sleep just keeps me from staying asleep now.
Naruto: (He stared at him in wonder as he walked up to him, gazing out at the village once they were side by side.) Hmmm…well, that sucks.
Airon: (He smirked and looked up at him out of the corner of his eye.) It’s got nothing to do with being a genius, does it?
Naruto: No, that’s probably a serious problem. You should see somebody.
Airon: Hehehehehe…and you?
Naruto: (His smile vanished and he let out a heavy sigh.) My village was just attacked a few days ago. I can’t just sleep peacefully knowing that whoever did it is still running free somewhere out there.
Airon lowered his head after hearing this, understanding how he felt, but somewhat disappointed at himself for filling his mind with other matters that bothered him as of late.
Naruto: Manako told me about the other day.
Airon: (His eyes widened slightly, surprised that this topic was coming up now as much as he was by whom was bringing it up.) He came and told you?
Naruto: (He looked down at him with a disgruntled expression.) Yeah, and what’s that supposed to mean? Ain’t I his granddad, too?
Airon: (His head sank lower out of shame.) Yeah, I guess that’s true. …Sorry.
Naruto: (He set his hand on his opposite shoulder to ease his guilt.) What happened? I know you two fight a lot, but never…with your mouths.
Airon: (He managed a smirk.) Just…conflicting views, that’s all. It’s passed already.
Naruto: Is that why you haven’t talked to each other in the last two days?
Airon failed to come up with a reasonable answer, because he was absolutely right. In the two days since he abandoned Manako on the Third Training Ground, he had neither spoken to him nor even sought him out in hopes of reconciling. Even Nakama and Minto, his other two closest friends, failed time and time again to reach out to him, all his time not on a mission spent training in solitude as he thought back to his encounter in the forest. Coupled with the strange dreams he’d started having more frequently in recent months, Manako was one of the last things on his mind, but now that their argument was out in the open once again, he couldn’t help but bury his head deeper into his arms.
Naruto: If you got a problem, Airon, you can-
Airon: Grandpa, please. …It’s got nothing to do with me and Manako. It’s nothing about anyone in the village…nothing.
Naruto: (He nodded and looked out at the village, slowly forming a smile as an idea popped into his head.) Is it that guy you fought in the woods…Massarow?
Airon: (He glanced up at him indifferently.) You mispronounced it on purpose, didn’t you?
Naruto: Well, jeez, it’s no fun if you know all my material.
The silence that followed was quickly interrupted by laughter, initially on Naruto’s part alone, but eventually joined by Airon in spite of himself. He could always count on his grandfather to pull him out of even the lowest of ruts, such was the wonder of the man from whom he inherited his own natural comedic talent.
Naruto: Hehehehe, well, at the very least, talk to him. You’re the best friend he has, so it’s probably killing him that you’re avoiding him like this.
Airon: (Recognizing the truth in this, he silently reminisced on it before smiling and nodding in assurance.) Alright.
Naruto: (He grinned and patted him on the back.) And go to sleep, too. I mean, for crying out loud.
Airon: Hmhm, yeah yeah.
Having said his piece, Naruto leapt to the roof of the nearest building, following it with a leap to the top of the nearby Hokage Mansion. Images of the woman in his dreams continued to flutter through Airon’s mind as he saw him off which, coupled with the perfect comedic timing, prompted him to call to him after some consideration.
Airon: Grandpa!
Naruto: Yeah!?
Airon: (He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped short of revealing his concern, choosing to keep with the prank instead.) …Never mind!
Naruto: Uhhh, okay! Well, whenever you wanna talk, I’m here!
Airon: What was that!?
Naruto: I SAID WHENEVER YOU WANNA TALK, I’M HE-
Konohamaru: GODDAMN IT, WOULD YOU TWO STOP YELLING ACROSS ROOFTOPS THIS LATE AT NIGHT!!?
