418-We will win

Hiruzen Sarutobi moved with measured steps through the grand corridors of the Fire Daimyo's palace. The attendant who had summoned him walked ahead in silence, his soft footfalls barely making a sound against the lacquered wood. Hiruzen had always found the Daimyo's palace an odd contrast to the harsh realities of the shinobi world. It was a place of luxury and tradition, far removed from the blood-soaked battlefields where decisions were truly tested.

As they approached a set of towering doors inlaid with golden filigree, the attendant stepped aside and bowed. "Hokage-sama, You may enter."

With a nod, Hiruzen stepped forward. The doors swung open silently, revealing the grand audience hall within.

The Fire Daimyo sat at the far end of the chamber on a raised platform, dressed in rich crimson robes embroidered with golden flames. His long black hair was tied back in a high ponytail, and his sharp, youthful features bore the weight of responsibility that had been thrust upon him far too soon. His name was Takeshi Itsukihara, a man barely past his twenty-fifth year, yet already carrying the burdens of an entire nation.

Despite his young age, Takeshi carried himself with the poise of a seasoned leader, though there was still a warmth in his dark eyes that set him apart from his more jaded predecessors. He had always been close to Hiruzen, not just as a ruler to his vassal, but as a nephew would be to his uncle.

As Hiruzen approached, Takeshi stood, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "Hiruzen, it is good to see you." His voice was rich and steady, yet there was an underlying fatigue beneath it. "I apologize for keeping you waiting. I had urgent matters to discuss with my vassals."

Hiruzen waved a hand dismissively as he stopped before the dais. "There is no need for apologies, Takeshi-sama. I understand the weight of your responsibilities."

The Daimyo's smile deepened at the familiar way Hiruzen spoke. To most, he was a ruler, a figure to be bowed before, but with Hiruzen, there was an ease—one born of years of familiarity.

"Still, I appreciate your patience," Takeshi said, settling back onto his seat. "Come, sit with me. It has been too long since we last spoke properly."

Hiruzen obliged, taking a seat on the cushioned mat before the raised platform. As an attendant stepped forward to pour tea, Takeshi studied the Hokage with quiet curiosity before finally breaking the silence.

"How are your sons?" he asked, a nostalgic smile creeping onto his lips. "I've heard your eldest has been making quite the name for himself."

Hiruzen chuckled, his normally serious expression softening. "Hikaru just made Jōnin recently. He's been assigned to lead his first team."

Takeshi nodded approvingly. "That is excellent news. Hikaru and I grew up together. I always saw him as a cousin, and I have no doubt he will bring honour to your clan and village." He took a sip of his tea before adding, "And Asuma?"

Hiruzen's eyes twinkled with amusement. "He's just entered the Academy some time ago. I suspect he'll be quite the handful for his instructors."

Takeshi laughed, a deep, hearty sound that momentarily lightened the mood. "I would expect nothing less. The Sarutobi blood runs strong in him, then." He sighed, setting down his teacup. "It is good to hear that your sons are thriving. May they grow into shinobi as formidable as their father."

Hiruzen shook his head with a chuckle. "I'd rather they surpass me."

Takeshi's smile lingered, but his expression soon turned more serious. "Now then, Hiruzen, I assume you did not come all this way just to discuss our families. What brings you here?"

At this, the humour left Hiruzen's face. His posture straightened, and his voice took on a grave tone.

"The Kage Summit has concluded," he said. "And as expected, war is inevitable."

The weight of those words settled over the chamber. Takeshi remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable as he processed the news. Then, almost in a whisper, he muttered,

"So… the Lightning and Wind Daimyos are involved in this."

Hiruzen's silence was confirmation enough.

Takeshi leaned back, fingers tapping against the lacquered wood of his seat. "Do you think their actions are because my father is no longer here?" His voice was measured, but there was a flicker of bitterness beneath it.

Hiruzen met his gaze evenly. "It is a possibility. Your father was a stabilizing force in the region. Without him, the balance of power has shifted."

Takeshi exhaled sharply. He had inherited his father's throne barely a year ago, and already the vultures were circling.

"Then tell me, Hiruzen," he said, his voice quieter now. "Can Konoha win this war?"

Hiruzen did not hesitate.

"We will win," he said, his voice resolute. "Even if it costs me my life, I will see to it that the Land of Fire prevails."

Takeshi studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "That is all I needed to hear." His expression hardened with newfound determination. "If that is the case, then know this—I will not spare a single expense to ensure Konoha's victory. You will have whatever resources you need."

Hiruzen inclined his head, relief settling in his chest. He had come prepared to argue his case, to convince the Daimyo of the necessity of Konoha's military efforts.

But there was no need.

Takeshi understood.

And he would stand by them.

=====

The first rays of dawn filtered through the paper-paneled windows of the Hokage's office, casting long shadows across the room. Outside, the village was still waking, the distant sound of shopkeepers opening their stalls and early-rising shinobi beginning their drills filling the air.

Renjiro moved with silent purpose through the Hokage Tower, his sandals barely making a sound against the wooden floors. He had been summoned early, and though he had his suspicions as to why, there was still a lingering uncertainty in his mind.

As he stepped into the office, he found Hiruzen seated behind his desk, writing on a scroll with calm precision. The soft scratch of the ink brush was the only sound in the room.

Renjiro stopped before the desk, standing at attention.

Hiruzen didn't look up, but with a subtle nod of his head, Renjiro felt it—the presence of multiple Anbu shinobi vanishing from the room.

They were alone.

Finally, Hiruzen set his brush down and met Renjiro's gaze. "Are you ready?"

Renjiro exhaled through his nose. "I am. But… are you sure leaving the village now is wise?"

There was no fear in his voice, only calculation. The timing was risky. War was on the horizon, and every shinobi in Konoha was a valuable asset. Leaving the village now—especially on a mission that required secrecy—was dangerous.

Hiruzen studied him for a moment before nodding. "You're right to be cautious. But you won't be alone."

Renjiro arched a brow. "You're sending someone with me?"

A small smile tugged at the Hokage's lips. "You could also make use of your summon."

Renjiro's mind stalled.

For a brief moment, his brain completely blanked out.

"…Ah."

=====

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