Chapter 7 – Eyes in the Shadows and the Storm on the Horizon
The Hokage's office was silent, with candlelight casting long shadows on the walls. Sarutobi brought his pipe to his lips, took a deep drag, and examined the scroll before him.
Orochimaru had sent a direct report:
The mission was a failure.
Heavy casualties among Konoha's ninjas.
Nawaki Senju barely survived, saved by a chūnin named Sal.
That chūnin demonstrated a unique speed jutsu.
He offered the technique to the village for inclusion in the Scroll of Seals.
Orochimaru expressed personal interest in overseeing him.
Sarutobi exhaled the smoke slowly, thoughtful.
"A high-speed technique created by a chūnin? And now Orochimaru wants to mentor him personally?"
He picked up another scroll—Sal's profile.
Age: 18 years old.
Origin: Konoha.
Parents: Ninjas killed in action.
Academy Performance: Exceptionally high scores.
Specialties: Speed and wind techniques.
Completed Missions: 37 D-Rank, 19 C-Rank, 5 B-Rank.
"High scores, but no standout achievements until now… and suddenly, he saves Nawaki, displays an advanced jutsu, and attracts Orochimaru's interest?"
Sarutobi narrowed his eyes.
"I need to keep an eye on this boy."
---
Danzo – The Root's Watchful Eye
Meanwhile, deep within the Root base, a different scroll rested on Danzo Shimura's desk.
His gaze slid across the report, absorbing the details.
The mission had failed.
Orochimaru had shown interest in a chūnin named Sal.
The chūnin had demonstrated remarkable abilities.
The specifics of their conversation remained unknown.
Danzo stroked his chin, pondering.
"Orochimaru wants to train him… but why? What makes this boy special?"
His fingers drummed against the wooden desk.
"If he holds value, I want to know. If he's a risk, I'll eliminate him before he becomes a threat."
He turned to an ANBU kneeling before him.
— "Keep eyes on him. I want every step monitored."
— "Yes, Danzo-sama."
Now, Sal was under the watchful eyes of two of Konoha's most dangerous men.
---
A Storm on the Horizon
A new messenger hurried into the Hokage's office, handing over another scroll.
— "Report from the Land of Rain, Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi broke the seal and read quickly.
The conflict is escalating.
Hanzo of the Salamander is cornered.
Konoha and Iwa forces have already clashed.
Rumors suggest the rise of independent groups.
Sarutobi closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision before him.
"Hanzo isn't a man who retreats easily. If he's cornered, he might take extreme measures."
Without hesitation, he grabbed a blank scroll and began writing.
Order for Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade:
"The situation in the Land of Rain is becoming unsustainable. Hanzo is cornered, and Iwa's forces are advancing. Konoha must act before we lose our advantage. Orochimaru, you will lead the operation. Jiraiya and Tsunade, provide support as needed. Stay alert for any unusual movements in the region. Do not underestimate the presence of independent factions."
— Sarutobi Hiruzen, Third Hokage.
He sealed the scroll and handed it to the messenger.
— "Take this to Orochimaru's camp immediately. They must depart as soon as possible."
— "Yes, Hokage-sama!"
---
Danzo – A Move in the Shadows
At the Root base, Danzo also received a report from the Land of Rain.
He read it silently, absorbing every detail.
"Hanzo is cornered… This opens room for new forces to rise."
If Hanzo fell, a new player would take his place. And if Konoha didn't control that change, things could spiral out of control.
He glanced at an ANBU beside him.
— "Monitor Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. And find out who else is moving in the shadows of the Land of Rain."
— "Yes, Danzo-sama."
With that, two of Konoha's most powerful men were now watching not only Sal but also the future of the war in the Land of Rain.