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  Daichi stood outside the Hokage's office, his heart beating harder than usual in his chest despite his special skills. Kakashi pced a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder.

  "Ready?" Daichi's sensei asked.

  The Genin took a deep breath a out. 'This is my best and only ce to get to them.'

  "Yes," Daichi firmly replied.

  Kakashi nodded and knocked on the door. From inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice called out, "Enter."

  They stepped into the spacious office. Scrolls and dots were ly arranged on the Hokage's desk. Jiraiya leaned casually against a bookshelf, his usual jovial expression repced with a somber look.

  "Ah, Daichi, Kakashi," Hiruzeed them warmly. "e in."

  Daichi gave a respectful short bow. "Lord Hokage"

  Hiruzeured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

  As they settled in, Hiruzen's gaze softened. "There's much to discuss. First, I want to inform you about the events at the eighth base."

  The genin in the room audibly sighed. "I take it the mission was a failure."

  Jiraiya crossed his arms, gng at Daichi. "It wasn't a simple operation. We didn't succeed but it wasn't a total failure either."

  Daichi and Kakashi turo the Toad sage.

  "Orochimaru had tingencies ihe white haired Sannin spoke.

  Hiruzen gave a small nod. "Well, we didn't find them but we know where Orochimaru is. He had resurrected two formidable shinobi using that forbidden teique. They were powerful adversaries, but Jiraiya and his team mao defeat them."

  Daichi's eyes widened. "Resurrected shinobi? You mean he really used the Reanimation jutsu?"

  "Yes," Hiruzen affirmed. "They were defeated and after they were freed from that jutsu one of them firmed that Orochimaru's chakra was ing from the Land of Earth. And I doubt Orochimaru is aware that we obtained such valuable intel. Your analysis has been invaluable. Shikaku and his team are going over those files as we speak."

  Daichi felt a surge of determination. "Lord Hokage, with your permission, I'd like to go on a rescue mission into the Land of Earth."

  Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold request, kid."

  Hiruzen regarded Daichi thoughtfully. "What makes you believe you're suited for this missioing into that nation is not easy. Especially nht now with their heightened border security. And even if you did, how exactly do you io find them once you get into the try?"

  Daichi met his gaze unwaveringly. "I've been analyzing the shipment movements and patrol diversions in the Land of Earth. I've gohrough all the intelligence you gave me and memorized them. I've also been up all night studying the Geography and Topography of Earth try. As for where to search, all signs point to the Finance Minister's involvement with Orochimaru. I have an idea as to how to narrow down that search field… Lord Hokage, I believe I locate their base. Or at the very least be of some help."

  Hiruzen steepled his fingers. "The Finance Minister is a high-ranking official. Accusations against him are serious. What evidence do you have?" Even though he lear from Kakashi, he specifically questiohe boy.

  Daichi took a deep breath. "Multiple shipments from the Land of Snow, marked as low-priority but heavily guarded, have beeering the Land of Earth. These shipments avoid the Hidden Stone Vilge and the capital, disappearing without a trace. Additionally, patrols are diverted every time these shipments arrive. Someoh signifit influence is orchestrating this. After going through all the information I found out it's the finance minister's people. He's involved somehow. I feel it."

  After a moment of silence he tinued. "My dedus are sound. The patterns are too sistent to be tal. I've gohrough it multiple times and I don't believe those shipments were for the Daimyo or the Hidden Stone vilge."

  Jiraiya frowned. "Even so, infiltrating the Land of Earth is dangerous, especially fenin."

  Daichi ched his fists. "With all due respect, Lord Jiraiya, I won't stand by while Tsunade sensei and Shizune are in danger."

  Jiraiya shook his head. "Listen, kid, you don't o go. I'm already pnning to head to the Land of Earth."

  At that moment, Hiruzen interjected. "Daichi, Jiraiya and two others are being dispatched to infiltrate the Land of Earth. I have plete faith in them." 'Well, two of them anyway.' Hiruzen thought as Danzo's face came to his mind. "They will hahis mission. They'll find those two and rescue them."

  Daichi looked between them, determination fshing in his eyes. "I appreciate that, but I still want to go. I might be able to help in ways others 't."

  Jiraiya sighed. "This isn't a simple task. It's risky, and frankly, you're too young to be involved in this kind of operation."

  Daichi met his gaze steadily. "Age doesn't determine ability. I've been instrumental in gathering all these information. I know the details inside and out. I be an asset. Besides… You of all people should know not to uimate me."

  Hiruzen regarded him thoughtfully. "You must uand the gravity of this situation. If you get caught, it could escate into a diplomatic crisis. Are you prepared for that responsibility?"

