Naruto: Scourge of the Ninja World

What is Gekko Chizan best at?

Not combat.

Not scientific research.

But espionage—and stealth.

With Transparent Release and Flying Thunder God, he stood firmly at the peak of intelligence gathering.

Even Orochimaru had to admit that.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have let his own research materials get stolen right from under his nose by his own apprentice.

Even if they were just some potions, they were still carefully developed with his own effort.

Thinking of this, Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

"Chizan-kun, you're absolutely right. Even though you can't assist me with scientific experiments…"

"But your value is still immense. If I asked you to go to another village and retrieve rare materials or jutsu for me, would you be willing?"

Gekko Chizan: I was just talking nonsense, why'd you take it seriously?

But… it's not like it's impossible.

If he's making the trip anyway, he might as well grab a few extra things on the way back.

"Sure! For your research, Sensei, I'll do it without hesitation!"

"Say the word, Sensei—do you want the Third Hokage's smoking pipe, or his pervy crystal ball? I'll bring it back for you right away!"

Orochimaru: The **** is wrong with you? Are you picking a fight with the Third Hokage? What use do I have for his pipe or his crystal ball???

Forget it.

The sentiment is appreciated.

Given the situation across the major villages right now, even he didn't want to go out in person.

Everywhere felt like a battlefield waiting to happen.

"No need right now. Go back to your teaching job. If I need you, I'll let you know."

"Oh, right. Take this. Same type as the two previous scrolls, but this one contains some basic Sealing Techniques."

"Learning them will benefit you."

To be honest, Orochimaru, when not consumed by darkness, was actually a decent person.

Looking at the scroll labeled with the kanji for "seal," Gekko Chizan felt a little touched.

Too bad he'd already tricked the sealing techniques out of Jiraiya—this was probably about the same.

Whatever.

He'd take it.

After all, it was a gift from Orochimaru.

"Alright, Sensei. Then I'll take my leave!"

With a bow, he activated Flying Thunder God.

In the next second, Gekko Chizan appeared on the roof of the Ninja Academy.

Looking at the Flying Thunder God seal he'd marked there, he smiled slightly.

"These three months have been pretty profitable."

He leapt down from the rooftop.

Time for class.

...

During this period, it was as if all the ninja villages had gone into hibernation.

No battles.

No contact.

But everyone knew—this was only the calm before the storm.

Konoha was also preparing in full swing.

All ninja stationed outside were recalled, and missions outside the village were drastically reduced.

For a time, this caused a steep decline in income for the ninja within the village.

The most heavily affected were the ordinary ninja.

They lived off mission pay, after all.

...

Mission Hall, Konoha.

"Damn it, the number of missions is getting lower and lower."

"At this rate, my son and I will be eating dirt!"

Two ninja in identical green bodysuits stood in front of the mission board, grumbling.

Their complaints drew nods of agreement from the surrounding ninja.

"Yeah, the mission count lately is pitiful."

"Ugh, and other than missions within the Land of Fire, there's basically nothing going to other countries."

Of course, there were also some well-informed individuals trying to explain:

"Can't be helped. Something's off with the three neighboring villages lately."

"Didn't some Kumogakure ninja show up in the Land of Hot Water a while back? I heard a few of our Anbu even died."

The large mission hall had basically turned into a teahouse—everyone chatting and venting their frustration.

...

Hokage Tower.

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the scene unfold in his crystal ball, frowning deeply.

"Sigh… morale has been a bit shaky lately."

Behind him sat Konoha's elder council.

Namely: Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and the future pseudo-Fifth Hokage—Shimura Danzo.

"There's nothing we can do. The signs of war are growing stronger. If we send them out on missions now…"

"And they get picked off one by one, it would severely damage the village's overall strength."

Mitokado Homura spoke gravely, explaining his concerns.

Utatane Koharu nodded in agreement.

"Hmph, Sarutobi, if you ask me, we should've started preparing earlier."

"War is clearly imminent. Whether it's the Uchiha or the Hyuga, they should've been mobilized by now."

Danzo gave a cold snort. His approach was always direct and harsh—but it wasn't without logic.

Both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans produced powerful shinobi, and with their dōjutsu, they were more suited to defense than most.

Sarutobi took a drag of his pipe, remaining silent.

In truth, he was also considering whether it was time to start preparations.

But Konoha had always been surrounded on all sides.

If they made the first move, the consequences could be disastrous.

"What are you hesitating for, Hiruzen? If you're worried…"

"Then send the Anbu to collect intelligence again."

"No need to worry about Kumogakure—just focus on Iwagakure and Sunagakure."

"And we already have a candidate, don't we? Didn't Hatake Sakumo volunteer to go to Sunagakure?"

Danzo's expression didn't change, as if sending people to other nations for intel was completely risk-free.

Yet surprisingly, his suggestion received support from both Homura and Koharu.

"Indeed, intelligence is most critical in the early stages of war."

"If Sakumo wants to go, then let him."

"If I'm not mistaken, didn't he invite Gekko Chizan of the Gekko clan as well?"

Hearing Gekko Chizan's name, a flicker of interest passed through Danzo's eyes.

"With Transparent Release and Flying Thunder God, he's perfect for intelligence missions."

"Besides, we still don't know where he learned Flying Thunder God in the first place—that's an issue in itself."

"We won't hold him accountable for stealing it for now, but he should still contribute to the village."

With just a few words, Danzo had thrust Gekko Chizan directly into the spotlight.

This time, even Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression turned dark.

How could he not understand Danzo's implication?

He wanted Chizan to pay for his 'crime.'

Hmph.

Didn't he know Gekko Chizan was someone Hiruzen had personally taken notice of?

That boy was his grand-student!

"The Gekko clan has already fallen behind. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't send Gekko Chizan out."

Hiruzen's firm stance immediately soured the atmosphere for the other three.

"It's not necessary yet?"

"Then when is it necessary? When the enemy is knocking on our doorstep?"

Faced with Danzo's relentless pressing, Hiruzen's face began to show hints of anger.

"Hmph, Danzo—I'm the Hokage."

"Sakumo's mission will proceed soon enough, but as for the personnel—that's none of your concern!"

With Hiruzen's sharp rebuke, the meeting ended on a sour note.

But Hatake Sakumo's mission was now officially on the agenda.

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