The Calm Before the Storm 19

After a grueling day of travel, the ANBU team, led by Sting, finally arrived at Konoha's gates. Despite the urgency of the mission, Sting and his team had carefully ensured that Tetsuma's condition didn't worsen during their journey. Now, with the village in sight, the pressure to get Tetsuma proper medical care weighed heavily on Sting's shoulders.

Without wasting any time, Sting directed his subordinates. "Take Silver directly to the medical building. Don't delay."

The order was clear, and within moments, Tetsuma's stretcher was being swiftly carried towards the village's medical facility. Sting, however, didn't have the luxury of staying with his son. The message he had received from Tetsuma's sealed scroll was still weighing heavily on him—information too critical to be ignored. He needed to inform the Hokage immediately.

Sting wasted no time in heading straight for the Hokage's office. His strides were purposeful, the familiar paths of the village almost a blur as his mind focused solely on the task ahead. The scroll in his hand contained a coded message, one that could change the course of Konoha's strategy in the coming months. It was clear that the situation with Takigakure and Iwagakure was more dire than anyone had anticipated.

Upon reaching the Hokage's office, Sting knocked once before entering, the door swinging open with practiced precision. Hokage Senju Tobirama was at his desk, pouring over documents when Sting entered. The room was dimly lit, but Tobirama's piercing gaze immediately locked onto Sting, sensing the urgency in his presence.

"Report," Tobirama said, his voice unwavering as he looked up from his work.

Sting wasted no time, handing over the sealed scroll. "Sir, we have gathered crucial intelligence. Tetsuma has discovered something critical about Takigakure's dealings with Iwagakure. We've been infiltrating the Land of Earth for months, and this could significantly impact our plans moving forward."

Tobirama's gaze sharpened as he took the scroll and unsealed it, immediately scanning the coded message. As he read, his face remained unreadable, but Sting could see the flicker of calculation behind his eyes.

"This is troubling news," Tobirama said, his tone calm but heavy with the weight of the information. "If this alliance between Takigakure and Iwagakure is true, it could shift the balance of power in the region. We cannot afford to ignore this."

Sting nodded. "Exactly, sir. But there's more. We've lost several members of our team, and Tetsuma... his condition is critical. I left him in the medical building. He needs immediate attention."

Tobirama's eyes softened slightly at the mention of Tetsuma, though his expression remained focused. "You did well, Sting. Get some rest. I'll handle the next steps."

Sting hesitated for a moment but then nodded in acknowledgment. He didn't want to leave his son's side, but he knew that the Hokage would take the necessary steps to handle the situation. His mission had been a success, but now it was out of his hands.

"I'll be in the medical building with him," Sting said as he turned to leave, his voice carrying the weight of a father's concern. "Please keep me updated on any decisions regarding the intelligence we've gathered."

Tobirama nodded without looking up from the scroll. "You have my word. Go to your son."

Sting left the Hokage's office, his mind still racing. The village was on the brink of a significant shift in the political landscape, and now, more than ever, it was crucial to understand what was at stake. The task would be difficult, but he knew Konoha could withstand whatever came next. It always had.

He made his way quickly to the medical building, his heart pounding with anticipation. Tetsuma had done his part—now, it was up to the village to respond in kind.