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  Jiraiya had just finished dispatg the st of the Root ninja in his way, his breath ing in trolled but heavy bursts. He stood iermath of the battle and was surrounded by the unscious aed bodies of Danzo's operatives. He turned his head in a certain dire and he began moving cautiously through the dimly lit corridors.

  There was something about the way the Root operatives battled that bothered him. 'They hadn't been fightio kill. It's as if they had been herding me, guiding me somewhere specific… Maybe a trap? A kill box?'

  Jiraiya's instincts told him that whatever awaited him was ected to the strange surge of chakra he had sensed nearby. 'Two people… Strange. I 't identify their chakra signatures… That's being masked.'

  The sed, the toad Sannihe two chakras disappear in an instant and a moment ter in their pce was another unfamiliar but strong energy. 'That's a powerful chakra. Who is that?'

  As the white haired ninja got closer he identified a particur aspect of that individual. 'That chakra… Strong water nature. Is he the one seold me to avoid?'

  Jiraiya remembered the strange warning the Hokage had given him prior to the siege.

  ''If you e across a masked ninja with a powerful water nature chakra then avoid him.''

  ''Why? Is he an enemy?''

  ''No, he's an ally. But his identity is special and I want to keep it a secret for as long as possible. You o trust me on this Jiraiya.''

  Regardless of his teacher's words, in his current situation, sensing sufamiliar, immensely strong chakras only added to his growing unease. As Jiraiya drew closer to that location, the powerful presence disappeared and soon he felt the presence of his old teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi ing from another location in the base.

  'Looks like sensei and Danzo have started going at it.'

  Without hesitation Jiraiya darted toward the Hokage. He had several questions for the old leader. As Jiraiya rushed through the dark corridors he felt the building shake and the sound of several explosions ing. He also entered several root ninjas as they blocked his path.

  Due to the extreme circumstances and being worried about Tsunade, Jiraiya was in no mood to py around. He fought the enemy ninjas and sooed all of them but by that time the otion had settled down.

  'What happened? Did Sensei win?'

  Suddenly Jiraiya sehe same presence appearing near Hiruzen and Danzo. 'It doesn't seem like they're fighting. Sensei eve his Anbu away… Who is that?'

  In a few minutes he approached the area and Jiraiya saw a group of Anbu esc Danzo away, the elder's expression was as grim as ever.

  There was no sign of resistance from Danzo, which struck Jiraiya as odd, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. His focus was on Hiruzen, who stood nearby, watg the Root leader being taken away.

  The Third Hokage turo face his former student with a bination of relief and seriousness. "Jiraiya, you're just in time. There's much to discuss, but first, let me assure you that the situation is under trol."

  Jiraiya's eyes narrowed and his suspi grew. "Un-Under trol? I just fought off a small army of Root ninjas, and it felt like they were trying to lead me somewhere. I sensed multiple unknown strong ninjas but before I could take a closer look they all disappeared. And now Danzo's being taken away like a on criminal? What's really going on, sensei?"

  Hiruzen sighed, gng toward the former Root leader. "Danzo has… surrendered. His as have finally caught up to him and he will face the sequences."

  The Sanin looked around and aside from the Anbu there was no one else present. 'Gone'.

  His gaze flicked towards the retreating form of Danzo before returning to his old teacher. Moments ter when it was just the two of them Jiraiya asked the question that's been bugging him. "I felt someoh a massive chakra here a minute ago. Who was that with you?"

  Hiruzen sighed and pihe bridge of his nose. 'It seems I have no choice.'

  Jiraiya saw his teacher's hesitation to answer but before he could press further, the air in the area shifted slightly and the toad Sannihe presence of another person.

  His eyes widened as an older man stepped into view from the shadows, his features unmistakable. The sharp eyes, the white hair that's tied back, and a stern, authoritative demeanor.

  "No way." This was someone Jiraiya had only seen in history books and heard about in legends.

  "To-Tobirama Senju?" Jiraiya's voice was filled with disbelief. "The Sed Hokage? How…?"

  Tobirama gave a curt nod, his expression as serious as ever. "So you're Jiraiya. As to the question of how, I was brought back through the Reanimation Jutsu by Hiruzen nearly a year ago to assist in matters that required a bit more… experienced hand."

  Hearing those words the Sannin looked at his teacher in disbelief for a few moments. "You actually… To think you of all people would use such a forbidden teique. You really have gotten desperate."

  "Certain measures o be taken, Jiraiya." Hiruzen replied in a clipped tone.

  The Sannin's jaw tightened as uanding dawned on him. "So that was the powerful chakra I sensed… But why?" He turo the former Hokage and asked. "What's going on that requires both you and sensei?"

  Hiruzen spoke up with a calm but tired tone. "We've been dealing with a series of threats to the vilge, both from within and outside. I needed some help and advi Danzo's as, the threat of Orochimaru, and… other matters. Tobirama-sensei has also been assisting in iigations that required his unique knowledge and skills."

  Jiraiya gnced between Hiruzen and Tobirama as he absorbed that information. "I see. But this is a lot to take in... So you're tellihe Sed Hokage has been helping from the shadows for almost a year?"

