The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima-Chapter 350: A Last Resort

Intelligence Department

In the bustling communication center of the intelligence department building, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood amidst a sea of shinobi coordinating the attacks on Orochimaru's seven bases.

A monitoring ninja approached him. "Lord Hokage, the captains of all seven teams have reported in. The bases have been destroyed, several prisoners captured or eliminated, but... no sign of Orochimaru or Lady Tsunade."

Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "What are the casualties?"

"21 confirmed dead. 8 wounded." The ninja replied with a somber tone and Hiruzen merely nodded.

The Kage glanced over at Shikaku Nara, who was studying a map spread out on a nearby table. Shikaku looked up, meeting Hiruzen's gaze. 'So, the casualties were as expected.' Hiruzen thought. 'Two to four from each team... Root sleeper agents, removed from play without arousing suspicion.'

Shikaku approached him quietly. "Everything is going according to plan regarding the Root agents," he said under his breath.

"Hm… It had to be done." Hiruzen nodded and replied softly.

The Third Hokage was also keeping an eye on the battle with Hashirama Senju. Learning that the First Hokage had been brought back was a bitter pill to swallow. Through the jutsu that brought his predecessor back, he could see the battle that had taken place.

He saw Tobirama confronting his brother, and saw Hashirama taking the revelation of Tsunade's abduction hard.

As the vision continued, he learned of Orochimaru's location. 'The Land of Earth... So Daichi was right all along.'

He remembered Daichi's theory that Orochimaru might be hiding in Earth Country. 'I should have trusted his instincts more.'

He turned to the Jonin commander. "Shikaku. Begin gathering intelligence on the Land of Earth. I want whatever updated information we have on the movements of the Hidden Stone village patrol squads."

"Has there been any new piece of information, Lord Hokage?" The Nara asked.

"Orochimaru is in the Land of Earth. This has been confirmed. I'm sure Tsunade and Shizune are with him as well."

Shikaku nodded. "I'll find out what I can."

Hiruzen nodded and was about to leave the room to organize a new strategy when Kakashi appeared at the doorway. "Lord Hokage, may I have a moment?" Kakashi asked, his tone unusually serious.

Hiruzen paused. His brows, slightly furrowing. "Of course, Kakashi. What is it?"

Kakashi stepped closer, lowering his voice. "It's about what Daichi and I were looking into. We have some new information that could be crucial."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Tell me."

"We have reason to believe that Orochimaru is working closely with the finance minister of the Land of Earth's royal court," Kakashi explained. "We've connected several dots—shipments, patrol patterns, and other intel suggest that Orochimaru's main base might be located there."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "This aligns with what I've just learned. Orochimaru is indeed in the Land of Earth."

Kakashi seemed surprised. "You've confirmed it?"

"Yes," Hiruzen replied. He turned head and called Shikaku over. "Shikaku. It seems we might have new leads. Kakashi, tell us everything you've found out." Hiruzen ordered and the silver haired Jonin began explaining his finding with Daichi and their reasoning.

By the time Kakashi was done explaining, the Hokage had a serious expression on his face.

"Kakashi, are you sure the Finance minister is involved?" The Hokage asked his Jonin.

"All the evidence we've gone through suggests that. And Daichi seems to believe it. I trust his instincts." Kakashi backed up his student.

Hiruzen was surprised. 'I just wanted to keep the boy busy but I never thought he'd get me such solid results. Well done Daichi.'

"This could be troublesome. An official from the Royal court of Earth nation colludes with a known criminal like Orochimaru. If this matter is exposed it could cause tensions to rise between our nations and the Daimyo courts." Shikaku could already foresee the shitstorm that's about to come.

"Yes. He has a lot to lose. So why would he do that?" Hiruzen crossed his arms and thought about why a man in such a highly respected position with a lot of wealth and influence would risk such a thing.

"The benefits Orochimaru promised him has to outweigh whatever risks involved. So it must be something big." Shikaku thought and several things came to mind but he couldn't form a good conclusion.

