Saga of Tanya the Kunoichi

Kumogakure

"Godaime-sama, here's information from our spies planted in Konoha", Darui, A's right-hand man kneeled before handing out a report from their intelligence department.

A, the 4th Raikage took the scroll and read it. The Uchiha massacre, leaving only a child behind. And the rumors surrounding Uchiha causing 9 tails jinchuriki rampage. 

A's eyes also widen slightly seeing the info on the jinchuriki is suspected to only be a 7 years old child named Uzumaki Naruto as he observes the villagers unabashed treatment towards him.

"A mere 7 years old?", Raikage taps his desk. 

He's considering breaking the peace treaty already. Also a few years ago Konoha dared to trick them by giving Hizashi! Though, since they cannot prove that the witness does not mistake the twin for the other - he had to accept such a useless peace offering.

Konoha has lost a lot since the 3rd Shinobi War - but so do other nations. While other nations had signed peace treaties and had each had slowed down their military expenditure and growth while recovering; Land of Lighting doesn't - as if they are already looking for a chance for war. 

Their 3rd Hokage, Hiruzen, is an old man already past his prime. Losing the Yellow Flash, one of the Sannin defected, and now one of the strongest clan of Konoha massacred. Also the loss of both Shisui of Body Flicker and Itachi Uchiha that potentially are Elite Jonin. Then add this fact with Konoha essentially having zero control over the 9 tails.

He doesn't believe this 7 year old child can control the bijuu, so Konoha's jinchuriki, the strongest weapon they had, can be taken out of the equation entirely.

Konoha had truly lost a lot of their elite forces, and at this moment, they are truly at their weakest. 

His own village had B, 8 tails jinchuriki that already had perfect control and cooperation with Gyuki, while Yugito Nii had good enough control over Matatabi and is still in training at the Falls of Truth. She can be sent to war as well.

But A will not underestimate Konoha just yet. There is Jiraiya and Tsunade. And Kakashi of the Sharingan is nothing to be scoffed at either. A war will cause too many losses if it's just Kumogakure. He doesn't think the Daimyo would approve of it either.

Unless they are able to cause Konoha to spread their elite forces through multiple fronts…

A took some fresh ink and wrote a letter to be sent to Iwa and Suna. He doesn't really have much hope on the two to be honest. But who knows - chances are chances. In case the two are bold enough, he is certain he can gain a lot.

Land of Lighting does not clash much with Stone and Wind due to their geographical location so Kumo essentially is one who reaps most benefit with less risk if they come to agree to wage war against Konoha at the same time.

…

Hmm… A suddenly had this inspiration from Hiruzen's weak resolve due to them actually sending Hizashi's body to them at all instead of refusing even if they were tricked by Kumo. 

A decides to cause a leak of information that 'Kumogakure is preparing to wage war against Konoha along with Iwa and Suna' to the land of fire. And perhaps he can extort some benefits from Konoha in case Hiruzen once again bow his head to prevent war from happening. A little gain is still a gain.

***

Iwagakure

Onoki read the letter sent by Kumo's envoy.

Onoki snorted. As much as he wants to take on Konoha - he doesn't think it will work. They underestimated Konoha too much. He might consider it if Suna also wants to, but cooperating is Suna is the last thing he would want to do. So he will just wait and see.

***

Sunagakure

4th Kazekage, Rasa read the letter. Their daimyo is already pressuring him a lot really. After all, the land only has very few fertile lands. He is aware that the country lacks many resources and given Land of Wind's reliance on import for necessities; the other two countries are taking advantage of it to squeeze as much as possible from Land of Wind through ridiculous trade prices.

Rasa can mine gold. But the reason Suna is not rich is because the trade doesn't give much. It's like he had to exchange a handful of gold to get a bag of rice. Land of fire especially is taking advantage of this fact. Also add to the fact that Rasa is the Kazekage. He is not a miner damn it! He did mine some for his village but it's something very shameful for himself.

Rasa scrunched the scroll he's reading.

He is not confident in attacking Konoha. But he is certain the daimyo would order them to if he finds out Iwa and Kumo might be in it. He wrote a reply to both of the Kages. Essentially also taking a stance of 'wait and see'.

Normally this means war won't happen since no one is willing to make the first move.

***

Tobi meanwhile is wondering if there's a way he could push a war to happen. He just wants to weaken the 4 Great Nations so he could carry out his plan smoothly later. 

***

Akagahara, a large city in the Land of Fire.

Shinno and his apprentice, Amaru, are just about to return to their small peaceful village after their travelling to treat people and give Amaru experience of travelling the land.

In the izakaya, he heard the 3 men talking nearby.

"They say war might happen… you know about the Uchihas right? Since they got wiped…".

"Gosh. We are right at the border facing the Land of Lighting. Should I prepare to move? If war really happens and they won...".

Shinno hears the whispers and rumors. If he had already left perhaps he wouldn't have heard of the rumors at all since the village he stayed in is rural and doesn't get the big rumors.

Shinno had this brilliant idea suddenly. To use war to collect negative chakra is far far better than just relying on his village population. And he could jump start Ancor Vantian earlier.

But he doesn't have the ability to do such manipulation. Triggering a war isn't simple. As for the current remnants of his people, the Village Hidden in the Sky, there's a risk of exposing them to any of the great shinobi villages and they might get wiped out before he can fully utilize them. Unless he can use them and manage to gain enough to gather enough chakra for zero tails and Ancor Vantian in one fell swoop.

