Konoha Children's Crusade Chapter 28 part 4

Sakura opened her mouth to speak, but Tsunade held up a single warning finger. She waited almost a full minute after the footsteps of the Shimura clan retreated down the hall. Then she exhaled. “Oh gods, what a day,” she grumbled and began digging through her desk drawers looking for an unopened bottle of Sake.

“Absolutely an idiotic idea!” she snarled to no one in particular. “We’re a military force, a military village! You don’t go around setting up some secondary fighting unit that lies completely outside the chain of command!”

She noticed Sakura waiting, and forced himself calm with a breath. “The council forced a vote. It passed... barely. The ‘charming’ Eiji Shimura is the new commander of the civilian’s ANBU brigade, and the rest of his family has weaseled their way into this new faction. They will report regularly to a small sub-committee within the council itself. All because Sasuke Uchiha has returned to the village and everyone is terrified we can’t keep him locked up.” She snorted. “The council is wetting their pants over the belief that one dark night, he’ll escape from the interrogation center and murder us all in our beds.”

Tsunade studied Sakura carefully and her face grew a frown. “You only get that particular look on your face when you are about to tell me something rather unpleasant... I really hope that the next words out of your mouth are not going to be that Sasuke has escaped.”

“You promised me that there wouldn’t be any mind scans,” Sakura said accusingly.

Tsunade sat back, temporarily giving up on that bottle of sake. “I promised you nothing. What I said was that I would consider waiving a mind scan if you could gather enough information to convince me that this return is a sincere one. I said we should probably wait anyway until the prisoners had undergone a physical before we even attempted a mind reading. The political situation changed. I needed to know right away what sort of threat Sasuke Uchiha is to my village.”

“And what did we end up learning?” Sakura asked pointedly. Tsunade looked away. “As far as I can tell the only thing we managed to confirm is that Sasuke has very formidable mental defenses.”

“The Uchiha managed to assault three ANBU interrogators while in custody,” Tsunade said firmly.

“He has a name you know,” Sakura said testily.

Tsunade gave her a long cool look. “I’m surprised at your tone... If I didn’t know any better... I’d say you still have some feelings for this boy.”

Sakura clamped down hard on the fiery burst of anger. “I have as much feeling for him as I would have for any patient that has been placed in my charge. The Uchiha, as you insist on calling Sasuke, seemed stable enough at first. It’s really unfortunate that all of my notes came from before he managed to fight off an attempt by three of the top ANBU psychics while drugged to the gills. Who know how that will have affected his attitude, his willingness to cooperate?” she asked sarcastically. “Before all that happened,  I would have said that he manages himself very well, and can carry on polite conversation and empathize with others. He is even willing to discuss his relatively recent past and events that transpired that might be of interest to us freely. The only time he seems to lose his restraint over his emotions is when someone broaches the topic of his older brother. ” Sakura threw down a folder on Tsunade’s desk. “From what I can guess,” she said, deciding to hold off on revealing everything she learned listening at Tsunade’s door, “ after he killed his brother, something happened... Something that caused him to identify with Itachi. That’s why he decided to seek revenge on Konoha.” Sakura leaned forward and lowered her voice. “However, his circumstances have changed since we last saw him during the fourth war. It is my opinion he appears to fit the profile of someone who feels... guilty. What changed him, I couldn’t tell, but I believed that with enough time and trust I could have dragged them out of him.” She said calmly as she could. “With that mind probe you attempted on him, you destroyed my chances of gaining that trust. It’s all there in my report. It’s paragraph eight of the short history I’ve been filling in on one Uchiha, Sasuke.” Tsunade reached out and flipped the cover open. “Go ahead and read it, you can send for me when you’re done.” Sakura turned purposefully and started to leave.

“I haven’t dismissed you yet Sakura!” Tsunade’s voice cracked like a whip through the office. Sakura stiffened and carefully turned back around.

