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Sarutobi Hiruzen stood in the deepest chamber in the Hokage tower. And standing in front of him was the reanimated Second Hokage.

"You wanted to see me so urgently sensei?" Hiruzen asked as he saw the man's stony expression. 'He couldn't have known about the attack on Tsunade. So then something must have happened at Madara's tomb.'

Tobirama only gave a single nod and then his eyes narrowed as he looked at his successor. "I have troubling news but that can wait. Why is the village in a level 1 emergency state? What happened?"

Hiruzen internally sighed and quickly began explaining the troubles that had popped up since the Academy graduation day. He explained how Mizuki used Naruto to steal the Forbidden scroll, how the prisoners were let loose and how the new graduates defeated Mizuki.

While Hiruzen was proud that the new Genins were already proving their mettle, Tobirama had a much different opinion. "Those Genins should have reported the incident to their superiors or to you the moment they learned of that man's treachery. Instead they acted recklessly and could have gotten themselves killed. The Uchiha almost dying is proof of that." Tobirama replied sternly.

The harshness in the Second Hokage's voice made Hiruzen internally wince. 'Harsh he may be but he's right. In hindsight, I could have also made several different choices.'

Seeing the stony gaze of the white haired ninja, Hiruzen tried to speak on behalf of the Rookie 9. "They are just children and they're only Genin in name. And they did help in capturing the main culprits."

Tobirama let out a small breath as he saw the soft natured side of his former student. His face softened and he spoke in a calmer tone. "Hiruzen. During the warring era, during my childhood, if any of us made a mistake like that we'd be killed. And even if we survived by some luck we'd be severely punished for taking such foolish actions. It wouldn't matter that we were just children."

"But this isn't the warring era. You and Lord Hashirama changed all that so children could grow, choose their own path, make mistakes and then learn from them."

Tobirama sighed as he thought about all he and his brother did. He decided to change the topic. "Is the scroll secure? Is there any damage?"

"The Forbidden Scroll is under heavy protection. And No. There isn't any damage to it." The old Hokage shook his head.

Tobirama nodded. "Good. What about the prisoners?"

"We've recaptured all of them and the minor damage they caused has been rectified."

Hiruzen's reply puzzled the Second Hokage. Tobirama crossed his arms and his gaze sharpened. "You wouldn't still have the village on alert like this if the situation was over. So what else happened?"

The old kage was silent for several moments before he spoke. Tobirama noted the change in the man's demeanor.

"On the night Mizuki launched his attack, Orochimaru ambushed Tsunade and her student near the northern border. He had a large team with him and based on what I know they've both been abducted by him."

The news cut through Tobirama's soul like a blade and it ignited a fierce fire within him. The next moment, his chakra which was typically calm and controlled, surged with an intensity that seemed to shake the very earth beneath his feet. The air around him crackled with electricity signifying the manifestation of his growing fury.

In an instant, Tobirama's demeanor transformed from composed to electrifying. His eyes, usually calm and calculating, were now blazed with cold fury. The ground trembled and cracked beneath him with just the sheer force of his chakra.

The old kage had to take a couple steps back to steady himself as he felt the weight of the man's wrath in the air. To Hiruzen it was as if he was in front of a storm that was about to unleash its fury.

The third Hokage trembled as he saw the rage in his teacher's eyes. In that moment it was like he was standing in front of a force of nature that embodied chaos and destruction.

Hiruzen understood one thing as he felt his predecessor's anger. 'He wasn't just spending time trying to create a counter to the reanimation jutsu… He also improved it. This power. There is no mistaking it. He's managed to bring himself back to his peak strength.'

Instantly another thought entered his mind as the old kage looked around the room. 'The seals. They'll break if he keeps this up and everyone will sense his presence.'

"Sensei please. You need to control your chakra."

To Tobirama, the moment he heard the terrible news, the image of a blonde little girl with a big smile who used to follow him and his brother around came to mind. 'Tsunade.'

The news that she was attacked and taken infuriated the man and made him lose his composure. It was only after hearing Hiruzen's plea that he came to his senses. Tobirama stood amidst the aftermath, his chest rising and falling with each measured breath as he gradually regained his composure. It was only then that he noticed his fingers digging into his palms.

