Will of embers

Chapter 22

The warm spring wind was calming, just like his tea. Hiruzen watched as normal people went from one place to another. The teashop outside the capital city was already busy, so Hiruzen wondered how much worse it would be inside the city. But it was calming to him. It has been a long time since normal people surrounded him.

Once upon a time, he was just like them, in a hurry but at ease. He did everything he could, knowing that even if he failed, it wouldn't matter much. Those were the times when all he was worried about was disappointing the people around him. Such thoughts could not persist now. A failure was unacceptable now, and the consequences were dire. 

His every action had to be planned to minute details. Otherwise, not only his life but also the lives of the village would be endangered. It was the duty of a Hokage. It was his duty to do so. Oh, how he would love to leave it all behind. Shed this responsibility and got into normalcy like the people around him.

It wouldn't be too difficult to run away right now. He was only with Yamato and Anko, and he could easily trick them and then disappear within the crowd. He could travel the world, and with his skills, he wouldn't really need to worry about living expenses. He was sure he could find a job, or he could live out of nature.

But would it really be a peaceful life? If he were to vanish suddenly, the repercussions would be catastrophic. He would need to be vigilant, ensuring no one recognized him. And the thought of Danzo seizing control in his absence sent a chill down Hiruzen's spine. That lunatic would ignite the next war before he could even find a safe place to stay. Hiruzen couldn't bear the thought of living in a world consumed by war.

He can't leave. As much as he yearned for a different life, he was now bound to the village. He had a family, students, and a lifetime of memories. These ties were too strong to sever, even if he wished. The thought of leaving them behind filled him with a sense of unease. And as challenging as life was in his current position, at least he had some semblance of control over it. He couldn't bear to relinquish that for a fleeting sense of relief.

"Hey! Give it back!" Hiruzen got out of his head as he heard Yamato yell. "You already ate sensei's. That's mine."

Anko didn't have any defense as her mouth was stuffed with an ungodly amount of dango. Yamato was already sad because the shop didn't sell any walnuts, so he was close to tears when Anko took all of Dango for herself. To her credit, she did look regretful of her actions, but it seemed that dango was more important than her emotions.

"Miss," Hiruzen called out to the waitress. "More dango."

"Right away!" She yelled back.

"Don't worry, Yamato," Hiruzen smiled and patted the boy's head. "Let Anko eat until she is sick."

Hiruzen made sure to take care of these children. Sneaking out of the village without anyone noticing wasn't too difficult. Shadow clones once again prevailed, and with the written order, Anko was able to sneak Hiruzen and Yamato out without anyone questioning her. But Hiruzen could tell that Anko was very nervous. She was basically the only guard with him, and not long ago, she was suspected of treason.

She knew that she couldn't afford to betray Hiruzen's trust, and if something happened to him, she would have to take the blame. As mature as she acted, she was still very afraid of such a scenario. But Yamato was more excited than anything. It was nothing but an excursion for him. Unlike Anko, the thought that someone would attack them didn't cross his mind.

Hiruzen was inclined to ensure that Yamato maintained that mindset for as long as he could. Just thinking about what would have happened to him if he hadn't found him made Hiruzen hurt inside. Yamato was a special kid to Hiruzen, as the boy's circumstances were very similar to his, but the boy at least had a chance at a better life than him.

Finally, as the afternoon was starting to turn into evening, two figures entered the tea shop looking for Hiruzen. Hiruzen expected them to find him later. Since he didn't inform Kakashi nor Fugaku where he would be, it seemed that the crossroads near the capital city weren't too big for them to get lost in.

"Sit down and don't cause a scene," Hiruzen quickly said as he could sense Fugaku wanted to greet him respectfully with a full bow and all. "Have some tea and report what happened. One of them is dead. What about Kakuzu? Did you manage to kill him?"

"My apologies, Hokage-sama," Fugaku replied. "He used his monsters to distract and defend his back while he escaped. We did manage to destroy all of these monsters he created, but by the time we were done, he was gone. But I don't think he will continue on his mission."

"Too bad," Hiruzen did want to capture Kakuzu, as after he received a reward from the system, he also got a new quest to find proof of who was behind the attack. "Were you able to get anything from the body of that Swordsman?"

"We left it to be returned to the village," Kakashi replied. "But it didn't seem like there was anything of worth on his body."

Hiruzen was ninety percent sure that Danzo was behind it, but like the system wanted, he needed proof. Hiruzen was already on thin ice by leaving Orochimaru alive, but that snake was also the only connection he had for Danzo's actions. It might be risky, but he might need to use Yamanaka to read Orochimaru's memories and unravel Danzo's secrets. Yet, Hiruzen knows the chance of success is low unless Danzo falls for Hiruzen's trap and tries to free or kill Orochimaru himself.

"We have a team that is trying to catch Kakuzu, but he seemed crafty enough to evade them," Fugaku added. "If you give your order, I will go after him."

"No, leave him be," Hiruzen knew that Kakuzu wasn't to be taken lightly. "And we have a meeting with the Daimyo, so don't worry about it now."

Hiruzen thought that it might be a good opportunity, too, since they lost one of their members, the Akatsuki might be looking for a replacement, and Pakura might fancy their eyes. Hopefully, she will manage to get something from Kakuzu that would incriminate Danzo. But even if she doesn't, Hiruzen will know through her if Akatsuki is planning to do something like that again.

Hiruzen was lucky that he was paranoid to the bone, but such a thing would repeat with Danzo around. He just didn't know what Danzo's deal was. Can't that old deceptive asshole just take a chill pill and piss off? Hiruzen just couldn't understand why Danzo had to go out of his way to ruin everything. Did he really think what he was doing was right?

