Sarutobi Shinnosuke is missing.
Two days.
What does this mean? It means he's probably dead.
Died in the hands of Kumogakure. Died in the hands of Uchiha Shaoyu. Died in some unknown corner on the battlefield.
Danzo's fingers tapped lightly on the table.
The eldest son of Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Sarutobi Hiruzen. The heir that Third Hokage worked so hard to cultivate.
Knows the five chakra attributes, can channel Enma, and knows Five Release Great Combo Technique.
A low-end version of Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He is a strong contender for Fourth Hokage.
No, not just a strong contender. He was almost a default.
With Sarutobi Hiruzen standing behind him, Sarutobi Clan's support, and with so many years of accumulated credit and reputation, Hokage's position is most likely his.
Danzo Close your eyes.
His biggest wish in this life is to become Hokage.
Since he was young, he wanted to be Hokage. When Second was alive, he thought there was still a chance. Later, Second died, and Hiruzen Sarutobi became Hokage.
He told himself that it didn't matter. When Hiruzen Sarutobi quits, it would be my turn.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi lasted for decades.
He waited for decades.
Thirty years later, Hiruzen Sarutobi is still in that position. His hair is white, his body is old, and his right eye is gone. But he is still waiting.
Now I finally have the chance.
Shinnosuke is missing. If he dies, there will be one less competitor.
The rest is Orochimaru.
Orochimaru... It's not easy to deal with either. But he has a way.
Danzo's one eye flashed in the candlelight.
He opened his eyes, picked up the pen, and spread out the paper.
Still have to report Hiruzen Sarutobi.
You have to do enough superficial work.
He wrote:
"Hiruzen Sarutobi personally reports: Frontline battle report, Shinnosuke led the team to perform a mission, but did not return for two days and his whereabouts are unknown. Extra manpower has been sent to search, and any news will be reported."
Finished writing.
He read it over and nodded with satisfaction.
It's official business. There is no emotion. Hiruzen Sarutobi After watching it, I can only feel that he is dedicated to his duties and doesn't think too much.
Danzo folded the letter and called a Root ninja.
"Send Konoha back overnight and hand it over to Third."
"Yes."
The ninja is gone.
Danzo sat there, looking at the roof of the tent.
Shinnosuke, don't blame me.
Who told you to be the son of that old guy Sarutobi Hiruzen?
Konohagakure.
Hokage Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen is sitting on a chair, holding the letter sent from the front line in his hand.
His fingers are trembling.
The letter was very short, just a few lines. But he read it for a long, long time.
"Shinnosuke... Did not return for two days... Whereabouts unknown..."
His lips were moving, but there was no sound.
Anbu Ninja, who was standing next to him, didn't dare to speak or move.
He saw Third Hokage's face turn pale at that moment, and his whole body seemed to have had his bones taken away, and he slumped on the chair.
"Third Hokage Master..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his hand to signal him to stop talking.
He stared at the letter, at the words.
He did not return for two days and his whereabouts are unknown.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
His eldest son.
He has worked hard to cultivate successors for more than 20 years.
Knows the five chakra attributes, can channel Enma, and knows Five Release Great Combo Technique.
He has a gentle personality but not weak, and is decisive but not reckless. How much effort did he put into cultivating Shinnosuke to what he is today?
He taught him ninjutsu from a young age, took him to the battlefield, and taught him step by step how to be a qualified ninja and a qualified commander. He taught him everything he knew and could teach.
Shinnosuke did not disappoint him. In his twenties, his strength is close to or even reaching Kage Level. After a few more years of training, he can take over the position of Hokage.
In this war, he specially asked Shinnosuke to go to the front line.
The purpose is not to let him perform meritorious service - of course, it is also a good thing to perform meritorious service - but more importantly, it is to allow him to accumulate experience, see real war, and prepare for his future succession.
How long has it been?
Only a few days?
People are gone?
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes were black, and his chest was so tight that he couldn't breathe. He felt that his heart was beating so hard that his whole body was shaking.
Master Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
Anbu Ninja quickly stepped forward to support him.
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand to indicate that he was fine.
"I'm fine, just take a rest."
He closed his eyes, took a few deep breaths, and exhaled.
Slowly, the dizziness subsided a little.
But his hands were still shaking.
He looked at the letter and those words.
Shinnosuke. His son.
Biwako If you knew...
He didn't dare to think about it.
It was the flesh and blood of her ten-month pregnancy. It hurt from childhood, and she held it in her mouth for fear of melting, and held it in her hand for fear of falling.
Shinnosuke Every time she goes on a mission, she is so worried that she can't eat. This time on the battlefield, she Tenten prays to God and Buddha to keep her son safe.
Now let her know that Shinnosuke is missing...
Sarutobi Hiruzen Close your eyes.
He seemed to have seen what Biwako looked like. He cried, made noises, threw things, and then fainted.
Wake up again, cry again, make trouble again, throw things again.
He can't stand that.
He would rather die than see his wife like that.
But how long can it be hidden?
You'll have to know sooner or later.
Sarutobi Hiruzen put down the letter, put his hands on the table, and slowly stood up.
His legs were shaking too.
After standing for a while, he took a deep breath and then another.
Slowly, the tone calmed down.
He remembered something.
Uchiha Shaoyu.
That man is a smart man. He is not a reckless man who only knows how to fight and kill. He is a man with real brains.
What would a smart person do?
If Shinnosuke falls into his hands...
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up.
Yes. Shinnosuke will not die.
If Shinnosuke falls into his hands, he will never kill it.
A living Sarutobi Shinnosuke is worth much more than a dead one.
That is the son of Sarutobi Hiruzen. The heir of Third Hokage. One of the most valuable hostages of Konoha.
How many things can be exchanged for him? Prisoners of war, supplies, territory, armistice agreement - as long as Uchiha Shaoyu wants it, he Sarutobi Hiruzen has to give it.
Therefore, he will not kill Shinnosuke.
He will keep it. Keep it as a bargaining chip.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's breathing slowly calmed down.
He sat down again and read the letter again.
He did not return for two days and his whereabouts are unknown.
It doesn't mean dead.
Maybe he just got caught.
Probably still somewhere.
Possibly...
Still alive.
Sarutobi Hiruzen Close your eyes and tell yourself in your heart.
Shinnosuke is still alive.
Must still be alive.
He opened his eyes and said to Anbu Ninja, "Go and call Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu."
Anbu Ninja was stunned for a moment. "Now?"
"Now."
The ninja is out.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat on the chair and looked at the night outside the window.
His hands were still shaking, but his eyes had stabilized.
Shinnosuke, you must live.
Dad will find a way to save you.