Chapter 79: Intelligence
The large tent was mostly empty, save for three Konoha shinobi wearing the Leaf forehead protector, who were sitting around a rectangular table discussing something.
Kael, through the fly's eyes, did his best to read their lips.
"Winter has only just passed, and the Hidden Cloud has already sent more ninja to bypass the Land of Frost and the Land of Hot Water, trying to infiltrate the Land of Fire and gather intelligence on Konoha. Fortunately, I requested reinforcements from the village some time ago and managed to intercept those bastards before they could endanger the village!"
The dark-skinned Jonin sitting in the head seat finished his report with a look of self-satisfaction. Kael looked closely. Who else could it be but the border commander who had accepted the bribe, Sarutobi Tsubasa?
One of the men sitting next to him had a look of admiration on his face and began to flatter him.
"That's to be expected from you, Tsubasa-sama. No wonder those Cloud-nin have been so timid lately, not daring to cause trouble on our border. Once your term here is over and you return to the village, Lord Sandaime will surely reward your meritorious service. He might even make you a village Elder..."
This praise clearly delighted Sarutobi Tsubasa, but with an outsider present (Minato), he just waved his hand and said modestly, "What nonsense are you spouting? It is our duty as Konoha shinobi to serve Lord Sandaime. Not to mention, I am a relative of Lord Sandaime; it is my responsibility to support his work. What's this about being an Elder? Am I that kind of person? Do not say such things again!"
After his speech, Tsubasa shot a sidelong glance at the young, blond-haired man sitting beside him. The man's perfect, charismatic, and handsome face made him burn with jealousy. When he thought about the strength Minato had displayed against the Cloud ninja, the feeling of resentment only grew.
Hmph. So what if he's the most outstanding genius of this generation? He's nearly as strong as I am at such a young age, but what's the use? He's just a lowly commoner. Talent means nothing. He'll just be the next 'White Fang.' The commoners in the village may worship the White Fang as an idol, but they don't know... sometimes, the higher you're lifted, the harder you fall.
At that last thought, a vicious light gleamed in Tsubasa's eyes. As a member of the Sarutobi clan, he was a loyalist to the Hokage, and he couldn't stand Konoha's White Fang, whose fame and influence were growing by the day.
That man's reputation and status have already surpassed the Sannin. He's even considered the top candidate for the Fourth Hokage. But I know Lord Sandaime better than anyone. Hiruzen... he will never let the White Fang, a man whose achievements threaten his master's position, become the Fourth.
With his personality, so obsessed with power... White Fang, oh, White Fang... let's see what kind of end you'll have...
His sinister gaze made the blond, blue-eyed young man next to him extremely uncomfortable. Minato suppressed his own dissatisfaction and spoke in a low, serious voice.
"Sarutobi Tsubasa-sama, I do not believe the Hidden Cloud will give up so easily. This brief lull is just to make us lower our guard. Knowing the character of the Third Raikage, we must remain on high alert."
Tsubasa narrowed his eyes, a cold smile on his lips. "Namikaze Minato, are you teaching me how to do my job?"
"I wouldn't dare, sir," Minato replied, lowering his head, his jaw tight.
As the border commander, Tsubasa's rank and position completely suppressed him. Even though he was furious with the Sarutobi clan member's conduct, he had no choice but to endure it.
Seeing that Tsubasa had completely dismissed his warning, Minato felt a surge of anxiety and was about to speak again, but Tsubasa cut him off with a wave of his hand.
"This is not a decision for a Jonin like you to worry about. The defense and command of this border camp are my responsibility. You just need to be ready for battle. Besides, you've seen the intelligence that was sent from the village yesterday via summoning beast. Our next mission is to coordinate with Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama to intercept Lord Danzo. I am entrusting this difficult task to you, Konoha's genius. You wouldn't refuse, would you?" Tsubasa asked, a faint smile on his face.
Minato froze. He wanted to ask why the entire camp's mission was being dumped on him alone. But seeing the threatening glint in Tsubasa's eyes, he knew he had no choice. During wartime, to refuse a direct order from a superior officer was a death sentence. And this order had come directly from the Hokage himself; he had no grounds to refuse.
"...Yes, sir."
Hearing Minato's answer, Tsubasa's lips curled into a disdainful sneer. So what if you're a genius? You still have to do as I say. You wouldn't dare make a peep. Hmph...
He waved his hand, as if shooing away a fly. "You're dismissed."
Minato turned and left without another word, his face grim. He was afraid if he stayed a second longer, he would do something irrational.
After Minato had gone, the other Sarutobi Jonin retracted his smug gaze and sneered. "He's just a brat who got lucky enough to be chosen as a disciple by one of the Sannin, and he dares to give you attitude. He must be looking to die."
Hearing this, Tsubasa shook his head. "Don't underestimate him. As a shinobi, his talent is the kind you see once in a century. And the fact that he can endure my repeated humiliations shows that he's not as simple as he looks. In any case, he's a genius from the Hokage's faction. As long as he doesn't openly defy me as he did before, I won't go out of my way to target him."
The other Sarutobi Jonin was stunned. "Then why did you just order him to 'coordinate' with Jiraiya-sama to bring back Lord Danzo? Do you really think he has the guts to make a move against an Elder of the village?"
Tsubasa scoffed. "What wouldn't that brat dare to do? He's a brainwashed simpleton, completely indoctrinated by the 'Will of Fire.' If Lord Sandaime ordered him to kill himself on the spot, do you know if he'd even hesitate?"
"That...?!" The Sarutobi Jonin looked at him in disbelief. But seeing Tsubasa's serious expression, he knew it wasn't a joke. His face scrunched up in confusion; Tsubasa's words had just shattered his perception of the world. "Is there really someone that stupid?"
"Heh..." Tsubasa chuckled, but his expression suddenly darkened. He seemed to be muttering to himself, "This time, I'm not intentionally targeting the kid. According to the village's intelligence, Danzo will definitely reach this camp before Jiraiya and Tsunade do. If he... if he orders me to help him attack the Hidden Hot Water Village, do you think I'd dare refuse?"