The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima-Chapter 352 – Rescue Mission: Kakashi & Daichi Departs

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Daichi stood outside the Hokage's office, his heart beating harder than usual in his chest despite his special skills. Kakashi placed a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder.

"Ready?" Daichi's sensei asked.

The Genin took a deep breath and let it out. 'This is my best and only chance to get to them.'

"Yes," Daichi firmly replied.

Kakashi nodded and knocked on the door. From inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice called out, "Enter."

They stepped into the spacious office. Scrolls and documents were neatly arranged on the Hokage's desk. Jiraiya leaned casually against a bookshelf, his usual jovial expression replaced with a somber look.

"Ah, Daichi, Kakashi," Hiruzen greeted them warmly. "Come in."

Daichi gave a respectful short bow. "Lord Hokage"

Hiruzen gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

As they settled in, Hiruzen's gaze softened. "There's much to discuss. First, I want to inform you about the events at the eighth base."

The genin in the room audibly sighed. "I take it the mission was a failure."

Jiraiya crossed his arms, glancing at Daichi. "It wasn't a simple operation. We didn't succeed but it wasn't a total failure either."

Daichi and Kakashi turned to the Toad sage.

"Orochimaru had contingencies in place." The white haired Sannin spoke.

Hiruzen gave a small nod. "Well, we didn't find them but we know where Orochimaru is. He had resurrected two formidable shinobi using that forbidden technique. They were powerful adversaries, but Jiraiya and his team managed to defeat them."

Daichi's eyes widened. "Resurrected shinobi? You mean he really used the Reanimation jutsu?"

"Yes," Hiruzen affirmed. "They were defeated and after they were freed from that jutsu one of them confirmed that Orochimaru's chakra was coming from the Land of Earth. And I doubt Orochimaru is aware that we obtained such valuable intel. Your analysis has been invaluable. Shikaku and his team are going over those files as we speak."

Daichi felt a surge of determination. "Lord Hokage, with your permission, I'd like to go on a rescue mission into the Land of Earth."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold request, kid."

Hiruzen regarded Daichi thoughtfully. "What makes you believe you're suited for this mission? Getting into that nation is not easy. Especially not right now with their heightened border security. And even if you did, how exactly do you intend to find them once you get into the country?"

Daichi met his gaze unwaveringly. "I've been analyzing the shipment movements and patrol diversions in the Land of Earth. I've gone through all the intelligence you gave me and memorized them. I've also been up all night studying the Geography and Topography of Earth country. As for where to search, all signs point to the Finance Minister's involvement with Orochimaru. I have an idea as to how to narrow down that search field… Lord Hokage, I believe I can locate their base. Or at the very least be of some help."

Hiruzen steepled his fingers. "The Finance Minister is a high-ranking official. Accusations against him are serious. What evidence do you have?" Even though he learned it from Kakashi, he specifically questioned the boy.

Daichi took a deep breath. "Multiple shipments from the Land of Snow, marked as low-priority but heavily guarded, have been entering the Land of Earth. These shipments avoid the Hidden Stone Village and the capital, disappearing without a trace. Additionally, patrols are diverted every time these shipments arrive. Someone with significant influence is orchestrating this. After going through all the information I found out it's the finance minister's people. He's involved somehow. I can feel it."

After a moment of silence he continued. "My deductions are sound. The patterns are too consistent to be coincidental. I've gone through it multiple times and I don't believe those shipments were for the Daimyo or the Hidden Stone village."

Jiraiya frowned. "Even so, infiltrating the Land of Earth is dangerous, especially for a genin."

Daichi clenched his fists. "With all due respect, Lord Jiraiya, I won't stand by while Tsunade sensei and Shizune are in danger."

Jiraiya shook his head. "Listen, kid, you don't need to go. I'm already planning to head to the Land of Earth."

At that moment, Hiruzen interjected. "Daichi, Jiraiya and two others are being dispatched to infiltrate the Land of Earth. I have complete faith in them." 'Well, two of them anyway.' Hiruzen thought as Danzo's face came to his mind. "They will handle this mission. They'll find those two and rescue them."

Daichi looked between them, determination flashing in his eyes. "I appreciate that, but I still want to go. I might be able to help in ways others can't."

Jiraiya sighed. "This isn't a simple task. It's risky, and frankly, you're too young to be involved in this kind of operation."

Daichi met his gaze steadily. "Age doesn't determine ability. I've been instrumental in gathering all these information. I know the details inside and out. I can be an asset. Besides… You of all people should know not to underestimate me."

