Chapter 124: Our Jinchūriki?
Chapter 124: Our Jinchūriki?
"Elder Danzō?" Mizuki asked, his voice filled with confusion. Honestly, just having Asuma and Guy dispatched for support was already beyond his expectations. But Kakashi not being sent made Mizuki even more puzzled. If there was anyone in the village's current chaotic state who had both the influence and personal connection to take Mizuki seriously, it would've been Kakashi. Others might either not know him well enough or be unwilling to trust a Chūnin's word in such a sensitive matter.
'The clone should think like me—it's practically another me. So how did things get so off script during the request for reinforcements? This much deviation shouldn't have happened...'
…
Earlier that night, the Shadow Clone left behind in the village had been resting. Ever since the main body went on this mission, the clone had kept a low profile, avoiding unnecessary contact with others.
In the ninja world, where chakra and strange powers were commonplace, people still remained wary of anything that didn't make sense. Hinata was bullied for her unusual pale eyes; Naruto was shunned, not just because of the adults' prejudices, but also because of his strange whisker marks. People avoided what they didn't understand.
So, with Mizuki "theoretically" away from the village, the clone made sure to stay out of sight. Most of his time was spent reading, training, or working on experiments. It was the perfect time to quietly sort out recent developments.
Then, deep in the night, a fluctuation in chakra from a summoning jutsu jolted the clone awake. Sitting bolt upright, he carefully analyzed the transmission.
'Overwhelming enemy threat. Not an instant-death encounter, but definitely above our current ability. Requesting reinforcements.'
Mizuki's prearranged emergency protocols had four classifications. The worst-case scenario involved being outmatched by ultimate powers like the Rinnegan, Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, or Tenseigan—survival was near impossible, and all the clone could do was prepare to clean up evidence. The second category was the current situation—insurmountable threat, but with survivability if reinforcements were timely. The third was to maintain secrecy and not be caught. The last was a complete purge—burn all data, destroy the lab, and self-destruct if needed.
Having confirmed that the second category applied, the clone dressed quickly and darted out of the house. He needed someone who could vouch for him—someone of real influence. Acting alone would make his warning questionable, but if someone respected like Kakashi came forward, the village council would have to take it seriously.
'Deidara and Sasori… this is bad. I hope Kakashi is still in the village.'
With his clone's mental acuity matching the original, he quickly calculated the consequences of underestimating the threat to Gaara. This oversight had to be corrected—immediately.
Using [Breath Suppression], he zipped silently through Konoha's shadowy streets. Martial law was still in effect, and being caught outside at this hour could delay things, but Mizuki was careful. He barely avoided several patrol dogs and slipped past watchful eyes before reaching Kakashi's window.
Knock knock.
"Who is it?" a voice called softly. A moment later, Kakashi peeked through the half-open window, his face wary.
"It's me, Mizuki," the clone said urgently.
"What's going on?" Kakashi stepped aside, letting him in.
"We're in serious trouble, Kakashi. We've been ambushed."
"You mean your main body has?" Kakashi caught on instantly. He didn't even ask how the message was transmitted—anyone familiar with summoning contracts could piece it together.
"Exactly. We need reinforcements now."
"You're serious? With Hiashi, Kurenai, and you all there?" Kakashi looked deeply troubled. "What kind of enemy could possibly—?"
"Two people," Mizuki interrupted.
"Two?!"
Kakashi was floored. With a team like theirs—Hiashi, Kurenai, Mizuki, and two Suna Genin—being overwhelmed by just two enemies was unimaginable.
"Exactly two," Mizuki confirmed. "Top-tier enemies."
"…This is going to be a problem." Kakashi sighed. "If people like that are moving, why now? Why go after our delegation?"
…
In the Hokage's temporary office, the two advisors—Homura and Koharu—had already been summoned. Danzō arrived shortly after.
"Mizuki, are you certain your report is accurate?" Homura asked gravely. "Hiashi is among our strongest, and your team is no slouch either. Are you sure they're being pushed this hard?"
Mizuki hadn't even replied when Danzō cut in, his voice calm but sharp.
"You mentioned their target was the One-Tail's Jinchūriki. How confident are you in that assessment?"
"Very." Mizuki nodded. "They stated their objective outright. They're after Gaara."
The advisors shared a look, clearly unsettled. If these enemies were bold enough to come for a Jinchūriki, they weren't simple mercenaries.
"We should deploy reinforcements immediately," Danzō said. "Whoever they are, we need to sever their reach before they get too bold. And we can't afford to lose strategic assets like the One-Tail or Hiashi's Byakugan."
The advisors nodded. Homura, especially, looked grim. "If the negotiations with Suna collapse because we lose Gaara… it'll be a nightmare."
"We need someone fast and reliable," Koharu said. "Kakashi—"
"No." Danzō interrupted again. "Kakashi has a more important task. He needs to watch over Naruto."
"The Nine-Tails?" Koharu looked skeptical. "Surely no one would dare attack the village."
"They dared to strike at the One-Tail," Danzō said coldly. "Right under our nose. Don't underestimate these people."
"…You make a fair point," Koharu admitted.
"Then who do you suggest?" Homura asked.
"Send Might Guy," Danzō replied. "And Asuma. This will be good experience for them—and they're both strong enough."
Homura sighed, but nodded.
"Very well. Send them. And Danzō…" he added pointedly, "personnel deployment is our responsibility until the next Hokage is chosen. Don't forget that."
Danzō chuckled. "Of course. Until the time comes."
Everyone fell silent. The unspoken tension about who would become the next Hokage hung thick in the air. Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Might Guy and Sarutobi Asuma stepped inside. "We're here."
To be continued…
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