Chapter 96: Important Event
The Hokage's Office.
"What is it?" Tonbo Tobitake asked, puzzled.
Is my vacation over already?
Sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up: "You've been back for quite a few days now. Regarding the position of Captain of the Analysis Division—Inoichi has already started complaining. He said if you don't return to take up your responsibilities soon, he won't have any time to spend with his child."
While Tonbo was away on his mission, Yamanaka Inoichi had been pulling double duty as both the Head of the Intelligence Department and the Captain of the Analysis Division. Having experienced the lifestyle of upper management, Inoichi found that he couldn't go back to doing both; the extra workload didn't come with a pay raise. More importantly, there was currently no one else in the Analysis Division who could put the Intelligence Head's mind at ease.
Thus, Hiruzen had been on the receiving end of a nagging complaint from his staunch loyalist.
Coincidentally, while Hiruzen had originally intended to give Tonbo a bit more time to rest, their recent small talk about "perfect children" had left him feeling mentally unbalanced. He decided it was best for Tonbo to get back to work.
"Ah? That's way too fast! I've only been resting for a few days!" Tonbo immediately looked dejected, looking exactly like a modern worker whose weekend was suddenly cancelled.
He had planned to spend his time researching Ninjutsu specifically designed to counter Six Paths-level threats while balancing family life. He knew the Fourth Great Ninja War was only a decade or so away. While he could wait for Naruto and Sasuke to handle the final bosses, he couldn't accept being powerless to respond himself. That lack of security was unacceptable. Given his current abilities, he could likely retreat safely even when facing the Six Paths of Pain, but he wanted a plan for more.
Well, work is work. His chakra reserves had already reached more than three times that of Kakashi's. In a few more years, he would likely catch up to the Third Hokage's reserves. Using a Shadow Clone to train would be slightly less efficient, but it wasn't a problem.
"Also, there is the matter of the Barrier Team. I want you to continue your research," Hiruzen added. "While the prototype of that barrier technique is complete, I believe it can be further refined to make it perfect for protecting the village."
During Tonbo's mission, Hiruzen hadn't let the Barrier Team's development stall. The "Inverted Golden Bell Barrier" had mostly been completed by Hyuga Tetsume's squad, but flaws remained. He hoped this technique, intended to guard the village, would be flawless.
"Understood." Tonbo was familiar with this; he had been doing this since before the Land of Rain mission.
"So, can I go now?" he asked.
"There is one more thing."
"Huh?"
"Your disciple, Mibu Shinobu, is being promoted to Special Jonin," Hiruzen said with a smile. This was worth celebrating. Konoha had gained another high-level ninja, and since this ninja was trained by Tonbo, it was a testament to his excellent teaching abilities.
"That's great news." Tonbo had expected this; Shinobu definitely had the skills by now. "Alright, I'm heading out."
"Wait, one more thing," Hiruzen said just as Tonbo stepped toward the door.
"???"
"What are your thoughts on the incident in the Hidden Rain and their leader?" Hiruzen asked. Because of the Rinnegan, he couldn't gather all the high-level officials for a discussion, so he wanted the perspective of the man who was actually there. The Rinnegan was too significant; one wrong move could spark a war. To avoid this, he had suppressed the intel and taken corresponding measures.
"That's an affair of another village. We shouldn't interfere too much, right?" Tonbo replied. "Besides, aside from knowing the enemy has the power of the Rinnegan, Sharingan, and Wood Style, we only have partial intel on the Rain's ninja. There isn't much we can do."
Tonbo didn't have much to say. In his heart, he figured he'd let "Junior Brother" Nagato handle things later. Or perhaps Jiraiya would live up to his legendary internet status as the "Invincible Intel Gatherer," take the information Tonbo collected, and beat Pain into the ground. Tonbo didn't particularly want to face Nagato's main body and the massive AOE of the Chibaku Tensei. He'd leave that to Nine-Tails Naruto.
Hiruzen nodded, not really expecting an earth-shattering insight. Those enemies were indeed too powerful. Without a direct conflict, starting a war was unwise.
"Then... can I go now?" Tonbo asked, fearing there was more.
"One more thing."
"...Are you serious?" A giant question mark flashed in Tonbo's mind.
Hiruzen became solemn. "In one month, the guard organization under the Twelve Guardian Ninjas of the Land of Fire—the group responsible for protecting the Daimyo—will send a team of ninjas to Konoha for training. The subject is: Dispelling Genjutsu."
"Aha. You're not going to make me do it, are you?" Tonbo pointed to himself.
Hiruzen shook his head, making Tonbo sigh in relief. He's not treating me like a pack mule after all.
But then Hiruzen continued: "It will be handled by you, Yuhi Kurenai of the Yuhi clan, and Kurama Murakumo, the head of the Kurama clan. You are all renowned Genjutsu masters, so this is a joint mission for the three of you."
"...Yes."
Though Tonbo was speechless, his interest was piqued. The Yuhi clan had produced Yuhi Shinko, a master whose Genjutsu even the Sharingan struggled to break. The Kurama clan was even more legendary, producing a heaven-defying bloodline talent every few generations. Every one of them was a top-tier Genjutsu specialist in the ninja world.
It was a pity Yuhi Shinko died during the Nine-Tails attack. The Kurama clan had also declined during the constant wars; a clan that once supplied countless Jonin to Konoha was now just a minor family. But their secret libraries and archives surely held treasures.
Tonbo didn't exactly covet their techniques, but with his wisdom and sharp mind, he felt he could "shear some wool" from their methods. He was also curious about Kurama Yakumo—the girl with the bloodline that could manifest Yin Release into physical reality. He wondered if she existed in this world. If so, her power to deceive heaven and earth with Yin Release could be used as a reference to reach new heights—perhaps even controlling the weather itself.
"So... can I go?" Tonbo asked again.
Hiruzen nodded, feeling he might have pushed it a bit.
Shoom!
The moment he nodded, Tonbo vanished. What a nagging old man.
Shortly after he left, Danzo stepped out from the shadows.
"Hiruzen, is it wise to send him to teach the Daimyo's guards? You know the Daimyo's court and the nobles of the Land of Fire value bloodlines above all else. Tonbo's ability is unquestionable, but he is just a civilian. If the visitors use his status as an excuse to cut Konoha's military budget, it won't be a good outcome."
"You must have faith in Tonbo's ability," Hiruzen replied. "He won't give them an excuse."
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