Naruto’s eyes shrank as he peered over the edge of the roof, finding Konohamaru’s nightcap-topped head poking out his bedroom window. His face already beet-red, he rubbed the back of his head and glared over at Airon for assistance, finding to his horror and impending rage that his grandson had already teleported back to his own room for the night, leaving him to deal with Konohamaru’s tantrum alone.
The following morning was filled with unease as the higher-ups awaited word from the Jōnin Commander and his wife, who departed for the Land of Wind late the previous day after receiving word of the Tsuchikage’s assassination. It wasn’t until late in the afternoon that they finally received word of the assassin’s appearance, and after another hour of discussion between Konohamaru and a handful of his advisors, Airon and Manako were called to his office to receive the news. The latter was the first to arrive outside the door, forced back in shock moments later by the sudden appearance of the former, mere inches in front of his face.
Manako: Holy! …You should probably set that further off to the side later.
Airon: (He grinned in amusement as he rubbed his heel against the mark on the floor.) Well, jeez, he already made me move it outside. Don’t take this spot from me, too.
Manako: (He returned the gesture, both of their smiles disappearing as they recalled what transpired the last time they spoke.) …You feeling better yet?
Airon: …Not really.
He wasn’t going to bother lying to him about the ordeal. Masurao continued to haunt his mind even now, and he desired nothing more than the chance to redeem himself for he still felt was a draw. Their grandfather’s words weighed heavily on his heart, though, and he knew that Manako only ever meant well when he called that meeting with the remainder of their peers.
Airon: But…I am sorry…for being an ass.
In many ways, Manako was more mature than Airon ever was. He never pulled pranks on others, his fits of rage were as rare as his outbursts of laughter, and when Airon asked for his forgiveness, he smiled, more than happy to give it. Of course, this by no means made him any less one of the Sixth Hokage’s grandsons, as evidenced by his verbal reply to his remark.
Manako: Hole is more like it.
Airon: How about you kiss mine-
The door of the Hokage’s office swung open before Airon could finish his insult, causing both of them to turn their heads in surprise to find Naruto standing there, having been listening the entire time along with Konohamaru, Baiko, and Suzaku. Somewhat embarrassed, the two walked past Naruto and into the room, Airon shooting him a grateful smile as he closed the door behind them.
Konohamaru: We appreciate your colorful chitchat out there, boys. It was a hell of a lot more cheerful than what we’re discussing in here.
Airon: (He briefly looked around at the people in the room before turning back to the Hokage.) I’m assuming the Kazekage survived his assassination?
The corner of his mouth twitched as all four sets of eyes grew wider, the four seasoned shinobi exchanging surprised expressions before looking back at Airon.
Suzaku: You reading minds again, Airon?
Airon: (He smiled and shook his head.) No, the Kazekage has his sand abilities, so I just had a feeling he’d be the one to survive out of any of them.
Konohamaru: (He nodded in understanding as he reminisced on this, hanging his head slightly as he thought about his own fate and the fate of Shijima.) Well, it was a hard-earned victory for us. …And not without its price.
Their heads hanged low as Naruto picked where Konohamaru left off, his grandsons looking around at them in confusion as they wondered what just transpired in the Sand Village.
Naruto: Gaara sent us a few pieces of advice after his attack. He told us the assassin can somehow make himself completely undetectable. No scents, no sounds, no chakra readings, nothing. He’s pretty slick, too, cause he managed to slip right out of Gaara’s grip after he cornered him with his sand. We’re still not sure how.
Konohamaru: He also said that the assassin somehow knew about their plan to ambush him. He didn’t even respond to the decoy they planted and instead went after the shinobi who were hiding around the room. Thankfully…and unfortunately, the only one he managed to kill was the Kazekage’s wife.
Manako: (He lowered his head briefly in remorse before lifting it again with a more determined expression.) Was he able to detect their presence or…did a mole clue him in before he arrived?
Suzaku: We’re not sure of that yet, but we have taken both possibilities into consideration.
