Mission: Deliver the Letters to Gain Danzo's Favor
(Reward: 10,000 Ryo + Additional Compensation)
Uchiha Tunan stepped out of the academy courtyard, heading toward the back garden. As he passed, he noticed the Fire Daimyō discreetly approaching, seemingly to eavesdrop.
He immediately stopped and bowed respectfully. "Your Highness."
The Daimyō, caught in the act, gave a slightly awkward smile. "Ah, Tunan, how is Naraku progressing?"
Uchiha Tunan maintained a calm, measured expression. "His Highness is exceptionally talented and has begun to exhibit the makings of a great leader. However, he has absorbed a great deal of knowledge in a short time and requires a brief period to process it. I plan to grant him a short recess."
Hearing this, the Daimyō visibly relaxed. His eldest son had been under rigorous training for weeks, and the thought of Naraku finally getting some rest pleased him.
"That is good to hear," the Daimyō said quickly. "Should I speak with him? Perhaps offer him some words of encouragement?"
A rare opportunity to bond with his son was something he had been considering for some time.
However, Uchiha Tunan shook his head slightly. "For now, it would be best if Your Highness allows him space. There are certain challenges he must overcome alone. Instead, I advise you to continue focusing on His Highness, the Second Prince, and ensuring his well-being. Additionally, I recommend increasing security around Naraku's residence discreetly. Too many disturbances may hinder his growth. This period is crucial for his transformation."
The Daimyō hesitated but ultimately nodded. "Very well... I trust your judgment."
Then, after a moment of consideration, he added, "I will have a gift sent to you later, Tunan."
---
That afternoon, within his secluded quarters, Naraku pulled back the curtain and glanced at the guards patrolling outside his residence. Their presence, though intended for his safety, felt suffocating—like a cage meant to trap him rather than protect him.
His expression darkened. Lowering the curtain, he muttered under his breath, "Heh... So, Father is already wary of me? How disappointing."
His grip tightened as he looked at the crumbling remains of chakra paper in his palm.
"Earth-natured chakra..."
After a brief moment of contemplation, he took a deep breath and unrolled a scroll. Inside, five C-rank ninjutsu techniques, spanning multiple elemental affinities, were neatly recorded.
---
A Few Nights Later...
Late at night, Naraku quietly opened his door, whispering into the darkness, "Senior Shinnosuke, are you there?"
In an instant, Sarutobi Shinnosuke materialized in front of the chamber.
"What is your command, Your Highness?"
Naraku motioned for him to enter. Once inside, he closed the door and locked eyes with Shinnosuke, his tone low and serious.
"You must have heard the rumors circulating lately."
Shinnosuke nodded. He understood that Naraku was referring to the speculation surrounding the Daimyō's succession.
Naraku leaned forward, his voice unwavering. "Senior Shinnosuke, I know where your ambitions lie. If I ascend to the position of Daimyō, I will ensure your path to becoming Hokage is secured."
Shinnosuke hesitated, sensing the weight behind Naraku's words. His mind was conflicted. Recent developments had left him uncertain about where he stood.
Naraku, keenly aware of his doubt, maintained his composed smile as he placed four sealed envelopes in front of Shinnosuke.
"These letters are addressed to four key figures in Konoha. I need you to deliver them on my behalf."
Shinnosuke frowned, already wary. "Your Highness, this—"
Naraku interrupted before he could object. "I know the current situation is unfavorable to me, but I refuse to accept defeat. Ultimately, my father will have to consult Konoha's leadership before making a final decision. If I can gain their support, it will strengthen my position."
Still hesitant, Shinnosuke sighed. "Your Highness, shinobi should not interfere in such matters. Besides, if I leave, who will ensure your safety at night?"
Naraku gestured toward the guards outside. "Do you truly believe I am unprotected?"
Shinnosuke felt the shift in Naraku's demeanor—he was growing more forceful, almost ruthless. After a pause, he said cautiously, "Very well, but I must inform the Daimyō first."
The temperature in the room seemed to drop. Naraku took a step closer, his voice now cold and sharp.
"Senior Shinnosuke, have you forgotten what my teacher, Tunan, once said? Aiding someone in their lowest moment is far more valuable than merely celebrating their victories.
"I will remember who stands with me now. Just as I will remember those who turn their backs on me.
"No one knows the outcome until the final moment. If I succeed, what do you think will happen to those who refused to support me?"
Naraku leaned in slightly, his gaze unrelenting. "Even if the Daimyō does not directly control the Hokage's election, my financial backing will be enough to sway key figures. Do you believe Konoha's shinobi can resist such influence?"
Shinnosuke stiffened. Naraku's words hit their mark—he had already become entangled in this struggle. There was no backing out now.
After a tense moment, Shinnosuke exhaled deeply and said, "I will deliver the letters and speak of this to no one."
Instantly, Naraku's expression shifted. The cold, calculating look vanished, replaced by a warm, reassuring smile.
"Good. I trust you, Shinnosuke. Upon your return, I will do everything in my power to convince my father to endorse your path to Hokage."
Reassured by these words, Shinnosuke bowed and departed with the letters.
---
Meanwhile, Outside the Daimyō's Palace…
From a distance, Uchiha Tunan observed as Shinnosuke left. His mind was already working through the implications.
"What is His Highness planning now?"
Tunan's original strategy had been to manipulate Naraku into believing his father favored his younger brother. He wanted Naraku to spiral into resentment, ultimately leading to either an assassination attempt on the Daimyō or an attack against the Second Prince. This would, in turn, implicate Shinnosuke, dragging him down with the scandal.
With the right rumors strategically placed, Konoha's leadership would have no choice but to reconsider their trust in the Sarutobi clan.
One such rumor was already prepared: Shinnosuke conspired with Naraku to secure political favor in return for future Hokage support.
But now, things were shifting. If Naraku sensed that his position was weak, he might take even bolder action—perhaps even seizing power outright.
"Interesting... Perhaps I should accelerate the plan."
---
Three Days Later – Hokage's Office, Konoha
Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, listening as Shinnosuke relayed the message from Naraku. He puffed his pipe thoughtfully as he read through the letter.
"If the Second Prince provides a written guarantee, this could be a beneficial arrangement," Hiruzen mused. To him, the identity of the Daimyō was of little concern—what mattered was securing Konoha's influence.
Shinnosuke nodded. "Father, what does the letter say?"
Hiruzen exhaled a stream of smoke. "The usual—requests for support, a plea for endorsement."
He then handed the remaining letters to Konoha's advisors and Danzo.
---
Root Headquarters – Danzo's Office
Danzo read the letter carefully, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face.
"Ryoma."
A Root operative appeared instantly. "Danzo-sama."
"Summon Akimichi Matsuken and Yamamoto Ichimura."
Soon, two elite Root members arrived, awaiting orders.
Danzo's gaze was cold as he spoke.
"You will travel to the Land of Fire's capital and await further instructions outside the Daimyō's palace. If you see multicolored fireworks rising from the estate, that is your signal. At that point, obey Naraku's orders without hesitation."
"Understood."
A subtle smile formed on Danzo's lips. The game was just beginning.