The Adventurous Gamer Ninja - Daichi Hekima

Hokage Office.

Hiruzen read through the scrolls detailing the status of the teams ready to attack the enemy strongholds.

'All seven teams are getting into position and currently analyzing the enemy movements. It won't be long now.'

As the old kage looked over the reports his communication department sent him, he heard a knock on the door.

"Enter." Came the soft voice from the old man's lips.

A guard entered the room and gave a short bow. "Kakashi Hatake and Daichi Hekima are here."

"Send them in."

The Chunin guard nodded and a few moments later the members of the only 2 man special Genin team in the village were present.

"There have been some new developments regarding Orochimaru." Hiruzen began addressing them. He mainly looked at Daichi and wanted to know if the Genin would have any insights once he heard the update. "I know you're worried about them and have questions. So I'll try to answer the ones I can."

Without wasting time Hiruzen got straight to the point. "We've identified several bases belonging to Orochimaru in the Land of Fire."

Daichi had a stoic expression when he heard that. "When?"

"Yesterday. I've already sent teams to those locations."

Daichi nodded. "You said several bases. How many?"

"Eight base of operations to be exact." Hiruzen replied.

Daichi crossed his arms and was silent for a few moments. He then gazed at the old kage. "Eight strongholds. Attacking that many at the same time will stretch us thin and there is a good chance these are just put in place to stall us."

Hiruzen nodded. "I agree. But this must be done. Among these eight, 7 of them might very well be decoys, but the eighth base, I believe we might find some answers there."

Daichi was slightly surprised. "What makes you say that?"

"The seven bases have several mercenary ninjas guarding it. Over two dozen each. But none of them are strong. But in the last one there isn't anyone and the entire structure is underground. Scouts have reported two strong chakra signatures coming from that location. But we are unable to identify who they are. There are strong defensive barriers in place and the entire base is in a location not easily accessible."

Daichi was puzzled. 'There is no way it could be Orochimaru or Tsunade sensei. So who could they be?'

"Lord Hokage, what about the prisoners?" Kakashi asked the old leader.

The Hokage leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands. "Guren and Rinji are dead. They died during the interrogation. Orochimaru had placed several extreme defensive measures within their bodies. But Inoichi did manage to gain some useful information before the curse jutsu completely destroyed their brain."

He looked at the two shinobi standing in front of him in silence and continued. "Guren was tasked with bringing you to that eighth location I mentioned. She knew some of the defensive measures of that location. The only other thing she knows is that there would be someone strong to defend the base if we had tracked you to that area."

Daichi's mind was quickly going over the implications and soon he came to an answer. 'Orochimaru doesn't have many strong subordinates aside from Kimimaro, Kabuto and Guren. So unless he recruited someone strong, then I'm pretty sure the ones who are guarding that location are reanimation ninjas. Most probably kage level.'

Just then another thought flashed across his mind. 'Wait a minute. Reanimation ninjas can track their creator. I have Shisui's eye! If I can get to that base and turn the reanimation to obey my command, I can get them to directly point me towards Orochimaru…'

But Daichi immediately saw the flaws in that plan. 'No. That won't work. I haven't even studied the Sharingan eye and don't even know how to properly activate the Mangekyo Sharingan. Not to mention, I need to implant that eye in something and program commands to make it work. That's not something that can be done in a few hours. Damnit.'

Suddenly an idea came to his mind. 'The Dungeons. They can solve my lack of time. I can use them to take as much time as I need to study and program commands into that eye. I can use the dungeons I got from Orochimaru and experiment with Shisui's eye and the other Sharingans.'

Daichi suddenly began to calculate the viability of this plan in his mind. 'But there is still a problem. I need to implant the Sharingan into a living creature. Dungeons don't have any living creatures… Hmm… Maybe I can capture a few from the forest nearby. But I'm sure they're monitoring my every move. If I do anything against what they're expecting they will definitely suspect something… Then again, I can use my Mana skills and become invisible to all senses… Yes, that should solve my problems. Then once I have it ready I'll use my Dragon persona to appear in front of the re-animations and put them under my control.'

