NARUTO: SECOND GOD OF SHINOBI

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After an hour of intense focus and concentration, Hiruzen had successfully crafted the **Telescopic Art**, thoroughly comprehending its intricacies and making several enhancements.

This advanced technique allowed him to bypass barriers within Konoha, monitoring even the most secluded households.

Only high-level barrier seals posed a challenge to its omniscience—a thought that filled him with both pride and mischief.

The materials he had requested soon arrived, and at the center of his attention was a special chakra conduction glass renowned for its ability to channel chakra and hold seals.

Hiruzen swiftly set up barrier seals to ensure that no disturbances would interfere with his work.

He drew upon his fire chakra, molding the glass into a transparent spherical shape.

The process required a delicate balance of power and precision, and Hiruzen focused intently, channeling his energy with practiced ease.

"Ahh! Having such fine chakra control is incredibly handy," he mused aloud, a grin spreading across his face.

"With a little more practice, I could master hand seal-less jutsu or, better yet, reach the level of copying techniques just by observing the hand seals.

Just a bit more work, and I can connect this to the village barrier seals. I could record every villager's chakra signature and set up viewing-recording seals for anything interesting. Hehehe."

His laughter, low and creeping, sent a shiver through the ANBU operatives hiding in the corner of the room.

They exchanged uneasy glances, acutely aware of the implications of Hiruzen's new toy.

What had initially seemed like a simple enhancement to his jutsu had transformed into something far more ominous.

With unwavering determination, he began forming seals to establish the functions of viewing, recording, and storing chakra signatures.

He even devised a unique seal for identification, ensuring that, even if he taught someone else his technique, they wouldn't have access to the stored information within the crystal ball. 

In less than half an hour, Hiruzen had completed the crystal ball. Channeling his chakra into the sphere, he commanded it to project an image of Konoha from above.

The view formed clearly inside the ball, and as he played with the image, he made numerous adjustments.

It was now capable of displaying any image, whether inside or outside the ball, or projecting it outward through the glass. 

The ANBU operatives, watching in astonishment, realized the true power of this technique. It could not only eavesdrop on conversations from miles away but also see anyone within the village—an unparalleled form of omniscience.

"Chuckle!" Hiruzen couldn't contain his amusement at the frightened expressions on the ANBU's faces. "Now, let's see what **Mitarashi Zashi** is up to," he declared, eager to shift the scene to Zashi's location. 

With a flick of his wrist, the crystal ball displayed a dimly lit office where Zashi lounged in his chair, feet propped up casually. "Any reports from Hokage's ANBU?" he inquired, his voice smooth but tinged with curiosity. 

"No, my lord," replied a subordinate, eyes wide with anxiety. "The Hokage has been working continuously. He doesn't seem to tire and hasn't made any significant moves.

He spends his time making rounds around the village, interacting with small clans, and taking their children under his wing."

"Oh?" Zashi mused, raising a brow. "Is it the same as it was a year ago? Just taking children and teaching them? Or is he fooling everyone into believing this facade? It seems he's planning something now that the ANBU have failed to follow his orders and aren't under his control."

Zashi's gaze hardened as a flicker of concern crossed his features. "What about those children he's teaching? Any reports on them?"

"Yes, my lord," the subordinate replied hastily. "Some are quite talented, while others are just ordinary.

A few were never heard from after he scouted them. They seem like average children, remaining in their clan compounds, only engaging in physical training."

"Hmmm…" Zashi pondered, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Not leaving their clans. I wonder if he's secretly training his own forces under this pretense.

Let's wait and see; I doubt anyone can remain uninterested in Hokage's power for long."

Meanwhile, Hiruzen sat in his office, listening intently to the conversation through the crystal ball.

He chuckled softly, "Hahaha! His vigilance is impressive, but he forgets that shadow clones can't be detected by ordinary ninjas.

It requires the Sharingan, Byakugan, or a very experienced ninja. And it might also be because no one can maintain shadow clones for such long durations."

The ANBU operatives were drenched in cold sweat, their backs slick with anxiety.

They understood that spying on the Hokage, the very man they were sworn to protect, was a death sentence.

Their initial confidence faltered as Hiruzen's cunning methods exceeded anything they had anticipated.

Panic set in among the ANBU as they attempted to flicker away, but soon realized they were met with an obstruction—the barrier seal Hiruzen had set up around his office. 

"Barrier seal? But when? I was watching the whole time," one of the ANBU exclaimed, bewildered. 

"It doesn't matter; we need to inform Lord Zashi about this," another added quickly, desperation evident in their tone.

"Hahaha! No need to fear; I'll make this quick," Hiruzen announced with a wicked grin.

"Now, let's watch some interesting things. After all, I'm not so cruel as to let you die just like that. I will make it a memorable day for you, So come and watch."

With that, Hiruzen immobilized them. He knew that if they attacked, he might have to kill them, but he preferred to savor the moment.

Soon, he turned his attention back to the crystal ball, eager to entertain himself further.

His next command was directed toward finding beautiful kunoichi within the village.

He designed a seal to scan Konoha for stunning women, ready to indulge in some delightful viewing.