Tsunade slowly paged her way through the report, taking her time. Sakura stood there, trembling as the silence grew.

After what seemed an eternity, Tsunade put the report down with a thump. “Your work is stellar as always. We’ll add that bit about Jugo to the file we have on him... I must confess I’m impressed with the amount of information you managed to get out of the Uch... I mean... Sasuke.” Tsunade leaned forward. “Although, I’m a bit surprised at your... choice of language. It almost seems like you’re defending him.”

“Defending him?” snapped Sakura, “Do you think I’m enjoying being in his company? Tsunade-sama everything I’m doing, I’m doing for the sake of the...”

Tsunade waved a hand. “Sakura,” said Tsunade quietly. “You don’t have to make yourself out to be so heartless. Of course you still care for him.” She looked at her pupil with a blend of stern sympathy. “You never lose the feelings for your comrades. That first team you were ever on will always be something special to you.” Tsunade gave a dry chuckle. “Trust me... I know from experience... I also know that the important thing now is to realize that your former comrade is not the same person you grew up with... The boy is not the man. That man we have down in the cells is a monster.”

Sakura had a sudden flash of her mother pulling her aside. “What were you doing talking with that boy? You know I told you to stay away from him!”

Honestly Sakura didn’t mind too much that Naruto was always trying to talk to her. He was one of the few people, aside from Ino, who never teased her about her forehead. Still, she knew that her mother forbade her from ever associating with him... and the last thing she wanted to do was get into trouble... “But Mom,” she whined. “It’s not my fault if he follows me everywhere! It’s so annoying!”

Mebuki squinted her eyes and glared out the window to where the blonde haired boy could be seen lurking in the shadows across the street. “Well... We’ll just have to talk to your father. We can’t have monsters like him trying to be friends with you.”

She realized Tsunade was still talking and started listening again. “...You don’t have to make any excuses to me. If anything, I blame myself.”

“Blame yourself for what?” asked Sakura. “I‘m not sure I understand.”

“I pushed you towards a reunion with Sasuke. It was bound to be awkward. Especially if you still have feelings for him.” Tsunade shrugged at Sakura’s shrill protest. “Or maybe not. At any rate... If you truly want to try to return Sasuke to this village... I am going to need to know everything that is going on inside his head. Right now I have political maneuverings, mystery and rumors eating their way through the stability of Konoha. It’s time like these when we are at our most vulnerable. The citizens of Konoha will bond together when faced with an outside foe, but we have a bad habit of being our own worst enemies.” Tsunade leaned back in her chair. “Naruto has already indicated, quite openly,  that he is siding with Sasuke. It’s understandable given how hard he has worked to bring Sasuke back to us, but from a political standpoint...” she sighed, “to see the hero of the Leaf and the Fourth Shinobi war allying with a known criminal in this way... well, some of the councilors at the meeting were wondering aloud if Naruto was planning a coup d'etat.”

“What?” gasped Sakura.

Tsunade gave a humorless smile. “You didn’t pick that up from the way  Eri Shimura was harping on about the lack of injuries and Naruto’s dreams?” Tsunade frowned. “I can’t see Naruto ever doing anything like that, but that worry always comes up in council whenever one faction in the village gains too much power.”

Sakura smirked. “Naruto’s a faction?”

“He’s popular, it’s no secret the younger generations all look up to him... He’s immensely strong, he has the Nine Tailed fox at his command... He has ties with the richest clan in Konoha,” Tsunade looked up and studied Sakura, “and suddenly he returns with the last remaining Uchiha, begging to allow him back into the Leaf village. You have to admit, that gives him quite the power base.”

Sakura shifted uncomfortably. “Tsunade-sama, you can’t possibly be thinking that Naruto would do anything to harm this village, or you.”

