Chapter 39: A Nocturnal Summons
Not this again, Hiraoka thought with a surge of irritation as he saw the light on in his apartment. If it's that old badger Danzo back to threaten me...
He had been preparing for a confrontation with the leader of the Foundation ever since the last veiled threat. His long-term plans, including the eventual recruitment of Zabuza and Haku, were partly a safeguard against that very eventuality. But he had hoped it wouldn't come to a head so soon.
He moved silently to the window to assess the situation before entering.
"Well, well. A change of cast," he murmured to himself, surprised by the figure inside.
"Come in, Hiraoka," an aged, familiar voice called out from within, having detected his presence with ease.
He opened the door and put on a casual smile. "You found me. Impressive, as expected of the Hokage."
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled softly. "You're a sharp boy, Hiraoka. Let's not play games. You know why I'm here."
"Hokage-sama," Hiraoka began, feigning ignorance, "surely you haven't come all this way to discuss something... untoward?" He clasped his hands over his heart in a theatrical display of shock.
Hiruzen's benevolent expression tightened. "I am here to—"
He was cut off as Hiraoka vanished in a puff of smoke, replaced by a dozen alluring, smoke-shrouded figures who began to bat their eyelashes at the old Hokage.
"Hokage-sama," they chorused in syrupy voices, "if you have such... unique tastes, we'd be happy to oblige."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the God of Shinobi, sputtered, a sudden, unexpected warmth rushing to his face. Two streams of blood trickled from his nostrils. "Pfft! Cease this... this ridiculous jutsu at once!" he demanded, wiping his nose with his sleeve, his composure thoroughly shattered.
The clones dispersed, and Hiraoka stood there, his expression now sober and serious. "My apologies, Hokage-sama. You were saying?"
Hiruzen took a moment to collect himself, his cheeks still faintly flushed. "Kakashi's report on your mission to the Land of Waves was most illuminating. Your skills have far surpassed the genin level. It is a waste for you to remain on a standard team."
"I see," Hiraoka replied, his tone neutral.
"After careful consideration," Hiruzen continued, his voice regaining its authority, "I believe you are ready for the ANBU."
Before Hiraoka could respond, the door creaked open. Shimura Danzo stood there, leaning on his cane. "The Foundation is a more... suitable environment for honing such raw talent," he stated, his lone eye fixed on Hiraoka as he took a seat, creating a silent standoff with the Hokage.
Danzo turned his gaze fully on Hiraoka. "Well, boy? What is your answer?"
The demanding tone grated on Hiraoka. You, who will be struck down by Sasuke one day, have no right to speak to me like that.
"I have no interest in the Foundation," Hiraoka stated flatly, his voice cold. "The life expectancy seems regrettably short, and I am rather fond of living."
Danzo's face darkened.
"As for the ANBU..." Hiraoka continued, turning his attention back to a hopeful Hiruzen and tapping a finger thoughtfully on the table. "...it is not an impossibility."
"What are your terms?" Hiruzen asked, recognizing the negotiation.
"I will join the ANBU," Hiraoka declared, "after the upcoming Chunin Exams are concluded." He had no intention of missing the spectacle and opportunities the exams would present.
"Agreed," Hiruzen said without hesitation, a satisfied smile touching his lips. His objective for the night was achieved. "Come, Danzo. We are finished here."
As they left, Danzo shot a final, inscrutable look at Hiraoka—a look that promised this was not the end of their dealings.
Alone again, Hiraoka lay on his bed, the political maneuvering of the night settling over him. He had chosen the ANBU as the lesser of two evils; under the Hokage's direct command, Danzo would find it harder to move against him openly.
He willed his system interface to appear, a habit he used to center himself.
[Host]: Kamikawa Hiraoka
[Age]: 13
[Chakra Natures]: Wind, Fire, Water, Earth, Lightning
[Physique]: Uzumaki Vitality
[Notable Jutsu]: Sexy Technique, Harem Technique, Lightning Release: Thunder Falcon Thrust, Fire Release: Great Fireball, Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Water Release: Thousand Flying Water Needles, Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals...
[Kekkei Genkai]: Ice Release
[Dōjutsu]: Three Tomoe Sharingan
A slow smile spread across his face. His arsenal was growing impressively. But for now, his focus needed to shift to a more immediate challenge: surviving the upcoming "heart-to-heart" talks with Yamanaka Inoichi and Hyuga Hiashi. He had a feeling those would be far more daunting than any conversation with the Hokage.
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Which is your Fav Romance anime? Mine is Alya Hides Her Feeling in Russian.
I need Stones to Feed My Family.