chapter 45

"Now that everything is set, let's talk about the roles of each of you," said Santa, his eyes were closed and arms crossed as he walked.

They were still in the Land of Fire, in their first break after two hours of just walking.

The break was for them to take preparation as they were about to get out of the land of fire and the likelihood of encountering a foreign ninja with ill intentions from now on will be hight. Even though it isn't the same case in their territory because there was many patrols and camps nearby.

The diplomats, along with the elder were separated into two carriages. There were five civilian diplomats and Danzo: three were in one carriage, while the other two, who held more importance and influence in the village, shared the elder's carriage.

"One of you will stay inside the carriage as the last line of defense, while the other two will remain outside to keep an eye on the surroundings and prevent a surprise attack. Who do you suggest?" Santa asked.

Surprisingly, Yumiko was the first to analyze the situation and suggest a plan. "Natsuki has the Byakugan, so it's necessary for her to stay outside to detect any potential danger. I'm a natural sensor and specialize in wide-range attacks, so it would be most effective if Natsuki and I stay outside. Seiza can stay inside the carriage."

Seiza was not pleased. Being pushed to the side like this made him pissed. He was ready to retort, but Santa's voice cut him off.

"You're right about Natsuki," Santa said calmly, looking at Yumiko, "but Seiza's strong sense of smell and wide-range attacks make him better suited for the outside role. As for you, activating your chakra field will only alert enemies to our presence and make them more wary of us."

Yumiko frowned but quickly countered "Then how about we use shadow clones? That way, no one will need to stay in the carriages!" she insisted stubbornly.

'Why is she so adamant about staying out of the carriage?' Santa sighed instinctively. 'Tsk tsk, Youngsters, always so hot-headed and thirsty for fights.' He chuckled inwardly.

"No, Yumiko." He shook his head at her desperation. "You'll create one shadow clone to go to the second carriage while you take the other. I was going to stay in one of the carriages myself, but now I think otherwise. This will be a good lesson for you to learn patience."

Realizing her mistake, Yumiko cursed internally 'This isn't the right time for your lessons!'

Seiza's snickers echoed in the background, but Yumiko didn't pay him any mind and instead focused on her predicament.'I just added fuel to the fire' she thought with a sigh.

"Sorry, Santa-san. I was too eager to fight..." Yumiko admitted.

Santa only nodded at her, no sign of changing his decision; again Yumiko head dropped in defeat

"Now go, Yumiko," Santa ordered, waving her away dismissively. Yumiko pouted at his lack of sympathy but complied, creating one shadow clone.

She hesitated for a moment 'If I use my chakra field, I'll know which carriage Danzo is in. But he'll sense me immediately, and I don't want to imagine what might happen next'

Hoping her shadow clone would end up in the same carriage as Danzo, she approached the closest carriage while her clone moved to the second.

Upon entering, Yumiko found two men sitting together, while the other seat was occupied solely by Danzo.

At that moment, Yumiko wanted to tear her hair out. It felt as though fate was toying with her. The situation had worsened!

Clearing her throat, she greeted them respectfully. "Hello. I was tasked with staying here as the last line of defense." Their stares made her slightly nervous until one of the civilians spoke... arrogantly?

"Huh, so you're the Hidden Lotus? When I first saw you, you didn't seem like much. I'm starting to think all those rumors were just a way to boost your nonexistent reputation," he said, eyeing her sharply.

"That may be true" the second civilian replied more calmly, "but we can't say for sure, Daisuke. We don't know her fully yet." He turned to Yumiko and added, "You may sit. I'm quite eager to converse with a supposed prodigy." He smilled sweetly

'Great' Yumiko thought sarcastically.

Smiling politely almost bitterly, she nodded and sat next to Danzo, who had remained silent the entire time.

"Do you know the purpose of our visit to the Land of Grass?" the more composed civilian asked.

Yumiko shook her head negatively, unsure of how to respond.

"Conducting yourself in political matters could give you a potential to be an influencer in the future" He hummed while pondering loudly "If it was up to me, I would've let you in as we are more than willing to let a civilian youngster who has the potential to be a council member gain valuable experience"

'Someone like her, who will undoubtedly grow strong, could strengthen our position in the council. With her on our side, the Hokage might even let the civilian council members stay in meetings with the clan heads. After all, as a ninja, the Hokage couldn't refuse her inclusion without damaging his reputation' the man calculated bitterly.

Clenching his jaw, Sanchi remembered the humiliation they always go through when the Hokage ask their civilian elders to leave the meeting room in order to discuss 'private ninja matters' with only the clan leaders.

Even though they didn't dare to show it, the feeling of agitation for being excluded most of the time always hunt their pride

Daisuke catched up with his companion's thoughts, but before they can get any further they were cut off with Yumiko voice

"I'm not interested in this" she said with a fake smile "Whatever plans you have for me, throw them out"

Yumiko had no intention on becoming a pawn in their political schemes. The ninja world alone is dangerous, so wrapping herself in other sh* t while still being weak didn't cross her mind

The two council members stared at her dumbfounded. They hadn't expected such a blunt and disrespectful response.

Their mouths hung open, speechless. Finally, Danzo broke his silence while narrowing his eyes at her.

"Bold" he said coldly.

Yumiko glanced at him curiously, then rolled her eyes, something he didn't miss. Clearing her throat awkwardly, she turned to look out the window, unsure if she was more embarrassed or afraid.

'What an interesting kid' Danzo thought 'Dodging manipulation so directly without holding back...

She Also has awareness beyond her age' He looked at her with interest

"How dare you! Do you know that the council plays a significant role in choosing the next Hokage?" Daisuke fumed, his voice rising. He was ready to say more but was cut off by Danzo.

"Enough talk" Danzo ordered firmly.

"B-But Elder Danzo! Such a disrespectful brat should be put in her place!" Daisuke protested.

"Didn't you heard her? She's not interested in political matters. No more arguing" Danzo replied coldly, his tone final.

The two of them looked at him startled; none of them expected him to take her side. Even Yumiko was taken aback.

She side-eyed him suspiciously, unsure of his motives. After all, this man was hard to read, even Hiruzen didn't predict Danzo plans of k illing him and taking his seat as the Hokage.

'Well sh* t, things got more complicated' She sighed tiredly while looking at the window.

The rest of the ride went silent and it was awkward... for them, not Yumiko of course.

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(A/N): Guys I am reading the manga for writing the chunin arc, I'll try to memories all the details! 👾

Hope you enjoyed!

(Gimme power stone if u don't mind😺)