Naruto: (He smiled as he finished his thought.) Which is why we called you boys here…to think up our strategy for protecting Konohamaru.
It was Airon and Manako’s turn to look surprised by what had been said, exchanging wide-eyed glances with one another as they struggled to think of a response, much to the amusement of the four shinobi standing around them.
Manako: Wait a minute, you want US to decide the best way to keep the Hokage alive?
Airon: Grandpa, that’s not a responsibility I wanna take on.
Konohamaru: (He smiled as he stood up from his desk, walking around to the front before crossing his arms and leaning against it.) Well, that’s too bad, cause I don’t feel comfortable giving it to anyone else. …Unless, of course, you WANT to guarantee I’ll be dead come tomorrow.
Neither was a stranger to having someone’s faith placed on their shoulders, as both Airon and Manako had been given more than a handful of high-profile missions in the four years they had been jōnin. However, to receive what clearly went beyond an S-rank mission in both personal risk and severity in the event that they failed, not to mention with such assurance from those offering up the task, was something neither of them was fully prepared for. All they could do up to that point was look slowly around the room, skimming over each confident smile they came across with disbelief and bubbling appreciation in their eyes until finally, they looked back at one another, exchanging thoughts via their unique ability as their teeth gradually began showing beneath their parting lips.
Airon: Well, we might have an idea.
Manako: Or two.
All but one of the veterans breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at one another, pleased the two were now taking part in their operation. The exception was Baiko, who seemed more eager to hear their plan than overjoyed to find they had one.
Baiko: Well, don’t keep them to yourselves. Share them with us.
Every smile in the room vanished as Airon and Manako looked over at Naruto, who adopted a more serious expression before nodding, prompting them to begin sharing their plans after a few more moments of strategizing.
The night was surprisingly peaceful, considering what was to come the next day. The four shinobi taking part in Airon and Manako’s plan met early the following morning at a large train station several miles outside the village borders, which had been emptied of regular passengers and attendants after receiving word the previous day of the Hokage’s arrival. The surprisingly sophisticated train – despite being hindered by the use of Lightning Release in operating it – was only three cars long to suit the small number of passengers, at the very back of which the four met. After twenty minutes of waiting at the station, the engineer signaled to Naruto from the front of the train that he was set to depart, prompting him to turn to Konohamaru and Baiko, who were already stepping onboard.
Naruto: Looks like we’re all ready to go.
Baiko: (He nodded and turned to Konohamaru.) This train is set to turn around when it reaches the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers. That should put us on the railway for roughly twelve hours.
Konohamaru: Six, Baiko. Don’t forget who else is joining us.
Airon slipped past Baiko and onto the train just moments after he finished speaking, much to Baiko’s surprise and the amusement of the others as he took his seat next to the Hokage.
Airon: I’ll be on the train, too. If one of us suspects the assassin is on the train at any point, I’ll activate the Flying Raijin and exchange the Hokage’s position with Manako’s, which will be at the safe house we set up earlier. I don’t know exactly what this guy is really capable of, but Manako and I’ll be sure to give him a good test run before we head back to the village.
Baiko: (He frowned after he finished speaking.) Um, I’m staying with the Hokage, too, you know.
Airon: (He feigned surprise.) Oh…right.
The quartet barely had time to express amusement at this short episode as lightning-enhanced chakra began surging through the overhead wires, signaling that the train was about to begin moving.
Naruto: Alright, I’m heading back now. …Catch you later, Konohamaru.
Konohamaru: (He smiled back at him.) Let’s hope so.
Naruto: (Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes and hearing it in his voice, he gave him a thumbs-up as he placed his other hand on the door handle.) I know so…believe it.
He waited for Konohamaru’s invigorated smile before shutting the door and fastening the handle, watching from the platform as the train quickly sped off beyond the hills separating the vast tree lines, an ominous look in his eyes as it moved further and further away. Having never ridden a train before, Airon quickly stood up and gazed out the back window, finding to his amazement that his grandfather was no longer in sight.