"Lord Hokage, there is something else." At that moment the silver hired Jonin spoke up.

After getting the old Kage's attention, Kakashi continued. "Now that Daichi has a lead on his teachers, he's determined to go into the Land of Earth. I saw it in his eyes. I doubt we can keep him occupied here for much longer."

The old man sighed. "I understand Kakashi. Give Shikaku here all your findings. And bring Daichi to my office. I need to discuss this matter with Jiraiya as well. I'll decide what to do after."

"I understand sir." Kakashi nodded and left.

"Shikaku. Compile and analyze all the intelligence on the Earth Nation. We'll also need to inform the Daimyo. If this situation escalates, I don't want him to be caught off-guard."

"Yes Lord Hokage."

—-

In the deepest chamber of the Hokage tower a meeting between Hiruzen, Tobirama, Jiraiya and Anbu commander Ox was taking place. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at a large wooden table, his fingers interlaced. Tobirama Senju stood nearby, his sharp eyes reflecting deep thought. Jiraiya leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Anbu Commander Ox stood silently in the shadows.

They were discussing the new information brought to Hiruzen's attention.

"Daichi has presented a compelling theory about Orochimaru's whereabouts," Hiruzen began.

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "So that's why you had me gather intelligence on the Land of Earth earlier." He glanced at Hiruzen. "You suspected this all along?"

Hiruzen nodded. "I've had my doubts about his theory. But I didn't want to leave any stone unturned. It's why I asked you to gather intel. But your recent encounter and Lord Hashirama's revelation has confirmed my suspicion."

"How is he doing?" Jiraiya asked with concern in his voice.

"He's keeping himself busy but Kakashi and I suspect he'll want to go after her soon." The old Kage replied.

'His intuition is remarkable,' Tobirama thought. "His analytical skills are certainly impressive. He's given us good leads but sending him into the Land of Earth is a significant risk."

Jiraiya pushed off the wall, his expression serious. "I have to agree. Tsunade wouldn't want Daichi putting himself in danger like that."

Hiruzen looked at Jiraiya thoughtfully. "Tell me, Jiraiya, if you were in Daichi's position, would you stand by and do nothing?"

Jiraiya hesitated. 'He knows I wouldn't,' he admitted silently. "Sensei, this is extremely dangerous. We're talking about infiltrating a hostile nation. Lord Second and I can get in, find and rescue them and get out without attracting too much attention. But with Daichi it's different."

"Jiraiya-"

"Sensei, He's young. Look, don't get me wrong, I know he's strong and talented but this is too dangerous. If anything happens…"

"Age doesn't diminish his capabilities," Hiruzen countered. "He's been instrumental in capturing Orochimaru's people and gathering crucial information."

Tobirama folded his arms. "Hiruzen, we're talking about sending him straight to Orochimaru. After that Snake has already failed in capturing the boy. The danger is immense."

Jiraiya agreed with the Second Hokage. "Right. And how do you think Tsunade would feel if she found out he was in danger because of her. Orochimaru already has Shizune. If anything happens to him too, she'll never forgive herself or us for sending him."

At this moment, Anbu Commander Ox stepped forward. "Lord Jiraiya, Lord second, with all due respect, I have to disagree with you two. Daichi has proven himself resourceful. With proper support, he could succeed or at the very least help us."

The two white haired ninjas became silent.

"I'll decide what to do with the boy later. Right now, we need to figure out a way to trace those shipments." Hiruzen spoke up.

"But that's going to be tough." Jiraiya asked. "If even the Hidden stone's patrol squads are unaware, we might reach a dead end."

Hiruzen leaned forward. "We need to think creatively. Perhaps there's a way to trace the shipments indirectly."

'Interrogating the finance minister is out of the question. That could start a war.' Tobirama mused. "We can't question the minister without serious diplomatic repercussions."