Tsunade looked at her over steepled her fingers. “Even if he doesn’t realize it... even if he has no ambition, that’s not to say that someone else couldn’t manipulate him.” Tsunade sighed. “The main issue right now is I cannot trust his judgement when it comes to matters involving Sasuke... The council brought up Naruto’s actions in the Land of Iron underline that point... And that is why I made the decision that we needed to get a mind scan on Sasuke. He could be hiding anything in that head of his...” Tsunade paused and looked significantly at Sakura. “That also happens to be yet another one of the reasons why I wanted you to be the one to interview him. As I said before it’s obvious you still feel something for him.” Sakura opened her mouth to protest, but Tsunade silenced her. “Oh, maybe it’s not romantic, but on some level you still want to believe that the old Sasuke is in there somewhere, don’t you?”

Sakura stood there, staring at her teacher. Tsunade smiled at her sadly. “You forget, I lost my teammate to betrayal once too,” she said softly. “Jiraiya wasn’t the only one who wanted to believe that the old Orochimaru was still hidden inside the monster he became.” Tsunade sighed. “Unfortunately, I am the Hokage. I can’t afford to take potential threats lightly. My choices affect many more people now.” She glanced outside the window. “Sasuke’s very existence is affecting the peace of my village. I can’t afford to look at him with hopeful eyes. Naruto has finally reached the goal he has sought for the past six years... He is so ecstatic with the accomplishment, I can’t trust his opinion.” Tsunade stared hard at Sakura while her hands idly began their search for her bottle again. “And then there is you. You’ve seen Sasuke at his worst, and you’ve seen him at his best. You have hope, but you’re not blinded by it...I believe your loyalty is unquestionably to me and to this office... that is why I am asking you to look for me.”

Sakura looked down at the floor. “Tsunade-sama... I... understand the difficulties you are facing, but if you want me to continue to ‘look for you’ on this mission... You will have to give me some leeway. You can’t expect me to give you an honest assessment if you do not allow me to use my own methods.”

Tsunade leaned forward in her chair, all the better to continue looking for her sake. “We are rapidly reaching the point where I will have very little control over anything to do with Sasuke at all. Eiji Ishimura is the man of the hour right now and unfortunately has the majority of the vote behind him... What do you propose I do?”

“Tsunade-sama... I...” Sakura paused and started again. “About the meeting he requested with you....”

Tsunade found a full bottle and brought it out with a flourish. “Ah hah!” She placed the bottle carefully on her desk and started digging for a relatively clean cup. “What about this proposed meeting? I will be perfectly honest with you, I was originally thinking about putting it off for a while... At least until things stabilize more politically... But now, the way things are headed, we might never get the chance.”

“Well you see that’s the thing,” Sakura found herself chatting nervously. “There were a couple of things said during my exam of both Sasuke and Naruto that I wanted to bring up to you, because they seemed to be of the political nature... Only then Sasuke started to request an audience with you, but I wasn’t sure you would grant it... and then he said to...”

“Sakura... You’re babbling again,” said Tsunade firmly. “Slow down and get a grip on yourself... Oh! Here it is!” There was the ringing sound of a cup clattering on the desk. “So this was about  the meeting Sasuke requested with me?” Tsunade opened the bottle and began to pour.

Sakura nodded. “Yes. The main topic of discussion would appear to be about Kabuto Yakushi.”

Tsunade took a sip. “So... the Shimuras were correct... Sasuke wants to bargain does he?”

“Actually... He wants to go to war.”

The cup froze halfway to Tsunade’s lips. “Excuse me?”

Sakura swallowed. “He claims the reason he returned is he wants our help. He wants our help fighting Kabuto.”

Tsunade laughed. “He wants us to get involved in a scrap between two rouge-nin?”

Sakura shook her head. “No... I’m pretty sure it’s more than that... I think... he’s scared.” Tsunade slowly put down her cup and motioned for her to continue. “He gave me three pieces of information to pass on to you in the hopes that they would convince you to see him. I didn’t want to talk about them before in case they were sensitive...”

