Chapter 115: Those Who Dwell in Darkness Know Themselves Least

"Let’s go take a look first." Kyohiko sighed. He wasn’t sure whether Orochimaru had disappeared intentionally or not, but the fact remained—the man had vanished to research his jutsu, leaving them to handle things here. Namikaze Minato nodded helplessly. For now, this was their only option. But the question was—where did Orochimaru usually work? "Wait a second, let me check..." Kyohiko crouched down, spreading his chakra to sense the surroundings. A moment later, he glanced at Minato. "Need a break?" "No." Minato shook his head lightly. Though he had expended a lot of energy last night, he was older than Kyohiko and had greater stamina. He could still hold on. But Yuhi Kurenai and Kakashi? They were just kids—ordinary ones at that. After last night’s intense battle, they were completely exhausted. "Then let’s move." Kyohiko flickered ahead with the Body Flicker Technique. --- Before long, atop Kikyō Mountain, Aburame Shibi was scanning the area. "Shibi-senpai." Kyohiko arrived with Minato in tow. Shibi looked at them, startled, then asked, "What brings you here? Shouldn’t you be resting? I saw you two fighting last night and then rescuing people afterward." His insects had already detected Kyohiko and Minato’s team on the previous battlefield. Back then, Pakura had still been present, and her Scorch Release was a hard counter to his insects. So instead of pursuing, he had focused on other enemies. "Where’s Pakura?" "Handed over to ANBU for sealing and containment." Kyohiko answered. Shibi nodded, then suddenly realized— "You captured her alive?" For a ninja like Pakura, killing her was far easier than taking her prisoner. "Got lucky." Kyohiko smiled faintly. Minato nudged him, reminding him of their main objective. Kyohiko promptly took out the command token. "Shibi-senpai, where is Orochimaru-sama’s office?" "Huh?" Shibi stared at the token. Then, on his usually expressionless face, surprise and shock flickered. "This is Orochimaru-sama’s token—it represents his authority. Why do you have it?" Had Orochimaru been ambushed...? Unlikely. Shibi quickly dismissed the thought. "Where is Orochimaru-sama?" "He’s busy. For the next few days, Minato and I will be handling things in his stead. But we’re not really familiar with command. Maybe you could take over?" "Me?" Shibi was baffled. This kind of responsibility... could be delegated? And Orochimaru had handed it to Kyohiko and Minato, who were now trying to pass it to him— He immediately waved his hands in refusal. "I don’t know how either!" Now, the three of them stood in silence, staring at each other. After a long pause, Kyohiko spoke. "Just take us to the office first. You’re the only one here we know well enough to ask." "Follow me." Shibi led them up the mountain, explaining the layout of Kikyō Mountain as they walked. Kikyō Mountain stood between the borders of the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers, serving as a strategic stronghold and one of Konoha’s key fortresses. The Kikyō Castle where they resided was at the mountain’s base. After winding through the mountain paths, Shibi brought them to the entrance of a cave. "This is Orochimaru-sama’s office." "Got it." Kyohiko stepped inside. The cave was brightly lit. Documents and intelligence reports were scattered across the desk. He picked one up to skim through while Minato questioned Shibi about casualties and losses. Shibi recounted the previous night’s events. Over thirty chūnin dead, four special jōnin, and one full jōnin. "Aside from the jōnin, our casualty rates against Sunagakure have always been high. During the Second War, most engagements were covert assassinations anyway." Shibi explained. Thanks to their puppet techniques, poisons, and Wind Release, Sunagakure’s chūnin were exceptionally formidable. Konoha didn’t have a clear advantage in that regard. However, they had medical ninja, and last night’s preemptive measures had minimized losses. Most of the special jōnin and jōnin casualties had been Pakura’s doing. Those who hadn’t encountered her had suffered no losses at that rank. The enemy’s villain is their hero. That’s how it’s always been. "Send people to escort the medical team. Gather and prepare herbs in advance. Set up their living quarters and workspace. Ensure the wounded are properly treated and monitored..." Kyohiko, listening nearby, quickly organized his thoughts. Right now, saving lives