After Kakashi left, the Third Hokage rose to his feet, turned to look at the misty rain outside, and fell into deep thought.
Hanzō, what exactly are you plotting?
Over the years, the Land of Rain had remained in a state of isolation, with extremely little information making its way out. Even the spies Konoha had sent there had essentially vanished like stones sinking into the sea.
Still, they had obtained some information, though none of it was particularly useful.
It was said that Hanzō had not shown himself for a long time. Instead, he had proclaimed himself a god and ruled Amegakure, even the Land of Rain, in that name.
And the Daimyo of the Land of Rain, who had essentially become a puppet, had not shown the slightest dissatisfaction.
Claiming to be a god, stripping the Daimyo of power, attempting to steal a nation... Has your hunger for power and ambition swelled to such a degree?
And now you're taking in rogue ninja from other villages. Hanzō, are you planning to start another Shinobi World War?
The Third Hokage took a deep drag from his pipe, sighing at the undercurrents surging through the Shinobi World once more.
Knock, knock, knock!
A steady, unhurried knock sounded at the door.
"Come in!"
The door was pushed open, and a middle-aged man of average build walked in. He wore a Jonin flak jacket, and his black hair was tied into a pineapple-shaped ponytail.
Nara Shikaku!
The current head of the Nara clan, captain of Konoha's Jonin Corps, and a Hokage advisor.
Seeing who it was, the Third Hokage smiled. "Shikaku, it seems you have something important to report."
"Yes." Nara Shikaku nodded and handed over a scroll, his expression solemn. "Under the covert protection of our Anbu ninja, Tazuna has safely