NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: The Old Fox and the Little Fox
Chapter 18: The Old Fox and the Little Fox
-----
It was clear to everyone that Tonari's focus at that moment lay in a different world altogether.
However, the Sandaime Hokage, ever astute, expertly steered the conversation back on track.
"Little brother, your name is Toneri, right? I am the Third Hokage of Konoha. You need not worry about your safety anymore. You are safe here!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen set aside his pipe, squinting his eyes with a gentle smile directed at Toneri.
His demeanor resembled that of a warm grandfather next door, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Yet, Tonari's heart tightened slightly.
He was in the presence of someone with formidable skills!
Instantly, Tonari's expression transformed into one of extreme misery and helplessness.
He exaggeratedly recounted the details of his experiences over the past period, beginning with how he became the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, recounting his chance journey back to the Land of Fire, and describing his encounter and conflict with the ninja on the border of the Fire Country.
While the general outline of his tale remained true, he made several "slight" modifications for dramatic effect.
Yet, Sarutobi Hiruzen and his companions were able to confirm that the tailed beast inside Toneri was indeed the Two-Tails!
They all remembered that Hidden Cloud Village housed two tailed beasts and were aware that Toneri carried one, though its identity had remained uncertain until now.
"I see. So, Toneri, you are originally a resident of our Land of Fire. Your return home comes after fulfilling a special mission," Sarutobi Hiruzen said cheerfully, sitting beside Toneri's bed.
Tonari realized that despite Sarutobi Hiruzen's current warm-Demeanor, he was undoubtedly also weighing his options regarding whether Tonari should remain or leave.
His sole advantage lay in being a native of the Land of Fire; with records left behind by Root, Sarutobi Hiruzen recognized his name.
Although Sarutobi Hiruzen was a controversial figure, he had devoted his entire being to Konoha, even at the cost of his own life.
His Will of Fire...
"Wherever the leaves dance, the fire will blossom. The light of this fire will illuminate our village, allowing new leaves to sprout."
This philosophy had been the cornerstone of his administration as Hokage.
Therefore, even with the contentious Two-Tails, Tonari's identity as a native of the Fire Country was an element Sarutobi Hiruzen needed to contemplate.
Additionally, there was merit in Danzo's words.
Even though the Hidden Cloud Village was still an ally of Konoha, it had not provided any warning when preparing to launch an assault on the Land of Earth. A mere whisper would have sufficed.
Nevertheless, they had allowed Konoha to bare the brunt of the consequences, using its strength in the Rain Country as a shield while they attacked Iwagakure for territorial gain.
This prompted questions in Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind, but it was primarily the tailed beast's existence that weighed heavily on him.
As a well-versed ninja on the battlefield, he had witnessed firsthand the destruction that tailed beasts could inflict when unleashed.
For ordinary ninjas, the number of Tails was inconsequential, as they could not face them.
The tailed beasts acted as meat grinders on the battlefield—capable of damaging both enemy and ally alike.
However, this clever-looking young boy in front of him seemed to possess a unique talent for controlling tailed beasts, an aspect that thrilled Sarutobi Hiruzen!
Konoha boasted the most powerful tailed beast of all: the Nine-Tails.
To seal the Nine-Tails perfectly and create a qualified Jinchuriki, the nearly extinct Uzumaki clan had been the most suitable due to their robust bodies, vast chakra reserves, and potent sealing techniques.
At first glance, this little boy appeared ordinary, even his sealing method seemingly inferior in quality. Yet, he had traversed from the Land of Lightning to Konoha, managing to recover after being close to rampaging!
If only that little girl could control the Nine-Tails like he did...
The world of ninjas was anything but peaceful.
Even as Second Great Ninja War approached its end, Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed that tensions among the ninja villages would not dissipate but may even escalate.
The war had paused only because all factions had depleting resources and were compelled to compromise with Hanzo, the demigod of the ninja world.
Nonetheless, once the major villages recuperated, conflicts would inevitably resurface.
Hence, as Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen must remain vigilant, with the Nine-Tails being a critical aspect of his preparations.
Aged forty, he found his powers waning.
Konoha occupied the most fertile and resource-rich land in the ninja world, making it the target of envy and aggression from rival villages.
"The Land of agriculture..."
"Yeah, uncle, who are you? Where am I?" Toneri responded obediently, his eyes free of deceit or ulterior motives.
What innocence he possessed—Sarutobi Hiruzen silently pondered, his heart heavy, his gaze turning sharply towards his old friend.
It was infuriating that they had laid a mark of deception on such an innocent child, using him as a puppet in the games of espionage. Truly outrageous…
He had forgotten which of them had given the order...
Noticing Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze, Shimura Danzo found himself momentarily confused.
Yet, being an old friend, he roughly deciphered the direction in which Sarutobi Hiruzen's thoughts were heading.
The allure of the tailed beast was undeniable, and it could potentially weaken the strength of Hidden Cloud Village.
The Third Raikage A was still seething. Losing the Two-Tails for a mere tract of land in the Land of Earth seemed an absurd trade.
From Toneri's proclamation, along with intelligence received from Anbu and Root, it appeared that the Hidden Cloud Village was unaware that their Two-Tails had fallen into Toneri's possession by coincidences.
Without evidence linking Toneri to Konoha, they could keep this information concealed for the time being.
After all, the Hidden Cloud Village was also battered from conflicts.
Meanwhile, Iwagakure, reeling from the clouds' attack, surely harbored more animosity towards the Cloud Ninjas than Konoha could muster.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had contingency plans should the situation escalate.
Finally, when faced with dire circumstances, for the sake of Konoha, even he would not hesitate to sacrifice anything—even himself.
It was all for Konoha, for the leaves that would flourish under the light of the fire!
"My dear, you are currently in Hidden Leaf Village. It is safe here; if you desire, you can live here forever, and this will be your new home!" Sarutobi Hiruzen said, affectionately patting Toneri on the head.
"It's also a cage," Tonari silently reflected, maintaining an outward calm as he nodded in compliance.
"Hu, Hiruzen..." Danzo took a cautious step forward, attempting to interject, but before he could utter a word, Sarutobi Hiruzen preemptively silenced him.
"Little Toneri, you've just awakened. Please rest and recover. We will not disturb you any longer." Hiruzen stood, casting a reassuring look at Toneri.
"Okay!" he responded, appearing obedient and compliant.
In truth, even if he wished to leave, there was no escape.
This was Konoha. Leaving was not just improbable, but even attempting to walk out of the medical wing was an impossibility.
Not even with the full might of the Two-Tails would he stand a chance against Sarutobi Hiruzen in his prime.
Moreover, Konoha had many other powerful shinobi guarding it.
---
{please give this novel 5 Star review and support on patreon}
*Thank you*