The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima

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The afternoon sun hung high in the sky as Danzo, Jiraiya, and Tobirama stood atop a rugged cliff overlooking the desolate expanse of the Land of Earth. Tiny rocks whipped through the air, carried by the infamous "Rock Rain" that swept over the mountain range from the north. The barren landscape stretched out before them, a sea of jagged rocks and dusty plateaus.

Tobirama closed his eyes briefly, extending his sensory perception across the terrain. After a moment, he opened them. "There's no one near us," he confirmed. "We have a few minutes to plan our next move."

Jiraiya shielded his eyes from the harsh sunlight. "This place is as unwelcoming as ever," he muttered.

Danzo surveyed the rocky landscape, his expression unreadable. 'The environment hasn't changed since the last time I was here. It seems time hasn't softened this land's edges, nor its people's.'

He turned to the others. "It won't be easy to draw Sanada Ryozo out of hiding. He rarely leaves his base camp."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Sanada Ryozo... That name rings a bell."

"He's the third son of the Minister of Infrastructure," Danzo explained with the other two closely paying attention.

"Despite his name meaning 'the virtuous third,' he's anything but. Ruthless, lawless, cunning, and ambitious. His father is the minister in charge of overseeing construction projects, infrastructure development and maintenance of roads, bridges and buildings of the country. That gave his son access to valuable intel. Sanada learned the entire terrain of the country like the back of his hand along with learning several other precious secrets. And when the time was right he left his family to amass his own power using this intelligence. Soon he became a warlord."

Tobirama nodded thoughtfully. "And because he's the son of a minister, he's been allowed to operate freely, am I right?."

"Exactly," Danzo replied. "He maintains a certain order among the chaotic elements here, which benefits those in power."

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "So, how do we get to him?"

Danzo looked out over a narrow pass winding through the mountains. "I know a route where Sanada's men often patrol. If I get caught there alone, carrying the scroll with ten million ryo, they'll take me directly to him."

Jiraiya frowned. "You're suggesting we let you get captured on purpose?"

"Yes," Danzo affirmed. "It's the most direct way to reach him."

Tobirama's eyes narrowed. "You'll be alone and vulnerable."

"I can handle myself," Danzo replied calmly. "And, I doubt I'd be alone. You'd be following me won't you Lord Second."

Tobirama merely crossed his arms and answered the obvious question with silence.

Danzo continued averting his gaze. "Besides, with that amount of money, they'll be more interested in taking me to Sanada than harming me."

Jiraiya shook his head. "I don't like it. What's to stop them from just killing you and taking the money?"

Danzo met his gaze steadily. "Sanada's men are greedy but also loyal. They'll see more value in presenting me to their leader. Especially if they know my identity."

Tobirama considered this. "I'll follow you discreetly. If anything goes wrong, I'll intervene."

Danzo gave a slight nod. "I understand."

Jiraiya sighed. "Alright, but how do you plan on making Sanada answer your questions once you're in front of him? You'll be surrounded by enemies and based on what you said about him, I doubt he'd just tell you what you want to know."

Danzo's lips curled into a very faint smile. "I have a plan." He glanced at Tobirama. "With his abilities, executing it won't be a problem."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Care to share the details?"

Danzo paused before speaking. "The less you know, the better. But rest assured, it's effective."

'Always so secretive,' Jiraiya thought, suppressing his irritation. "Fine. Just don't mess this up. Tsunade and Shizune's lives are on the line."

Danzo adjusted his cloak. "I'm aware of what's at stake here, boy."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed and he clenched his fist as he looked at the crippled old man. 'Even after losing everything he's still so arrogant.'

The toad Sannin exhaled slowly and calmed himself. "In that case, I'll split off from you two. I have contacts who might have information on the Finance Minister. I'm going to check up on what he's been up to for the last few months. Plus, I'll also get an update on the Hidden Stone Village's activities..."

