Hiruzen internally sighed as he looked into the eyes of the man who held the most political power in the Land of Fire. 'Once he knows everything that happened, he'll use it to his advantage and try to expand his power. If the Earth Daimyo doesn't accept his demands and retaliates, it'll become another power struggle and we'll be caught in between… But at the same time I can't keep this a secret. With his intelligence network, he'll soon figure it out one way or the other.'
Having made a decision even before coming to meet the Daimyo, Hiruzen didn't waste any more time pondering his options. "As you know, two days ago we received information that Tsunade and her student Shizune were taken by Orochimaru. Ever since that moment, I've been tracking his possible locations and his people. With the intelligence we already had on him, we were able to track down several of his hideouts in the Land of Fire."
The Fire Daimyo Ryuga nodded. "Yes. My men informed me. Normally I wouldn't bother with your missions but this time the commotion was too big. You've sent your people all over the country. It got me curious."
The Hokage nodded. "Yes. But it was just a waste of time. Orochimaru created them just to stall me. Soon we came to the conclusion that Orochimaru had taken the two out of the country."
"And you figured out it was the Land of Earth?" The Daimyo was curious as to how the old Kage had figured that out so quickly.
"It was just a theory at first and we began going over all the activities in the Land of Earth. That's when the movements of the Finance Minister caught our attention…"
Hiruzen began recounting the events that happened with a small variation. He made sure to keep Daichi's presence and impact to a minimum. 'If Ryuga knew the boy's skills, he'd no doubt try to recruit him one way or the other. That could create problems I'd rather not have.'
"... And in the Land of Earth, Jiraiya encountered 'Dragon'."
Ryuga leaned back and crossed his arms. "So this Dragon character infiltrated the Leaf and then his next stop was… the Land of Earth? Is it possible he's from the Hidden Stone village?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "While that possibility exists, I'm not sure that's the case."
At the Daimyo's puzzled look, Hiruzen placed a small recording device on the table between them and pressed a button. "You should listen to this. Dragon gave this along with several maps and intelligence reports to Jiraiya before he vanished."
Static sound filled the air at first. Then a voice filled with fear broke the silence. "My name is Kuroda Michinori… Finance Minister of the Land of Earth. Three months ago, I was approached by Orochimaru…"
The recording described the plans the Minister and Orochimaru had hatched together several months ago. Kakashi watched the Daimyo's jaw harden as the confession unfurled. By the end, Lord Ryuga's tea had gone untouched and cold.
Soon the voice on the device stopped. The man was silent and closed his eyes as if to meditate. Several moments later he opened his eyes and reached for the small recorder. The man played with it in his hand as he looked at the Hokage. "How many people know about this from your side?"
"Myself, Kakashi here, Daichi and Jiraiya, my military advisor and the two elders of the village." Hiruzen replied calmly.
The Fire Daimyo nodded. "Hiruzen, while we five aren't exactly friends, a coup d'etat of this scale against any one of us, especially from an outsider of the royal bloodline is a serious offence that deserves death. None of us will stand by and just watch it happen. This is also not pleasant. So make sure to keep this information under wraps."
Hiruzen nodded as he understood where the Daimyo was coming from. 'It's the same with the five great hidden villages. While we're all enemies, we won't just sit idle and watch one of us get completely destroyed by an outside force on the premise that it could also happen to us.'
"But at the same time…" The Daimyo continued and Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as he had an ominous premonition. "The fact that he couldn't even control his own people and had someone move around the country with such ease... That shows that his strength and hold over his people has weakened over the years."
Hearing the tone in which the man said those words, alarm bells rang in Hiruzen's head. "Lord Ryuga. Are you going to make a move on them?"
Kakashi, who was standing near them, became slightly tense. 'The Daimyo has the power to order the ninja in their country to mobilize. Is he planning to fight with the Land of Earth?'
The Fire Daimyo could see the concern on the Hokage and his guards' faces. He ignored Kakashi and kept his eyes on the old Kage. "This is far too good of an opportunity to pass up… But don't worry, Hiruzen. I don't intend to start a war. I will do this my way. I won't involve the Leaf village and I'll make sure he won't involve the Hidden Stone village."
Hearing those words, the Hokage and Kakashi let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Then they saw Ryuga's face slightly tighten. "But what concerns me is this man Monkey D Dragon. A strange name for starters. He had the audacity to attack your village and kill Danzo. He also had the courage to torture a member of the Royal court of a rival country. Do you know his true origin or his identity?"
"No." The old man shook his head. "He is an unknown. We don't even know where to start with him. But for now, we've listed him in the bingo books as an S-rank criminal."
"Even after he gave you information that helped in your search?" Ryuga gazed at Hiruzen with a scrutinizing look.
"We didn't ask for any information from him. And while it's true that he gave us the intel that ultimately helped me find my former students, it's also true he attacked the village and killed my friend. And I'm sure the people in the Land of Earth have discovered what happened to the minister by now. Regardless of why Dragon did it, the people of the Royal court won't be happy that one of their own was attacked and tortured. They might find out it was him. They might not. But we can't be seen as associated with him in any way in either case."
Hiruzen's answer made Ryuga satisfied. "Good. So then, I take it you were able to find Tsunade using the information you've gathered?"