All these ideas and plans ran through Daichi's mind in less than a few seconds. He looked at the Hokage with a serious gaze. 'But all that preparation won't help me if I don't get to that area. If I don't know where it is I won't be able to use Shisui's eye on them. If he doesn't let me go to that eighth location, it'll just be time wasted.'

Daichi looked at the third and spoke. "Lord Hokage, please let me be a part of the team going to investigate the eighth base."

Hiruzen narrowed his eyes as he looked at the boy.

Daichi continued. "The chances of sensei and Shizune senpai being there is small but if they are there I have to be there too."

Hiruzen sighed as he heard the Genin's request. "I'm afraid I can't allow that. It's too dangerous. Anything can happen. I already have Jiraiya and two other powerful shinobi assigned to this task. If you go there and Orochimaru tries something, it will make the situation more difficult for me. I'm sorry Daichi. I can't allow this request."

Daichi bit his cheek and looked down. 'Damn it. I had a feeling he'd say that. I can't ask for the location of that base. If I do and Dragon shows up they'll certainly know something's up. Guess that plan's a bust… Well, using Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan was plan B after all. Looks like I need to go back to plan A.'

Seeing the Genin's silence, the Hokage and the Jonin wanted to know Daichi's thoughts.

"What's on your mind?" Hiruzen asked.

Daichi looked at the kage and was silent for a few moments. 'I need to be careful. Can't let him get suspicious or think that I have more info on Orochimaru than he thinks.'

"Assuming the Eighth base is the location to hold me as a prisoner and would need to defend it in case of an attack from the village, it would need powerful ninjas protecting that place."

The Hokage nodded. "As I said, scouts have reported two strong chakra signatures coming from that location."

"Yes. There is a good chance they're S rank or maybe even Kage level ninjas. But people like that just don't grow on trees. So unless Orochimaru convinced two S rank ninjas to work for him, there is a chance that one or two of them could be reanimation ninjas."

Hiruzen looked at Daichi while crossing his arms. 'It seems he's come to the same conclusion as I did.'

Kakashi, standing on the side, was surprised. "How do you know about the reanimation jutsu?"

"I met someone Orochimaru reanimated years ago, while I was still in the academy." Daichi replied with a shrug. He then turned his attention back to the old kage. "This is assuming he doesn't have extremely strong and loyal shinobis of his own."

The Hokage nodded. "Yes. I've already taken what you've said into consideration. I have a three man team on the way to that location right now. They're strong. Jiraiya is among them. They'll be able to successfully infiltrate the base and locate Tsunade and Shizune if they are hidden there."

But Daichi didn't seem convinced. "I still believe this is just a waste of time. Orochimaru wouldn't take such a risk. We should be focusing our efforts towards the Land of Earth."

Hiruzen was silent. He remembered what Inoichi's report said. 'Orochimaru told Guren he'll join her a few days later. So chances are he's not in that location but…'

"Yes. I'm aware, Daichi. The odds of finding Tsunade or Orochimaru in that location is slim. Inoichi read Guren's mind and found out that Orochimaru might be outside Fire Country." Hiruzen answered as he looked at the boy.

Daichi frowned. "Then why are you-"

"Because Orochimaru could have lied to her. It could be a misdirection. He could have also taken them to that location if he changed his mind or if any changes in his plans had occurred. The truth is, we don't know anything for sure, Daichi. I can't just ignore such a threat in my own country while sending a team to attack another. Even if they're not there, I'm certain Jiraiya and the others could find some clues to where they are..."

Daichi was silent when he heard the old man's reply.

"Are the defenses of that location different from the other seven hideouts?" Kakashi asked.

"Yes. There are multiple chakra barriers preventing anyone from probing deeper. My scout team could only sense these two but they couldn't pry deeper because of the defenses put in place." Hiruzen replied. 'It's why I'm still holding on to some hope that those two are there. The sooner we find them the better.'

The Hokage turned his gaze to Daichi. He sighed and spoke in a somewhat softer tone. "I understand your concerns Daichi, but I've already made up my mind."

