For the past 2 hours, the four children enjoyed the vibrant vegetation and the gentle winds along with it, smooth free-flowing water could be audible right from a distance. Soon, another silhouette appeared to be searching for them, landing on the location with an indiscernible expression.
"Sensei! Is the conference over?" Jiraiya asked, looking curiously.
Off to the side, Yoichi, Orochimaru, and Tsunade caught a glimpse of Hiruzen's weary countenance yet they were patiently waiting for his response.
"Yes," A corner of Hiruzen's mouth curled up, "It's a little bit tiresome but they eventually conceded. They don't have enough evidence to pin Konoha down with such a display of unsound accusations."
Yoichi nodded in acknowledgment, mentally noting the indications of the said remarks.
During the discussion, Hiruzen has a long-lasting impression on these Kumo Shinobi: Overbearing and excessive.
Still wildly stubborn and formidable like a raging bull, the representatives made a preposterous announcement expressing that handing over the child could make this issue go away in the blink of an eye.
With the blatant declaration slapped on his face, Hiruzen fought back in retaliation and displayed his incredible disposition as a Hokage. Downplaying the event by mixing lies and truths, consecutive claims that these scenarios were freaking unbelievable to begin with.
The back-and-forth word battle began without any conclusion whatsoever. Even the occasional shouts or yells could be heard from outside the Hokage's Building. Throughout the discussion, even Danzo said his piece of logical assistance with an excellent job of outmaneuvering the fuss.
Yet in the end, no one could actually believe the delegation after spouting nonsense in front of the administrators within the office.
No evidence and no tracks.
Only a simple facial sketch of the offender and an assertion of the Second Hokage's Shadow Clone Jutsu.
For remuneration, it's impossible to happen.
As a result, the Kumo representatives left in an immediate urgency, leaving Hiruzen and the officials somewhat baffled by this sudden shift.
Regardless, none of it is Hiruzen's concern.
He deployed his begrudging clone to handle the affairs in the office and personally attended to the group he's instructing.
"Let's resume the training. I'll be having a good surprise for you three."
"Train? again?" Jiraiya grumbled, slouching his back in frustration. "Isn't this the right moment to chill out for quite some time?"
A sneer curled up in Tsunade's mouth, laced with disdain. "Quit being a whiny child! If you're not going to, I'll have to drag you back at hand. Do you want it?"
The goosebumps crept into his skin. Jiraiya stood panicked, shaking in protest.
Orochimaru's face lit up. His instructor's convenient presence made him elated though in a silent manner. The technique he has been developing for a long time could be realized by now with Hiruzen's intellect.
"Do you want to join in?" Hiruzen nodded in agreement, seeing the three children happy until he glanced at Yoichi. "I promise it will be worthwhile."
"I politely refuse." Yoichi cupped his chin. "It's disrespectful of me to intervene in these exercises. Moreover, I have personal things that require urgent care. I'll go and take a rest for a while. See ya!"
With a white coat fluttering on his shoulder, he left the field in an unhurried form.
Looking at Yoichi's back, Hiruzen felt complicated before he shook the idea forming underneath his calm facade.
Unlike the three, Yoichi has a mature flair and an emotional intellect like an adult which Hiruzen truthfully appreciated.
However, it seems that the child was still thoughtful from Hiruzen's own perspective.
"Let's head out," Hiruzen remarked, seeing the dejected expressions on Jiraiya and Tsunade's faces. "We can't be dilly-dallying around. Time is of the essence."
The group immediately followed Hiruzen's instruction as they went into a secluded training ground away from the previous location. As an instructor, Hiruzen had proven himself to be the best through his intelligence and understanding of Ninjutsu.
His influence on the three was phenomenal.
As for Yoichi, he went home and trained as usual, making the invitation like nothing ever happened. He has some qualms when it comes to his mysterious set of skills.
Yoichi revealed some of them based on the documents and information compiled in their confidential records. The shadows beneath the Hokage's figure had a good time amassing knowledge about him, he's relatively sure in that regard.