  "Yes!"

  'He's serious about this.' Jiraiya studied him for a moment. "You realize the risks?"

  "I do," Daichi replied. "And I also know that time is running out. Orochimaru won't hesitate to harm them after he gets what he wants."

  Hiruzen sighed softly. "Kakashi, you've been quiet. What's your perspective?"

  Kakashi g Daichi before responding. "Daichi is resourceful and capable. And during my time in the Anbu, I learned several covert routes into the Land of Earth. I guide him."

  Hiruzen sidered this. "If you were to go, it would o be a secret mission. Officially, we ot san an infiltration into another nation."

  "Uood," Kakashi said.

  Jiraiya uncrossed his arms and shook his head, a hint nation in his posture. "You are oubborn brat, you know that?"

  Daichi smirked, hearing that. "Yeah, the old man tells me that a lot."

  Jiraiya shook his head. "I still think this is too risky. Tsunade wouldn't want you to put yourself in harm's way."

  Daichi looked directly at Jiraiya. "If our positions were reversed, if I was in her pce, she would do everything she could to try and find me. Even if it means doing something as stupid and dangerous as going into eerritory on her own."

  Jiraiya was taken aback. He then shook his head and tried to make the genin see reason. "That's different. She's your sensei."

  "And I'm her student… It cuts both ways." Daichi then sighed and calmed himself. He looked at the other Sannin and knew Jiraiya was only looking out for him. "I know you're worried about me. But I 't just let this go. I learned so much from her and Shizune. And not just about mediinjutsu. I owe them a great deal."

  Hiruzen watched the exge, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. 'He's got a fire in him, just like his sensei.'

  Jiraiya sighed heavily. "You're not going to back down, are you?"

  "No," Daichi affirmed.

  Kakashi pced a hand on Daichi's shoulder. "We'll proceed with caution. I'll be with him at all times."

  Hiruzen leaned ba his chair. "Very well. But you must uand the gravity of this mission. If you're caught, it could put us at a severe disadvantage."

  "We uand," Kakashi replied.

  Daiodded. "We'll be careful and discreet."

  Jiraiya shook his head. "Alright then. Just don't expect me to e rescue you if things go south."

  Daichi grinned slightly. "Wouldn't dream of it."

  Jiraiya rubbed his temples. "I suppose there's no stopping you. At least let me provide some support."

  Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose?"

  "I have tacts in the Land of Earth," Jiraiya said as he looked at his old sensei. "I arrange for some information to be fuheir way, maybe even some local assistance."

  Kakashi smiled beh his mask. "That would be appreciated."

  Daichi felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Jiraiya."

  Jiraiya waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't make me regret this."

  Hiruzen leaned forward, his gaze shiftiween Kakashi and Daichi. "What do you pn to do first? Are you going straight to the Earth try?"

  Daichi g Kakashi before responding. "No. We're going to the Fire Capital to meet with the Third Minister, Lord Taji Mayima."

  Kakashi nodded. "We believe he might have detailed information on the Finance Minister of the Land of Earth. Given their rival status, it's possible he has insights that could aid us."

  Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A sound strategy. Lord Mayima is well-ected and may provide valuable intelligence. You also helped him a great deal during your mission to rescue his nephew. So I believe you would have no trouble getting his assistance."

  Daichi tinued, "Yeah. If we learn more about the Finance Minister's dealings, it might help us pinpoint Orochimaru's location."

  Hiruzen gave a slight nod. "I've already sent someoo the Fire Capital to update the Daimyo ouation. Since we're moving against a member of the Earth Royal Court, it's imperative we keep our own Daimyo informed."

  Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "C all bases, as usual."

  Hiruzen smiled faintly. "It's necessary. We must proceed carefully to avoid any unintended flicts."

  Kakashi g Daichi. "Then we'll make the Capital our first stop."

  Hiruzen nodded and opehe desk drawer near him. "I have something that'll help you." He took a kunai and gave it to Kakashi. "Once your business in the Capital es to an end, use this."

  Kakashi looked at the Kunai and his eye slightly widened as he saw a teleportation jutsu seal on it. "This is…"

  The third Hokage nodded. "Yes. Once you use that, someone will e to help you out. He'll take you two into the Land of Earth. After you two depart from here, he along with Jiraiya and someone else will be headed for the Land of Earth. They'll be able to move fast a into the try ued. So by the time you're dohering information in the Capital they would have made some headway."

  Daichi, who was listening to the cryptic words, used his Observe skill on that kunai and saw that it ecial knife marked with the Flying Thunder God Jutsu seal by the 2nd Hokage. But what he found strange is that the knife was made a few years ago.

