Chapter 43: The Sandstorm Front
So that was the reason for his sudden recall. The front against the Sand was crumbling, and Konoha needed a shield against their Kage.
Akatsurugi pondered the state of Konoha's high-end power. Truly, the only top-tier masters left are Danzō and Sarutobi Hiruzen himself. Has it come to the point where the Hokage must take the field? His own sudden rise had provided a convenient solution. They had pulled him back to be that shield, to face the Second Kazekage, Shamon.
This Shamon was a notable figure in Sand's history. While the other villages warred, he had buried himself in research, particularly on the Tailed Beasts. His obsession had borne fruit—the advanced puppetry and sand-manipulation ninjutsu that defined Sunagakure's power today.
Though Konoha, with its superior Uzumaki sealing arts, never felt the same pressure to research the Bijū, Akatsurugi mused. Other villages, lacking that security, were forced to innovate. Kumo, with the weakest seals, was the most motivated, which is how they achieved perfect Jinchūriki. Their successes were bought with blood and necessity.
"Understood. I will depart shortly," Akatsurugi stated, his tone leaving no room for debate. There was no need for pretense; the mission was clear.
Danzō gave a curt nod of approval. At that moment, the messenger ninja performed the summoning ritual once more. A small creature appeared in a puff of smoke, holding a scroll which it dutifully presented before vanishing. The ninja handed the scroll to Danzō, who inspected it briefly before passing it to Akatsurugi.
Akatsurugi accepted it. Inside was the training method for the Flying Thunder God Technique, annotated with the Second Hokage's personal insights and experiences.
Securing the scroll within his flak jacket, Akatsurugi spoke again. "With your permission, Lord Danzō, I will prepare and then proceed to the Land of Rivers independently."
Danzō's single visible eye held his gaze. "Your service is noted. Dismissed."
After a brief farewell, Akatsurugi returned to his tent. Kato Ei was lounging on a cot, looking bored.
"From now on, you are a Genin of Konoha," Akatsurugi said, tossing him a forehead protector. "You are under my command."
Ei's face lit up. He quickly fastened the protector around his head. He was now a shinobi of the Leaf.
"Rest well. We leave for the Land of Rivers at first light." Akatsurugi then unsealed the scroll, immersing himself in its contents for the rest of the night.
Kato Ei, accustomed to sleeping rough during their travels, was fast asleep in the comfortable bed in moments.
Akatsurugi, however, pored over the scroll until dawn. He had to admit, much of it was currently beyond his grasp. The Flying Thunder God was a complex weave of spatial theory, advanced fuinjutsu, and precise chakra control. It was not a technique one mastered in a night. It will have to wait until after the war, he decided, storing the scroll away. He allowed himself a few hours of fitful sleep before rousing Ei for the journey.
Two days later, they arrived at the Konoha camp in the Land of Rivers. Mitokado Homura greeted them personally, his relief palpable. Akatsurugi's exploits were now well-known; the man who had slain a perfect Jinchūriki and escaped the Third Raikage was precisely the weapon they needed.
"Akatsurugi, let's dispense with formalities," Homura began once they were inside the command tent.
"Of course, Elder Homura. Please, brief me."
Homura laid out the situation. The war with Suna had reached a stalemate. The Sand forces were competent, but the true obstacle was the Second Kazekage himself. His presence on the battlefield neutralized any significant advance Konoha could make. They needed a high-caliber combatant to contain Shamon, and that duty now fell to Akatsurugi.
"I will handle the Second Kazekage," Akatsurugi affirmed. He ran through Shamon's known abilities in his mind. None seemed particularly threatening to his own unique skill set.
With the strategy confirmed, Akatsurugi left the tent to await further orders.
"Akatsurugi! Is that you?" a familiar voice called out.
Akatsurugi turned to see Kosuke Maruboshi. A genuine smile touched his lips. "Brother Kosuke! I didn't expect to find you here." This was the man who had given him his first home in Konoha.
Kosuke clapped him warmly on the shoulder. "I've heard the stories! Well done. You've far surpassed this old man."
"You're too kind. You were never useless in my eyes."
The two caught up, with Kosuke doing most of the talking, regaling Akatsurugi with tales from the front. Eventually, Kosuke's eyes drifted to Kato Ei. "And who's this? Your student?"
"Not exactly. We met in the Land of Hot Water. We get along. He's a Konoha Genin now. Ei, this is my elder brother, Kosuke Maruboshi."
"Hello, Senior Kosuke!" Kato Ei bowed respectfully.
Kosuke chuckled. "Good lad. The battle will start soon. Is he sticking with you?"
Akatsurugi shook his head. "Actually, brother, could you look after him for now? Ei, you stay with Senior Kosuke."
Ei nodded. Akatsurugi had instructed him to keep his immortality a secret and to act like any other genin.
Just then, a voice rang out across the camp: "All units, prepare for battle! Sand forces approaching!"
Instantly, the camp erupted into organized chaos. Shinobi scrambled to their positions.
Without hesitation, Akatsurugi kicked off the ground, flames erupting from his feet to propel him into the air. His Sharingan activated, its crimson glow scanning the horizon until it locked onto a figure standing calmly atop a dune of sand, commanding the battlefield below.
The Second Kazekage, Shamon.
His target was in sight.