Hiruzen regarded him thoughtfully. "You must understand the gravity of this situation. If you get caught, it could escalate into a diplomatic crisis. Are you prepared for that responsibility?"

"Yes!"

'He's serious about this.' Jiraiya studied him for a moment. "You realize the risks?"

"I do," Daichi replied. "And I also know that time is running out. Orochimaru won't hesitate to harm them after he gets what he wants."

Hiruzen sighed softly. "Kakashi, you've been quiet. What's your perspective?"

Kakashi glanced at Daichi before responding. "Daichi is resourceful and capable. And during my time in the Anbu, I learned several covert routes into the Land of Earth. I can guide him."

Hiruzen considered this. "If you were to go, it would need to be a secret mission. Officially, we cannot sanction an infiltration into another nation."

"Understood," Kakashi said.

Jiraiya uncrossed his arms and shook his head, a hint of resignation in his posture. "You are one stubborn brat, you know that?"

Daichi smirked, hearing that. "Yeah, the old man tells me that a lot."

Jiraiya shook his head. "I still think this is too risky. Tsunade wouldn't want you to put yourself in harm's way."

Daichi looked directly at Jiraiya. "If our positions were reversed, if I was in her place, she would do everything she could to try and find me. Even if it means doing something as stupid and dangerous as going into enemy territory on her own."

Jiraiya was taken aback. He then shook his head and tried to make the genin see reason. "That's different. She's your sensei."

"And I'm her student… It cuts both ways." Daichi then sighed and calmed himself. He looked at the other Sannin and knew Jiraiya was only looking out for him. "I know you're worried about me. But I can't just let this go. I learned so much from her and Shizune. And not just about medical ninjutsu. I owe them a great deal."

Hiruzen watched the exchange, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. 'He's got a fire in him, just like his sensei.'

Jiraiya sighed heavily. "You're not going to back down, are you?"

"No," Daichi affirmed.

Kakashi placed a hand on Daichi's shoulder. "We'll proceed with caution. I'll be with him at all times."

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair. "Very well. But you must understand the gravity of this mission. If you're caught, it could put us at a severe disadvantage."

"We understand," Kakashi replied.

Daichi nodded. "We'll be careful and discreet."

Jiraiya shook his head. "Alright then. Just don't expect me to come rescue you if things go south."

Daichi grinned slightly. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Jiraiya rubbed his temples. "I suppose there's no stopping you. At least let me provide some support."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose?"

"I have contacts in the Land of Earth," Jiraiya said as he looked at his old sensei. "I can arrange for some information to be funneled their way, maybe even some local assistance."

Kakashi smiled beneath his mask. "That would be appreciated."

Daichi felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Jiraiya."

Jiraiya waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't make me regret this."

Hiruzen leaned forward, his gaze shifting between Kakashi and Daichi. "What do you plan to do first? Are you going straight to the Earth Country?"

Daichi glanced at Kakashi before responding. "No. We're going to the Fire Capital to meet with the Third Minister, Lord Taji Mayima."

Kakashi nodded. "We believe he might have detailed information on the Finance Minister of the Land of Earth. Given their rival status, it's possible he has insights that could aid us."

Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A sound strategy. Lord Mayima is well-connected and may provide valuable intelligence. You also helped him a great deal during your mission to rescue his nephew. So I believe you would have no trouble getting his assistance."

Daichi continued, "Yeah. If we can learn more about the Finance Minister's dealings, it might help us pinpoint Orochimaru's location."

Hiruzen gave a slight nod. "I've already sent someone to the Fire Capital to update the Daimyo on the situation. Since we're moving against a member of the Earth Royal Court, it's imperative we keep our own Daimyo informed."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Covering all bases, as usual."

Hiruzen smiled faintly. "It's necessary. We must proceed carefully to avoid any unintended conflicts."

Kakashi glanced at Daichi. "Then we'll make the Capital our first stop."

Hiruzen nodded and opened the desk drawer near him. "I have something that'll help you." He took a kunai and gave it to Kakashi. "Once your business in the Capital comes to an end, use this."

Kakashi looked at the Kunai and his eye slightly widened as he saw a teleportation jutsu seal on it. "This is…"

The third Hokage nodded. "Yes. Once you use that, someone will come to help you out. He'll take you two into the Land of Earth. After you two depart from here, he along with Jiraiya and someone else will be headed for the Land of Earth. They'll be able to move fast and get into the country undetected. So by the time you're done gathering information in the Capital they would have made some headway."