Tobirama looked at him. "Be cautious. The Hidden Stone shinobi are not to be underestimated. We need to make sure they never know about us being here."

Jiraiya grinned. "Don't worry about me. I didn't earn my reputation by being careless. I won't leave a trace."

Danzo glanced between them. "We should move."

They descended the rocky slope, each step sending small stones tumbling ahead of them. The wind whipped around them, carrying the howl of the barren land.

At the base of the slope, they reached a fork in the path.

"This is where we part ways," Jiraiya said, adjusting his pack.

Danzo nodded. "We'll rendezvous at the Tsuchiyama village in a few hours. It's a small village a few hours from the Earth Capital." Danzo took a small map from his sleeve and gave it to Jiraiya.

"Got it," Jiraiya replied. He gave them a two-fingered salute. "Stay safe."

"You as well," Tobirama said.

As Jiraiya disappeared down the left path, Danzo and Tobirama turned to the right. – Time: 1:31 pm.

—-

After walking in silence for a few minutes, Tobirama spoke after listening to Danzo's idea. "Are you certain about this plan?"

Danzo's gaze remained fixed ahead. "It's the most efficient method to get him to give us what we need. He'll need to see a show of force from me. So unless he feels that his life is in danger he won't give up that information.."

'He's as confident as ever,' Tobirama thought. "Very well. I'll keep my distance but stay close enough to assist if needed."

"That's acceptable," Danzo replied.

They continued until they reached a narrow canyon. Danzo stopped and turned to Tobirama. "From here, I'll proceed alone."

Tobirama nodded but he also gave him a warning. "Danzo. Keep in mind that Tsunade's life is at risk. If you try anything that prevents me from saving her-"

"I know. You don't have to threaten me. I understand how valuable she is to you and the village." Danzo kept a calm tone but he was angry and at the same time slightly sad.

The antagonistic attitude his former sensei was showing him had hurt Danzo on some level. He began walking forward, his footsteps steady and unhurried. Tobirama watched him go, then leaped effortlessly onto a high ledge, masking his presence.

Danzo entered the canyon, the walls rising steeply on either side. Shadows danced along the rocky surfaces as the sun slowly began its descent.

The Leaf Elder moved through the rocky terrain for nearly thirty minutes, his senses alert as he navigated the winding paths. The wind howled between the jagged rocks, carrying tiny pebbles that clattered against the stone. He moved with purpose, yet appeared casual—bait for those he knew were watching.

'They're here.'

Suddenly, four figures emerged from the shadows, encircling him. They were rugged men, clad in worn armor and bearing the insignia of Sanada Ryozo's forces.

"Well, look what we have here," one of them sneered. "A lone traveler in dangerous territory."

Danzo's eyes flickered over them, recognizing their affiliation. 'Sanada's men. Right on schedule.' He kept his expression neutral, giving no indication of recognition.

"Just passing through," he replied calmly.

"Passing through, huh?" another chuckled darkly. "You must be lost. These paths ain't meant for the likes of you."

Danzo met their gaze steadily. "I'll be on my way, then."

"Not so fast," the first man growled, stepping closer. "Hand over your belongings, and maybe we'll let you leave in one piece."

Without a word, Danzo turned and bolted down a narrow pass between the rocks.

"After him!" the leader shouted.

The men gave chase, surprised by his sudden flight. Danzo darted through the labyrinth of stone. Despite his old age his movements were swift and controlled. 'I need to make this convincing. They have to believe they're genuinely chasing me.'

He could hear their footsteps pounding behind him, shouts echoing off the canyon walls. As he reached an open stretch, he formed quick hand seals. "Wind Style: Vacuum Bullet!"

He exhaled sharply, sending compressed air bullets toward his pursuers. The blasts kicked up dust and debris, forcing the men to scatter.

"He's a shinobi!" one of them yelled. "Spread out and flank him!"