“I understand,” said Tsunade. “Go on.”

Sakura took a breath. “First: He said that the edo tensei zombies used during the fourth war were created by Kabuto Yakushi.”

Tsunade shrugged. “We were already sure of that, but it is nice to have it confirmed from another source... You said there was more?”

“The second was that Kabuto has mastered sage mode jutsu in the style of the great white serpent.”

Tsunade looked up sharply. “Not even Orochimaru could manage to fully master that... Now that is worrisome.” She inhaled sharply and turned to look out the window. “If it is true, then I am beginning to see why he is seeking our help. That would put Kabuto into a whole other class of adversary... Still...”

“Sasuke says that Kabuto is already preparing for conquest. According to him, he has taken over several of Orochimaru’s old research facilities and is trying to produce physically modified shinobi. He has already managed to combine several mercenary clans with remnants of Orochimaru’s old shinobi squads to produce a substantial fighting force... and on top of that Sasuke wants to tell you that Kabuto is in possession of the one artifact that would definitely tip the scales in his favor.” Sakura paused as Tsunade slowly turned back around. “Sasuke says Kabuto has recovered the Gedo Mazo.”

Tsunade was silent for a long time. “Has he offered you any proof?” she asked quietly.

“No.”

Tsunade pondered for a moment. “Well then... could he be convinced to change his opinion about undergoing a mind scan?”

“I think we’ve established that that is one thing he is adamant about,” Sakura said somewhat accusingly.

Tsunade sighed. “As you saw from the charming gathering earlier, the political situation is mostly outside my control. I need to know the truth of what he knows. Even more importantly I need to know right away what sort of threat Sasuke Uchiha is to my village.”

“Sasuke insists that he isn’t a threat Hokage-sama.”

Tsunade gave her a sympathetic smile. “And I am quickly running out of time to determine the truth of that. The council is already pushing me to take stronger measures against him, and my lack of immediate action against the Uchiha has already cost me significant political capital. Right now, Eiji Shimura is riding a tidal wave of a demand for  justice and fear straight to the apex of power. If he can continue to use Sasuke as a tool like this, I will soon have no say in what happens to Sasuke... And I might even be out of a job.”

Sakura stared at the ceiling and thought for a moment. “What if there was some way for you to reduce your opponent's political standing, and improve Sasuke’s good faith at the same time?”

“Excuse me?” asked Tsunade.

“Well, correct me if I am wrong, but we have three main issues here: Kabuto, Sasuke and Itachi. The first problem is Sasuke. We need proof of whether or not he is a threat... whether he can be trusted. Second comes Kabuto. If what Sasuke says is true, he has the Gedo Mazo, is marshaling an army, and is planning on attacking other nations... That is a major threat. To everyone in the Hidden Leaf... even those who don’t like Sasuke.

“If Sasuke is telling the truth,” emphasized Tsunade.

Sakura nodded. “Which brings us to the last issue, the one that caused Sasuke to leave in the first place... Itachi. If we can solve the mystery behind why Itachi killed his clan, we would be closer to understanding Sasuke’s actions, and figuring out why he suddenly turned on the Hidden Leaf. Maybe we could build some sympathy for him?” Sakura wiped her palms on her skirt. “Maybe if he saw that we were honestly trying to understand him, he would open up to us some more.”

Tsunade looked up sharply. “Mystery is it? The official village history has always been that Itachi went mad... Yet this is the second time in ten minutes you’ve alluded to suspicions about the Uchiha killings. What have you heard?”

Sakura froze.”Um...” She could have kicked herself. In all the quickly evolving frenzy over Sasuke’s return, she’d forgotten that she wasn’t supposed to know that there was anything other than the official story on the Uchiha clan massacre. ”It’s obvious that there is something off about it... Otherwise you wouldn’t have sent me to the Hyuga compound to look for files... right?” she said uncertainly, sweating under Tsunade’s intense stare. “I mean if there was any sort of conspiracy around it the Hokage would have had to know... and then there’s also the question if there was anyone else involved?”