  Tobirama crossed his arms and addressed Jiraiya. "Danzo has been involved in numerous activities that have endahe vilge. His use of forbidden teiques, his secret dealings with Orochimaru, and his experiments with my brother's DNA. Along with his attempted coup, these are matters that required immediate attention..."

  The white haired ninja sighed. He crossed his arms and leaned on the nearby wall. "I did my iigations and khat Danzo and Orochimaru had made tact but I didn't know the specifics.. Wait! If he did all that then why is he still alive?"

  "Danzo knows he won't survive his as today. He has requested to dey his execution until we know the fate of Tsunade and Shizune. I agreed." The third Hokage replied.

  Jiraiya was shocked as he looked at his teacher. "You 't be serious? I thought the pn was quick execution. Now yiving him time?"

  "I have my reasons, Jiraiya." Hiruzen replied with a clipped tone.

  "Danzo 't be trusted. You uand that, right? You know him better than anyone. If you give him time, he'll just hatother plot to escape or create more headache for us. Trusting him is a bad idea. Anything g." Jiraiya khe crimes Danzo itted and didn't want to take any ces with the old Root leader.

  Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he looked at his former student. "Don't treat me as a fool, Jiraiya. I'm well aware of what he's capable of. And I never said I trust him."

  "Then why give him more time?"

  "I'm going to have Inoichi and Ibiki gh every pieemory he has. He will also be under heavy guard with several paralysis and chakra blog seals pced on him. Right now I've given orders to treat Danzo as a priority-one prisoner and he'll be pced deep beh the Tower. Only a handful of people who have my permission will go near him. I'm taking all the precautions o make sure nothing goes wrong. His Root forces will also be under fi and heavy guard."

  The Toad Sage finally uood why his sensei showed mercy to Danzo. "This is for Tsunade and Shizune isn't it? You think studying Danzo's memories might give us clues to where Orochimaru could be…"

  Hiruzen sighed. "Yes. But it's a very low possibility. Orochimaru wouldn't make a mistake like that. I already have some information on his bases but I o explore every option in front of me to find them. Danzo is one such option. I also need a thh detail ohing my old rade has been up to these st several years."

  Jiraiya closed his eyes and exhaled as two faces came to his mind. 'Please be alright, you two.'

  He opened his eyes and looked at the two kages. "So what do we do about them? Now that a possible coup has beeed, we o focus on resg those two."

  "I agree." Hiruzen reassured him. "But there's more at stake here than just Tsunade's life. Tobirama-sensei and I have uncovered troubling information about the ails attack, the Uchiha Massacre, and a mysterious figure called 'Dragon' who has taken critical assets frht under our his Dragon has used my operation as a cover to infiltrate this location and he has stolen powerful tools, including Sharingan and other forbidden jutsu."

  Tobirama also gave his analysis. "He may be a rogue Leaf ninja or even an Uchiha who somehow survived the massacre and is hiding ihe vilge. We're not certai, but it's a possibility we 't ignore. And given his knowledge and power, he poses a signifit threat to the vilge."

  Jiraiya was taken aback by the suddeions. "Wait. Before I came here I sewo unknown chakras. But they disappeared and a sed ter you showed up in their pce."

  Tobirama nodded. "You sensed me? That's impressive. And yes. One of them was this Dragon and I believe that the other was an Uchiha. Most probably the one responsible for the ails attack. Although that's just specution at this moment ."

  "Whoever this Dragon is, I believe he's currently living in the vilge. He couldn't have known about my pns with Danzo otherwise." Hiruzen spoke after he thought about the matter.

  "Could they be on the same side?" Jiraiya asked.

  "Unknown. We only know what Danzo told us. He's the only one who's had a frontation with this individual. And I don't trust his words at face value." Hiruzen replied. 'Not anymore.'

  "Yes." Tobirama nodded. "Interrogating Danzo aing the truth from his mind would be the only credible way to verify everything he said."

  Jiraiya processed the information quickly, his mind rag. "So, we've got twue ninjas with forbidden knowledge, Orochimaru with Tsunade and Shizune, and Danzo being held until this is resolved… I haven't heard of anyone going by the name on. Is it possible that he might be an outsider? Someone who just happeo be here right before your attack?"

  Hiruzen shook his head. "I don't believe so. He koo much about the vilge, the Uchiha's secrets, Danzo's operations and my top secret attack."

  Jiraiya groaned as he listened. "Solve one problem and two more pops up. At a time like this…? Such a headache."

  "Yes but this isn't the time to pin. You o get some rest, Jiraiya." Tobirama looked at the man. "We've found one of Orochimaru's hideouts in the Land of Fire. Intelligence reports state the presence of two powerful chakra signatures. We're going to attack the base in the m. Yoing to need your strength."

  Hiruzen agreed with his predecessor. He suddenly sensed several Anbu ing. "You should get going sehe less people that know about you the better."

  Tobirama nodded and disappeared with his teleportation jutsu. The third Hokage then turo his student. "You too Jiraiya. You o be in top shape. I have a feeling yoing to be in for a difficult battle. I'll up here."

