The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima

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Land of Fire: Capital - Time: 02:17 pm

Daichi and Kakashi sat across from Lord Taji in the spacious room. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden table between them. Daichi explained the events that had led him and his sensei to the minister.

"So, Lady Tsunade has been abducted…" Lord Taji said, his voice heavy with concern. "And you believe Orochimaru is hiding in the Land of Earth under the protection of their Finance Minister?" He understood the turmoil that would fall upon the two great nations in the coming days if this matter was not handled properly.

Daichi nodded solemnly. "Yes, Lord Taji. We have credible intelligence suggesting as much."

Lord Taji rubbed his forehead as he could already imagine the headache he and the others in the court would have to deal with in the next few days. "Orochimaru's presence there poses a significant threat, not just to you or Lady Tsunade but potentially to the balance between our nations… Kuroda Michinori. I knew he was ambitious and on occasions used underhanded tactics to get his way but this…"

Lord Taji leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled thoughtfully. "This is grave news indeed. If word of this gets out, it could plunge our countries into turmoil. A known criminal colluding with a royal official. This will shake the Land of Earth."

Kakashi nodded and spoke. "That's why we're here. We need any information you can provide on Minister Kuroda, his allies, enemies, territories, psychological profile, assets, family connections. Anything that might help us locate Orochimaru and rescue Tsunade without escalating tensions."

Lord Taji rose from his seat. "I understand the urgency. Follow me to my library. I keep an extensive record on foreign officials. They would come in handy during war time or when we need an edge in high level diplomatic negotiations."

They followed him through a set of ornate doors into a vast library. Tall shelves stretched up to the ceiling, filled with scrolls and bound volumes. A large desk sat near a window overlooking the city, scattered with documents and maps.

"Impressive," Kakashi remarked, his eye scanning the room.

Lord Taji gave a modest smile. "Knowledge is power, after all." He moved to a shelf and began pulling out several scrolls. "Here we are. Information on Kuroda Michinori. The Finance Minister of the land of Earth."

Daichi accepted the scrolls gratefully. "Thank you."

They unrolled the first scroll on the desk. Detailed accounts of Kuroda's political maneuvers, business dealings, and personal life were meticulously documented.

"Kuroda is a shrewd and calculating man," Lord Taji explained. "He has a reputation for being ruthless in his pursuit of power and wealth."

Daichi traced a finger over a map highlighting Kuroda's territories. "These regions here—are they significant?"

"Yes," Lord Taji nodded and replied. "They are rich in mineral resources. Controlling them has given Kuroda considerable economic leverage."

Kakashi pointed to another section of the scroll. "It mentions conflicts with other ministers. Does he have any notable adversaries?"

Lord Taji nodded. "Yes. His primary rival is the Minister of Intelligence, Ishida Masato. They've clashed over land and resources for years. Their relationship is... less than amicable."

Daichi exchanged a glance with Kakashi. "That could be useful."

"Indeed," Kakashi agreed. "If we can understand the dynamics between them, we might find a way to exploit it."

Daichi turned back to Lord Taji. "Do you have more information on Minister Ishida?"

"Certainly," Lord Taji said, moving to another shelf. He retrieved additional scrolls and laid them out. "Ishida is just as ambitious as Kuroda but operates differently. He's more subtle, preferring to gather intelligence and use it to his advantage rather than overt displays of power."

Daichi absorbed the information, his mind piecing together the intricate web of politics within the Land of Earth's royal court. 'If we can leverage the rivalry between Kuroda and Ishida, perhaps we can find a weakness.'

Kakashi studied a scroll detailing Kuroda's family. A particular detail caught his attention. "It says here that Kuroda has a son studying in the Land of Snow and a daughter who manages some of his business interests."

"That's correct," Lord Taji confirmed. "His family is very much involved in his affairs, though they tend to keep a low profile."

Kakashi glanced at Daichi and the Genin understood the message. 'His son must be how the minister or his people make contact in the Land of Snow while avoiding suspicion.'

Daichi furrowed his brow. "Any known weaknesses? Personal vices? Anything that might make him vulnerable?"