was the priority. He couldn’t neutralize poisons—his expertise was limited to the Mystical Palm Technique and basic wound treatment. The most he could do was delegate. Shibi immediately took notes, then looked up. "Anything else?" "Maintain vigilance and patrols toward the Land of Rivers. Consolidate our forces and hold key positions. No offensive actions for now. There’ll be a counterattack, but not yet." Kyohiko was gradually settling into the role, adding a final instruction: "Issue these orders under Orochimaru-sama’s name. Don’t mention they came from Minato or me." Shibi noted it down. As the commands piled up, Shibi skimmed through them, relieved—and somewhat impressed. Orochimaru had put Kyohiko and Minato in charge, but the real intention was clearly to let Kyohiko take the reins. As for Minato? He was partly there for support, and partly to lend credibility— Kyohiko was simply too young. Who would believe a child barely ten years old could strategize like this if they hadn’t seen it themselves? He tucked away his notebook. "I’ll handle this immediately. Should I send someone to contact the medical team?" "No need." Kyohiko glanced at Minato. Minato nodded. "I’ll transport them with the Flying Thunder God Technique." "Understood." --- At a remote outpost in the Land of Wind’s border, the Third Kazekage paced restlessly. An ANBU ninja entered. He stopped mid-step. "Any news?" "Kazekage-sama, we couldn’t locate Pakura-sama. Only her student..." The ANBU ninja bowed his head. The Kazekage strode outside, finding a tearful Matsuri huddled by the door. "Where’s your teacher?" "She—she said she’d rescue one more group and told us to go ahead. But then... she never came back." Matsuri sobbed but managed to speak clearly. The Kazekage fell silent. Ever since Rasa had been ambushed and severely injured, he’d known Konoha had formidable operatives. After bringing Rasa back, he’d feared for Pakura’s safety. Last night, he’d searched for her himself but found nothing. Now, it was clear—Pakura was likely dead. He closed his eyes, suppressing his grief. Pakura had been groomed by his teacher to serve as one of his most trusted jōnin. Over the years, she had accomplished much for him. In the battles against Kirigakure, it was her efforts that had secured victory time and again. And now... He exhaled slowly, then looked down. "Matsuri, don’t cry." "Y-yes, Kazekage-sama!" Despite her words, Matsuri’s tears kept falling. The Kazekage placed a hand on her shoulder. "You must carry on your teacher’s will. Fight for the village." "I will! I swear it!" Matsuri straightened. The Kazekage stepped inside, retrieving a book. "I recall your talent for sealing jutsu. These are my personal notes on the subject. Study them. I hope you’ll become one of Suna’s finest sealing masters one day." "Yes!" Matsuri accepted the book, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders—momentarily numbing her sorrow. After comforting the girl, the Kazekage turned toward the makeshift hospital next door. "How is he, Yamano?" "Rasa-sama’s injuries were severe, but we’ve neutralized the poison and treated the wounds. He’s out of danger and should wake soon." Yamano reported. Just then, a voice called from inside. "Rasa-sama is awake!" Whoosh! The Third Kazekage vanished in an instant. When he saw Rasa sitting up, he finally let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness he was alive! Both Rasa and Pakura were his right-hand men, but Rasa had inherited his Magnet Release—making him the de facto successor. In terms of importance, Rasa far surpassed Pakura. "Kazekage-sama." "Don’t stand. Tell me everything. I need every detail about your enemies." Anyone capable of critically injuring Rasa and swiftly killing Taira was no ordinary foe. Rasa understood the urgency. He immediately recounted the events, first describing the encounter in detail before sharing his analysis. "They must be from Konoha’s elite squad." "Mhm." Namikaze Minato’s team had completed numerous A-rank and above missions recently. No village’s intelligence network would overlook them. "One more thing—the taijutsu specialist was replaced by a girl. Hard to tell her specialty, but I suspect genjutsu." Rasa recalled a critical detail. Right before Taira was killed, he had seen him freeze—likely a genjutsu effect. The Kazekage visualized the scenario. Three speed-focused fighters, one genjutsu user providing cover and support. More versatile and troublesome