Airon: Wow, these trains ARE fast…I can barely see the station anymore.
Baiko: (He stood up and joined him by the window, showing just as much surprise when he looked out.) That’s good…
His slightly gaping mouth morphed into a wicked grin as a kunai emerged from his weapons pouch, plunging it into Airon’s lower back and sending him toppling to the floor as Konohamaru looked on in horror.
Konohamaru: AIRON!!!
Baiko: Now no one can see what’s happening onboard.
Konohamaru had little time to respond before Baiko’s knee was pushed against his chest and his kunai up to his neck, his advanced age giving him a disadvantage as he tried to snatch it from his hand. This brief struggle only resulted in one of his hands being pinned to the seat by another kunai while the other was held against the wall by Baiko’s free hand, leaving him completely at his subordinate’s mercy.
Konohamaru: Baiko…ngh, why? Why you?
Baiko: (He twiddled the kunai in his hand as he tried to hold back laughter.) I’m not gonna waste my breath explaining it to you, even if you are about to die. …Just know that the Leaf Village is in for some long overdue changes once I become Hokage.
A similar reason was well within Konohamaru’s range of ideas, but for the aspirant Hokage to be Baiko himself seemed almost laughable, an impulse he might’ve acted upon if there wasn’t a kunai pressing against his neck at the time.
Konohamaru: You…Hokage? …Baiko, there are over a dozen shinobi in our village…mph, that are stronger and more respected than you. …Your chances of being chosen over them are slim at best.
Baiko: (He seemed confounded by his own brilliance as he gave his solution to this apparent setback.) Which is why the assassin is waiting patiently in what was supposed to be your safehouse, so he can eliminate the only two left who pose a legitimate challenge to that theory of yours.
Had he not been more confident in Naruto’s chances of survival, Konohamaru’s reaction might’ve been stronger, but the fact that Baiko was considering Naruto and Manako to be his only two rivals for his title was enough to leave him perplexed by this revelation. Baiko evidently saw this in his expression, disregarding his previous statement as he elaborated further on his brilliant plan.
Baiko: Bear in mind, Seventh, that Danzō Shimura was only days away from becoming the Sixth Hokage before he was killed by Sasuke Uchiha, when the daimyo and the rest of the council were all highly in favor of Kakashi Hatake taking that position. …A little persuasion is all it takes to change the course of history…whether it’s enforced or not.
The holes in Baiko’s logic and the questions they raised in his mind were enough to leave Konohamaru occupied for several minutes as he sorted them all out. However, he would only have a few seconds to do so as Airon vanished from behind them in a puff of smoke, thought Baiko chose to shrug this off in favor of completing his task.
Baiko: Hmph, pathetic. He couldn’t even commit to his role as bodyguard enough to show up in person.
Konohamaru: (He forcefully ripped his pinned hand from the seat and wrapped it around Baiko’s wrist as he attempted to drive the kunai into his chest, smiling all the while.) Then I guess that means I couldn’t fully commit to my role as Hokage.
With the emergence of another cloud of smoke, Konohamaru revealed himself to be none other than Manako. The shock of the revelation hadn’t even fully processed in Baiko’s mind before he was forced to turn around as Airon reappeared where previously laid his clone, which took the time to mark the floor with Flying Raijin seal before vanishing.
Baiko: What the-
Manako: (He raised his legs and pushed Baiko back against the opposite wall in his moment of confusion before standing up.) Were you able to catch all of that?
Airon: (He smiled in brimming amusement as he grabbed Manako’s outstretched hand and began healing the gaping wound at its center.) The clone stayed conscious just long enough.
Baiko: (He pushed his back further against the wall as the two unsheathed their swords and pointed them at his chest, his rage boiling over as he tried to determine where he went wrong.) H-hey!! What the hell’s going on!?
Airon: Your plans fell through, shithead. Read between the lines, why don’tcha?
