Chapter 231: The Message
Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
-Author notes-
Chapter 231: The Message
Inside a well-hidden wooden shack on the outskirts of Konoha, two individuals wearing white masks and black cloaks sat at a table, glancing at a piece of paper carefully placed in the center of it.
"Hmmm… it's reacting," one of them said as the paper began to shake and make noises.
"Already? It's too soon!" Their mission had only begun last night, and they didn't expect any developments for at least a few days.
The two men stared at the paper as it sparked into flames and disappeared.
They remained in silence after witnessing this...as if they were trying to process the consequences.
"It completely burned out… this is the worst-case scenario." One said with a grave tone.
"Lord Danzo… is dead." The other one added.
Danzo knew the risks when he decided to openly confront Naruto in such a way.
So, he had made preparations for several different scenarios that could occur. This...was one of such preparations.
That piece of paper had a fuuinjutsu formation connected directly to Danzo himself.
If his heart ever stopped completely, the paper would destroy itself, signaling his death to these two agents. From that point, the ROOT agents will have to follow the plan they had memorized.
"The next step is clear," one of them said.
"It is… we have a mission to complete," the other one added.
Regardless of their feelings about the death of their leader, they would carry out his orders without fail.
They both stood up from their chairs and prepared to leave.
One of them walked to a corner of the shack and lifted the wooden tiles, revealing a secret hidden space.
Inside it was a small scroll, which he took.
The scroll contained a message from Danzo. It held many of his best-guarded secrets, including a lot of confidential intel about Konoha. And also...crucial information about Naruto, including the one that forced him to act in such a reckless way.
One of the agents secured the scroll inside his clothes.
In the event of Danzo's demise, their mission was to deliver this scroll to one particular person.
"This will be our last mission," the other agent said.
"We will not fail it," his partner agreed.
"For Lord Danzo."
"For Lord Danzo."
The two of them left the wooden hideout and rushed to their destination.
<><><><><><><><><>
"Ino!"
"My little girl!"
Inoichi and his wife, Noriko, ran to hug their daughter the moment Naruto landed.
The ANBU agents arrived just a moment later and went to the Hokage's side.
"Naruto." Hinata jumped at him. "You're back! And you found Ino too. We were all so worried!"
Naruto caressed her head. "Of course, I did. I promised to keep you two safe."
She looked at him and whispered, "Did she use the…"
Naruto nodded.
This had all happened too suddenly, and they hadn't even had the chance to test the formulas Naruto placed on their bodies.
So, Hinata hadn't been entirely sure how it functioned. "Well, I'm glad it worked."
Kiba and Shino were standing nearby, along with Rock Lee, Maito Gai, and Asuma.
"Man… we looked everywhere for her. Even Akamaru couldn't find her…"
Kiba said. "How did Naruto find her before us?"
"I thought he had left the village for a mission in a different country," Shino added.
"Right! How did he do that?" Kiba asked.
"That's because Naruto is the best!" Rock Lee said with enthusiasm. "I wouldn't expect less from my number one rival."
"Since when is he your rival?..." Kiba gave him a side glance.
"What I want to know is who had the guts to kidnap my student," Asuma said, gripping one of his kunai tightly. "I'd like to have a talk with them."
Kiba shook his head. "If Naruto found them first… I doubt you'll have the chance, Asuma-sensei."
Just as they were all talking, more people arrived. It was Chouji and Shikamaru.
"Look! Ino's back," Chouji exclaimed with joy at seeing his friend safe and well.
"Yes…" Shikamaru sighed in relief. They had just come back to inform Tsunade of their findings, but those were no longer necessary. The boy may not show it, but he felt incredibly relief to see his friend return safe and sound.
Tsunade gave some orders to her ANBU agents, and they took off immediately. Then, she finally approached the group surrounding Ino.
"Let me say first that I'm glad to see you back, Ino."
"Lady Tsunade," Ino said, giving her a bow. "Thank you."
Tsunade gave Ino a good look. "You don't appear to have any serious injuries, but I'd like for Shizune to examine you anyway. But I can also see that you're in need of a change of clothes and perhaps a bath… so…"
"Why don't I accompany them home?" Shizune advised, since Ino was still in her pajamas and barefoot. It was best to perform the examination there.
Tsunade nodded. "That's what I was going to suggest."
"Don't I need to present my report about what happened?" Ino asked.
"You can do that tomorrow," Tsunade said, glancing at Naruto. "He can fill me in on the details today. Isn't that right?"
"Of course," Naruto responded.
Ino said her goodbyes and left with her parents and Shizune.
"Alright," Tsunade said, addressing the rest of the crowd. "You must all be tired after running around the village all night. You can take the rest of the day off."
Hinata made sure to give Naruto a kiss before leaving, seemingly unbothered by being in the presence of the Hokage.
"I heard she used to be extremely shy," Tsunade commented with a hint of amusement in her tone.
"I fixed that," Naruto told her.
She chuckled. "I'm sure you did..."
Tsunade's expression turned serious. " Well then...I believe we have much to talk about."
Naruto could tell that she was referring to more than just the most recent events.
"Do you have something to drink in your office?" he asked.
Tsunade turned around to look at him. "Do you really need to ask that?"
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