Jiraiya answered his question with a question, “Have we considered perhaps Kirigakure is simply lying? Trying to use us to conduct their own investigations?”

Hiruzen shook his head, unsatisfied with that theory, “That then begs the original question, what interests the Mizukage so much in Amegakure that he’d hazard involving us?”

In a rare moment of agreement Danzo nodded and narrowed his eyes in thought. He stole a glance at the Toad Sannin who had a pensive look on his face, Does he truly not know?

Minato sighed deeply, “Of all the greats they are the most recluse…they came reporting the death of the Sandaime and were obviously suspecting us of having something to do with it. Perhaps they now believe Hanzo to be the culprit.”

All three shinobi fell contemplatively silent at the thought, the implication. The Third Mizukage was not a shinobi one could scoff at, his despicable accomplishments and slights against Konoha alone won him feat enough to warrant the title. Power like that often led to cruelty and even his people were not spared.

The Sandaime Mizukage and Hanzo were similar in their manner of power, reclusive, tactically defensive natures and the spice of cruelty. Hanzo would certainly be up to the task of assassinating the Mizukage, “But why?” Jiraiya sounded the elephant of a question, “I’ve taken on Hanzo face on and he’s not the type to go around killing Kages, and what bone would he have to pick with Kirigakure of all places, not like they’ve been at war before.”

Despite those truths killing a Kage of any village is an unforgivable slight wars have been waged over. Danzo understood more than most the fury at having his Hokage, his sensei taken away. He couldn’t allow Kirigakure into their backyard and so he told the Hokage as much.

“It matters not what Yagura or Amegakure is scheming, we cannot allow Kirigakure to fall into striking position. Even if Hanzo killed their Mizukage, we cannot open the Land of Fire to their vengeance.” Danzo said decisively. He stole another glance at the Toad Sannin, continuing to wonder the extent of what he knew.

As long as he has never encountered the Akatsuki and that man… Ideally, Danzo’s mind wouldn’t doubt his own words— Jiraiya was right, Hanzo had no reason to kill the Sandaime Mizukage or launch any offensive, his concerns have always been internal and keeping outsider players out as much as he could.

But if the Akatsuki remained even after Danzo’s and Hanzo’s combined efforts, then Yagura’s claims might well have some worth. Danzo stilled himself from shuddering at the thought of the Mizukage discovering and seizing that power only to surely use it against Konoha.

He’d only observed a fraction of that man and his power but it was enough to be certain Konoha would do well without his existence, Hanzo agreed and years later Danzo was assured they’d executed every last one from Amegakure’s slums and damp crevasses.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

He clenched his cane, felt it dig into his palm as its stem and base shuddered under pressure. Of late he couldn’t rely on the assurances of shinobi who at first glance seemed competent, even by his standards. I’ll have to investigate this personally, Jiraiya, Kirigakure must not have free reign until I am certain.

Danzo would have to use his most extreme measures to peer into the village that had been obscured from their view for so many years.

Minato shook his head, “That’s the thing, that letter doesn’t read like it’s from a Kage out for vengeance. No, I don’t think Yagura has any intention of invading Amegakure to avenge his predecessor, the Sandaime isn’t even mentioned once. But your concern does hold true, which is why I’m considering meeting him.”

Danzo’s eyes went wide before he calmed himself, thoughts calculating faster each second. Neither Jiraiya nor Hiruzen seemed shocked to hear this nor did they seem willing to give reasonable objections. Suddenly it clicked in his mind, Ah, this is the true reason for waiting for the Land of Water’s war to end.

He looked up as Minato assured, “We’ll meet out in neutral ground of course.”

Hiruzen and Minato had just dumped a load of information in his laps and were pressuring to see what he would prioritize. He gritted his teeth and cursed his lack of responsible agents, if Kinoto hadn’t been so obvious about his loyalties he would have had this information a month earlier and likely on the verge of a solution.

Danzo scowled, “You could be walking into a trap, a very obvious one even if the location is neutral. Kirigakure is the one playing on our reactions now, they’ve prepared surely.”

Minato shook his head, “I can simply flash away myself and anyone that comes along.”

Danzo quickly countered, “You sent Genma along with Kinoto, what if we don’t see the full picture one bit and that boy has been stripped of the miniscule knowledge of your prized jutsu?”

A low rumble of a chuckle came from Hiruzen, his eyes crinkled, “You are quite paranoid to make such a claim, Genma and Aoba of all people were safe from the Mizukage or any other’s influence if Kinoto’s reports are to be trusted.”

Danzo didn’t miss the way he stressed the last, vital word— trust. He cursed inwardly, this was a trap from the beginning, not a one of them trusted him enough to let his advice influence these current events. He was far too outnumbered.

Jiraiya spoke up, “Don’t worry, Danzo-dono, I will investigate Amegakure once more, see what’s there to see quickly and let Minato come prepared to meet Yagura.”

“No.” Danzo almost shouted. He already knew he wouldn’t be one of those Minato picked to come with him, what’s more he had no reason to tag along beyond his suspicion they all obviously wanted to do away with. “I will investigate Amegakure for a threat, if there is one. If it comes to it, the root will act in Konoha’s advance interests.”

It seemed there was little use keeping up the pretence any longer, he had to have this at least, keep Jiraiya from discovering the Akatsuki and the choices he and Hanzo made. Ensure none of Kirigakure’s agents remained up to shenanigans in the territory.

The three looked between themselves, narrowed eyes communicating in a manner of student and master. Minato nodded, “Very well, I’ll be relying on you to keep me well informed, we can’t afford walking in blind.” It seemed to eat at Minato to say his next words, “Let’s have the room now Lord Danzo, I’m sure your…root have much to prepare for.”

A dismissal. As if it couldn’t get any more obvious he was been severed from the Hokage and the influence that came with mere proximity. He rose without a word of complaint or defence, a nod at Hiruzen who nodded back and a narrowed look at Jiraiya who for once didn’t wear a grin.

He said nothing as he walked out, shutting the door to yet another foolish Hokage behind him. A shame. Try as it might, the great tree can stand on nothing but roots.A