Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm
NTLHOS BOOK 2: Chapter 18: Politics at its best.
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"The greatest test of courage on earth is to bear defeat without losing heart." – Robert G. Ingersoll
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Previously on NTLHOS-2:
Hiruzen knew that Naruto, despite knowing or hypothesizing the innocence of the people involved, held the power to unleash his wrath on the Daimyo. That wrath would then ripple to Konoha, where it would be felt by the masses.
But Naruto had already vanished in a flicker of red, leaving only the fading echoes of his storm cloak.
Alone in the silent clearing, Hiruzen exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of the night press heavily upon his shoulders. His fists tightened involuntarily, and a rare, grim resolve settled upon him.
He straightened, the steel returning to his gaze.
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Now:
As dawn broke over Konoha, bathing the hidden village in hues of crimson and gold, Hiruzen Sarutobi stormed toward the council chambers. The Hokage was usually the epitome of calm and composure, a grandfatherly figure. But this morning, his chakra flared to an extent where it set every shinobi who crossed his path swiftly stepping aside, offering a wide berth. The gentle grandfather had vanished, in his place walked an apex predator.
The village itself had been locked down under a code red protocol, shinobis taking positions, securing perimeters, and sending worried glances toward their Hokage's path.
Within the council chamber, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Alaruya sat around a polished table, tension thickening the air as they waited impatiently.
Without preamble, Hiruzen slammed the doors open, eyes blazing with barely-contained fury.
"Hiruzen!" Koharu snapped, rising indignantly. "What's the meaning of imprisoning us here after such…"
Her words died swiftly as Hiruzen's glare landed on her, sharp enough to draw blood.
"I won't mince words," Hiruzen growled dangerously, scanning each face slowly. "Which one of you had a hand in distancing the patrol from the Uchiha district?"
The silence that fell was deafening, before Danzo sneered dismissively, folding his arms. "What are you rambling about, Hiruzen? Have you finally lost your sanity..."
In a blur, faster than anyone could track, Hiruzen crossed the distance, gripping Danzo tightly by the collar, lifting him halfway out of his seat. The air rippled around them, chakra heavy and oppressive.
"Don't act like we're still sixteen, Danzo," Hiruzen hissed, voice low and menacing. "I am the Hokage, and you are my advisor. When I ask you a question, you will answer it plainly. And know this, if you had even a finger in this massacre, no matter how remote, I swear, I will gut you myself and string you up by your entrails as an example to anyone to remind from now dictatorship is the path forward."
Danzo's single visible eye narrowed dangerously, chakra rippling in reaction, but before either man could escalate, Alaruya intervened, voice measured and calm. "Hiruzen, calm yourself. This hostility serves no purpose."
Hiruzen turned sharply to Alaruya. "And you, Alaruya, I'd better not hear that your hatred for the Uzumaki has driven you to assist Itachi in orchestrating this madness."
Alaruya bristled immediately, leaning forward to defend himself, anger igniting his eyes, but his retort was halted abruptly by the sound of firm footsteps and a voice echoing from the doorway.
"Put Danzo down, Hiruzen!" called Sukino, striding forward into the room. Her tone was serious, brooking no argument. Her gaze sharpened instantly, taking in the tense tableau. "This is the Uzumaki playing with your head. From your posture and accusations, I assume you've already spoken with Uzumaki."
Reluctantly, Hiruzen released his grip on Danzo, stepping back slightly, eyes still narrowed dangerously. "Do you bring news of who's responsible for this disaster?"
"Indeed," Sukino confirmed grimly, folding her arms across her chest. "Upon receiving word of the massacre, I immediately investigated the ANBU Headquarters. There, I discovered something troubling, last evening at precisely 7 PM, Danzo personally visited ANBU command and ordered the surveillance and patrols around the Uchiha district to be withdrawn."
All eyes turned sharply to Danzo, who looked momentarily shocked, eyes widening fractionally. Without hesitation, Hiruzen's staff appeared in his grasp, crackling with chakra, even as Danzo smoothly drew a wind-infused kunai.
"Wait!" Sukino said sharply, hand raised to halt them. "Before you tear each other's throats out, hear me out fully."