Baiko: (He stared up at Manako.) So…the Hokage…what the hell happened to the Hokage!?
Manako: (He smirked in amusement as he answered.) Oh, he’s probably still sleeping soundly in the REAL safehouse. The one Grandpa’s heading off to as we speak.
Airon: Well, that was actually just his clone. Makes things a little more convenient where travelling is concerned.
Baiko: (His eyes expanded even further as he gritted his teeth in frustration.) What real safehouse!? We only ever discussed ONE!!! I didn’t leave the Hokage’s side yesterday until he had already fallen asleep and even then, I kept guard over the Hokage Mansion throughout the night!! There’s no way in hell you could’ve talked to him then!!
Airon: And we didn’t.
Manako: Actually, we discussed our real plans at the same time we shared our fake ones with you. …And that was me sleeping in the Hokage’s bed when you came for him this morning. He, Lady Moegi, and the rest of his family were off at the secret safehouse already hidden away where neither you nor the assassin could come looking for them. …The Flying Raijin makes getting out of a hotspot unnoticed pretty simple, even against experienced watchmen like you.
Airon: (Yeah, way to rub it in, cuz. That bed’s supposed to be amazing.)
Manako: (Hey, you had the chance to take my role, Airon. But no, you just had to be the one seen boarding the train with the Hokage.)
Baiko: (He squeezed either side of his head in confusion as he called to mind their meeting from the previous day.) Rrrgh, you’re not making any sense!! Manako was the only one talking the entire time you shared your plans! Airon, you never even opened your-
His lips suddenly stopped moving as he lifted his head to bring Airon and Manako into his line of sight, both of whom were smiling as they eagerly waited for him to recall their unique mindreading jutsu.
Airon: Finally got it, did ya?
Manako: Jeez, it took you long enough.
Baiko: (He slowly lowered his hands as he struggled to speak.) So…you knew about me…all along.
Airon: (He exchanged sideways glances with Manako.) Actually, no. We never even thought about reading your mind until Grandpa started glaring over at you when we were sharing our plans. …It wasn’t until then that we realized you had the same barrier shielding your thoughts that Masurao did back in the forest.
Manako: You see, the whole mindreading jutsu is pretty direct and doesn’t always work…but Grandpa’s ability to sense negative emotions comes naturally and he knew right away that you were up to something ever since the Raikage was first assassinated.
Airon: (He recalled his remark about Danzō Shimura with a smirk.) Or maybe you aren’t such a history buff that you bothered to read up on Kurama and all his unique powers.
Baiko: (His eyebrows dropped slightly as he searched his mind for the name’s origin.) Kurama…you mean the Nine Tailed Fox.
Airon: No, I mean Kurama, Baiko. He has a name now…and you’d do well to remember it, cause he’s the reason your sorry ass is going behind bars the moment we get back to the village.
As Airon had previously stated, Baiko’s mind was completely inaccessible to his technique, for which reason he and Manako appeared somewhat surprised when he started displaying amusement rather than a sense of defeat.
Baiko: Hnhnhnhn, the hell I am!! You think our assassin wasn’t smart enough to see through your little ploy!? He knew all along the Hokage wouldn’t be going where you said he would be! In fact, he’s probably been dead since last night, and now he’s here to pick you two off, as well!! Isn’t that right!?
He stared straight up at the two young jōnin as he made his loud inquiry, his large grin slowly vanishing when neither of them even bothered to glance around to ensure this wasn’t the case.
Airon: He’s not here, Baiko. He’s not coming to get you at all. …As a matter of fact, if everything went according to plan, he’s laying amongst the ruins of the safehouse we DID reveal to you, which we made sure to fill with enough explosive tags to collapse a skyscraper the moment he stepped into it.
Manako: Just face it, Baiko. …You’re all alone now.
