Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat with tightly furrowed brows, slowly drawing from his pipe.
Minato and Shimizu waited patiently. The pillar of Konoha—the so-called "Hero of Shinobi"—clearly had something extremely important to say.
Shimizu recalled that not long ago, he had just agreed to Minato's invitation when the two of them immediately received notice from ANBU: the Third Hokage wanted to see them at once. The chain of events had unfolded so quickly that Shimizu couldn't help but suspect Minato and the Hokage might have coordinated something beforehand.
"…Recently, the Land of Rain has requested our assistance," the Third Hokage began gravely. "They claim there is a risk of a coup and have asked us to dispatch a considerable number of elite shinobi to aid them."
"The Land of Rain is a close ally aligned with our Land of Fire. Moreover, Amegakure is led by the man known as the 'Demigod,' Hanzo. That is a significant source of support. We cannot simply ignore their plea."
The Hokage continued at an unhurried pace:
"In principle, the Land of Fire cannot interfere in the internal affairs of another nation. However, Elder Shimura has proposed that we deploy ANBU in an unofficial capacity. He has even volunteered to personally lead Root forces to support Hanzo… and is willing to bear full responsibility should the mission fail. Such resolve leaves little room for objection."
Shimizu immediately understood that this "Elder Shimura" referred to Danzo Shimura.
"Furthermore," the Hokage added, "Elder Shimura has requested that a unit from my direct ANBU also accompany them to ensure the mission's success."
After a brief pause, the Third Hokage seemed to reach a final decision.
"In addition to dispatching one of my direct Anbu brigades, I have decided to send the two of you to lead your respective Anbu squads to assist Elder Shimura in completing this mission."
After hearing this, Shimizu did not immediately ask where the rest of his squad members would come from. If the Hokage had said so, preparations were undoubtedly already complete.
"Shimizu, your new team members have already been assembled. You can meet them at the ANBU headquarters later and familiarize yourselves," the Hokage exhaled deeply. "Do you have any questions?"
"Who could possibly overthrow Hanzo's Amegakure?" Shimizu asked directly.
The title "Demigod" was not an empty phrase to him. It was a name carved in blood and rain by Konoha's shinobi. Only those who had truly experienced that war understood what it meant.
Hanzo stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world.
An invincible existence.
The Hokage replied:
"The insurgents are a newly emerging organization, yet they possess extraordinary resilience. According to Hanzo, he has attempted several times to eradicate them but has failed each time, expending considerable manpower and resources in the process. He believes this internal conflict is unnecessary and should be resolved swiftly. That is one of the primary reasons for his request."
In other words, Hanzo wasn't incapable of defeating them—but the cost would be immense. A cost that could be avoided by seeking Konoha's assistance.
It sounded reasonable.
Shimizu tried hard to recall the storyline from his previous life, but no matter how he searched his memory, he couldn't remember such an event. Had he simply never seen that part—or forgotten it?
"How many ANBU will we be sending?" Minato asked calmly.
"One brigade from the First ANBU Corps. Four Root brigades from the Second Corps. Five brigades total. In addition, the two of you will each lead your own squads."
"A total of 188 shinobi."
Shimizu and Minato exchanged a glance.
Both felt the same subtle pressure.
In peacetime, deploying nearly two hundred elite ANBU at once was an enormous undertaking.
This mission—
Would not be as simple as taking a trip to the Land of Rain to suppress a handful of so-called rebels.
The forces being assembled here were enough to handle a war of considerable scale.
It made sense. The Third Hokage had personally selected Minato to take part in this mission. And what was Minato's level of strength? Judging purely from chakra presence, even among Konoha's many elite jōnin, he stood out at the very top.
Yet for such a crucial mission, Minato had chosen him?
In terms of seniority, experience, and reputation, there were plenty of elite jōnin in Konoha far more qualified than he was.
The Third Hokage truly was an old fox. Seeing through Shimizu's thoughts at once, he explained calmly:
"For a mission of this importance, strong shinobi are naturally required. However, Elder Shimura believes that Minato alone may not be sufficient to handle the complex situation. He strongly recommended you—someone of the same generation as Minato—stating that two young shinobi could coordinate more effectively. He also praised your potential, calling you a promising talent worthy of focused cultivation. After deliberation, the Konoha Council unanimously decided to assign several capable subordinates to assist you in completing this mission."
Shimizu's expression remained composed as he replied evenly,
"I didn't expect Lord Danzo to think so highly of me."
Originally, he had only been somewhat concerned about the mission's danger. But hearing that Danzo Shimura had personally elevated him like this—
Now his unease solidified.
There was clearly a pit waiting for him.
Since things were already laid bare, Shimizu no longer held back.
"May I ask… is there some hidden reason?"
The Hokage responded,
"Elder Shimura informed me about your refusal to join Root last night. He believes that a shinobi like you, whether in Root or in ANBU, can serve Konoha equally well. There is no need to be constrained by affiliation. He holds no grudge and has asked me to convey his apology."
"…."
What exactly was Danzo trying to do?
Why make everything public like this?
Shimizu absolutely did not believe Danzo had suddenly changed his nature. As for talk of 'serving Konoha' or 'apologies'—such grand rhetoric could go to hell.
The Third Hokage continued gravely:
"Perhaps Elder Shimura's methods are not always correct. Perhaps they are even extreme. But there is no doubt he is part of Konoha. 'Root' is also Konoha's root. For this mission, he has chosen to personally lead nearly all of Root's elite forces. Not only him—Konoha as a whole cannot afford failure this time. We truly need powerful shinobi like you and Minato to ensure success. Shimizu, you have already proven your strength twice. Do not belittle yourself. Nor should you doubt Elder Shimura's motives."
Twice.
That referred to surviving the encirclement by Sunagakure—and returning alive after encountering the Three-Tails, Isobu.
Indeed, from a purely military record perspective, his achievements were impressive.
"…Yes. I understand."
With the Hokage speaking so directly, how could Shimizu refuse this mission?
The Land of Rain operation was unavoidable.
All he could do now was prepare thoroughly for the crisis ahead.
After all—
Crisis and opportunity often coexist.
"Very well," the Third Hokage declared with a firm wave of his hand. "This S-rank mission to pacify the rebel shinobi in the Land of Rain will commence tomorrow at noon. Departure at the Konoha gates."
"Yes, sir!"
Both Shimizu and Minato responded in unison.
Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents surged.
The tree may wish for stillness—
But the wind does not cease.