She drew a breath and continued swiftly, "When I pressed the ANBU captain further, he was adamant that Danzo personally delivered the order. However, by divine luck at that very moment at 7pm, Danzo was with me at my residence, discussing today summit."
Hiruzen scoffed sharply, about to rebut, but Sukino silenced him with a swift gesture. "Before you argue about clones or how we shinobi can be in two places at once, listen carefully. My home contains old Nara seals commissioned from the Uzumaki and Surugi clans, including intention seals and checks for soul and identity. These wards ensure no clone or impostor can deceive me." Her voice hardened slightly. The Danzo with me was unquestionably real we spoke of details known only between us. No mere imposter could mimic such intimate knowledge perfectly."
The silence stretched taut between them, the implications enormous. Sukino pressed on, her voice tense, "Additionally, the ANBU captain was suspicious enough to use Lady Mito and Lord Tobirama's Scroll of Identification, which measures biological identity, chakra signatures, and whether it's a clone or not. And it matched perfectly it indicated without question that Danzo personally gave that order."
Danzo's brow creased deeply with unease.
"However," Sukino continued carefully, "the order itself lacked Danzo's ANBU authorization code. Typically, Danzo would have included his personal code to remove all doubt, especially for an order of such magnitude. If Danzo is foolish enough to give such an order personally. The ANBU accepted it on face value solely because the Scroll confirmed identity." She paused meaningfully, looking directly at Hiruzen. "Furthermore, the headquarters where the order was given just so happens to be the only one out of the four which lacked intention and soul-verification seals that Lord Tobirama made, one the new once."
Hiruzen's expression darkened considerably. "Are you implying that someone has perfected a transformation or clone technique capable of bypassing even our strictest security measures the likes of the Inuzuka, Aburame, and Hyūga…. except those that verify intent and soul?"
"Precisely," Sukino affirmed solemnly. "Such an ability poses a catastrophic security threat. The first name that came to my mind, was that of Uzumaki's since he could achieve such a feat with seals but since the targets were Uchihas. Uzumaki would never harm them. His affections for their clan is known to everyone."
Danzo spoke up gruffly, regaining his composure. "Then someone is deliberately framing me, capitalizing on existing suspicions."
Hiruzen hesitated, still unconvinced. "Or perhaps you planned this elaborate alibi yourself, Danzo."
Sukino shook her head emphatically. "I am no Yamanaka, but I know truth and lie intimately. Danzo would never choose me for an alibi. He knows I would pick up if anything is amiss, faster than any Yamanaka could ever hope to. He'd have chosen someone easier to manipulate."
Hiruzen studied Danzo closely with suspicion, but Sukino's logic was sound, forcing him to reconsider. Still, the threat was undeniable a faceless enemy capable of infiltrating the deepest layers of their defenses.
After a long, tense silence, Hiruzen finally exhaled, lowering his weapon reluctantly. "Very well, Sukino. Investigate further. We need absolute certainty. Whoever orchestrated this, we must find them and hold them accountable."
Sukino inclined her head sharply. "Agreed. But I don't think we will be able to catch the person capable of such a feat in time. The summit begins soon, and Konoha's reputation already hangs by a thread. We need to find an alternative way out."
As the council murmured their uneasy assent, Hiruzen gazed out the window at the rising sun, the golden dawn mocking the darkness engulfing their village.
"We must," he murmured darkly, "before Konoha collapses beneath our feet. If I am not wrong, by now, through emergency seals, the Daimyo might have received the missive from lord Uzumaki and may well be on his way here."
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That morning, the entirety of Konoha's High Council convened, an event not witnessed in years not since the now-infamous trial of Uzumaki Naruto all those years ago. Certainly, smaller councils had assembled since that day to deliberate matters such was the nature of governance but this was the first full assembly to convene since Naruto's trial, a mark still fresh in the memories of all.
The tension within the chamber was palpable. No one spoke, though whispered murmurs occasionally pierced the heavy silence. Urgency gripped every clan head, elder, and dignitaries present, their faces tense, expressions wary. Hiruzen Sarutobi entered with long strides, his chakra subtly flaring, radiating power and barely restrained fury.
