At the Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen was the first to emerge. His face was unusually excited.
Senju Tobirama had just revealed a secret about the mysterious medical ninja Hiruzen had seen at Konoha Hospital and entrusted him with a very special mission.
"I thought my guess was already shocking…" Hiruzen muttered, pounding his fist against his other palm, overwhelmed by the revelation: "That person is… the legendary medical ninja Emiya Shihara himself!"
For a long time, Hiruzen had been curious about the man's identity. Even when he asked his father, Sarutobi Sasuke, he had been sternly warned not to pry. The man's identity had been kept a secret, to maintain the utmost respect.
Now, to Hiruzen's astonishment, it was not a descendant or someone inspired by Emiya Shihara—it was Emiya Shihara himself, resurrected through Senju Tobirama's Impure World Reincarnation.
As for the mission, it was simple in words: protect Emiya Shihara.
Hiruzen felt overwhelmed. How could he, a young ninja, possibly guard such an extraordinary figure? Yet Senju Tobirama had resolutely chosen him and Danzo.
"Emiya-sama's power does not require your protection," Tobirama said, his voice steady. "Monkey, you and Danzo are Konoha's finest new generation. The journey of this mission is far more important than the outcome. I hope you can earn Emiya-sama's trust and show him that Konoha's ninja will shoulder the responsibility of maintaining peace in the future ninja world."
"Huh?" Hiruzen blinked, slightly confused.
Tobirama said no more. He immediately dismissed Hiruzen and left Danzo alone in the Hokage Building. His words seemed to reprimand Danzo for his ruthless behavior during training.
Although Hiruzen wanted to protest for his friend, Tobirama's sternness left no room for argument. Hiruzen returned home, instructed to be ready for the mission and to consult his father.
---
Inside the Hokage Building, Tobirama sat calmly in his chair. Danzo stood at the desk, visibly anxious.
"Danzo," Tobirama said, his gaze cold and commanding. "I am not blaming you for your actions in the battle."
Instead, Tobirama commended him: "Actually, I should praise you for your quick thinking. If this had been during the Warring States Period, you would have been an excellent ninja. That wind-style jutsu you unleashed was remarkable—almost fatal for Monkey. I cannot fault it."
"To win, one must use any means necessary. Monkey's softness will eventually be his weakness."
Danzo finally exhaled, relief washing over him. He had expected a reprimand, not praise from the usually stern Tobirama.
"But," Tobirama added, "be gentle with your companions. You and Monkey are allies, bound by trust, not enemies."
"Yes," Danzo replied, nodding.
---
Tobirama got down to business. "You've heard about your mission to protect Lord Emiya?"
"Yes," Danzo said, a surge of excitement filling his chest.
Being chosen for such a secret mission at just fourteen or fifteen was a tremendous honor. It implied that Danzo was considered a key figure in Konoha's future, possibly even a future Hokage.
The thought ignited ambition in Danzo's heart. All Konoha children admired the First Hokage, and now Danzo glimpsed a path to that level of respect and authority.
---
Tobirama's expression grew serious. "You know Monkey's temper. This mission requires careful attention. You must identify gaps and correct any oversights."
"Yes!" Danzo replied eagerly. Tobirama's trust meant more to him than anything.
"Danzo, the burden you will shoulder is heavy," Tobirama continued. "The major countries in the ninja world have formed ninja villages, and competition is fierce. Mister Emiya is also a figure of great influence. Konoha cannot control his will, at least for now. He cannot be treated roughly, but we must ensure his power does not fall into other villages' hands."
Danzo's eyes widened. When Tobirama demonstrated the curse seal on his arm, he explained: "The energy of Lord Emiya's seal can greatly increase a ninja's combat power. Even an ordinary ninja could rapidly gain strength comparable to a jonin."
Danzo's heart raced. A hint of greed surged as he realized the potential.
"This power must never fall into the hands of other villages," he said firmly.
Tobirama nodded. "For Konoha, other measures must be taken. Your mission to protect Lord Emiya with Monkey is only a facade. Your true task is to prevent Lord Emiya from leaning toward other ninja villages. A small ANBU team will assist you in eliminating threats."
"Yes!" Danzo knelt on one knee, understanding the gravity of the task.
---
Tobirama's mind also considered the bigger picture. While Danzo acted as a hidden pawn to solve problems in the shadows, Hiruzen was the trump card. With his multi-element chakra, exceptional talent, and natural leadership, Hiruzen was best suited to earn Emiya Shihara's approval.
Danzo's unscrupulous nature, however, made him perfect for handling tasks behind the scenes. Though his talent wasn't unmatched, his cunning and ambition made him valuable. Tobirama noted the parallels between himself and Danzo, recognizing that such traits were sometimes necessary.
"Right," Tobirama said, glancing at the seal on his arm. "You seem to enjoy using sealing techniques in battle. The power of Lord Emiya's seal will greatly benefit you in the future. If you can acquire it during this mission, it will smooth your path toward greatness."
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