The electric tension that had once surrounded him began to dissipate, replaced by an aura of solemn tranquility. With a deliberate motion, Tobirama unclenched his fists and released the pent-up energy that had coursed through his body like wildfire.

The third Hokage let out a breath of relief. 'The seals didn't break. Thank goodness. Otherwise we'd be swarmed right now. And seeing Lord Second would have opened a whole other can of worms.'

While the Third Hokage felt relief, the Second was experiencing a different emotion.

Even though Tobirama regained his composure the anger in his eyes was still visible. "Hiruzen, explain to me how this happened. How did Orochimaru manage to abduct Tsunade and Shizune so easily?"

"It was a calculated assault, sensei. The patrol squads and other shinobi were redirected to other areas to make sure the prisoners didn't escape and to secure the borders near those sections. Orochimaru used that moment to go after them. We believe he had been planning this for months, if not longer. This attack was unexpected. It happened in the brief moment when our defenses were at their lowest." Hiruzen replied with a subdued tone.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Tobirama's eyes narrowed and his voice grew a tad colder. "Unexpected? Orochimaru was once a student of yours, Hiruzen. You should have anticipated something like this from him. And now, Tsunade is paying the price because of your oversight."

Hiruzen met Tobirama's icy gaze, his own resolve hardening. "I know you're angry and your criticism is warranted, Tobirama. But blame and regret won't help us save them."

A brief moment of silence passed as Tobirama collected his thoughts. His mind worked on how to rescue his grandniece. "We need to use Anbu ninjas to locate them immediately. Time is of the essence. We don't know Orochimaru's intentions but I have a feeling they won't bode well for either of them."

Hiruzen nodded with the plan. "I've already organized and sent several Anbu and tracker teams."

"And?"

At Tobirama's questioning gaze, Hiruzen sighed and spoke. "Nothing concrete but there has been some developments. We've managed to identify 8 locations but we can't confirm if Tsunade or Shizune are in any of them."

Tobirama's brows furrowed in anger. "Orochimaru... What's his goal? Why did he abduct Tsunade and her apprentice?"

"We suspect he might be after Tsunade's unparalleled medical ninjutsu or her forbidden techniques. At this point it's unclear what he wants. All we have are theories."

The Second Hokage noted the slight reluctance on the old Kage's face. "What aren't you telling me Hiruzen?"

The third Hokage was silent for a few moments before he spoke. "We have another theory as to why Orochimaru took Tsunade… To experiment on her. On the Senju bloodline."

Tobirama's eyes widened when he heard that. He couldn't help but clench his fist and grit his teeth again. "That damn snake. He should have been dealt with a long time ago."

"This is just a theory. We don't know for sure if that's the case." The third Hokage said trying to calm him.

"Regardless, we need to save those two as quickly as possible. We can't let Orochimaru roam freely with such valuable hostages."

Hiruzen nodded and agreed with his predecessor's statement.

"We also have to secure our village against any other threats. This abduction might just be the beginning…" Tobirama suddenly realized something and asked. "What about Mizuki? Does he know anything?"

Hiruzen shook his head. "He doesn't. He was just a pawn."

"Have there been any other incidents?"

"Yes. Some of Orochimaru's people went after the Genin Daichi Hekima."

The Second Hokage's eyes narrowed when he heard that name. "Daichi Hekima… Isn't he also Tsunade's student?"

Hiruzen nodded. "Yes. I've sent him along with two other Jonins to investigate a lead. It was during their return to the village that they were ambushed. A few kilometers away from the capital. In the forest."

"Based on your expression I assume that the ambush failed?"

The third Hokage nodded. "Yes. We were able to capture several of Orochimaru's people. And among them is a crystal style user."

'Crystal Style huh. That's a rare and unique bloodline.' Tobirama had only seen that special Kekkei Genkai a few times during the battles in the warring era. "I can't believe there is still someone with that bloodline in this time period."

Hiruzen looked at his teacher with a questioning gaze. Tobirama began explaining what he knew about the Crystal style users.

"The crystal style users… Their clan was small and the people who could awaken and use that ability were few in numbers. But those who could were exceptionally strong. The way they could use their bloodline. It was incredible. They could crystalize nearly anything. It's a powerful bloodline that could be used offensively and defensively. Just one Crystal style user was enough to decimate entire squads of ninjas."