than before. And according to Rasa’s account, Kyohiko’s Lightning and Water Release were both alarmingly powerful. "This Kyohiko... will become our greatest enemy." The Kazekage muttered to himself. He must die. --- The sun climbed high. Kakashi woke up, sensing the room only to find Kyohiko and the others absent. Even Kurenai, who had taken a short rest, seemed to have left already. He pressed a hand to his forehead. Last night’s battle had drained his chakra completely. By the end, even without Kyohiko’s orders, he had been in no state to fight. "Tch. I envy Kyohiko’s chakra reserves." Kakashi sighed. After washing up, he stepped outside. Kikyō Castle buzzed with shinobi coming and going. Unlike ordinary towns, this place functioned more as a military outpost—a support hub for Kikyō Mountain. Within moments, an ANBU agent materialized before him. "Are you Hatake Kakashi?" "Yes." Kakashi looked up. The ANBU nodded. "Jōnin Namikaze Minato and Kyohiko are currently overseeing operations around Kikyō Mountain in Orochimaru-sama’s stead. Report to them immediately." "What about Yuhi Kurenai?" "At the medical station." With that, the ANBU vanished. Kakashi frowned. Why are Kyohiko and the captain handling defense operations? Puzzled, he headed toward Kikyō Mountain. Upon arrival, after some inquiries, he discovered an unexpected truth— Only Kyohiko was present. Minato was nowhere to be found. Meaning... Kyohiko is effectively in sole command. For Orochimaru to entrust this to him spoke volumes. Yet, the more Kakashi considered it, the more it made sense. Kyohiko was no ordinary shinobi. Someone of Orochimaru’s caliber would surely know who really orchestrated Jiraiya and Tsunade’s strategies. Absurd as it seemed... If I were in his position, I’d do the same. Kakashi stepped inside. Kyohiko didn’t need to look up—the footsteps and chakra signature were unmistakable. "You’re awake? Review these latest intel reports." "Where’s the captain?" "Summoned." Kyohiko kept writing. Minato had been called away by Orochimaru, likely to relay messages to Konoha. The Flying Thunder God made him the fastest courier. Kakashi picked up a stack of papers. All battlefield intelligence. His head throbbed just looking at it. --- In the Hokage’s office, Tsunade frowned at the newly delivered scroll. Targeting Magnet Release. Decapitating the Kazekage. A bold plan. Yet after reading the details, she found it frighteningly plausible. Which left only one question— Is killing the Kazekage the right move? The Third Kazekage was formidable, a visionary leader. Alive, he would keep pushing Wind Country’s expansionist agenda. Even if defeated, he’d regroup and retaliate. He has to die. Decision made, Tsunade dismissed the idea of consulting Homura or Koharu. Those two would debate for days before taking action. With a swift stroke, she signed the order and summoned Jiraiya. --- Days passed. News from Kikyō Mountain spread. Ōnoki of Iwagakure received the intel, his ambitions stirring. Yet the unexplained disappearance of Konoha’s elite gave him pause. Wait. Let Kirigakure make the first move. To the east, two figures stood side by side, gazing at the distant sea. "Danzo, it’s been a long time since we fought together like this." "Temporarily." Danzo snorted. His gaze remained fixed ahead. "I’ll prove I’m more suited to be Hokage than you or Tsunade." "Perhaps." Hiruzen’s smile carried a trace of sorrow. Hokage... Oh, Danzo. That title will be your death. He took a slow drag from his pipe, saying no more. Danzo left without another word. Much later, Nara Shikaku approached with a scroll. Hiruzen skimmed it, raised an eyebrow, then sighed deeply. "War... What a waste." "Sandaime-sama, if Danzo remains in the capital, his influence will only grow." Shikaku’s frown deepened. Hiruzen chuckled darkly. "He believes himself Hokage material. But those who dwell in darkness know themselves least." "You mean...?" "We’re both old men now. Had he contented himself as an advisor, he might’ve retained some dignity. But as things stand... Hah. Sooner or later, someone will deal with him. No need for me to intervene." He tapped ash from his pipe. He had no desire for conflict with Danzo. Not when Konoha and the Land of Fire faced external threats. Let the next generation handle it. Given Kyohiko’s capabilities, it wouldn’t take long for Danzo to be thoroughly outmaneuvered. Understanding the implication, Shikaku changed the subject to battlefield updates.