Behind him, Danzo entered, gripping his cane with a white-knuckled hold. He took careful note of the gathered clan leaders, especially Hiashi Hyuga and the Hyuga elders, whose expressions were painted with indignation and veiled fear. Danzo knew precisely what those eyes were thinking: if even the Uchiha, a founding clan to Konoha, could be betrayed and massacred in such a brazen manner, what protection did they possess, having neither the historical nor the political clout to shield them like the uchiha did?
As Hiruzen took his seat at the head of the council, the Daimyo's representative rose swiftly, breaking protocol. "By the will of his Grace, the Fire Daimyo, I have an announcement….."
His words were cut off sharply as the council doors burst open once more, drawing every eye to the entrance. Shisui Uchiha strode into the chamber, followed closely by Lady Mikoto Uchiha, whose eyes blazed with Sharingan which barely-contained grief and simmering rage. She walked with the elegance of a woman prepared to confront the world head-on.
Advisor Koharu rose hesitantly, attempting diplomacy. "Lady Mikoto, please understand…. You have my condolences and I mean no disrespect but your clan has chosen to leave Konoha. You no longer hold a seat in this council."
Mikoto's eyes sharpened dangerously as she took a step forward. Her voice was calm, yet laced with steel. "Advisor, while we graciously accept your condolences, perhaps you have forgotten that until the safe Passage agreement is formally given and our relief papers are signed, we remain citizens of Konoha, bound by every law and rights thereof. Until those documents bear our final signatures, we remain part of this council as one of its masters."
Koharu bowed her head subtly, recognizing her misstep, and took her seat without further argument. She knew that sympathy lay with the Uchiha, and anything she said would only add fuel to the fire.
The Daimyo representative cleared his throat, attempting once more to assert authority. "As I was saying, by the decree of Lord Ishikawa Katagamey ...."
"That decree can wait," Mikoto interjected again, her tone brooking no argument. The representative's face twisted in irritation, visibly offended by this unprecedence, yet unable to openly challenge the matriarch not today of all days.
"Very well, Your Grace," he conceded stiffly.
Mikoto straightened, her sharingan sweeping across the assembled council. "My lords and ladies, you have doubtless heard of the tragedy that struck my clan last night. Today, I am not here to assign blame there will be a time for that soon enough. But I am here to address a necessary and painful matter."
The chamber held its collective breath, anticipation hanging heavily in the air.
"The heir to my clan, my own son, Itachi, has committed unforgivable atrocities. He slaughtered his kin, committing the darkest sin, kinslaying. Regardless of reasons or motivations, he will forfeit all rights and privileges granted by blood and birth." Mikoto paused, her voice trembling slightly before strengthening again. "As Clan Matriarch, I hereby declare Itachi nameless stripped permanently of the Uchiha name, its honor, its titles, and every ounce of our blood."
A profound silence settled over the room, shock thickening the air. No one spoke, unable to form coherent words in the face of such an act. While it was not unexpected in the slightest but it was different to witness it.
Mikoto, pressed on. "Additionally, years ago, this council this very chamber interfered in Uchiha clan matters by compelling our elder council to accept my husband Fugaku as leader, effectively manipulating internal Uchiha affairs. Today, I correct that injustice. I renounce my position as Matriarch and declare Shisui Uchiha, son of Lord Kagami Uchiha, the previous Lord and Head of our clan."
Shisui stepped forward gracefully, the weight of duty evident on his shoulders. He knelt respectfully before Mikoto, his Sharingan blazing as he accepted the mantle. Mikoto placed her hand gently upon Shisui's head, her voice clear but a stray tear escaped her right eye.
"Rise, Lord Shisui Uchiha, and may you bear this burden with strength, wisdom, and honor that our ancestors did."
As Shisui rose, the room burst into applause first tentative, then earnest as every dignitary stood in acknowledgment of the impromptu yet deeply significant ascension ceremony. Even Hiruzen stood, though his eyes remained shadowed with the weight of implications of the simple act.
Once silence returned, Mikoto turned to the Daimyo's representative. "You may continue now." Mikoto, having made her statement, exited the chaimber, leaving Shisui amidst the high council.