If there's anyone he can somewhat trust given the circumstances…

Perhaps I can try to contact him…

As for who, it's the person he once made an exchange of knowledge with; one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru. His whereabouts are unknown but he can try to contact the last Orochimaru's spy he knew. In case war does happen, he wants to know and be there - maybe pretending to be a doctor for hire. He already imagined himself collecting so many negative chakra and smiled slightly.

Amaru heard the rumor as well and she frowned.

"Master, will war really happen? Why do they even fight?".

Shinno smiled at Amaru.

"Hm. I think no. But its not certain. As for why war happens, it's greed Amaru. It's because they want something from others they don't have or worse, they simply want even more".

"That's… selfish and awful…", Amaru, the 7 years old girl pouted.

"It's human nature after all… we cannot escape selfishness. But we can choose, like you, and me, we both choose to give and heal instead of taking", Shinno smiled at Amaru.

Amaru's eyes brighten up.

"Yes Master! I understand! I will study harder to save more!".

***

Konohagakure

Danzo throws the report from their intelligence to Hiruzen's table.

'Hiruzen, Konoha is at risk of war. You understand this right?'.

Hiruzen let out a puff of smoke.

"Danzo, you should know even more than I do that it's highly unlikely. Nothing but rumors. What exactly do you want? I already know you are scheming". 

Danzo snorted.

'You tried to hide it from me, Hiruzen...'. Danzo said coldly, his one eye locked onto the old man.

Hiruzen froze for a second. He sighed inwardly. It seems Danzo did keep a Root member on his tabs that night. Danzo, after all, still wants to know the result of Hiruzen fighting the rampaging Naruto and maybe even hear the news of Hiruzen death so a Root member just watching is almost a given.

Danzo tapped his cane as he took a scroll out from his cloth.

"Tsuyu Uzumaki. Already capable of using the power of 9 tails without losing control. Able to fight and stop her brother that even you are barely able to - a 7 years old child at that. Only a fool would not understand what this means for Konoha". Danzo said sarcastically.

Hiruzen clenched his fist. He had wanted to protect Tsuyu from Danzo most, from being exploited by him.

"Koharu and Homura already agreed with me. The risk of war is there, we have to develop her faster to provide more security to the village. Tsunade cannot even see blood. Your disciple Orochimaru could come back to bite at us. We already discussed allowing her to advance faster in the academy. And she herself wants it and is already far superior than her peers. What other excuse will you give now, Hiruzen".

Hiruzen clenched his fist even tighter, he blew another bigger puff of smoke from his pipe.

Minato, I can't protect your daughter this time… how many times have I failed you.

Hiruzen felt ashamed and guilty inside. He cannot refute Danzo's words that Konoha does need talent and to feel more secure they need to add more strong person to their rank. Having Tsuyu become stronger sooner will be better for Konoha, and she already is a capable person, even if her age doesn't seem like it. But…

"She is still a child. I don't want her to experience the darkness of shinobi- not this early. Our village is established for the future generations sake, Danzo, don't forget that".

'A child? Is that truly what you really think?'.

Hiruzen cannot retort.

'Hm. Then it's decided…', Danzo turned around and left.

Hiruzen sighed as he stood and placed his pipe down. He looked out the window, overseeing all of Konoha. The least he can do right now is make sure Tsuyu is not exploited by Danzo, even if she becomes a shinobi earlier.

***

Hyuga Compound

Tanya is having tea with Hinata. It reminds Tanya of the time she would drink coffee with Visha in previous life. While she's not a fan of tea normally - but the tea served by the Hyuga clan had a clean taste, a high quality product. And the snacks as well. It's a nice way to relax. 

"Tsuyu-san… my father is letting me rest today… we can practice together…, if you would like to…", Hinata shyly said. She never had a girl friend before that she can hang out with. Neji is never really friendly to her. And she never had free time to spend with anyone else after school. Only Tsuyu try to make friends with her and can put up with her shyness. And that she's Naruto's sister... her future sister-in-law. (,,>﹏<,,) - Hinata's imagination run wild as she suddenly blushed thinking of Naruto.

Also Tsuyu is the first person to actually be welcomed by his father to be friends with. Since Tsuyu is a genius and the daughter of the 4th, Hiashi allows it.

'Hinata-san, you train almost everyday. A good rest is important if you want to improve'.

"I-is that so…".

Tanya smiled slightly.

'But... Tsuyu-san... w-what do you think of my Gentle Fist? Compared to my father… when you see me spar with father...'. Hinata asked.

Tsuyu gave her an honest comment. She had been beaten by Hiashi so she can feel and see the difference. Hinata is too reserved, that's really just her problem. As if she herself holding back not wanting to hurt others or herself, or she herself felt she's weak and doesn't have the confidence.

Hinata sighed.

'I don't know… I wish I can fulfill his expectations… unlike me… my brother is much more talented'. Hinata said with a hint of self-depreciation.

And right on queue, Neji actually comes in.

He look arrogantly at Tsuyu, an outsider that his uncle actually friendly with. He doesn't believe on what he heard. 

"Tsuyu-kun, is it", Neji squinted his eyes, observing Tsuyu. A pretty appearance, with no hint of 'genius' on her face nor strength. For him a mere orphan with no family to speak off shouldn't be nothing but that. Everyone's fate is decided the moment they are born. 

For Neji, Hinata can't even beat himself in spars. And to make it worse Hinata also lost to a nobody. He wants to show Hinata, what a 'true' genius is.

Hinata is shaking slightly, feeling like her brother is not here for a good purpose.

***