Daichi, who was listening to the cryptic words, used his Observe skill on that kunai and saw that it was a special knife marked with the Flying Thunder God Jutsu seal by the 2nd Hokage. But what he found strange is that the knife was made a few years ago.

'No way. For a kunai that was made three years ago to be marked by the Second Hokage… There's only one answer… But who brought him back?'

The Genin was internally shocked as he came to a hypothesis but he kept a neutral face and kept to himself.

"Oh and fair warning. The identity of that person will shock you but I want you both to know he's an ally. And I'd like for you to keep his existence a secret."

The words Hiruzen spoke confirmed Daichi's suspicions but it confused Kakashi. "Lord Hokage, who is he?"

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"I'm afraid he told me not to say. He wants to keep his presence a secret from as many as possible. If you figure it out he'll reveal himself to you." Hiruzen sighed and replied as he remembered his predecessor's order.

Hiruzen stood up, signaling the meeting was coming to an end. "Prepare to depart as soon as possible. Time is of the essence."

Kakashi and Daichi rose from their seats. "Understood," they said in unison.

As they turned to leave, Jiraiya called out. "Hey, Daichi."

Daichi paused at the doorway and looked at the Sannin. "Yeah?"

Jiraiya gave him a serious look. "Be careful out there. Tsunade wouldn't forgive us if something happened to you."

The Hokage agreed and added. "Yes. Gather as much information as you can, but prioritize your safety. Having you two getting captured as well is the last thing we want."

Daichi nodded earnestly. "I'll be careful. And thank you." The Genin replied and the two ninjas exited the room.

Outside the office, Kakashi glanced at his student. "You handled that well."

Daichi exhaled, tension easing from his shoulders. "I just hope we're making the right decision."

Kakashi gave a reassuring nod. "We are. We'll find her."

Teacher and student duo walked down the corridor. The weight of the mission quickly settled upon them.

"Thanks for backing me up," Daichi said quietly.

Kakashi glanced at him. "I believe in you. Besides, you made a compelling argument."

Daichi managed a small smile. "I meant what I said."

"I know," Kakashi replied. "Let's get ready."

Back inside, Hiruzen watched the door close behind them. Jiraiya turned to his teacher. "You didn't mention to them that I was going with a reanimated Hokage and an extremely dangerous prisoner."

Hiruzen shrugged. "No need to burden them with more details. They've got enough to focus on."

Jiraiya sighed. "Perhaps it's for the best." He leaned against the wall and looked outside. "Do you really think it's wise to let Daichi go? He's just a kid."

"He's a shinobi. And a capable one," Hiruzen replied. "I suppose the next few days will tell us whether I made the right decision or not." He walked up to the window near Jiraiya and looked down just in time to see Kakashi and his student vanishing into smoke.

Despite the somber situation, the white haired Sannin had a small smile on his face. "They've got spirit, I'll give them that."

"Indeed," Hiruzen agreed. "We can only hope it's enough."

Jiraiya adjusted his headband. "I should get going too. Danzo and Lord Tobirama are probably waiting."

Hiruzen turned to him. "Be cautious. And keep an eye on Danzo. With him involved, we can't afford any missteps."

"Will do," Jiraiya replied with a wink. "I'll make sure everything stays on track."

"Thank you." Hiruzen replied earnestly. "Good luck," he whispered a few seconds later.

As he departed, Hiruzen's gaze turned to the Hokage Mountain. 'So much rests on the shoulders of the young. Perhaps more than they should bear.'

—-

Daichi and his sensei separated for a short while to get ready for the mission. About 10 minutes later Kakashi found Daichi on top of a building near the gates of the village.

The Genin stood atop the building and his gaze was on the four stone faces on the mountain.

Kakashi appeared beside him silently. "Taking in the view?"

Daichi nodded. "Yeah. Just picturing something."

"What is it?" The Jonin asked.

Daichi was silent for a few moments before he spoke. "A carving of Lady Tsunade's face right next to the head of the Fourth Hokage."

Kakashi was surprised by that declaration but otherwise stayed silent. After a few moments of silence, Daichi turned to his teacher. "Let's go sensei. No more time to lose."

Kakashi nodded and the two disappeared. Unaware of the challenges ahead, Daichi and Kakashi pressed on, each step bringing them closer to their goal.

The Genin clenched his fist as he moved through the trees as fast as he could. 'Hold on you two. We're coming.'

Time of Departure: 9:07am.

Author's note.

I'm not trying to drag this out with them going to the capital. This was planned since before I started writing this arc.

What I can promise you is that things will be moving fast paced. The meeting at the capital will be done quickly.

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