  The Toad Sannin looked around and nodded. Anbu started arriving and a moment ter Jiraiya vanished in a puff of smoke.

  Hiruzen turned his gaze to his masked ninjas and internally sighed. 'This is going to be a long night.'

  —-

  Few hours ter the Third Hokage was ba his office going through several reports. His jaws ched in anger as he read the details.

  'Dragon stole sensitive intelligend several hidden jutsu exclusive to the vilge. This isn't good. Even if he is a member of this vilge, how exactly am I going to find him… What he took from the Root archives could seriously jeopardize the safety of the vilge. But it looks like I'll have to put this matter aside till I find Tsunade audent.'

  The door to the office creaked open, and a team of three medijas, led by the head medical officer, ehe room. They were visibly weary and their expressions were somber. As they approached the desk, the Hokage nodded, signaling them to begin their report.

  The head medical officer, a seasoned ninja with tless hours of experien the medical field, cleared her throat before speaking. Her voice was steady despite the grim news she was about to deliver.

  "Lord Hokage, after dug thh autopsies on the bodies of Guren and Rinji, we have e to several clusions," she begaone respectful yet filled with a hint of underlying sorrow for the fate of the two ninjas.

  "Wait? Did Rinji die as well?" Hiruzen thought Rinji was cooperating with Ibiki.

  "Master Ibiki wao make sure the information Rinji gave them was true so he ordered a mind walk. But the defense in Rinji's mind was more brutal and the moment the Yamanaka entered his mind, the triggers activated and he died."

  Hiruzen closed his eyes and sighed. He then motioned for them to tinue.

  "Firstly, it's evident that both Guren and Rinji were subjected to highly advanced and forbidden jutsu, presumably by Orochimaru, as a means of safeguardis. This jutsu was desiger upon any attempt to access their memories or extraformation. The result was the plete disiion of their itive funs, leading to an irreversible destru of their minds."

  She paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of her words to sink in before tinuing.

  "Sedly, our examination revealed remnants of this unknown jutsu embedded within their neural pathways. It's unlike anything we've entered before. It's a sinister bination of Genjutsu and mediinjutsu, twisted into a safeguard meism. This finding suggests Orochimaru has advanced his experimental teiques to a level that poses a signifit threat to aempting to infiltrate his operatives' minds."

  The room became silent. The Hokage's expression was grave as he sidered the implications of this discovery.

  The medics handed several dots and the old leader began to quickly gh them. "Tell me about her Kekkei Genkai. What have you found?"

  "Regarding Guren's Kekkei Genkai, the Crystal Release, our examination revealed that Orochimaru had ducted several modifications aimed at enhang her natural abilities," the head medical officer began, her face showing a plicated expression.

  "These modifications appear to have been experimental, aiming to increase the versatility and strength of her crystal manipution. We found unnatural chakra pathways fed within her body, likely inteo amplify her crystal release teiques. He also experimented on her miensively, iing her abilities with his own forbidden teiques to create a failsafe that would activate under duress. The result being catastrophic, leading to the plete disiion of her itive funs."

  Turning the topic to Rinji, she tinued. "Rinji's body showed signs of simir experimental modifications. Though not a wielder of any bloodline like Guren, Orochimaru seemed to have attempted to enhance his sensory abilities, likely to exploit his already notable skills isu and manipution. These enhas, while less invasive, were equally as experimental and dangerous."

  The versation then shifted to the autopsy of a lesser-known follower, marked by Orochimaru's curse seal. "In addition to Guren and Rinji, we also examihe body of another follower, one who bore a curse seal but it's uhe familiar one on Jonin Anko. This seal transformed the subject's body, granting them partial animalistic traits. Our findings suggest that while this seal offered increased physical capabilities, it was siderably less stable, leading to severe physical aal degradatioime."

  "What happens to the ones who transform using this curse seal?" Hiruzen asked them.

  "The transformation it induced was not fully trolble. It suggests that Orochimaru most likely abahis approa favor of the more sophisticated seals."

  "And the others?"

  The third medic, a specialist in chakra pathology, answered, "The others bore simir simple curse seals, likely inteo bolster their physical abilities without granting them signifit autonomy or power. These seals are rudimentary pared to what we've seen with the other seals but heless pose a signifit risk. One, in particur, exhibited partial animalistic transformation, indicative of an experimental phase in Orochimaru's research..."

  "As for strategic implications," the lead medicluded, "We've cluded that Orochimaru has not only perfected his methods of trol over his subordinates but has also devised meisms to ehat no useful intelligence be gleaned from them should they be captured. This will present a signifit challenge for interrogation and intelligehering efforts moving forward."

  Hiruzen nodded. "Make sure a copy of the report is sent to the Analysis wing and Shikaku Nara."

  "Yes Lord Hokage."

  "Dismissed…"

  The three medics left and the kage turo look at the sunrise. 'In another hour or two Ox should reach that location. At that time Tobirama will use his teleportation jutsu and will reach that base with Jiraiya. This way, they'll be able to take Orochimaru by surprise. Please hold on, Tsunade, Shizune. We're ing.'

  Author's Note.

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