The Third Hokage: First Move Send Danzō to Prison

"As expected of the Leaf's 'Sleeping Dragon' — once again, he's masterfully played us in the Hidden Cloud."

Inside the temporary Raikage's office, Mabui sat across from Shikaku Nara.

"This kind of chance for revenge... we can't pass it up," she said.

Killer Bee, standing nearby, quietly wiped his sword while humming, "Cloud's grudge~ when will it end~"

Shikaku's hand trembled slightly as he held his teacup. He set it down slowly and said in a low voice, "In that case, I'll take my leave."

Mabui nodded. "I'll walk you out."

"No need to trouble yourself, Lady Raikage."

Shikaku rose and politely declined. "I have other matters to attend to. Intelligence documents will be sent to your office shortly."

With that, he left. As Konoha's busiest man, his schedule was packed.

Once the doors closed and they were alone, Mabui stood up and frowned. "Lord Bee, if Konoha succeeds in this assault on the Akatsuki, their prestige will rise yet again."

Though Mabui had taken the title of Raikage under duress, it was clear she deferred to Killer Bee in private. In truth, Bee was the "Shadow Raikage."

Killer Bee continued polishing his blade. Since the deaths of his brother and Darui, he had matured greatly. His carefree demeanor was gone.

"You're right," Bee said as he sheathed the sword. "But does it matter? The Sand and Cloud are practically Konoha's vassals now. Mist isn't far behind."

Mabui paced as she pondered. "Lord Bee, this time... if we join the campaign against the Akatsuki, you..."

"I know, Mabui."

Killer Bee walked to the window, squinting at the distant Hokage Rock.

"I'll keep myself in check."

His hatred wasn't only for the Akatsuki. He resented Konoha too. If not for the conflict that claimed the Raikage's life and decimated Cloud's elite, the Akatsuki wouldn't have overrun them so easily.

Now in a foreign land, the solitude cut deep.

Shinobi Academy High Command Office

"I don't want to be Kazekage. I want to be Hokage."

The words rang in Kankuro's ears like a bell. He turned in disbelief toward his younger brother, mouth agape, unsure how to respond.

Across from them sat the Leaf's pineapple-haired Jonin, also frozen in shock.

Shikaku Nara took a deep breath and changed tactics.

"You can still become Hokage in the future. But right now, being Kazekage is important too."

"Gaara, with Elder Chiyo heading the Sand's campaign to the Hidden Rain, there's only one matter she's concerned about — the next Kazekage. As the previous Kazekage's son, you're the natural successor."

That much was true. Elder Chiyo's only condition for participating in the joint mission aligned perfectly with the Hokage's strategy.

Honestly, Gaara was an ideal candidate.

Kankuro opened his mouth to object. I could do it too, you know...

But before he could speak, his sister Temari carefully interjected, "Does it have to be a guy?"

Shikaku paused, thinking. "Technically... no."

Temari immediately raised her hand. "Then I'll do it."

"Ahem," Shikaku coughed. "Power is also a major factor. Right now, only Gaara has the strength to lead."

Kankuro and Temari clicked their tongues in sync.

Gaara protested, "Isn't there anyone else in the village? I still want to attend school with Naruto."

Shikaku sighed. "You can still study in Konoha after becoming Kazekage. The Raikage is here, isn't he?"

Gaara reluctantly nodded.

With that resolved, Shikaku rose immediately to head to his next assignment.

He still had to deliver a Devil Fruit to Sasuke Uchiha.

Shikaku was just too busy.

Konoha BBQ Restaurant

Fat drips sizzled on the charcoal grill.

Tonight's treat came courtesy of Yamato.

He poured drinks for Kakashi and Guy. "You've heard, right? The Hokage is selecting personnel for the Hidden Rain operation."

Kakashi nodded. "Yeah, I've been briefed."

Guy rubbed his chin. "Yamato, you thinking of volunteering?"

Yamato sighed. "Last time, I hesitated and let the Eight-Tails' remnants escape. Missed my shot at command. Now that war is brewing again..."

He raised his glass and downed it. "Time to earn my place."

He's really fired up, Kakashi thought.

He asked, "So, what's your plan?"

Guy stuffed a few pieces of meat into his mouth and mumbled, "You aiming to be Hokage too, Yamato?"

"I want to grow," Yamato admitted. "Ever since last time... especially after you two got promoted, I've been obsessed. Every night, I replay it all in my head, wondering where I went wrong."

Well, Orochimaru came back and snatched your spot. Not much you could've done, Kakashi thought.

Out loud, he offered, "From what I hear, besides the Five Generals, there are still two more top successors: the Sleeping Dragon and the Phoenix Hatchling."

"I know that one!" Guy shot up, holding up a finger. "The Dragon is Shikaku, right? He's famous now — the man who could win the world."

Then the Phoenix is mine, Yamato thought.

He refilled their cups and said solemnly, "My friends, lend me your strength."

Kakashi and Guy raised their glasses in unison. "We've got your back."

Satisfied, Yamato nodded. The dinner had paid off.

Kakashi got right to work. "Then let's go for the biggest prize in Akatsuki —"

"Obito Uchiha."

Guy immediately agreed. "Last time we let that loser escape. Not again."

Ichiraku Ramen

Jiraiya and Naruto slurped noodles side by side.

This was their bonding time.

Jiraiya wiped his mouth and asked, "So how's Flying Thunder God training going?"

Naruto had already finished three bowls. He patted his stomach. "Still haven't nailed it. But neither has that smug Sasuke."

"You're definitely more like your mom," Jiraiya chuckled. Maybe Naruto was better suited for a more... brute force approach.

"Alright. Let's switch gears. You're ready to start Sage Mode training."

Naruto frowned. "I haven't given up yet! We even formed a study group for Flying Thunder God. We've made progress!"

"That so?" Jiraiya didn't want to dampen his spirit. "Alright. No rush. Sage Mode isn't something you learn overnight."

Just then, a masked ANBU agent codenamed "Alpha" appeared silently.

"This is for you, from the Hokage."

He handed over a scroll and vanished.

Jiraiya opened it, and his expression darkened.

Seeing the change, Naruto asked, "What's wrong, Pervy Sage?"

Jiraiya closed the scroll slowly. "Naruto, I need to see the old man. Right away."

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