Chapter 78: Moves on the Chessboard – Peril and Opportunity

Inside the Hokage Office – Konoha

The air inside the Hokage's office was thick, like a curtain of tension weighing down on everyone present. On the desk, neat stacks of documents held the burden of threats closing in on Konoha from all sides.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, stood quietly, observing the three young shinobi before him: Minato Namikaze, Satoru, and Eren Yeager. Three vital pieces in the life-and-death chess game about to unfold.

He sighed and placed his hand over the map. Every line drawn, every arrow marking troop movement etched another wrinkle on his aging face.

"War is coming. Konoha cannot avoid the storm. But I believe you three will be the shield that protects this village."

Mission Assignments – The Hokage's Gaze

Hiruzen scanned each of them with a firm look. His voice was calm but authoritative.

"Minato, you'll lead a special task force to the western border to face the Stone Village. The Third Tsuchikage is a seasoned strategist. He won't be easily outmaneuvered. Orochimaru will accompany you to deal with any unexpected variables."

Minato nodded, his eyes resolute. "Understood, Hokage-sama. I won't let them advance even one step."

Satisfied, Hiruzen turned to Eren.

"Eren, you'll head to the Cloud Village. The Third Raikage is aggressive but not a fool. You'll serve as an observer—gather intel on their movements. If there's any sign of war, report back to Konoha immediately."

Eren said nothing. He didn't nod or object. He simply stared at the Hokage's desk in silence.

The silence dragged on so long that even Minato shifted uncomfortably. Hiruzen noticed but didn't pressure him.

Eren wasn't from Konoha.

He wasn't raised under the ideals of sacrificing oneself for the village like Minato or Satoru.

He was Eren Yeager.

A man with no ties to Konoha.

Eren stared at the wooden floor. The name "Raikage" meant nothing to him. Cloud or Leaf—who started the fight? Who was right or wrong? Who was the villain here?

He didn't care.

He used to believe that war was inevitable. That to destroy something, one had to be ready to stain their hands. But now, in a world not his own, where morality was just another shade of gray, he no longer knew where he stood.

"I'm not from Konoha."

His words cut like a cold winter wind.

Minato frowned slightly. Satoru observed in silence.

Hiruzen calmly set down his pipe, his voice thoughtful.

"I know, Eren. You are not one of us. But you're living here now. You may not care for politics, but when war comes, no one stays uninvolved."

He paused.

"So for now, follow your brother, Satoru. Not because I order you to. But because you might realize that you're not protecting me, or this title of Hokage... you're protecting the children and families who call this place home."

Eren closed his eyes.

Yes.

War never asks if you want to participate.

Willing or not, it pulls you in.

Besides, he didn't mind walking beside his brother—staining his hands in blood once more.

Eren sighed.

"Fine. I'll go."

Hiruzen offered a slight smile. It wasn't loyalty he saw in Eren, but acceptance—a reluctant bond formed not through allegiance, but something quieter.

Then he turned to Satoru.

"Satoru, you and Eren will handle the welcoming of the delegation from the Mist Village. Be friendly, but remain vigilant. After that, you'll both travel to the Mist border, and eventually scout the Cloud Village. If trouble brews, I expect you to act first."

Satoru smirked. "Sounds like fun, Hokage-sama. I'll give it my all."

Danzo – A Dangerous Proposal

BANG!

The doors swung open.

Shimura Danzo entered.

No one looked surprised.

"Hiruzen, I have a proposal."

Hiruzen remained still. "Speak, Danzo."

"He's not one of us. So why not turn him over to Root? If he truly possesses this much power, he must be monitored."

Tension gripped the room.

Satoru's eyes narrowed, sharp and cold. "You want to turn Eren into a weapon?"

Danzo didn't deny it.

"He holds unknown power. No one knows what he might do. Am I wrong, Satoru?"

Eren's brow furrowed. He didn't like the way the old man looked at him.

Hiruzen stood, his eyes gleaming like sharpened steel.

"Danzo, I don't need another puppet for Root. I need comrades. Remember, the First Hokage dreamed of a peaceful world—not one ruled by fear and control."

Danzo clenched his fists but said nothing. He had his own plans. He and Orochimaru were already researching how to replicate the First Hokage's power. Eren was key.

Hiruzen's voice rang out clearly.

"Leave, Danzo. This discussion is over. And next time, knock before you enter—or don't blame me."

Danzo scoffed and walked out, tension still hanging in the air.

Hiruzen sighed.

"Eren, from now on, be wary around Danzo. Only Jiraiya and I know about your Mokuton. Don't use it unless absolutely necessary."

Eren nodded. He didn't need to be told.

The Meeting Ends – Warriors Set Out

Hiruzen stood tall and looked at the three young shinobi before him.

"From here on out, you each step onto a dangerous board. Remember—there's no such thing as absolute victory. Only choices that must be made."

Minato, Eren, and Satoru nodded.

As they left the Hokage's office, each carried a mission.

Each carried the weight of the world.

War was coming.

And Konoha had no way back.