Chapter 191: The Sannin Skirmish (5)

Chapter 191: The Sannin Skirmish (5)

Hisen, Su, Sanma, and Yondu are the four elite guards of Utsu, the Fourth Takigake of Takigakure. In a village that comprises more Jonins than Chunins and Genins in terms of growth and accommodation, setting themselves out of the competition by itself places them on a higher pedestal without ever needing to show the depths of their skills.

Su, the current Jinchuriki of Seven Tails is an eccentric who loves beautiful things. But nobody knows of his true interests. Among the four, he is the most dangerous. And yet, Utsu has kept the man tame whenever the beast within him would be used to go out of control.

But like every other Jinchuriki, he is merely feared. Isolated. Well, from everyone including his team BUT Utsu.

Hisen is a solid Jonin in every aspect but his true skills shine in Ninjutsu.

Sanma is a master of Genjutsu despite his other parameters equally solid.

And Yondu is a master of taijutsu and bukijutsu and just like others, he is a solid contender for the top in this village.

But unlike Hisen, the three lack something crucial.

Within the Kage's room, clutching one of the various unfurled scrolls lying all around the ground, Hisen has to give his all but his tears soon start to wet the scroll scribbled with information that originates from dubious sources.

Seeing the stoic face of the village break down silently, it would be a lie that others did not feel their hearts stab through by sharp spears. They may be shinobi... but they failed to become weapons All five of them in this room.

Sighing gently, Utsu whispers, "I am not sorry, Hisen-san. Not one bit. Look around this room. It has to be you..."

"Damn right," Su chuckles carefreely, "You'll make a beautiful sacrifice... after us, of course." The sarcasm in his tone makes others smile for a bit but Yondu and Sanma still keep their distance from Su.

"Hisen, you are the one who helped me train in Genjutsu," Sanma smiles, "There is no way I can ever accept what is meant for you."

"Hm. I never had such ambitions, too," Yondu nods curtly.

"You all can survive," Hisen's voice quakes and he stares off at the only sealed scroll set on the table, "Things may not come to that point. Please, Lord Fourth, let me join this mission instead. All five of us know the truth! We were prepared for this day from the moment we joined your guards!"

"Look around, Hisen-san," Utsu whispers gently as he points at the many scrolls containing sensitive information from all around the world, "Not only us five, but even this person who sent us all this information may know about Hero Water."

Hisen grows silent as Utsu continues.

"We Shinobi stab each other in the back whenever the moment arises. Although it may be unwise to follow information from unverified sources, look at all this person has already predicted. Sakumo's disappearance. Iwa's Explosion Corps was sighted this morning."

"As this mysterious source sent for us today, Third Raikage did contact us with an offer. This means Third Raikage is just as privy to our circumstances as we are to his. To some extent at least. This also means, The Sannins do intend to steal our secret... and fatally wound Su. We have a greater hand at this moment and if we manage to complete the deal with the Raikage, we stand to gain quite a bit, too."

"I almost feel for Dear Slug Princess," Su pouts, "Although I just met her today... her future felt so bright."

Ignoring Su, Hisen retorts, "But it can also mean the Sannin are just as aware! It may be a trap! That mysterious individual must have their own intentions!"

"This is what happens when information itself becomes so muddled," Utsu gazes off into the distance, "Paranoid is a safe gesture in our work but this kind of major information leakage... has everyone on their edge, I can safely assume so. But what of it."

Utsu's eyes regain their sparkle once again, "If we cannot deal with this, then whoever comes after our group must. Leaving these opportunities out of fear does not make us a Shinobi. Hisen-san, my body is failing already. Even if we assume that I and others may survive... we need one able body to be ready at all times. It's time... I take one last gulp once and for all."

Smiling, Utsu looks at Hisen whose tears are already dried up, "That's a nice expression, Hisen-san. You understand what we must do."

"Protect... Takigakure." Hisen replies firmly. His determined response lights up everyone's expression and they wait no longer. All the Shinobi but Hisen disappear from the room and flicker away into the night of Taki.

It's not long after Hisen hears a few crashing noises in distance. But he pays them no heed. Instead, he relays down the order to tighten the defenses around their immediate perimeters and returns to Utsu's room to study each of the unfurled scrolls.

Suna, Kumo, Iwa, Kiri, Konoha, Ame, and even some 'gossip' of different countries... he reads through it all.

The more he reads... the more his heart feels cold.

What is the truth?

"Among many other convenient things."

He looks at her deeply before shaking his head, "No."

"So this is not all about money?" Tsunade furrows her brows. She can usually smell a money grubber from miles away and this man reeks of obsession.

"Indeed. Your bounty isn't just about money," He reveals, "But out of respect to Hashirama Senju, I shall let you in the truth briefly. I was once tasked to assassinate your grandfather... and he let me go."

Tsunade's eyes widen as she finally realizes the identity of this man. And indeed... he did have a bounty... but due to his supposed age and the fact he did not make any major moves... he is almost forgotten.

"Kakuzu... of Waterfall."

"Everyone assumes I survived Hashirama out of my strength," Kakuzu remarks grimly, "But I was captured and returned. And as one would expect... my survival was not taken kindly by the village administration. So, for once in my life since that day, this fails to be about money."

Tsunade purses her lips.

Their surrounding stiffens due to tension oozing out from both of them. Their keen senses reveal that the other party is ready.

Kakuzu will not stop. And retreating would put Tsunade in a tough spot.

The only way forward is through this conflict.

*Srrrttt*

Gentle wind rustles the leaves of the surrounding trees. In an instant, the senbon needles belted around her left wrist slides down between her fingers which she throws at Kakuzu accurately. For a brief moment, moonlight flickers off the three senbon needles.

With an icy stare, Kakuzu doesn't move which would have been an easy act to predict and thus plan for. Instead, chakra seeps into his already dark skin and his hands turn greyish-brown which he holds up to precisely catch the needles.

Seeing Tsunade form THAT seal, however... Kakuzu has to change his aged perspective of this world.

Whose fucking idea is it to inscribe explosive seals on something as thin as a needle? Nay... just who has THAT level of skill in fuinjutsu to use metal instead of paper seals?!

But Kakuzu thinks nothing more of it as his entire body darkens the very instant

*Kabooooom*

A loud explosion lights up the surroundings with a massive gust of wind and shock!

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Alternate Title: When Ryo Doesn't Work... Explosion Will!; God's Survivor; The God Amongst Mortals; The Hand Of Information; Chilling Revelations; Beyond the Curtain of Plans Lies... Truth Worth the Paranoia; Heart of Waterfall; Determination of the One Titled Kage; Threats Embolden The Strong-Willed; The Two Ryo Addicts' Explosive Meeting

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