The representative, clearly displeased but resigned, unrolled his scroll and began his announcement.
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Royal Decree
By the Grace of His Esteemed Majesty, Lord Ishikawa Katagamey, the Lord Fire Daimyo, Protector and Sovereign of Hi no Kuni and All Its Dominions,
Let it be known:
In light of recent events concerning the esteemed Uchiha Clan, this council is hereby ordered to make immediate preparations for my personal arrival within Konohagakure no Sato, scheduled to occur with all haste by mid-noon today.
Furthermore, let it be recognized that the incident involving the esteemed Uchiha Clan shall neither be overlooked nor treated lightly. The attempted massacre and near-extinction of a high noble lineage, one of the oldest bloodlines within the Elemental Nations demands immediate and decisive action.
Therefore, until my personal arrival and the subsequent conclusion of my investigation, this council and village is placed under the direct oversight and authority of the Fire Court. Effective immediately, Hiruzen Sarutobi, The Third Hokage, is temporarily suspended from all duties, owing to inherent conflicts of interest and personal grivances with the esteemed Uchiha Clan.
Henceforth, all duties, authority, and responsibilities held by the Hokage shall temporarily reside in my appointed representative till my arrival. All council decisions, actions, or proclamations require the explicit approval of this representative until my direct judgment is rendered.
Thus decreed and sealed under my authority,
Lord Ishikawa Katagamey
Fire Daimyo
Great Protector and Sovereign of Hi no Kuni and All Its Dominions
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The representative paused, letting his words sink in before concluding solemnly, "Thus decrees Lord Ishikawa Katagamey, Great Protector and Ruler of Hi no Kuni and all its dominions."
The scroll rolled closed with a sharp snap, echoing through the council chamber like a thunderclap.
The reaction was immediate and intense. The room erupted into stunned silence. Clan heads exchanged wary glances, the immensity of the decree evident upon their faces. Koharu, Homura, even Sukino, visibly paled at the implications, recognizing this as an unprecedented political event. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood frozen, eyes narrowed and utterly unreadable, the mask of stoicism taking.
Yet, no one dared to speak, all eyes flickering cautiously toward the Hokage. The power dynamics had shifted abruptly and radically.
Finally, to everyone's astonishment, it was Shisui Uchiha who broke the oppressive silence. "Finally, but a little too late," he remarked. His steps echoed sharply against the chamber floor as he rose without permission an insult to the council. He moved towards the exit, leaving without awaiting dismissal, the echoes of his footsteps emphasizing the gravity of his words. He paused momentarily, casting a quiet, intense glance toward Hiruzen, before turning on his heel and exiting the chamber without another word.
The silence stretched on painfully, only to be broken softly by Hiruzen himself.
"The Daimyo's decree shall be accommodated," Hiruzen announced. His calm demeanor betrayed no hint of the internal fury and turmoil that everyone knew lay beneath. He paused deliberately, letting the silence weigh heavily before continuing. "We shall await his grace's arrival."
With those brief words, Hiruzen maintained his dignity, leaving the council in turmoil. Yet his icy calm did nothing to ease the anxiety permeating the chamber. The clan heads sensed brewing conflict beneath his placid exterior, something more dangerous that his fury, something inevitable.
Shikaku Nara watched carefully, his mind racing with possibilities. He felt the tension in the room like a physical presence, pressing down on his shoulders. Questions raced in his mind: would Lord Third truly accept this humiliation, or was this simply the calm before a storm? Would he retaliate in force, since now the daimyo will have an upper hand when it comes to rewriting of the charters? Would the clans, already wary and mistrusting after last night's events, still stand behind the Hokage? Glancing at Hiashi Hyuga, whose rigid expression betrayed distrust, Shikaku doubted that loyalty would be easily regained.
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In another part of the village, atop the thick branch of a tree, Naruto sat cross-legged, meditating. He sought refuge in the quiet solitude of this grove, this was a cherished sanctuary from his childhood, to clear his head from the day's tumultuous events. This was very spot, he trained as a child. After dealing with the politics and speaking with the Uchiha clan of their next move in council, he had needed this momentary retreat to regain his equilibrium.
