Shota left the library and started walking in another direction while thinking deeply. 'But still this is not enough proof. The Kazekage and Suna council would not act with just this much proof. But I would have to do something because with Danzo going rogue and since he believes Suna was responsible for this, Danzo might try to come up with a revenge plan with the help of this elder. I can't give them any chance.'
The traitorous elder had too much political power to be removed from his seat with just theories and old records. He could easily argue that as the minister of internal security, the theft had damaged his own reputation too. He might claim someone else was responsible and play the victim. Shota knew he needed stronger evidence or a different approach to deal with this problem properly.
'No, I will have to do something that makes sure he is taken out of the council and properly punished. And at the same time, to prevent such situations from happening again in the future like with Rasa in the future. There needs to be something that keeps the elder council and the Kazekage in check. And I think I know what I have to do.' Shota thought as he changed direction. Instead of heading home, he walked toward the assassination Anbu headquarters.
He entered the building and went straight to Spider's office. Commander Spider looked up from his desk when Shota walked in. He raised an eyebrow but waited for the young operative to speak.
"Senpai, I want a leave for a week," Shota said directly.
Spider just raised an eyebrow higher but replied calmly. "Granted."
Shota shook his head and explained further. "Not just a leave from my Anbu duties but also a leave and permission to leave the village for a week."
Spider looked at him for a long moment and then sighed deeply. "You are preparing something, kid. Are you not? Fine, but I would have to inform the Kazekage and elder council of you leaving the village. We can't let someone like you leave and them not knowing since you know... you are the Eraserhead of Suna."
Shota nodded respectfully. "Thank you, senpai."
As Shota was about to leave the office, Spider called out to him one more time. "Don't cause too much trouble for me as I have already told you. I still have to get married and grey hair would not do me good at this age. Also try not to become a rogue shinobi while you leave the village."
Shota turned back with a small smile visible in his eyes. "No promises, senpai."
---
When Shota left the village, every higher-up in the village council was informed of this. The news spread quickly through official channels. It was rare for a shinobi of his level to take a leave and actually leave the village.
Whenever a jonin level shinobi or someone stronger requested permission to depart Sunagakure for an extended period, the protocol was strict.
Everyone important was notified so they could prepare in case the shinobi turned rogue. They needed to be ready to hunt him or her down before any village secrets could be leaked. If the shinobi was in danger from enemy villages, a search and rescue mission could also be launched quickly.
Daigo Tsubarei was one of those who received the information. He was a retired shinobi who had become famous for leading border patrols during the Third Great Ninja War.
Now he served as an elder responsible for border security. When the message about Shota's departure reached him, a cold smile appeared on his face.
"Finally it is time to make our move against the boy," Daigo said quietly. "We have waited too long for him to join us. He had rejected all the elders' offers so we know he has not joined a camp yet but he would have to pick a side. He is too much of a variable to be independent."
Daigo looked at his subordinate who stood bowed before him. The man was loyal but not particularly strong. "You will be going after him and give him my final offer. Tell him that if he does not accept the offer, there would be repercussions. Repercussions for not only him but for his close ones like his sister currently studying in the academy or the orphanage matron."
The subordinate hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Would it be wise to threaten him to accept the offer? Even if he accepts, he would not be truly loyal to us."
Daigo leaned back in his chair with confidence. "It does not matter as long as we have leverage against him. Loyalty can be bought or forced later. What matters now is bringing him under our control."
The subordinate looked nervous. There was a little fear in his voice when he replied. "But what if he rejects the offer and attacks me? I am just a chunin and would be no match for the likes of him."
Daigo waved his hand dismissively. "Do not worry about that. I already have someone to take care of the boy if he rejects the offer."
The subordinate could not hide his surprise. "Is there someone capable enough to even kill the Eraserhead? Even the Third Raikage could not do anything against his dojutsu. He is known to be the strongest Raikage yet he failed."
Daigo smiled confidently. "Do not worry about it. The guy I hired knows about the boy's ability the best and would be the best person to eliminate him."
The subordinate still looked worried. He spoke with respect but also concern for the village. "But is it wise to get the kid eliminated? He is someone very important to Suna and its future. Our village needs someone of his talent. He has already made such remarkable achievements for the village like his accomplishments in the Third Great Shinobi War as a kid, killing the Iwa Explosion Corps leader, being a major factor in the death of the Third Raikage, an Anbu that everyone fears that he would assassinate them next and then there is the fact that he has given the village the shadow clone jutsu by reengineering it."
Daigo snorted in response. His voice grew colder. "And that is the very reason that we should get the boy to join us so that we could use him properly. But if he continues to do as he pleases then the boy should be eliminated before he gets too strong to control for us. I do not want the brat to become a threat to my goal of becoming the Kazekage. Now leave and either bring me the boy as a subordinate or as a dead body. You will meet my contact here."
The subordinate bowed deeply and left the room without another word. He knew better than to argue further with Elder Daigo. The old man had clear ambitions and would not let anyone, not even a genius like Shota, stand in his way.
---
Somewhere within the Land of Wind, the desert winds blew strongly across the dunes. Someone stood alone on a rocky outcrop.
A wind falcon appeared in the sky, flying fast toward him. It was one of the fastest ways to deliver messages in the desert, and the man knew only one person who would send a message using such a bird.
The wind falcon landed right next to him. The person toom the message scroll that was attached to the bird's leg. He opened it and read the contents carefully. After finishing the short letter, the man let out a cold laugh.
"Oh it looks like it is finally time for our reunion, annoying little shit."
--------Author Notes---------
I have decided to increase the number of extra chapters on patreon from 15 to 20. Thankyou.
Y'all can now read the next 20 chapters of the fanfic on my pat*reon.
https://pat*reon.com/Charizard6
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