Baiko sank lower in his seat as the failure seared itself into his mind. For what was likely weeks or months in advance, he had plotted his ascension to the position of Hokage, believing beyond a shadow of doubt that all factors and probable hindrances were accounted for. To be brought down by something that should’ve come as second knowledge after so many years working alongside them was almost too great an embarrassment for him to bear. To his surprise, though, neither Airon nor Manako seemed eager to scoop him up and return to the Leaf Village, instead choosing to stand there and stare down at him blankly, their swords still pointed at his chest.
Baiko: So…what happens now?
Manako: (He shot Airon a quick glance.) (You think they’ll be mad with us?)
Airon: (He heaved a sigh of annoyance as he put away his sword, walking over to the back door of the train and pushing down on the safety lever.) (Hmhm, the hell if I care. The old man gets pissed off at me every other day, anyways.) Maybe we’re too soft, but you’re not a valuable mole anymore and I don’t wanna have to carry you down to the Police Force headquarters, so we’ll leave you to whatever the hell you still think you gotta do.
Manako: (He sheathed his weapon, as well, and stepped back to allow Baiko to stand.) Just bear in mind that you’ve already been added to the Bingo Book. …Your chances of returning to the village and going anywhere but straight to prison are completely gone now.
Traces of relief in Baiko’s expression made it seem as if he was primed to thank the two of them for their lenience, but expecting a hidden motive behind their actions, he maintained a blank face as he walked up to the open doorway, stopping just short to look up at Airon.
Baiko: You know this isn’t over, right?
Airon: …Why do you think we can’t stop smiling?
Airon and Manako were indeed grinning profusely as they watched Baiko leave, though in contrast to his prior assumptions, this was only because of the former’s intentions of kicking him in the back the moment he leapt off the train, something he broke into laughter immediately after accomplishing. He waited until Baiko was out of sight before shutting the door again and looking back at Manako, who also appeared to be on the verge of cackling out loud.
Manako: Now, honestly, how mad do you think he’ll be?
Airon: Hehehehe, ah boy. I’d probably expect something along the lines of-
Konohamaru: YOU DID WHAT!!?
The floor of the safehouse, which was in a small cavern several miles outside the Leaf Village, had previously been marked by Airon during the night as they moved the Hokage and his immediate family out of their homes, but he and Manako still took their time returning to the village before teleporting the rest of the way, knowing full well that this was what awaited them. The fact that they saw it coming made it nearly impossible for them to restrain from laughing as he continued his rant.
Airon: He was useless, Hokage. We couldn’t probe his mind for information, and what are the odds of him trying to return to the village?
Konohamaru: That’s not the point!! You allowed a rogue shinobi to go free when you had him completely cornered!! You might as well be considered an accomplice to him AND his assassination attempt!!
Manako: But we’re not, Hokage. And you know that. Besides, isn’t it better for him to go free, anyways? Chances are that he’ll seek out whoever the assassin or his employer is now that his plans have failed. His chakra signature’s far more recognizable than Masurao’s and unlike him, we actually have evidence that he’s connected to the attack on the villages and the assassinations of three of the Kage, so tracking him down is easily our strongest bet to find out who we’re up against.
Naruto: (He raised an eyebrow as he leaned against the wall in the corner of the room.) You two had that in mind when you let him go?
Manako: (He grinned in amusement.) We came up with it after the fact. Either way, I say it’s pretty accurate.
Both of them chuckled softly at this as Airon motioned to Minto for a mint, a silent argument that carried on for several seconds until he finally caved in and threw him an entire pack. Moegi and Ayumi sat and watched this transpire from one of the six futons laid out for them during the night while Raiden sat alone with his back leaned against the other wall of the cave, Taigen resting next to Minto’s leg just a short ways from Konohamaru, who finally rubbed his eyes after having grown tired of yelling.
Konohamaru: Huhhh, forget it. Naruto, you think you can track him down still?
Naruto: (He grinned and held out his fist, thumb pointed upwards.) Last I checked, there was only one other ninja in the world as fast as I am. …Unless he pulled something clever like a reverse summoning, I’ll find him within two days if I leave now. You said he jumped off only twenty minutes out, right?