  'No way. For a kunai that was made three years ago to be marked by the Sed Hokage… There's only one answer… But whht him back?'

  The Genin was internally shocked as he came to a hypothesis but he kept a ral fad kept to himself.

  "Oh and fair warning. The identity of that person will shock you but I want you both to know he's an ally. And I'd like for you to keep his existence a secret."

  The words Hiruzen spoke firmed Daichi's suspis but it fused Kakashi. "Lord Hokage, who is he?"

  "I'm afraid he told me not to say. He wants to keep his presence a secret from as many as possible. If you figure it out he'll reveal himself to you." Hiruzen sighed and replied as he remembered his predecessor's order.

  Hiruzen stood up, signaling the meeting was ing to an end. "Prepare to depart as soon as possible. Time is of the essence."

  Kakashi and Daichi rose from their seats. "Uood," they said in unison.

  As they turo leave, Jiraiya called out. "Hey, Daichi."

  Daichi paused at the doorway and looked at the Sannin. "Yeah?"

  Jiraiya gave him a serious look. "Be careful out there. Tsunade wouldn't five us if something happeo you."

  The Hokage agreed and added. "Yes. Gather as muformation as you , but prioritize your safety. Having you two getting captured as well is the st thing we want."

  Daiodded early. "I'll be careful. And thank you." The Genin replied and the two ninjas exited the room.

  Outside the office, Kakashi g his student. "You hahat well."

  Daichi exhaled, tension easing from his shoulders. "I just hope we're making the right decision."

  Kakashi gave a reassuring nod. "We are. We'll find her."

  Teacher and student duo walked down the corridor. The weight of the mission quickly settled upon them.

  "Thanks for bag me up," Daichi said quietly.

  Kakashi g him. "I believe in you. Besides, you made a pelling argument."

  Daichi managed a small smile. "I meant what I said."

  "I know," Kakashi replied. "Let's get ready."

  Baside, Hiruzen watched the door close behind them. Jiraiya turo his teacher. "You didn't mention to them that I was going with a reanimated Hokage and aremely dangerous prisoner."

  Hiruzen shrugged. "o burden them with more details. They've got enough to focus on."

  Jiraiya sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best." He leaned against the wall and looked outside. "Do you really think it's wise to let Daichi go? He's just a kid."

  "He's a shinobi. And a capable one," Hiruzen replied. "I suppose the few days will tell us whether I made the right decision or not." He walked up to the window near Jiraiya and looked down just in time to see Kakashi and his student vanishing into smoke.

  Despite the somber situation, the white haired Sannin had a small smile on his face. "They've got spirit, I'll give them that."

  "Indeed," Hiruzen agreed. "We only hope it's enough."

  Jiraiya adjusted his headband. "I should get going too. Danzo and Lord Tobirama are probably waiting."

  Hiruzen turo him. "Be cautious. And keep an eye on Danzo. With him involved, we 't afford any missteps."

  "Will do," Jiraiya replied with a wink. "I'll make sure everything stays on track."

  "Thank you." Hiruzen replied early. "Good luck," he whispered a few seds ter.

  As he departed, Hiruzen's gaze turo the Hokage Mountain. 'So much rests on the shoulders of the young. Perhaps more than they should bear.'

  —-

  Daichi and his sensei separated for a short while to get ready for the mission. About 10 mier Kakashi found Daichi on top of a buildihe gates of the vilge.

  The Genin stood atop the building and his gaze was on the four stone faces on the mountain.

  Kakashi appeared beside him silently. "Taking in the view?"

  Daiodded. "Yeah. Just picturing something."

  "What is it?" The Jonin asked.

  Daichi was silent for a few moments before he spoke. "A carving of Lady Tsunade's face right o the head of the Fourth Hokage."

  Kakashi was surprised by that decration but otherwise stayed silent. After a few moments of silence, Daichi turo his teacher. "Let's go sensei. No more time to lose."

  Kakashi nodded and the two disappeared. Unaware of the challenges ahead, Daichi and Kakashi pressed on, each step bringing them closer to their goal.

  The Genin ched his fist as he moved through the trees as fast as he could. 'Hold on you two. We're ing.'

  Time of Departure: 9:07am.

  Author's note.

  I'm n t this out with them going to the capital. This nned since before I started writing this arc.

  What I promise you is that things will be moving fast paced. The meeting at the capital will be done quickly.

  If you enjoy my story then please take a moment to review and rate. A thumbs up always helps.

  And if you are ied in reading ahead, then chey patreon site. I’ve uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there…

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