"…A coup? And I'm supposed to be the backup?!"
Chiba was completely rattled.
A coup was as dangerous as grabbing chestnuts from a fire. And he was supposed to be the backup? This wasn't a mission—it was a death sentence!
Forget about Chiyo and Ebizō, who were both in their prime. Sandwiched between Akasuna no Sasori, who could obliterate countries, and Chiyo herself, that so-called "Father and Mother" pair were probably just as monstrous.
Three and a half Kage-level powerhouses, and you expect me to handle them? With what, my fucking charm? One wrong move and I become Young Master Scorpion's eternal art project!
Chiba knew his limits. His scrawny arms and legs were fine for dealing with the likes of Garō and Pakura using his schemes. But these four? He was outmatched. Completely.
After a moment of hesitation, Chiba ventured carefully, "Lord Danzō… is the Third Hokage aware of this matter?"
SLAM!
The pen hit the desk. Hard.
The question was met with a cold laugh from Danzō Shimura. "Of course our esteemed Hokage is unaware. Such… shady business is best handled by me alone."
Chiba's heart sank. Danzō's words made it crystal clear. This wasn't just Danzō's idea. It was the Sandaime's silent permission. Refusal wasn't an option.
"Any more questions? No? Then get out and prepare. Don't waste my time." Danzō waved a dismissive hand, irritation plain on his face.
Seeing no room for negotiation, Chiba fell silent. He turned and left without another word.
Shortly after Chiba's departure, a figure emerged from behind the office screen, gazing towards the exit.
"Lord Danzō," the figure—Yamanaka Yafū—spoke. "This opportunity is rare. Why target Chiba first, instead of removing Minato Namikaze?"
As Danzō's advisor, Yafū knew the real plan. Danzō had no intention of helping the Third Kazekage consolidate power. His orders were for his agent within the envoy to sabotage the mission from within, plunging Sunagakure into deeper chaos. Benefit to Konoha: objective one.
Objective two? Eliminate Chiba.
"That boy… Chiba… is a latent threat no less than Minato Namikaze." Danzō's voice was icy. "In mere months, he's gained the recognition of several clans and the Sannin. In that regard, Minato pales in comparison. We cannot allow him to grow further."
He paused. "Moreover, Hiruzen has been… correcting me lately. I need a new war. To solidify what little power I have left."
Danzō's gaze shifted to Yafū. "You'll be in Suna. Make it clean. Leave no trace. Understood?"
Yafū offered a confident smile. "Of course, Lord Danzō. I'll ensure Suna burns from the inside out. As for the boy… there won't even be bones left to find."
If Suna truly descended into chaos, an unsuspecting Chiba—thrust into the heart of the enemy and blindly following the Kazekage's orders—wouldn't stand a chance. Death would be inevitable.
…
One week later. Inside a lurching carriage.
The Third Kazekage sat opposite Chiba, discussing their "grand plan" for returning to Sunagakure.
"You saved Sasori. Given the personalities of Chiyo's children, they'll invite you closer. When that happens, I need you to locate the containment site of the One-Tails' Jinchūriki for me."
His tone was sharp, laced with resentment from the unequal treaties signed with Konoha. He spoke in commands, utterly disregarding Chiba's feelings. What did it matter? The boy couldn't disobey the Hokage's orders. Even if he hated it, what could he do?
Once in Suna, if Chiba valued his own skin, he'd obey.
Heh. A puppet Kage putting on airs. No wonder you have no capable subordinates. You really ought to come to my homeland and learn some humility.
Chiba shook his head internally, too tired to engage. He had a theory. His presence had changed things. Sasori's parents weren't dead. That upset the balance of power between the Kazekage and Chiyo. This guy was probably desperate, forced to seek outside help to eliminate Chiyo's faction.
As for the One-Tails Jinchūriki, Bunpuku… imprisoned since youth, left to rot in a cell until old age.
From the Kazekage's words, their village's ultimate weapon wasn't under his control, but in the hands of Chiyo's group. A Kage reduced to this… pathetic.
Hmph. My senior brother, Minato Namikaze, is the kind of man who can keep a nuclear weapon under his heel! Chiba thought with a surge of irrational pride.
"At the welcoming banquet for the envoy, you will sit with Chiyo and the others. On my signal, you will strike with full force, catching them off guard and assisting me in subduing them…"
The Kazekage was still issuing commands when a petulant voice cut through from outside the carriage.
"Hey, Chiba! Why are you still in his carriage? Get out here and ride with me!"
The Kazekage snorted. "Spoiled brat." He then looked at Chiba, his arrogance returning. "Remember what I said. Do your part, and you'll be rewarded."
With that, he dispelled the soundproofing barrier around the carriage and gave a curt wave, dismissing Chiba.
Tch. If not for my orders… you might've died by my hand.
A cold glint flashed in Chiba's eyes. In his mind, only two and a half people were allowed to boss him around: Tsunade and Nonō… and maybe Konan. Just two and a half.
Chiba moved to Sasori's carriage. It was, admittedly, far more luxurious. Spacious seats, even a small puppet show for entertainment.
"Sasori, what's with that look?"
Chiba sighed, looking at the boy's sullen, almost accusatory expression. "I'm the official envoy to Suna. Naturally, I need to interact with the Kazekage."
"The Kazekage?" Sasori scoffed, a hint of smugness entering his tone. "In Suna, his word doesn't carry much weight." He pointed a thumb at his own chest. "You're better off staying on my good side. I can guarantee you complete your mission smoothly."
"Well…"
Chiba felt his list of identities grow longer by the second: Envoy. Infiltrator. Assassin. Now… escort?
Sigh.
He'd actually started to like Sasori. But now his mission was to eliminate the boy's family? The Konoha higher-ups really had a screw loose.
More importantly, these were four suspected Kage-level opponents. Even with his hidden cards, if he got dragged into this mess… could he really make it back to Konoha alive?
I need a way out. A plan. Maybe… the One-Tails Jinchūriki is the key?
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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