"So, it has come to this," murmured a familiar, stern voice, breaking Naruto's concentration. He didn't need to open his eyes to recognize the speaker. Only one being could approach him so brazenly, bypassing all his senses so thoroughly.
Naruto opened his eyes, jumped down, and bowed, meeting the gaze of his master, who stood serenely before him.
"I know," Naruto began quietly, pre-empting the critique he sensed was coming.
"Pathetic," the master said bluntly, his eyes stern. "To surrender yourself so easily to baser emotions, to allow mere genjutsu to unravel your control, it's nothing short of disgraceful."
Naruto winced; the harsh words were expected, yet they stung no less for it. He had once asked this very master, after attaining what he believed was mastery, why he could not remain within the serene confines of the forest to seek true salvation. His master had replied that he didn't have true mastery yet and it will be only tested amidst society. Naruto now painfully understood those words. Tonight, he had been tested and he had failed miserably.
"You toyed with the Uchiha when you should've ended the confrontation swiftly," the master continued. "Your arrogance cost you dearly. Yet, in this failing lies wisdom. You've seen your reflection clearly: your shortcomings laid bare. I expect your next exile will yield better fruit."
Naruto nodded gravely, his expression firm despite the chastisement. "I will, Master, my exile… what exactly are the conditions? "
The old man's gaze softened briefly, yet the intensity remained. "You will know its end clearly. As stated earlier the divine event where a god or goddess descending into the mortal realm will mark the completion of your exile."
Naruto frowned thoughtfully, confusion flickering in his cerulean eyes. "I know that but will invoking the Shinigami through the Shinigami mask suffice? Will that end my exile? How will I know when such an event come to pass?"
The old man looked Naruto in the eye and said, "It is concerning that you would summon the Death for such a trivial purpose. They are not meant to be treated so lightly. I expected you to have learned your lesson from the last entity you summoned. These beings are not to be trifled with."
"And no, summoning through a mask does not work, as they do not descend to this realm. They are rooted to the other realm, it is merely a vague manifestation."
"You will know when it happens. The moment you exile starts, the mark of Bishonin will appear on your right wrist. It will disappear once you complete your tenure.
Naruto swallowed hard. "And if I fail to uphold my terms?"
The master's gaze shifted. "Punishment fitting your transgression. Should you even contemplate breaking the terms of your exile, the mark will exact a toll greater than any physical torment you can imagine."
"Know this, child, for you have been entrusted with power and great responsibility, you are but an executioner of the divine. For you to make a mistake will have far greater consequences than most, and you will be judged harshly for it. Losing control of yourself and using divine energy to break the genjutsu will not be without repercussions, so prepare to bear them."
"What consequence?" Naruto asked with a gulp. "Punish me physically lashes, anything. I am willing to submit."
The old man gave him a sad look. "The punishment will suit the crime. When you reach Uzushio, you will bear the sadness."
Before he could ask what sadness, the old man just vanished.
Naruto swallowed, a lump forming in his throat.
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Chapter 18: Politics at its best. IS OUT!
Chapter 19: Old Memory. IS OUT!
Chapter 20: Once A Legend Alway A Legend.!
Chapter 21: Still Sharp As Ever. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!! (Politics begins)
Chapter 22: The Negotiation. IS OUT!
Chapter 23: Mind Game Through Mind Readers.IS OUT!
Chapter 24: Mind Walkers. IS OUT!
Chapter 25: A Parting Backhand. IS OUT!
Chapter 26: A New Turn. IS OUT!
Chapter 27: A Turn ON A Turn. IS OUT!
Chapter 28: Farewell. IS OUT!!!!!!!!
Chapter 29 – The Oath of the Oath-Keeper. IS OUT!!!!!!!!! (End of the Arc)
Chapter 30 – Aftermath. IS OUT!!!!!!!!!
Chapter 31: The Growing Crown, The cracking Roots.
Chapter 32: The Wandering Monk. 8k long
Chapter 33: A New face Or phase. (NEW) 8k long
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To be continued. Stay tuned and let me know your thoughts! Like and comment! 🙏🔥
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