Lord Taji sighed and shook his head. "No. Kuroda is notoriously disciplined… However, his ambition could be his downfall. He's been known to overreach in his quest for power."

Kakashi leaned over the desk, examining a detailed map of the Land of Earth. "The territories controlled by Kuroda and Ishida border each other here. Tensions must be high in these regions."

"Very much so," Lord Taji replied. "There have been skirmishes, though both sides try to keep them quiet to avoid drawing the Daimyo's ire. It wouldn't look good for the Daimyo if his own people are fighting each other openly."

Daichi tapped the map thoughtfully. "If Orochimaru is hiding within Kuroda's territories, perhaps Ishida would be interested in that information."

Kakashi looked at him sharply. "You're suggesting we inform Ishida?"

"Not directly," Daichi clarified. "But maybe we can use that angle to create a distraction or gain access."

Lord Taji regarded them seriously. "You're treading a dangerous path. Playing one minister against another could have unpredictable consequences."

"We're aware of the risks," Kakashi assured him. "But our priority is rescuing Tsunade and stopping Orochimaru."

Lord Taji stroked his chin and sat in a nearby chair. "Then I would advise against alerting any official in the Land of Earth. At least until you save your teacher. If they get to Lady Tsunade before you, then they will capture her to use as leverage." A few seconds later he spoke as if thinking over something. "Although she might be in their custody, she and her apprentice will be safe… I suppose that's the only advantage I can think of."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow as he looked at the minister. Seeing the questioning look, Taji explained. "They know how important Lady Tsunade is to us. So they won't kill her. They'll use her for negotiations but that process will be long. It might take weeks or even months to get her released. And that's not even counting what the Tsuchikage would do."

Daichi shook his head and immediately disagreed with that. "No. That's not an option. We have to save her as soon as possible."

Lord Taji nodded slowly. "Very well. I can provide you with detailed profiles on all the members of the Earth royal court. Understanding the broader political landscape may aid your mission."

"That would be immensely helpful," Daichi said gratefully.

—-

For the next hour, they delved into the wealth of intelligence provided. Scrolls and documents covered the table as they absorbed details about alliances, rivalries, economic interests, and personal histories of the key players in the Land of Earth.

Daichi committed all the information in front of him to memory, his keen mind processing the complex relationships. 'The ministers are like pieces on a shogi board. If we move carefully, we can navigate through them without causing a larger conflict.'

Kakashi closed a scroll and looked at Daichi. "We've gathered a substantial amount of information. Do you feel prepared?"

Daichi met his gaze with determination. "Yeah. This will give us a significant advantage."

Lord Taji watched them with a mix of admiration and concern. "I must say, your dedication is impressive. But please, exercise caution. The Land of Earth is not forgiving to outsiders, especially shinobi from the Hidden Leaf."

"We understand the risks," Kakashi replied. "And we appreciate your assistance."

Lord Taji placed a hand on Daichi's shoulder. "I remember when you saved my nephew's life. You have a good heart. And I owe Lady Tsunade as much as I owe you. I will pray for your success and safe return."

Daichi offered a sincere smile. "Thank you, Lord Taji. Your support means a great deal."

As they prepared to depart, Lord Taji handed Kakashi a sealed envelope. "This contains letters of introduction to some of my contacts within the Land of Earth. They may be willing to help, discreetly. But try to use them as a last resort. Cultivating assets in a hostile nation is not an easy thing to do."

Kakashi accepted the envelope with a respectful bow. "Thank you. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. We'll only use this if we have no other option."

"One more thing." The sudden serious tone in Lord Taji's voice stopped the two ninjas. The minister looked at the two but his eyes were mainly on Daichi. "You should know, I have to inform Lord Ryuga of your visit and what you wanted. This matter isn't something that can be kept from him. You understand, right Daichi?"

The Genin nodded. "Yes, I understand Lord Taji. You have your duties to follow."

The minister looked troubled as he gazed at the genin.

Daichi smiled as he looked at the man. "You don't need to look so conflicted. Lord Hokage had already sent someone to inform the Daimyo of the situation. And I knew you'd be obligated to inform him of our visit even before we came here. So I completely understand."

The minister smiled hearing that. "Thank you Daichi."

The two Leaf ninjas made their way to exit.

