"Where would you go first?" asked Yuma
"No clue actually but I will go wherever the fun is first" replied Asuka
"The rest of you get in line NOW and remove those bandages," Mei said with clear dissatisfaction in her voice. "Seriously, your mission was to scope Sunagakure's supply route not fight two elite Jonins who could be on par with Orochimaru and Jiraya-sama."
Mei finished healing the three troublemakers and walked with them towards the Hokage's office so they could report on the mission and head home.
"Come in" a hoarse voice was heard from the Hokage's office. Team 5 entered the office and bowed before explaining their mission to Sarutobi Hiruzen and the advisory elders.
"Sigh, who would have thought Sunagakure would actually put the acting Kazekage in charge of protecting supplies" Hiruzen said after hearing the mission report.
"See Hiruzen, I told you my information was accurate and that we should have sent Orochimaru and Sakumo on this mission," Danzo said with determination in his eyes.
"Maybe you're right Danzo..but think about what missions those two have right now" Hiruzen explained. "Orochimaru succeeded but Only Sakumo failed to stop the puppet corps."
Hearing Sakumo failed his mission gave Danzo enough confidence to get his plan underway but he would have to wait till the office was empty to explain it to his co-conspirators.
"By any means Takeshi, your mission is now regarded as S rank and each member chooses a B rank jutsu. Thank you for risking your life for the sake of the mission." Hiruzen said before writing it down in the mission files.
"Lord Third I want to use our 1-year break that was promised to me 5 years ago by Biwako- sama" Takeshi said with expectations in his eyes.
"What!? How dare you ask for a break in this crucial time of war!? If we have everyone take breaks do u think Konoha will survive?!" Danzo said with rage but before he could continue, Hiruzen replied. "SHUT UP DANZO," Hiruzen said with annoyance. "Takeshi, your leave of 1 year has been approved. Thank you for your service as always" Hiruzen said with no hesitation in his voice.
"Thank you, Lord Third, team 5 will head out now," Takeshi said as he turned around and walked out with his team.
"Hiruzen how can you approve that?" Utatane Koharu asked with great confusion.
"He's at a bottleneck," Hiruzen simply said before putting a pipe deep in his mouth.
Homura replied with haste "You mean he's close to reaching Kage level? No wonder u approved"
"Hiruzen you know once he reaches Kage he may pose a threat to your position as Hokage," Danzo said while trying to sow discord
"You worry like a child Danzo, your worry right now should be handling your root shinobi and winning in the Iwagakure battlefront. I expect good news next week. Everyone, head out, I need to think more regarding war plans."
"Hiruzen regarding Sakumo-" "Not right now I have more important matters Danzo," Hiruzen said back before he could finish. Danzo said no more and walked out.
"Start operation twinkle toes," Danzo said out loud.
"Yes Danzo-sama," a black shadow said before rushing away.
"Sakumo I will never let anyone stop me from becoming Hokage!" Danzo said to himself