But the thing is, it is still tiny compared to his secrets such as the Space Pouch, Qi Blood Pills, and several accessories in his possession.
It's better to hide his trump card rather than being complacent.
Back at home, Yoichi has been training the techniques in seclusion. Even with the 15 KG on his arms and ankles, he became a steadfast figure. The fists, kicks, and posture techniques shook the serene atmosphere in its wake.
「Heavenly Demon Posture EXP +1」
「Mountain Crushing Fist EXP + 1」
「Lightning Spear Thrust EXP + 1」
...
...
...
In the cloudy, towering skies.
Bang!
"Hahaha! Does Hiruzen think that I'll let off this matter any longer?! I'll make him pay for this transgression!" Jaws clenched tightly, Ay's fist hammered the desk.
Another time to change the desk...
The assistant's eyes flickered to the splintered wood. Another desk for the scrap heap. They wanted to groan, but one look at the Raikage's bulging veins kept their mouths shut. No one felt like being a replacement for the desk.
"But sir, we found another point of interest that would really put you in a good mood!" The earlier delegation knelt, reverent.
"Quit wasting my time," Ay took a deep breath. "Tell me about it."
Ay sank into his couch, his initial scowl shifting into a sharp, narrow-eyed focus. His ears perked.
"So here's our detailed report..."
For a while, the delegation proceeded to state each observation regarding the youth, Uchiha Yoichi.
Ay's face brightened each time he paid attention given by his shinobi's report. A distinctive circumstance alongside his previous indignation.
"A vigorous kid excelling at Taijutsu... with the blood of Kumogakure in his veins? Is that accurate?!" Ay's voice boomed, his eyes narrowing into sharp slits of lightning-blue.
"Yes, Raikage-sama. It has been confirmed by multiple reports from our spies within the Leaf." The delegate puffed out his chest, pride replacing his earlier fear.
"Hahahaha! This is it! Hahaha!"
Ay's booming laughter echoed through the tower, a sharp contrast to his earlier fury. He leaned forward, the couch groaning under his weight.
"Put a bounty on the child. One million Ryō," He commanded, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "Instruction: Abduct him. But tell the teams if they scratch the 'goods,' they won't see a single coin of that reward. I want him brought here in one piece."
After saying those words, an incandescent idea formed in his mind. Enlightened by such a fantastic scheme, the pleasure in his beaming smile couldn't be suppressed.
"Contact the Kage of each great village except for Konoha. I have a great proposal for them that they won't be able to refuse."
With that being said, the shinobi in the room instantly left as the command took hold.
Glancing at the cluster of clouds, Ay held his hands backwards and stood upright.
What he wanted was simple: to form a group in his interest and capture the child named Uchiha Yoichi with the benefits of resources as a reward.
Once this task is complete, Kumogakure will be able to reclaim all the resources they had invested, especially since the Land of Lightning was doing well economically.
Ultimately, Ay aimed to bring everyone together and ensure that Hiruzen would be unable to safeguard a mere child, thanks to the alliance among the major villages.
I'll give back the same treatment you did, Hiruzen. Don't blame me! Hahaha!
...
In the cluster of mountainous ranges.
"Brat!"
The raspy shout caused the stone walls to groan and dust to rain from the ceiling. Ōnoki's liver-spotted hands gripped the scroll so hard the paper crinkled, veins bulging against his thin skin.
He tossed the message aside like a piece of refuse. "He hasn't even rubbed the milk off his chin, yet he thinks he can lead me by the nose?"
A sharp pop echoed from his lower back. He winced, his face contorting, but his eyes remained cold and prideful. "He wants an alliance? Hmph. He wants a shield to hide behind while he steals the prize."
"Tell him, I want the child's eyes as a reward." Ōnoki rubbed his back, flinching as he took a deep breath. "I won't take no for an answer. If he remained stubborn, then this matter would end here. Stone cold."
A blur of phantom, knelt and nodded before Ōnoki's raspy voice rang, "Also, get my medicine. This damn age will get me sooner or later."
____________
Thanks to Daemonic_Dragon and doomslayer 24 for power stones!