Hiruzen was surprised to hear that. He read the report on Daichi's battle with Guren but hearing the power and abilities of the bloodline from his sensei broadened his understanding of their strength.

Tobirama asked for more details on the incident and Hiruzen explained everything. When the Second Hokage heard that Daichi defeated the crystal style user on his own he was surprised. 'He's grown beyond what I anticipated. Hiruzen certainly didn't underestimate his talent.'

The Senju crossed his arms and was in deep thought. 'Orochimaru has Tsunade. Why would he need Daichi? Is it to hold him hostage and force her to do something? No. Orochimaru already has Shizune to use as leverage… So what could he be after?'

Tobirama looked at Hiruzen and spoke. "Without more information, we won't know why he went after the boy but one thing is certain. That child is more important to him than we realize."

Hiruzen agreed. "Exactly what I was thinking. At the moment I have Kakashi keeping an eye on him."

"Good." Tobirama nodded. He was silent for a few moments before he asked another question that's been on his mind. "Do you suspect Danzo's involvement in this? He and Orochimaru have had… questionable associations in the past. It's no secret he's always had his own agenda."

Hiruzen was silent and thought for a few moments before he replied. "Danzo... His ambitions are no secret. Whether he had a hand in this or not… It's a very small possibility but we cannot ignore it."

Tobirama narrowed his eyes as he heard that response.

Hiruzen began explaining the reason for his suspicion. "Danzo's ambition for my position and his 'ends justify the means' philosophy could align with Orochimaru's plans. It's possible Danzo sees Orochimaru's actions as a means to take control and become Hokage."

"But do you believe he helped Orochimaru with this attack on Tsunade?" Tobirama asked again.

The Third Hokage was silent for several seconds. He then looked at his teacher and spoke. "No. I don't think he was involved…"

"But you're not sure."

"He already went after Tsunade and Daichi once several years ago. He failed. And he tried to have me assassinated to get my seat. So I don't know what to believe…"

Tobirama, who didn't know about these incidents before, was shocked. "What you're describing is treasonous crimes. And you still did nothing?"

"There was nothing left that tied back to him. And without any proof I had to tread on delicate grounds. Accusing him without evidence would have only caused more chaos within the village at that time. However, I've had ANBU keep a closer eye on him and his Root operatives."

"What about the Root sleeper cells that have infiltrated the ranks?" Tobirama asked with a hardened tone.

"You know about that?" Hiruzen sighed. 'I suppose I shouldn't be surprised.'

"I've been doing my own investigations. Things have certainly not gone the way I expected…"

Tobirama's words made Hiruzen lower his head. "Forgive me sensei. I continued your work but I was nowhere as skillful as you."

The Second Hokage sighed. He decided to focus on what was important. "Tell me about the eight bases you mentioned. What information do you have on them?"

"Seven of them could be decoys to distract us or even reduce our manpower. But the eighth… Scouts have reported two powerful chakras in that building. But we couldn't confirm Tsunade or Orochimaru's presence in any one of them." Hiruzen paused for a second and then told the theory Shikaku proposed. He also told the man of his decision to use sleeper agents in the ranks for the operation.

Tobirama was silent for several moments. "You're right. We can't have the village destabilized in such a precarious time. Do it. But when the moment comes I'll confront Danzo myself."

Hirzuen nodded. "I understand sensei."

The old kage turned around and was about to leave when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned his head and saw the determined face of his teacher.

"Hiruzen. I want you to understand this. Tsunade has my brother's blood running through her veins. She is family. So if need be my involvement will go far beyond duty. By going after her Orochimaru made this personal."

Hiruzen's eyes slightly narrowed. "What exactly are you saying, sensei?"

"We will do whatever it takes to bring Tsunade and Shizune back. Orochimaru will face judgment for his actions. Tsunade isn't just my grand-niece, Hiruzen. She represents the future of this village. Her safety is paramount. So if I have to step out of the shadows, I will."

The third Hokage was silent for a few seconds before slowly nodding his head. "I understand Lord Second."

Tobirama nodded. "I want constant updates on the situation and inform me of the assembled teams' readiness. I will lead them myself if the need arises."

Time: 2:30 am

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Author's Note:

I hope I wrote Tobirama's character as true to himself. Let me know your thoughts. Things are about to heat up.

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