Moments later, a list of various kunoichi appeared on the screen, each name and image displayed prominently.

Hiruzen began perusing the list, watching as the kunoichi went about their daily activities—some training, others performing missions, while some were simply attending to household chores.

Each image flickered in front of him, captivating his attention like a gallery of fine art.

Eventually, one particular kunoichi preparing for a bath caught his eye. Intrigued, he paused the scene, eagerly watching the unfolding events.

The kunoichi stepped into her bathroom, filling her tub with water. She moved gracefully, and as she disrobed, Hiruzen leaned forward, excitement surging within him.

The ANBU operatives were struggling against their bindings, their eyes wide with a mix of anticipation and shock as they found themselves drawn into the spectacle.

With every movement, the kunoichi seemed unaware of the eyes upon her, her focus solely on the relaxing ritual ahead.

Hiruzen's breath caught in his throat as she walked toward the tap, the sound of running water filling the room. The tension was thick as they all watched in silence, captivated by the scene.

"Damn! Who was that son of a b**** interrupting such a good display? I swear I will skin him alive!" one of the ANBU exclaimed, frustration evident in his tone.

"Yeah, f***** b******! I will cut his—" another began, only to be silenced by Hiruzen's sudden laughter.

"Now, now, no need to be angry," he interjected, unable to contain his amusement. "Let's see what else we can find instead. I have another kunoichi in mind."

With a flick of his wrist, he redirected the focus of the crystal ball, eager to uncover another captivating scene.

The ANBU operatives watched in disbelief, their initial anger quickly forgotten as Hiruzen commanded the sphere to reveal another enchanting kunoichi.

Soon, the new image materialized—a different kunoichi engaged in her daily routine.

She was practicing taijutsu in a secluded training area, her movements fluid and powerful.

Hiruzen felt a surge of admiration for her strength and determination, and the room buzzed with a collective sense of wonder. 

"Look at that technique!" one of the ANBU couldn't help but exclaim, a spark of interest igniting amid their earlier anxiety.

"Yes, yes! She's incredible!" another echoed, momentarily forgetting their predicament. 

Hiruzen, too, felt the thrill of the moment. "Ah, yes! It's moments like these that make being Hokage so enjoyable," he mused, savoring the tension and excitement filling the room. 

The kunoichi continued her training, sweat glistening on her brow as she pushed her limits.

The ANBU operatives leaned in closer, absorbed by the display, their previous anger dissipating as they surrendered to the allure of the moment.

But just as Hiruzen was about to delve deeper into the scene, the crystal ball flickered, and the image shifted abruptly. 

"What? No! Come back!" Hiruzen protested, his fingers curling into fists.

He quickly adjusted the seal, trying to regain control of the visualization, and soon another image emerged—this time of a group of kunoichi strategizing over a mission.

"Interesting…," Hiruzen said, intrigued by their discussion. The room fell silent as they tuned in to the conversation, each operative straining to catch every word.

One kunoichi with a commanding presence stood at

 the forefront. "We need to gather more intel on the enemy's movements before we make a move. I don't want any unnecessary risks," she declared, her voice firm. 

"Agreed. We need to stay one step ahead of them," another replied, her tone laced with determination. 

"Is that so?" Hiruzen mused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Seems like they are more diligent than I thought. Perhaps I should incorporate this information into my plans."

With a chuckle, he leaned back, satisfied with his newfound power. He realized that not only could he surveil the village, but he could also gain invaluable insights into the workings of both his allies and enemies. 

As the scene continued, the kunoichi's conversation grew more intense. They discussed strategies, potential threats, and the importance of keeping their village safe.

Hiruzen felt a pang of respect for their dedication and strength, an admiration he hadn't anticipated.

"Ah, how the tides have changed," he whispered to himself, recognizing the weight of responsibility he bore as Hokage. "But I must protect this village, even if it means using these tactics to gain the upper hand."

Finally, the crystal ball flickered again, this time stabilizing on a serene image of the village itself, showcasing Konoha's lush greenery and vibrant community life.

Hiruzen found himself reflecting on his role within this bustling environment—the peace he sought to maintain amid the constant threat of war.

As he considered the depth of his responsibilities, Hiruzen turned to the immobilized ANBU, who were still fixated on the crystal ball, their expressions a mix of awe and dread.

"You see," he began, his tone shifting to one of seriousness, "this power I wield is not just for entertainment. It's a means to an end.

To protect Konoha, to understand its strengths and weaknesses, and to ensure its survival. You may see this as a violation, but it is merely my duty."

The ANBU operatives remained silent, absorbed in his words, realizing the gravity of Hiruzen's intent. 

"And now," Hiruzen continued, a hint of mischief returning to his voice, "let's find one last beautiful scene before we conclude our little show."

With a few swift hand signs, he commanded the crystal ball to reveal yet another enchanting kunoichi, ready to indulge in one final captivating moment before he released them from their binds.

As the next image flickered to life, the room buzzed with anticipation, and Hiruzen smiled, his heart swelling with the thrill of both power and responsibility.

Today, he had gained not just a technique but an insight into the very heart of Konoha itself.

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