Using the chaos to his advantage, Danzo veered left, scaling a steep incline with practiced ease. The wind whipped around him, and loose rocks tumbled under his feet. The men were persistent, their knowledge of the terrain helping them keep pace.

'Good. Let them think they have the upper hand.'

He reached a plateau and paused briefly to catch his breath. The men were closing in, their silhouettes appearing over the ridge. One threw a kunai, which Danzo narrowly dodged.

"You're only making this harder on yourself!" a voice taunted.

Danzo continued running, leading them deeper into the maze of rocky outcrops. The terrain became more treacherous, with sudden drops and narrow ledges. He leapt across a gap, landing smoothly on the other side.

The chase wore on for ten intense minutes. Danzo could feel their frustration mounting. Just as he intended, they were becoming more determined to catch him.

Suddenly, he skidded to a halt. Ahead of him loomed a sheer cliff face—too high to climb quickly without exposing more of his abilities.

"Nowhere left to run!" one of the men shouted triumphantly.

He turned to find himself surrounded. Four more of Sanada's men had joined the chase, cutting off any escape routes. They closed in, weapons drawn.

Danzo's expression remained impassive. "It appears you've caught me."

One of them sneered. "You gave us quite the run, old man."

Another stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. "Time to pay for that."

Before he could react, a fist connected with his stomach. Danzo doubled over, more for show than from actual pain.

They didn't hold back, landing punches and kicks to subdue him. He allowed himself to fall to one knee, hand raised in mock surrender.

"Check his belongings," the leader ordered.

They rifled through his pouch and pulled out the scroll containing the ten million ryo.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" one mused, unrolling the scroll to reveal the money. Eyes widened all around. "Jackpot!"

"Why's a lone shinobi carrying this kind of cash?" another questioned.

"Does it matter?" someone else retorted. "With this kind of haul, we don't need to bring him back."

"Agreed," the leader said, drawing a blade. "Let's finish him and split the loot."

"Wait!" a voice called out.

A man with a scar across his eye stepped forward, scrutinizing Danzo's face. "I recognize him."

The others looked at him skeptically. "What are you talking about?"

"This is Danzo Shimura," he said. "An elder from the Hidden Leaf Village."

Murmurs rippled through the group. "The Danzo Shimura?" "You sure?" "Isn't he just some old man?"

The scarred man nodded. "No doubt about it. I saw his face last time he came to see the boss. It's him."

The leader hesitated, lowering his blade slightly. "If that's true, he's worth more alive than dead."

"Exactly," the scarred man affirmed. "We bring him to Master Sanada. He'll know what to do."

A few grumbled, eyeing the scroll greedily. "But what about the money?"

"We can still hand that over," the leader decided. "It'll earn us favor—and maybe a bigger reward." They bound Danzo's hands tightly behind his back.

One leaned in close. "Don't try anything funny, or we'll make you regret it."

Danzo remained silent, his expression stoic. 'Just as I expected. Once I'm done with your leader, I'll make sure to kill all of you.'

"Move out!" the leader commanded.

They prodded Danzo forward, guiding him through the winding paths toward their base camp. – Time: 2:17 pm.

High above, hidden among the rocks, Tobirama observed the scene with keen eyes. 'He allowed himself to be captured. Now it's my turn to watch over him.'

The wind picked up, swirling dust around the departing group. Tobirama moved swiftly and silently, keeping to the shadows as he followed from a distance.

As they made their way deeper into Sanada's territory, the terrain became more rugged.

One of the men glanced back at Danzo. "What's an old leaf shinobi doing all the way out here?"

Danzo met his gaze but said nothing.

"Doesn't matter," the leader interjected. "Master Sanada will get the answers."

They pressed on, unaware of a very dangerous ninja trailing them.

Author's Note:

On one side Daichi is getting intel from the minister. on the other side Danzo has let himself get caught so he could get to the warlord. Two groups moving forward to a single goal.

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