Airon: Not even.
Konohamaru: Good. In that case, make plans to head off immediately. …As for you two, I have another job I need done.
Airon: (A bit surprised by the short intermission, he exchanged looks of confusion with Manako.) Does it involve more guard duty?
Konohamaru: You could say that. …According to what you just told us, the assassin went to the faux safehouse instead of the train, so he could kill Naruto and Manako. Baiko placed it upon himself to kill me and you.
Airon: (His eyes grew wider, having nearly forgotten about this secondary piece of their plan.) That’s right. …Did his body ever show up at the safehouse?
Konohamaru: Not a trace. He definitely showed up there, though, cause the building’s completely destroyed from what Suzaku informed us. …He must’ve pulled some clever trick to escape the explosion.
Airon and Manako: (Damn it.)
Konohamaru: Anyways, Baiko did this in order to dispose of me and the three likeliest candidates to take my place. And to tell the truth, that probably would’ve been enough. …He’s put over twenty years into his services to the Leaf Village, more than most other shinobi in the village can take credit for, and those left who do outshine him in strength are unlikely to seek the position or accept it if they ARE chosen. …Sasuke’s an obvious example.
Manako: (His eyes lit up slightly upon hearing the latter remark, having previously heard about his impending return.) Have you contacted him, by the way?
Konohamaru: Naruto called him as soon as the train started moving to determine his current location. He’s already in the Land of Fire and he should return early tomorrow morning.
He nodded over to Naruto after finishing, prompting to return the gesture before leaving the cave via Body Flicker. Once he was gone, Konohamaru turned back to Naruto and Manako and continued.
Konohamaru: According to the information Gaara sent us, he faced a similar situation during his own assassination attempt. Rather than go for him, the assassin went after his granddaughter Sabure, who was also lying in wait to ambush him when he arrived.
Manako: (Being the first time he caught word of this, his eyes widened in concern.) Is she alright?
Konohamaru: (He nodded as sorrow came over his expression.) Thanks to the efforts of Lady Shijima, yes. …But more importantly, this shows us that the assassin also had multiple targets in mind when dealing with the Kazekage. I wouldn’t be surprised if his brother and grandson were also meant to be targets.
Airon: (He exchanged thoughts and worried looks with Manako before replying.) You don’t suppose they had a rat, as well…and that the assassination was a ploy to open up the Kage position for them?
Konohamaru: That’s exactly what I think. I would wager the only reason the other Kage were singled out is because those next in line to succeed them were powerful and respected enough not to require other shinobi in their villages to die. …This means we have an international scandal on our hands, one that involves traitors in every village bent on taking the Kage position for themselves.
Manako: (He fought the impulse to clench his chest as an ominous feeling grew in his stomach.) …But, for what reason? What plans could they possibly have once all five of them were in power?
Konohamaru: …That’s what we’re going to find out.
He pulled out his phone as he spoke, searching leisurely through his contacts before clicking on one he hadn’t used in quite some time, looking up to ensure he still had Airon and Manako’s full attention as he held the ringing phone up to his ear.
Konohamaru: Afternoon, Rounin. This is the Seventh Hokage. …Recent events have begun taking a serious toll on our national security, and we need to meet up now so we can to deal with them firsthand. …Yes, please inform the new Kage, as well, when and if they’ve been chosen. …We’ll arrive in two days.
It was only through the rare instances where they heard it that Airon and Manako recognized the name of the samurai general, and with the number of occasions which would call for his involvement narrowed down to one, their eyes widened in shock as Konohamaru stood up from his futon, sliding the Hokage robes laid out beside him over his arms and shoulders before placing the matching cap atop his head.
Konohamaru: Alright, head home and gather your belongings, you two. We leave for the Land of Iron tomorrow morning, as soon as Sasuke returns.
A Kage summit has been requested – how will the two surviving Kage deal with this lingering threat!!?
The End
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