"Take care," Lord Taji said as the three made their way to the door. "And may fortune favor you."

—-

It was half past three. The sun cast a warm glow over the capital. It's streets bustled with activity.

Kakashi and Daichi walked briskly through the city's winding streets, heading toward the outskirts. As they passed through the gates, Daichi glanced back at the towering structures of the capital fading into the distance.

"Do you think involving the Minister of Intelligence is the right move?" he asked his sensei quietly.

Kakashi considered the question. "It's a calculated risk. If we can use their rivalry to our advantage without getting caught in the crossfire, it could provide the opening we need."

Daichi was not in complete agreement with that plan. "But it could also be a huge risk. Like Lord Taji said, if anything goes wrong then we might actually be pushing Tsunade and Shizune out of the frying pan and into the fire."

Kakashi sighed and nodded thoughtfully. "I know. It's only a suggestion. We'll make a decision after we discuss this matter with the others... We also have to be careful not to escalate tensions between the nations. Lord Hokage has trusted us with this. Our goal is to complete the mission with as little collateral impact as possible."

They continued along the road, the landscape gradually shifting from the cultivated lands surrounding the capital to wilder, more rugged terrain.

As they walked Daichi pulled out a notebook and began reviewing the key points from their briefing. "Kuroda's main base of operations is here," he said, pointing to a spot on the small map he drew. "If Orochimaru is with him, that's likely where we'll find them."

Kakashi leaned over the boy's shoulder and looked at the information noted down. "We need to consider how to get close without alerting their forces."

Daichi looked up at his teacher. "What if we posed as emissaries from the Minister of Intelligence? It might give us a plausible reason to be there."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "That could work, but it's very risky. If we're discovered, it could spark an international incident. I'm… not well regarded in the Land of Earth. Especially with the Hidden Stone village." The silver haired Jonin said with a sigh.

Daichi nodded. "I guess we'll plan our next step after joining up with the others huh."

"Yeah." Kakashi nodded and bit his thumb. He made several seals and slammed his palm to the ground.

Poof! "Yo Kakashi. Knew you'd call me soon."

"Pakkun. Have you rested?"

"Yeah." The ninja dog nodded and looked at his summoner. "So any headway into finding Lady Tsunade?"

"Some. I need you to take this scroll to lord Hokage. It's the updated intelligence on the officials of the Land of Earth." Kakashi gave a small scroll which Pakkun grabbed with his teeth.

Hearing the name of the foreign nation Pakkun slightly frowned. He looked at the one eyed Jonin from the corner of his eyes. "You're going there huh?"

"Yeah." Kakashi nodded.

"Good Luck. You too Daichi." With those words the ninja dog vanished in the direction of the Leaf village.

"Are you gonna use that?" Daichi asked, referring to the special knife the Hokage gave Kakashi.

"Yeah. No point in wasting time. I wonder who's gonna pick us up?" With that Kakashi tossed the kunai with the teleportation jutsu seal on a nearby rock.

They waited for several seconds and no one showed up.

"Isn't someone supposed to show up?" Daichi asked his teacher.

Kakashi was also flummoxed. "Yeah. That knife has the teleportation jutsu seal marked on it." The Jonin relaxed and decided to wait.

"Whoever it is must be in the Land of Earth doing something important. Let's wait a while. I'm sure they'll come pick us up soon."

Daichi nodded and went under a nearby tree to meditate. After a minute into meditation, Daichi received a message from his clone disguised as Monkey D Dragon from the Land of Earth.

'I'm near the Finance Minister's mansion. I'm going in to interrogate him.'

The real Daichi didn't show any changes in his facial expression. 'Do it. But make sure to keep him alive. Depending on what his relationship with Orochimaru is, we'll proceed. Keep me updated.'

As the real Daichi and Kakashi waited in the forest outside the Fire Capital for their ride, two big incidents were simultaneously taking place in two different locations in the Land of Earth. – Time: 03:35 pm.

Author's Note:-

Surprise!

I figured I'd post this chapter today. Things are about to really heat up from the next chapter onwards

If you enjoy my story then please take a moment to review and rate. A thumbs up always helps. 

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/MonkWithAPen