The Hokage nodded his head. "We were able to find her around 10 hours ago. We've already brought her home."
The Fire Daimyo was surprised to hear that. "So quickly?" 'To travel all the way to the Hidden Leaf so fast… They must have someone who learned teleportation jutsu. So that's how they got here now. No wonder my scouts didn't report their presence from the outside.'
"Did anyone in the Land of Earth find out about your rescue mission?"
Hearing that question Hiruzen turned his head and looked at Kakashi as if to confirm. The silver-haired Jonin silently shook his head.
Hiruzen nodded and turned his attention back to the Daimyo. "Not that we know of. Jiraiya and Kakashi here managed to keep their presence to a minimum."
Ryuga nodded with a small smile. "Hm… That's good. Still, even if someone did find something, it won't be much of a problem. Don't worry. I will handle what concerns my peers in the Land of Earth—but Orochimaru is a shinobi matter." Ryuga set the device down. "You understand, right?" His eyes slightly narrowed as he looked at the leader of the Hidden Leaf.
Hiruzen dipped his head, his voice even. "Yes. It's already done. Jiraiya of the Sannin engaged and eliminated him."
'Daichi deserves the credit… but not now. Not in front of this man.'
The Daimyo studied him for a long moment, then nodded. "Good. One problem dealt with. What of Princess Tsunade?"
"Alive," Hiruzen's jaw tightened slightly before continuing. "In a coma induced by a serum—you may call it an… engineered graft. She's in critical condition right now. But Daichi is working to heal her. We have reason to hope."
The Fire Daimyo had a small smile as he recalled the face of the young Genin he met. One of the very few people who had rejected him. "You know, a few years ago when I heard that Lady Tsunade had taken on a new apprentice, I was quite surprised. And his performance on the two missions here in the Capital has impressed me… And now the student is trying to save his master. What a strange fate those two have." He looked at the Hokage and saw confidence in the man's eyes.
Lord Ryuga gave a rare, thoughtful hum. "I can see why you place a great deal of trust in him."
"Yes," Hiruzen said without hesitation. "I've never once regretted it."
Ryuga's expression softened, if only slightly. "Then I'll trust your judgment on this as well… as I have before." The Daimyo poured fresh tea and considered the steam. "I will pray for your medic, and for her. If she lives, the village lives easier. She is the future after all." He folded his hands.
Hiruzen internally sighed when he heard the last words. 'His intuition is extraordinary. Those weren't simple words. He's already deduced that I'll give the position of Hokage to her.'
Lord Ryuga took a sip of tea and then looked at the one-eyed Jonin. "My chamberlain tells me Minister Taji lent you a hand."
"He did. His help was invaluable." Kakashi said. "Our thanks remain."
"Are you planning on withdrawing the troops stationed at the border?" This question was directed at Hiruzen and the old Kage immediately answered. "Even though the crisis is solved, I want to do this cautiously. If I pull my shinobi from the borders now, the other villages will know something's changed. I'm going to wait a week before I pull back my forces."
The Daimyo nodded and slowly rose from his seat. He slowly made his way to the open balcony that overlooked the Capital city. "Well, like I said before. I will handle whatever problems arise from the Earth Royal court. You don't need to worry about them."
"Thank you, Lord Ryuga." Hiruzen said, rising to his feet.
"You've done your part, old friend. The rest… will be politics."
Hiruzen chuckled softly. "That's a battlefield much more suited for you."
Just as the Hokage and his guard were about to leave the room, Ryuga's words paused their steps. "Tsunade Senju is a very important part of this country. So when she awakens, send word… But if she doesn't…" He let silence fill the air for a few moments before continuing. "Well, still send word."
Hiruzen had an unreadable expression on his face. He was silent for a few moments before he gave his reply. "I will."
With those simple words the two ninja left the room. Soon they were joined by the disguised Tobirama who was keeping an eye on everything outside.
Only after they left the place did Hiruzen let out the breath he'd held for the length of the audience.
Kakashi glanced sideways at the Hokage. "You chose to say Lord Jiraiya when he asked who killed Orochimaru." He spoke in a soft tone.
"The boy already has enough on his shoulders. Besides, if anyone else finds out there's someone out there as strong as a Sannin from our village, they'll begin to have unwanted ideas. Especially when they realize it's someone the same age as a fresh Genin." Hiruzen gave a calm reply.
Tobirama said nothing as they made their way to a secluded spot. 'Political cover is sometimes a protection stronger than any jutsu. If cast cleanly, it can protect more lives than any wall of earth.'
As soon as they reached the spot, Tobirama teleported the three of them back to the Hokage Tower.
"Thank you."
The Second Hokage nodded. "Inform me when she wakes up."
"I will."
Tobirama nodded and vanished, resuming his investigation into the hideouts Orochimaru had across the five nations.
—---------------
Author's Note:
When I wrote this I decided to expand on the interaction between the Hokage and the Daimyo. And Daichi's medical skills.
I've split the original chapter into two. The original second half of this chapter is now the next chapter.
Now regarding the Fire Daimyo, While the Daimyos from 5 nations are competitors, they won't allow anyone else to violate their dignity. So should that happen to one of them the other four will destroy the person responsible.
At least this is my take on their behavior.