Chapter 42: The Hokage's Reward
Unbeknownst to them, Akatsurugi had already clashed with the Third Raikage, escaping unscathed after killing three of his elite guards. The only thing stopping him from avenging Uchiha Kagami then and there was his current inability to breach the Raikage's legendary defense.
Within two days, the news spread like wildfire through the great villages: The Third Raikage had personally hunted Akatsurugi, only for the Konoha ninja to escape with his life, leaving three of the Raikage's own guards dead.
The Third Raikage made no attempt to conceal the details. In fact, he deliberately leaked Akatsurugi's capabilities, hoping someone else might find a way to counter him.
The dossier on "Akatsurugi" was now updated:
Flight Capability: Can propel himself through the air using flames.
Kekkei Genkai: A bloodline limit that drastically amplifies the power of Fire Release ninjutsu.
Unique Weapon: Wields a long sword capable of generating intense, controlled flames.
Dōjutsu: Possesses the Mangekyō Sharingan.
When Danzō received this updated report, he felt a jolt of genuine surprise. To have grown so powerful in such a short time... Flight was a capability countless shinobi dreamed of, offering immense tactical advantages. The rest only solidified Akatsurugi's status as a top-tier asset.
"Lord Danzō," Nara Shikafumi said, a rare smile on his face. "With Jonin Akatsurugi having faced the Raikage and withdrawn on his own terms, it's only a matter of time before Yamanaka Aota's team finds him. Then we can finally reinforce the River Country front."
Danzō nodded grimly. The situation in the Land of Rivers was dire, precisely because they lacked this kind of high-end, battle-turning power.
As predicted, Akatsurugi was located quickly by the team led by Yamanaka Aota. Comprising members from the Hyūga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans—all masters of tracking and reconnaissance—and led by Aota himself, a skilled sensor, they were the best Konoha had for such a task.
"Jonin Akatsurugi," Yamanaka Aota said, offering a scroll as they met. "Lord Danzō's orders. You are to return to camp immediately."
Akatsurugi took the scroll, read its contents, and incinerated it with a flicker of chakra. "Understood. I'll return with you now."
They traveled back to the Konoha camp without delay. The team asked no questions about the young man, Kato Ei, who followed quietly in Akatsurugi's shadow.
Upon arrival, Akatsurugi settled Ei in a spare tent. "Wait for me here. Do not wander off."
With a nod from Ei, Akatsurugi went to report to Danzō.
When he entered the command tent, Danzō offered a thin, formal smile. "Akatsurugi. It has been a long time."
"Indeed, Lord Danzō. It has been almost a year." Akatsurugi's reply was equally measured. He had been operating solo behind enemy lines for months, leaving only coded intelligence drops.
"I did not expect your progress to be so... rapid. Kagami would be proud." Danzō's tone carried a hint of genuine, if clinical, appreciation.
Akatsurugi remained silent, waiting.
"By the Hokage's authority," Danzō continued, his voice taking on an official tone, "and in recognition of your distinguished service and outstanding combat achievements, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Anbu Captain. Furthermore, the Hokage has granted you the privilege of selecting one ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals to learn. This is the catalog."
Danzō handed a single sheet of parchment across the desk.
Akatsurugi's interest was immediately piqued. The Scroll of Seals. This was a significant reward. He scanned the list, and his eyes narrowed slightly. Sarutobi Hiruzen was being careful. Notoriously dangerous techniques like the Dead Demon Consuming Seal and the Impure World Reincarnation were absent. But one legendary name was there: the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Lord Danzō," Akatsurugi said without hesitation. "I choose this one. The Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique."
Danzō's single visible eye studied him. "Akatsurugi, the entry requirements for this jutsu are exceptionally high. It requires a natural affinity for spatial manipulation. Are you certain? Perhaps you should consider another."
In Danzō's view, the Flying Thunder God was nearly a lost art, its difficulty prohibitive. It demanded not just genius-level comprehension but a specific, innate physical compatibility.
"My decision is made. I wish to study it," Akatsurugi insisted.
He paused, then decided to voice a thought. "Lord Danzō, if I may ask... the Flying Thunder God is listed as a forbidden jutsu. But how can we know if someone is suited for it if they never have the chance to try? Wouldn't Konoha be stronger if every potentially suitable shinobi could attempt to learn such a powerful technique? And isn't there a risk of it being lost forever?"
A faint, knowing smile touched Danzō's lips. "The tests for such an affinity are not secret. They are part of the standard shinobi curriculum. Any shinobi whose Body Flicker Technique is exceptionally potent and precise is considered to have the requisite spatial affinity and is eligible to learn the Flying Thunder God."
Akatsurugi nodded, the explanation satisfying him. So that's the metric. It made sense, though he suspected politics and the Hokage's discretion played a larger role than Danzō let on—why else hadn't a prodigy like Shisui been given the technique? But that was a problem for another day. For now, he had his prize.
As for his own spatial affinity, Akatsurugi felt a quiet confidence. He was a man who had walked between worlds. If that didn't grant some affinity for space, what would?
"Understood. I will do my best."
Danzō summoned a messenger ninja who bit his thumb, performed a series of hand seals, and vanished in a puff of smoke to relay the request to the Hokage.
As Akatsurugi turned to leave, Danzō stopped him. "Wait. The Hokage will have the technique copied and sent here. It will take a day or two." He then shifted topics. "I am told you brought a boy back with you."
"Yes," Akatsurugi replied smoothly. "I encountered him in the Land of Hot Water. He is a descendant of the Kato clan, former nobles of the Land of Fire. We formed a... rapport. I've taken him on to provide some instruction."
Danzō made a noncommittal "Hmm" and lost interest. He had already had a sensor scan the boy; his chakra levels were unremarkable, that of a standard genin at best. Seeing no immediate value, Danzō dismissed him from his thoughts.
Seizing the opportunity, Akatsurugi requested official genin status for Kato Ei. Danzō, seeing no reason to object, especially during wartime when formalities were streamlined, agreed without fuss. Akatsurugi left the tent with a Konoha forehead protector for his new apprentice.
"One more thing," Danzō's voice halted him once more, this time grave and purposeful. "The primary reason for your recall is the situation in the Land of Rivers. The Second Kazekage, Shamon, has taken the field personally. Your new mission is to proceed to that front and contain him. If you can hold Shamon in check, we can repulse the Sand forces and free up vital combat power to finally break the Cloud. The fate of this war may well rest on your shoulders."