The Third Hokage exhaled a long breath of smoke as he stepped forward and placed a hand firmly on Tatsuya's shoulder. His voice was soft but reverent.
"Tatsuya... I still remember the night you stood against the Nine Tails. That fearless resolve... That is the true Will of Fire."
> "Where the leaves dance, the fire burns brightly."
He recited the old adage with pride, though there was a flicker of sorrow behind his eyes.
That night... twenty-eight ANBU agents had faced the rampaging beast beside him. Only one had survived.
Tatsuya.
Though he'd awakened in the hospital weeks later, clinging to life, that moment had sealed his legend in the eyes of the Hokage.
"Yes."
Tatsuya nodded with practiced conviction.
"Let it burn."
On the surface, his expression was solemn.
Inwardly?
> Will of Fire? Please. Why don't you burn while Minato's out there dying to seal the Nine Tails?
In other villages, the Kage charges first. But in Konoha? All I saw was you yelling from the tower.
Let it burn, huh? Sure. Let's toast to your speeches.
A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips before fading again into a calm mask. He played the part well.
The Third Hokage, clearly moved, smiled warmly.
"As expected of someone I value."
From his sleeve, he produced a sealed scroll and handed it to Tatsuya.
"This is an official appointment. Effective immediately, you are to serve as the captain of ANBU's Second Division."
> Promotion?
Tatsuya blinked.
The ANBU Second Division… commanding four full squads. That kind of authority was nearly unmatched, short of the Hokage's own advisers. Even Itachi Uchiha hadn't been promoted until the eve of the Uchiha massacre.
Then again…
> I guess it makes sense. I'm the only one who survived that night.
Seniority, loyalty, and trauma—wrapped in a black cloak.
Who else could claim they faced the Nine Tails and lived to talk about it?
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
He bowed respectfully.
> I'll gladly accept the credit. It's not like the original owner's around to contest it.
Hiruzen chuckled.
"Good. Come—sit. There's more you need to hear."
Boom. Boom. Boom.
A knock echoed through the office.
' come in."
The door creaked open, revealing a lean, sharp-eyed man with a high ponytail and a jagged scar along his jaw.
Nara Shikaku.
Master strategist. Calm and calculating. Could launch a Tailed Beast Bomb into orbit if needed.
He greeted Tatsuya with a nod—respectful, not forced.
Tatsuya returned it. His reputation had already spread through the Jōnin circle—powerful, loyal, and scarred by war. It earned him quiet approval in most rooms.
"Lord Hokage," Shikaku began, hesitating slightly. "Regarding the delegation from the Hidden Cloud..."
"Speak freely." Hiruzen waved his pipe dismissively. "Tatsuya should hear this too. Let's see what insight he brings."
Tatsuya didn't miss the subtle cue. This was a test—one that would determine how far Hiruzen planned to trust him.
Shikaku, ever perceptive, caught the message as well and adjusted his tone accordingly.
"So far, the Cloud delegation is behaving as expected. Their ninja numbers are low. They're keeping to the planned route, and everything appears… sincere."
The Hokage sighed.
"Finally. After all that bloodshed… maybe some peace."
"What do you think, Tatsuya?" Hiruzen turned to him directly, his eyes sharp with curiosity.
Tatsuya was quiet for a moment, letting the silence stretch.
> This is it.
Answer poorly, and I'll never rise beyond ANBU captain. Show insight... and I'll step into the war council itself.
He straightened, voice steady.
"I don't think the signing ceremony will be peaceful, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen's brow rose.
Shikaku narrowed his eyes.
"Go on."
Tatsuya nodded.
"If I remember correctly... the Hyūga clan suffered a heavy blow shortly after a so-called peace talk with Cloud. Hyūga Hizashi died. Hinata was almost kidnapped. Cloud Shinobi don't show their hand unless there's blood behind it."
Hiruzen's expression turned grave.
Tatsuya continued calmly.
"During the Third War, Cloud seized a large portion of Iwa territory. The Third Raikage personally oversaw the campaign. Most internal affairs were left to Shinobi in the village."
"Which means..." Shikaku murmured.
"Two centers of power." Tatsuya confirmed. "And when the Third Raikage fell in battle, it took three years for the Fourth Raikage to fully assume control."
"Factional infighting," Shikaku muttered, voice darkening.
Tatsuya's voice stayed even.
"Exactly. The new Raikage wants unity. And he can get it—if Konoha kills his enemies for him. All he needs is a convenient failure."
"You mean... he wants a member of the envoy to die?" Hiruzen asked, slowly connecting the dots.
Tatsuya gave a single nod.
"Yes. He sends a shinobi with an impossible mission—steal the Byakugan, provoke a response. If they succeed, great. If not, they die a 'hero's death.' And he tightens his grip back home."
"One move. Two victories."
The room fell completely silent.
Hiruzen's pipe crackled faintly as his hand gripped it tighter.
Shikaku's jaw clenched.
The message was clear:
Cloud wasn't coming for peace.
They were coming with bait—and the Leaf was the trap.
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