Agent C unrolled a scroll and handed it to the Third Hokage's desk.
Sarutobi Hiruzen read it, his face hardening in disbelief.
"Someone staged a diversion in the southeast of the daimyō's relocation camp…
Then, two smoke bombs were thrown near the daimyō's tent.
Once the smoke cleared, all four bodyguards were dead.
All four… from the Shimura clan?
Three had kunai driven into their temples. Captain Shimura Kōhi was burned to a crisp by Fire Release.
Fire Release again…"
Shimura Gō, Sarutobi Yuu, Root agents T and R—all had died to Fire Release.
Everyone in the office began piecing together a picture.
A shinobi skilled in Fire Release—deadly in infiltration and Body Flicker—was repeatedly targeting Konoha, specifically Root and the Shimura clan.
The murders spanned River Country, Grass Country, even the Land of Iron—always far from Konoha's center.
The high-ranking officials turned to Danzo, uncertain which of his many sins had provoked this vendetta.
It was impossible to pinpoint one. Danzo had far too many.
The Third Hokage spoke grimly, "These assassinations are seriously undermining Konoha's operations!
If we keep losing bodyguards like this, why would any daimyō still trust us?
What about the daimyō of the Land of Grass? Has he said anything?"
Agent C quickly reported, "One of the surviving guards said the daimyō has already written to the Fire Country's daimyō, asking for aid.
He suspects… the assassin wasn't trying to kill him.
He believes the real target was the bodyguard captain, Shimura Kōhi.
He told Guardian Ninja Hyūga Shin that he plans to personally recruit two of his own guards.
Which means Konoha's official bodyguards will be reduced from eight to six."
Trust had clearly fractured.
The Grass Country's daimyō must be deeply shaken.
Sarutobi asked, "Danzo, your thoughts?"
Everyone turned to the Root commander.
Orochimaru glanced briefly at Copper Fox. His first thought was: Could it be him?
After all, Copper Fox had a long-distance Reverse Summoning ability—he could appear instantly in Grass Country and return just as fast.
But a moment later, Orochimaru reconsidered.
Copper Fox specialized in Earth and Water Release. His Fire Release shouldn't be capable of suppressing a jōnin.
And Shimura Kōhi had solid strength—Body Flicker, Wind Release, and combat experience all above average.
Meanwhile, Yako kept his expression steady.
'No one knows I can use Fire Release. They won't suspect me.'
Danzo finally said, "A few sacrifices from the Shimura clan is nothing.
But this incident affects Konoha's defense reputation with all the daimyō.
I propose we form an elite investigation unit. We must capture this Fire Release expert.
This is even more important than the brewing conflict with Kumogakure."
He turned toward Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, you'll lead this mission. Root and ANBU squads will be at your disposal."
Yako tensed.
Orochimaru was being put in charge. That… was troublesome.
He'd been planning to capture a Root agent bearing Danzo's Self-Binding Curse Mark and try to crack its seal.
But now, with Orochimaru leading the hunt, that plan had to be shelved.
Orochimaru was too sharp. One wrong move in front of him would blow Yako's cover.
That meant Yuka's team needed to disappear completely—hide deep in the forests of the Rain Country and wait out the storm.
Let them investigate.
They'd find nothing.
Resolved, Yako listened impassively as Danzo continued assigning roles.
Once the arrangements were made, Hatake Sakumo stepped forward.
"Lord Hokage. Advisor Danzo.
The deaths of the four Shimura bodyguards are regrettable.
But what about the border tension with Kumogakure?
I request permission to lead a squad to the Land of Hot Water and engage the Kumo-nin."
Agent C glared at Sakumo, seething.
'Danzo-sama just suffered a crushing loss, and Hatake Sakumo immediately jumps in to grab power and credit. No wonder Danzo-sama despises him.'
Danzo's eyes were dark with hostility—but he said nothing.
He had no interest in the Land of Hot Water anymore.
All he wanted now… was the head of the Fire Release killer.
The Third Hokage exchanged a glance with Mitokado Homura, both eyes heavy with unspoken resignation.
Besides Orochimaru and Sakumo, there weren't many young ninja in Konoha with Kage-level potential.
Homura himself couldn't command at the front.
He was Konoha's external affairs advisor. His priority now was to travel to Grass Country, meet with the Fire and Grass daimyōs, and repair Konoha's damaged image—convincing them that Konoha's guardian shinobi were still reliable.
"Sakumo," the Third finally said, "you'll lead several units to the Hot Water border.
Let's say… four battalions. No more.
Don't escalate the conflict. This is a limited engagement.
After a few hundred troops clash, we'll press Kumogakure to back down."
Sakumo nodded. His expression eased.
No matter how much the higher-ups disliked him, he was still one of Konoha's only heavyweights.
They couldn't afford to sideline him.
Tsunade had also reached Kage-level strength—but she hadn't reported her mastery of the Yin Seal to anyone.
Orochimaru wasn't the type to mention it either.
With the meeting adjourned, Yako returned to ANBU with Yellow Dog.
"Captain," he asked, "since Orochimaru's leading a unit to Grass Country, will ANBU be involved in the Hot Water front?"
"Yes," said Yellow Dog. "The Hokage can't rely solely on Sakumo's reports.
We'll send our own team to observe the conflict.
You'll go, Fox. Take your squad to the Land of Hot Water."
"Understood, Captain."
Exactly what Yako had hoped for.
Two nights later, in the dead of night, he felt the familiar tug of contract chakra.
He was Reverse Summoned to the base of a low mountain.
Yuka and her team had reached the target location.
The mountain stood alone on the plains—called Evergreen Divine Mountain, it was revered by the Grass Country daimyō.
According to him, Evergreen Divine Mountain was the guardian spirit of the grasslands.
Its soil formed the body of the first daimyō.
Its grass became his hair.
A myth, of course—but the daimyō believed it with all his heart.
Inside the mountain's belly, Yako found a secret lab.
It was nothing like the Whirlpool Labs Danzo had run in Uzushio—this one was tiny, only a dozen test subjects.
Uzumaki Kan's body was covered in bite marks, but she was alive.
Once he rescued her, Yako turned to Yuka.
"Danzo's panicking. He's dispatched Orochimaru, ANBU squads, and fresh Root recruits—forming a massive investigation unit.
We need to stay hidden. No action for now.
Lie low in the Rain Country's jungles. When the storm passes, we strike again."
Yuka nodded. Orochimaru's reputation preceded him.
He was dangerous.
"You be careful too, Fox. It's even more dangerous for you inside Konoha."
"My cover's solid," Yako said.
"Everything I've done against Danzo is disguised as a power struggle between Captain Yellow Dog and Root's commander.
No one suspects me… for now."
After seeing Yuka's team off, Yako quickly returned to the izakaya's underground chamber.
He carefully locked the door.
He wouldn't return here again—at least, not until Orochimaru's investigation force disbanded.