"Sensei?"

Hiruzen didn't realize that he was giving off a threatening aura around himself. Yamato looked terrified, Kakashi concerned, and Anko curious. Fugaku was harder to read, so Hiruzen couldn't tell what he thought. But it was enough of a reaction for Hiruzen to snap back to reality. Even the normal people around them were backing away from him.

Hiruzen didn't understand how it worked, but it seemed people got uncomfortable around him when he got angry. Maybe it was something like an aura he was giving off. After all, this body does possess quite enormous strength and power, and he still doesn't have full control of it. Good thing that Hiruzen's reaction was quick, and he quickly relaxed, paid for his tea, and left with the rest, not wanting to cause a scene.

…

Hiruzen looked at the assembly of councilmen surrounding the Daimyo. There were quite a few of them, more than Hiruzen expected. Hiruzen didn't know how he should feel about only having Fugaku and Kakashi with him. He didn't want to be seen as lacking, but it felt like the Daimyo was compensating something with how many people he had surrounded himself with.

"Hiruzen, it's good to see you." The Daimyo was still friendly, so it didn't seem there was anything to worry about for Hiruzen.

"You, too, Daimyo-sama," Hiruzen greeted him back. "Let me introduce you to one of my best and most trustworthy shinobi, Fugaku Uchiha. You might have heard of him."

"But of course," The Daimyo smiled as one of his many councilmen whispered something to his ear. "The hero of the previous war. Your feats speak for themselves, Fugaku-dono."

"I aim not to disappoint," Fugaku was as stiff as a board. If Hiruzen hadn't seen what he could do with one look, he might have made fun of him about it.

"This lad over here is our most talented shinobi from his generation, Kakashi Hatake," Hiruzen continued with introductions. "I hope you don't mind them joining us for tea."

"But of course," The Daimyo was more than happy as he invited them to sit down.

Hiruzen made sure to sit after the Daimyo did to show his respect for the Daimyo's position. But he also wanted to see if anyone would dare to sit before him. Hiruzen might not know much about politics, but he knew that when the king stood, nobody would sit. It was a simple rule for others to show respect for their superiors, and it rang true as everyone waited until Hiruzen sat down for them to do the same.

"What a fragrant aroma!" Hiruzen commented as he smelled the tea offered to them. "Even without drinking, I already feel relaxed with it before me. It is truly marvelous what green tea can do to one, isn't it, Daimyo-sama?"

"Yes," The Daimyo looked a bit confused but quickly agreed with Hiruzen. "Even without tasting, you can tell it is of the highest quality. After all, I would not offer you anything less."

"Neither would I and yet it is I who you want to question, isn't it, Daimyo-sama?" Hiruzen asked as the Daimyo started to sweat. "Have I disappointed you? Have I ever let you down before?"

"No!" The Daimyo answered instantly and looked for help from his councilors, but they were in no better position. "I am just worried. I heard of the failed negotiations with Kumogakure and how your student, Orochimaru, has betrayed the village. I was worried about you, Hiruzen-dono."

"Oh, you wanted to see how I was doing. Very considerate of you, Daimyo-sama," Hiruzen smiled as he took a long sip of his tea. "Indeed, my work seems to have been never-ending lately, with one problem cropping up to another. It is very nice of you to check on me. I could only imagine you only want the best for me and the village, and as you are worried about it, you wanted to ask how you could help me."

"Yes, of course, I would do anything to help you out, Hiruzen." The Daimyo took the lifeline immediately. "Your service to my country is commendable. How many years have you worked to ensure my homeland's safety? Your accomplishments can't be denied, and so my trust in your work."

"I am ashamed, Daimyo-sama," Hiruzen replied. "I didn't want to bother you and wanted to handle all issues myself, but I was inconsiderate of your position. You shouldn't have bothered calling me to offer additional financial support for the village; a message would have been enough. But I guess you are a man who only wants the best for his country and wanted to reassure me of your trust in face-to-face meetings. After all, actions speak more than any words could."

"Additional financial support might be a bit difficult right now," One of the councilors said as he tried to gather attention to himself.

"And even when it is already difficult, you still make sure that the village gets it to show how valuable it is to you," Hiruzen replied. "Truly marvelous, Daimyo-sama. I and neither the village will ever be able to forget your kind heart and trust for us. The village is truly blessed to have been built in your country. The village is filled with desire to fight for someone like you, Daimyo-sama."

"Ahem," The Daimyo looked bashful. "But, of course, it must have been difficult for you, Hiruzen. With how much work you have done, how would it look if I didn't reward the village and you for it? I am glad that you are happy with my idea of increasing your budget by a fourth."

"That very generious of you, Daimyo-sama," Hiruzen said. "To start with the with such sum. I can only expect that with all the work we will be able to do with that money, you will be pleased enough to offer even higher support next year. I couldn't have asked for more. Your generosity is a blessing for the village, Daimyo-sama. I will make sure to inform my shinobi of how much you are willing to sacrifice for us."

"Yes, I am more than happy to show additional support for the village that protects my country. What kind of Daimyo would I be if I couldn't do something as small as to offer you additional financial support?"

"Well said, Daimyo-sama. I never doubted you, but you have even exceeded my expectations of what a true leader should be. It seems I have to work even harder to meet your expectations."

Daimyo looked proud of himself, while the councilors bit their lips in frustration but couldn't say anything. They looked at Hiruzen, who was calmly drinking tea, with horror in their eyes. But that is what they got for calling him out from his village. Hiruzen didn't think the councilors would let the Daimyo call him to the capital ever again. They didn't even have a chance to ask Hiruzen about their worries as they finished their tea.