The Hokage’s only response was to sag in her chair. Instead of reaching for her cup, she seized the sake bottle and took a good six or seven swallows. “Well that just tears it,” she mumbled. She looked up at Sakura and shook her head. “From your commentary, it’s obvious you’ve heard the tale too... Tell me, did you hear it from Kakashi or Naruto?”

Sakura stiffened. Thinking  back to her own spying she said evasively, “Hokage-sama, neither one of them...”

“I suppose it doesn’t matter,” Tsunade continued despondently. “May I ask what you know?”

“Only that there was some question as to whether or not Itachi acted alone?” Sakura said timidly. “And that certain members of the Third Hokage’s administration might have been involved in some way? Sasuke himself freely admits to killing Danzo Shimura... almost like it was expected of him.”

Tsunade blew out a sigh. “Sakura... The genocide that occurred that night was one of the most terrifying moments in Leaf village history, second only to the attack of the Nine tails. An entire clan... one of the strongest clans in Konoha,  was wiped out like that!” Tsunade snapped her fingers for emphasis. “People were terrified. Was this again the work of Orochimaru? Had he returned to wreak his vengeance? Was their clan next? To hear that it was carried out by the young genius Itachi Uchiha, well... that changed people’s attitudes from one of paralyzing fear, to one of pity.”

Tsunade fidgeted with her cup as she reminisced. “No one wanted to look past that pity. Everyone just accepted the story as it was told.” Tsunade paused and stared at Sakura thoughtfully for a moment before continuing in a low voice.  “Nobody wonders why the power to the Uchiha precinct was shut off that night. Nobody wonders why all of the records dealing with the murder of hundreds of citizens of Konoha turned up missing. No one wonders why every investigation was stifled. Those who pointed out incongruities were laughed at... called conspiracy theorists. No one wanted to think that those in power would have had a hand in such a heinous act.”

“There had always been an... awkwardness between the Uchiha clan and the rest of the Hidden Leaf,” Tsunade continued softly. “They had always been such a powerful faction, much to the disquiet of the other clans... Those same clans have worked hard in the past to ensure the Uchiha stayed out of the seats of power.” Tsunade stared at Sakura. “It’s hard not to come to the conclusion that any clans that might have played a part in the downfall of the Uchiha clan would be heavily invested in making sure that information stays out of the public eye. Do you understand why I am telling you this?”

“I’ll be careful,” insisted Sakura.

Tsunade shook her head. “You misunderstand... If this rumor is spreading, it may already be too late. It will just be a matter of time before tensions start running so high that this pot of secrets boils over and burns us all.”  Tsunade sat back and opened Sakura’s preliminary report again. “The most important thing we can do right now is try to keep the peace. We need to convince everyone that they can trust the office of the Hokage, that everything is safe and happy and completely under control.” Tsunade turned the first page. “If we can do it without handing over power to the Shimura clan... so much the better.”

“So do you have orders for me then?” asked Sakura.

“Official orders?” Tsunade stopped and looked thoughtful for a second. “Yes, as a matter of fact I do... Shizune!” the Hokage’s bellow quickly brought her aide running. “I want you to witness that I am officially announcing that Sakura Haruno is to release Naruto Uzumaki from the interrogation center and cease all investigative duties having to deal with Sasuke Uchiha. She has done an exemplary job... There are only just a few minor follow ups I will need her to take care of.”

Shizune looked at her master, confused. “Yes?”

“Small things, inconsequential things.” Tsunade unsteadily poured herself another cup of sake and waved Shizune away. “That’s all. Go on! Write that down in the mission logs... Go on!” With the same puzzled frown, Shizune walked back out of the office and closed the door.

“So you’re just going to give up?” asked Sakura coldly.

