The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima [Vol. 02]

Chapter 350 - A Last Resort

Intelligence Department

In the bustling communication center of the intelligence department building, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood amidst a sea of shinobi coordinating the attacks on Orochimaru's seven bases.

A monitoring ninja approached him. "Lord Hokage, the captains of all seven teams have reported in. The bases have been destroyed, several prisoners captured or eliminated, but... no sign of Orochimaru or Lady Tsunade."

Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "What are the casualties?"

"21 confirmed dead. 8 wounded." The ninja replied with a somber tone and Hiruzen merely nodded.

The Kage glanced over at Shikaku Nara, who was studying a map spread out on a nearby table. Shikaku looked up, meeting Hiruzen's gaze. 'So, the casualties were as expected.' Hiruzen thought. 'Two to four from each team... Root sleeper agents, removed from play without arousing suspicion.'

Shikaku approached him quietly. "Everything is going according to plan regarding the Root agents," he said under his breath.

"Hm... It had to be done." Hiruzen nodded and replied softly.

The Third Hokage was also keeping an eye on the battle with Hashirama Senju. Learning that the First Hokage had been brought back was a bitter pill to swallow. Through the jutsu that brought his predecessor back, he could see the battle that had taken place.

He saw Tobirama confronting his brother, and saw Hashirama taking the revelation of Tsunade's abduction hard.

As the vision continued, he learned of Orochimaru's location. 'The Land of Earth... So Daichi was right all along.'

He remembered Daichi's theory that Orochimaru might be hiding in Earth Country. 'I should have trusted his instincts more.'

He turned to the Jonin commander. "Shikaku. Begin gathering intelligence on the Land of Earth. I want whatever updated information we have on the movements of the Hidden Stone village patrol squads."

"Has there been any new piece of information, Lord Hokage?" The Nara asked.

"Orochimaru is in the Land of Earth. This has been confirmed. I'm sure Tsunade and Shizune are with him as well."

Shikaku nodded. "I'll find out what I can."

Hiruzen nodded and was about to leave the room to organize a new strategy when Kakashi appeared at the doorway. "Lord Hokage, may I have a moment?" Kakashi asked, his tone unusually serious.

Hiruzen paused. His brows, slightly furrowing. "Of course, Kakashi. What is it?"

Kakashi stepped closer, lowering his voice. "It's about what Daichi and I were looking into. We have some new information that could be crucial."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Tell me."

"We have reason to believe that Orochimaru is working closely with the finance minister of the Land of Earth's royal court," Kakashi explained. "We've connected several dots—shipments, patrol patterns, and other intel suggest that Orochimaru's main base might be located there."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "This aligns with what I've just learned. Orochimaru is indeed in the Land of Earth."

Kakashi seemed surprised. "You've confirmed it?"

"Yes," Hiruzen replied. He turned head and called Shikaku over. "Shikaku. It seems we might have new leads. Kakashi, tell us everything you've found out." Hiruzen ordered and the silver haired Jonin began explaining his finding with Daichi and their reasoning.