"Exactly," Hiruzen agreed. "And with increased border patrols, infiltrating the country undetected will be challenging. Well challenging to other shinobi anyway." 'With Jiraiya's infiltration techniques and Lord Second's teleportation jutsu they'll be able to get into the country no problem. It's the task of finding them that's going to be a headache.'

Ox sighed. "So what's our move? We can't just sit here."

Hiruzen met his gaze. "We use the information Daichi has gathered to identify weak points. Perhaps there are individuals involved in the transportation of the shipments who can be persuaded to talk."

Anbu Commander Ox nodded. "I can dispatch covert operatives to gather intelligence on them."

"Finding out that information and questioning those people… I'm not sure we have such time. But do it anyway." Hiruzen internally sighed. 'Time is not on our side.'

Jiraiya frowned. "And Daichi?"

"He wants to help," Hiruzen said firmly. "And his insight could be invaluable."

Tobirama glanced at Hiruzen. "You're placing a great deal of trust in him."

The sourc𝗲 of this content is frёeωebɳovel.com.

"Because he's earned it," Hiruzen replied. 'Daichi may be young, but his contributions have been significant.'

Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck. "I just don't want to see the kid get hurt. Tsunade would never spare us."

Hiruzen smiled softly. "I understand your concern. But Daichi is determined, much like all of us here."

Jiraiya chuckled lightly. "Alright, point taken."

Hiruzen smiled faintly. "His dedication is admirable. We'll need more shinobi like him in the days to come."

As they were talking a thought suddenly struck Ox, and he looked at the Third Hokage. "There might be someone who could perhaps help us..."

Hiruzen turned to him, curiosity piqued. "Who do you have in mind, Ox?"

Ox took a deep breath. "Danzo. He might have insights into the underground networks in the Land of Earth."

Tobirama's eyes narrowed. "Danzo? Are you sure that involving him is wise?"

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "What's Danzo got that we don't?"

Ox met their gazes steadily. "Danzo has connections with certain... unsavory elements. There's a warlord in that region who controls the criminal networks. He's secretive, powerful, and well-protected because he's paid off the right people."

Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. 'Could Danzo's past dealings actually help us now?' "You believe Danzo has information on this warlord?"

"I'm unsure. But it's worth a try. He is in interrogation. I could ask him." Ox replied with slight hesitation in his voice.

Tobirama exchanged a glance with Hiruzen. "This warlord might have access to the secret routes and intelligence we're missing."

Jiraiya sighed. "But trusting Danzo? That's a risky move."

Hiruzen considered their options. "Given the circumstances, we may not have a choice. If this warlord can lead us to Orochimaru, we need to pursue it."

Tobirama crossed his arms. "I agree with Jiraiya's concerns, but time is of the essence. We need every advantage we can get."

"How do we even know he'll help us? He's just sitting in his cell waiting for his execution. And we're the ones who put him there. I'm not so sure he's itching to help us with this." Jiraiya said with a sigh.

"It's precisely because of that, that I believe he'll help us."

Hiruzen's answer brought a frown to his student's face. "You're not thinking of pardoning him are you?"

The third Hokage shook his head. "No. Regardless of whether he'll help us or not, his fate is sealed."

Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck. "Trusting Danzo is a bad idea."

"I know. I haven't forgotten the lesson I learned a few hours ago." Hiruzen nodded and turned to his Anbu commander. "Ox, arrange a meeting with Danzo immediately."

"Understood," Ox replied, turning to leave.

As Ox exited, the room fell into a brief silence. 'This could either be a breakthrough or a disaster.' Hiruzen thought.

Tobirama broke the silence. "We should prepare for all possible outcomes."

"Agreed," Hiruzen said. "I'll brief the Anbu to monitor the situation discreetly."

'It's a risky path, but perhaps the only one left.' Tobirama considered. It was soon decided that the two Hokage's would meet with Danzo and talk to him.

—--------------

Author's note:

If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.

Patre /MonkWithAPen (No space)