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

Chapter 352 - Rescue Mission: Kakashi & Daichi Departs

Daichi stood outside the Hokage's office, his heart beating harder than usual in his chest despite his special skills. Kakashi placed a reassuring hand on his student's shoulder.

"Ready?" Daichi's sensei asked.

The Genin took a deep breath and let it out. 'This is my best and only chance to get to them.'

"Yes," Daichi firmly replied.

Kakashi nodded and knocked on the door. From inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice called out, "Enter."

They stepped into the spacious office. Scrolls and documents were neatly arranged on the Hokage's desk. Jiraiya leaned casually against a bookshelf, his usual jovial expression replaced with a somber look.

"Ah, Daichi, Kakashi," Hiruzen greeted them warmly. "Come in."

Daichi gave a respectful short bow. "Lord Hokage"

Hiruzen gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat."

As they settled in, Hiruzen's gaze softened. "There's much to discuss. First, I want to inform you about the events at the eighth base."

The genin in the room audibly sighed. "I take it the mission was a failure."

Jiraiya crossed his arms, glancing at Daichi. "It wasn't a simple operation. We didn't succeed but it wasn't a total failure either."

Daichi and Kakashi turned to the Toad sage.

"Orochimaru had contingencies in place." The white haired Sannin spoke.

Hiruzen gave a small nod. "Well, we didn't find them but we know where Orochimaru is. He had resurrected two formidable shinobi using that forbidden technique. They were powerful adversaries, but Jiraiya and his team managed to defeat them."

Daichi's eyes widened. "Resurrected shinobi? You mean he really used the Reanimation jutsu?"

"Yes," Hiruzen affirmed. "They were defeated and after they were freed from that jutsu one of them confirmed that Orochimaru's chakra was coming from the Land of Earth. And I doubt Orochimaru is aware that we obtained such valuable intel. Your analysis has been invaluable. Shikaku and his team are going over those files as we speak."

Daichi felt a surge of determination. "Lord Hokage, with your permission, I'd like to go on a rescue mission into the Land of Earth."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold request, kid."

Hiruzen regarded Daichi thoughtfully. "What makes you believe you're suited for this mission? Getting into that nation is not easy. Especially not right now with their heightened border security. And even if you did, how exactly do you intend to find them once you get into the country?"

Daichi met his gaze unwaveringly. "I've been analyzing the shipment movements and patrol diversions in the Land of Earth. I've gone through all the intelligence you gave me and memorized them. I've also been up all night studying the Geography and Topography of Earth country. As for where to search, all signs point to the Finance Minister's involvement with Orochimaru. I have an idea as to how to narrow down that search field... Lord Hokage, I believe I can locate their base. Or at the very least be of some help."

Hiruzen steepled his fingers. "The Finance Minister is a high-ranking official. Accusations against him are serious. What evidence do you have?" Even though he learned it from Kakashi, he specifically questioned the boy.

Daichi took a deep breath. "Multiple shipments from the Land of Snow, marked as low-priority but heavily guarded, have been entering the Land of Earth. These shipments avoid the Hidden Stone Village and the capital, disappearing without a trace. Additionally, patrols are diverted every time these shipments arrive. Someone with significant influence is orchestrating this. After going through all the information I found out it's the finance minister's people. He's involved somehow. I can feel it."