Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

The news of Hatake Sakumo's team being ambushed by a thousand Sand Ninja troops in the Land of Rivers, with one member severely injured and another missing, was delivered to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, early in the morning.

Accompanying this grim report was the even more dire announcement that the Village Hidden in the Sand had officially declared war on Konoha. The reason? The Third Kazekage of the Sand had vanished, and after conducting their investigation, the Sand Village accused the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, of orchestrating the abduction.

By the time this news reached Konoha, two days had passed since Hatake Sakumo's team was attacked. Upon receiving the report, the Third Hokage promptly dispatched a rescue team to the Land of Rivers. Additionally, he summoned all of Konoha's senior and mid-level ninja leaders to convene for an emergency Jonin Council meeting.

The Hokage Building, Afternoon

In the conference room of the Hokage Building, Hiruzen Sarutobi had his subordinates present the critical updates. As the ninja read the report aloud, the grim expressions of those assembled deepened with every word.

"Sand Ninja is deliberately provoking us!"

"Hiruzen, we cannot sit idle while this happens. We must strike back decisively and crush Sand Ninja before the situation spirals further out of control!"

Shimura Danzo slammed the table as he stood, his tone resolute. His outburst, however, was calculated, designed to rally the other leaders to his position. Danzo, who controlled the Root organization, had already been aware of the news due to his efficient network of operatives. His dramatic display was a ploy to reinforce his authority and influence.

"The situation worsening? Sand Ninja has already declared war. What could possibly be worse than this?"

Kato Dan stood, voicing his frustration.

Danzo shot him a sharp glance. "The real concern isn't just Sand Ninja declaring war. The problem lies in other villages potentially exploiting this opportunity to strike Konoha while we're vulnerable."

As Danzo's words sank in, murmurs spread among the gathered leaders. His reasoning was sound. The Tsuchikage of the Hidden Stone, Onoki, had long harbored animosity toward Konoha. Despite the recent peace, the Land of Earth's clandestine actions hinted at hostile intentions. Meanwhile, the Hidden Cloud's Raikage was known for his aggressive expansionist ambitions.

Sand Ninja's declaration of war could serve as a catalyst for both nations to launch their own offensives.

"Danzo," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, breaking the tense silence, "if you have a proposal, speak plainly."

"First, I must confirm a troubling report," Danzo began, his expression somber. "I've received information that the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is missing. Is this true?"

The room erupted into chaos.

"What?! The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is missing?"

"How could that happen? Isn't the Jinchuriki under constant protection?"

"Danzo-sama, who could have taken him?"

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. Danzo's revelation was an unexpected blow. The Third Hokage had deliberately concealed Uzumaki Raiden's disappearance to prevent panic, but Danzo had unearthed the secret and chosen to reveal it during the council meeting.

"Danzo," Hiruzen said, his tone controlled but icy.

"Hiruzen," Danzo pressed on, "the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was sent on a mission under your orders, and now he is missing. With war looming, Konoha cannot afford to lose its most critical asset. This failure rests squarely on your shoulders!"

"What responsibility do you expect me to take?" Hiruzen asked calmly, sipping his tea with deliberate composure.

Danzo's voice rose as he delivered his damning verdict. "Your decision-making has endangered Konoha! Hiruzen, you no longer have the capability to lead. You must abdicate!"

The room fell silent.

The council members exchanged uneasy glances. Danzo's outright challenge to the Hokage was unprecedented.

Hiruzen, sensing the gravity of the situation, took a long draw from his pipe before speaking. "If that is your stance, Danzo, who do you propose as the Fourth Hokage?"

Danzo didn't hesitate. "I nominate your disciple, Orochimaru. His unparalleled talent and intellect make him the ideal candidate to lead Konoha through these troubled times and secure victory in the war."

The council room erupted in murmurs once more. Orochimaru, sitting in the corner of the room, raised an eyebrow at the unexpected recommendation.

"Well, Orochimaru," Jiraiya teased, nudging his fellow Sannin, "looks like Danzo-sama thinks highly of you."

"Danzo-sama has good judgment," Orochimaru replied with his usual cool demeanor, though a hint of satisfaction crept into his tone.

Tsunade, seated nearby, smirked. "Too bad Danzo doesn't know the full story. Otherwise, his little scheme would've fallen apart before it started."

"What are you talking about?" Orochimaru asked, his curiosity piqued.

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, motioning for Jiraiya to explain.

Jiraiya grinned. "Oh, I found out this morning. Mount Myoboku's liaison toad delivered news that Uzumaki Raiden was seriously injured but is recovering at their sanctuary. He's safe and already on the mend."

"What?!" Orochimaru's eyes widened.

"I told the old man before the meeting," Jiraiya continued. "Raiden's disappearance is no longer an issue. Too bad for Danzo, though. His plan to discredit the Third Hokage is going to fail spectacularly."

"Sorry, Orochimaru," Tsunade added with mock sympathy. "Looks like you won't be Hokage anytime soon."

Orochimaru chuckled softly, though his eyes glinted with a mix of amusement and disappointment.

(End of Chapter)