Tsunade shook her head in exasperation. “You know nothing of politics my dear. I’ve given you the best present I can right now. Carte blanche to investigate whatever you see fit with absolutely no oversight on my part. You can step on anyone’s toes in my name, and all for the price of me having to issue a few apologies and maybe dressing you down in public.”

“So... this means...”

Tsunade smiled. “I’m giving you an unspecified mandate. Dig away.” She flipped a page in the report. “I’m sorry, I can not give you more time. The follow up council session is tomorrow at three. I fully expect Eiji will be there clamoring for Sasuke to be placed under his custody. I will do what I can, but if  Sasuke is placed in the Shimura clan’s hands... I have doubts we will see him again.” Tsunade looked up. “Bring me something I can use. Find something that can sway some votes into feeling that Sasuke isn’t the monster everyone thinks he is... or at least something that will make other councilors wonder just what the Shimura clan is hiding.”

Sakura bowed to hide her enthusiasm. “Thank you Tsunade-sama.”

Tsunade called to her as Sakura turned for the door. “Oh... and Sakura...For the sake of stability and your own safety... Try to be discrete.”

Sakura had to skid to a sudden stop before she almost ran over Shizune just outside in the hallway. “Oh!” Shizune cried out, looking slightly guilty. “Sakura-chan! Have you finished your discussion with the Hokage?” When Sakura nodded, Shizune gave a great sigh of relief. “Oh good. Has her mood improved any?”

Sakura shrugged. “A little, she doesn’t seem like she is going to kill anyone right now, but that might be because she’s had a bit to drink.”

“More sake?” groaned Shizune. “Great... She’s scheduled to meet with the representative for...”

“Shizune!” Called Tsunade’s voice from inside the office. “Are you out there? I can’t seem to find where you hid the other bottle!”

“Well... this is not good,” grumbled Shizune. There was a reproachful groan as she walked through the door. “Tsunade-sama!” she exclaimed, “the meeting with the Raikage’s representative is in less than an hour! What are you doing?”

“Hmph,” grunted the Hokage. “I’m not going to talk to her. I’ve had enough arguing today. Tell her I’m sick and I’ll see her tomorrow.”

“But Hokage-sama...”

“No buts! After the day I’ve had. I need a break!” There was the sharp glugging of the sake bottle.

“What... what happened Tsunade-sama?” asked Shizune in a quiet voice.

There was a long pause. “Is Sakura still out in the hallway?” Tsunade asked in a whisper.

Once again Sakura found herself making a show of leaving the Hokage’s office only to put her infiltration skills as a shinobi to the test by working herself back to the Hokage’s now closed door. She heard the clatter of bottles ringing together. “... quite enough for today Hokage-sama,” said Shizune in an admonishing tone. “You are going to need to sober up before you continue with the day.”

“Hah!” barked Tsunade, “After the day I’ve had... being dead drunk could only improve matters.” There was the clink of cup and the gurgle of pouring. “What’s this?”

“Tea... the special brew,” Shizune grumbled. There was a long pause, broken only by the repeated sound of someone drinking. “So... It was that bad?” Shizune asked timidly.

“Worse,” grumbled Tsunade. “Much much worse.” Sakura heard the Hokage’s chair creak as she leaned back. “They’ve won Shizune. I don’t see how it can play out otherwise... They have won.”

Shizune gave a nervous chuckle. “Now now Tsunade-sama... You’re still Hokage. This was just one meeting. I’m sure things will look better tomorrow.”

“They can call for, and win, a recall vote on me at any time... The only reason they haven’t yet is that Eri Shimura is getting too much pleasure watching me squirm.”

“They can’t do that!” yelped Shizune. “There isn‘t a provision to recall the Hokage!”

“Oh, there is now,” said Tsunade, taking another sip of her tea, her voice dripping with black humor. “A majority vote of the council can censure the Hokage. Once said Hokage has been censured three times, the council can put forth a recall vote amongst the clan elders... As it stands right now, the Shimura clan controls roughly half the elder council.

“Half?” gasped Shizune.

“Roughly,” repeated Tsunade. “Danzo put enough provisions in the bylaws that they can influence about half the clans at any given time.” She sighed. “I may hate the man with my every breath, but I’ll also be the first to admit that he was a genius when it came to politics.”

“How do you mean?” asked Shizune.

“Well just look!” There was the thump of a heavy book being opened. “All new building permits to be approved by a council majority. With the rate of construction the Kohane clan does, they’ll need the Shimura clan’s fourteen votes constantly... and then there is this little gem. ‘The official Quality Control oversight of the medicinal elements act.’ It puts a committee in charge of  the the inspection of all herbs, restoratives, remedies and manufacturing of pills and other medicines. In one fell swoop he’s just put leashes on the Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans... and those were just two examples! There’s over a hundred little notes and add ons in here that seem innocuous or like a good idea until you look a little bit closer and realize that they are all about consolidating power and dissolving other alliances.”

“Well there has to be some way to fix all that,” stated Shizune.

Tsunade laughed. “Not without improving my standing on the council. And they have made it clear that the only way that’s going to happen is when Sasuke gets a very speedy trial and an even quicker punishment... preferably a terminal one.” There was a deep sigh. “You can imagine how Naruto would take that little bit of news.”

“He wouldn’t be happy,” agreed Shizune.

“Wouldn’t be happy? He’d go on a full on rampage! Of course the Shimura’s have already planned for that contingency,” Tsunade snorted. “That story they planted about Naruto making a power grab for the Hokage seat... a work of genius. If he tries anything he’ll be arrested next on charges of treason... Danzo always wanted the Kyubi caged and under his control. They are setting up the perfect excuse.”

“Well there has to be some way you can steer things.”

“Not without bringing the Shimura clan down a notch or two,” grumbled the Hokage, taking another drink. “They’ve got half the votes in their pocket, and about another quarter from sycophants, and the smaller clans looking to jump on any wagon that will bring them ahead.”

“So how do we hurt them?” asked Shizune. “There must be some way to... lessen their impact.”

Tsunade chuckled. “Look at you... turning into a political assassin in your old age.” Her cup clinked. “If there is one thing the Shimura clan excels in, aside from politics, it’s cleaning up after their dirty deeds.”

There was a very long pause. “Was it ever confirmed that Danzo Shimura had the eye of Shisui-kun?” asked Shizune timidly.

“Confirmed? Hah!” laughed Tsunade. There was the sound of her swallowing and then the musical tinkle of liquid being poured. “To confirm that you’d need Danzo’s body now wouldn’t you? How very convenient that it is sealed away, nowhere to be found.” Tsunade drank again and exhaled. “But at this point, I see no reason that Ao from Kirigakure would have been lying about events that occurred during the Five Kage summit, despite what assurances and protests from various Leaf elders we might have heard.” There was another sigh from the Hokage. “No... right now, I can’t actively make any accusation myself, not without looking like I’m desperately clutching at straws.”

“Ah,” said Shizune with sudden understanding. “So that is why you’re using Sakura.”

“Using her? No!” insisted Tsunade. “That girl has a naturally inquisitive nature, a brilliant head on her shoulders, and is as tenacious as a bear when she puts her mind to something... I’m not using her... I’m just giving her a little nudge... that’s all.”

“But if the council finds out...”

“She’s an independent investigator. Her mission is done,  she just begged the Hokage for some time to tie up a few loose ends. Nothing can be traced back to me... No one will believe it of course, but if she can dig up something big enough to switch the opinion back into my favor,” Sakura could hear the grin in Tsunade’s voice, “everyone will pretend not to notice.”

There was another long pause. “Yes,” said Shizune softly. “But don’t you think you should warn her about how dangerous this could be?”

Tsunade smacked her lips. “She’s my student. She can handle it.”

********