Daichi sighed and became silent. 'He's the Hokage. And he's working with the information he has. Right now crossing borders to other great nations and sending a large-scale search party is just asking for trouble. So he's doing the best he can with what he has. Guess I can't fault him for that.'

"Lord Hokage, what did Orochimaru want with Daichi? Did that woman know?" Kakashi asked and Daichi focused his attention on the kage.

Hiruzen looked at the Genin and was silent for several moments. 'Should I tell him?' Concern and hesitation was apparent on his visage.

After a few moments of internal debate the kage decided to answer the question. "Orochimaru has developed an immortality jutsu."

The eyes of Kakashi and Daichi slightly widened in surprise for different reasons.

'An immortality Jutsu?'

'As I suspected. His target did switch from Sasuke to me.'

Hiruzen, unaware of Daichi's true thoughts, continued. "Orochimaru transfers his soul through a forbidden jutsu and uses the body of someone else to live longer."

"There has to be more to it, I'm assuming. Otherwise he could have taken anyone's body and wouldn't specifically go after Daichi." Kakashi deduced and asked.

The old kage agreed. "Yes. After Orochimaru takes control of the new body he will have access to their unique bloodlines and abilities."

Kakashi was just about to say that his student wasn't from a clan but stopped himself and glanced at the boy. 'Even if he's not from a clan, his body has incredible potential and strength. He's far stronger than anyone his age. I suppose it's no surprise Orochimaru would take an interest in him.'

"Wait. Could he be using Lady Tsunade for his immortality Jutsu?" The silver haired Jonin suddenly asked.

"The thought had crossed my mind. But I believe the probability of such a situation is low. He must want her for something else." The kage replied and then looked towards the boy.

"Are you afraid now Daichi?" Hiruzen asked.

"No." The calm tone in his voice indicated that Daichi wasn't lying. "I'm concerned but I'm not afraid. If he comes for me, he'll find that I'm not an easy prey."

"Hm… I have no doubt you won't go quietly. But don't worry. You'll be safe within these walls. You have my word." Hiruzen gave the child a small smile as if to reassure him.

"For the moment that's all I have for you two. The military operation will begin shortly. Once it's completed I'll inform you of the situation."

"Yes." Kakashi nodded but Daichi was silent and in thought mulling over something.

Seeing this, Hiruzen spoke. "Do you have something on your mind?"

'Time to go with Plan A.' The Genin nodded his head. "Yes Lord Hokage. I'd like to have access to all the recent information you have on the Land of Earth and the movements of the border patrol units of the Hidden stone village. Preferably all the intelligence you've collected for the last six months."

"You truly believe Orochimaru has Tsunade in the Land of Earth?"

"Yes I do."

The kage of the Leaf village was silent and was weighing the pros and cons of giving Daichi such information. "I already have a few people analyzing the intelligence reports on the Land of Earth and the shinobi of the Hidden Stone village. They're smart. If there is something to be found they'll find it."

But Daichi was unconvinced. 'Orochimaru is familiar with the village's surveillance tactics and intelligence network. He would definitely try to avoid those. So even if it's a Nara shinobi going over those reports, they might not be able to find anything abnormal. But I might be able to. Combine the information my clone is sending me along with what I learned from Prince Katsuya, I'm sure I'll be able to spot Orochimaru. Or at the very least narrow down the search list.'

"Another pair of eyes wouldn't hurt. I can take a look at that information from a fresh new perspective." Daichi replied. He couldn't give out all his reasons to the Hokage but he was desperate to get that intel from the old leader.

Hiruzen saw Daichi's somewhat desperate expression and sighed. After several moments he decided to give the boy what he had gathered. 'He's smart. Maybe he'll be able to find something they missed. And this will also keep him busy till the attack is over.'

Hiruzen gazed into Daichi's eyes and saw something that made him internally smile.

"Very well. I'll inform the Analysis department to send you a copy of the information you want." Hiruzen wanted to keep Daichi occupied for a while and figured having him go through the large amount of information collected would be a good start.

Daichi nodded and Hiruzen dismissed him. Once it was just Kakashi and Hiruzen in the room, the Kage spoke. "With each hour passing by the chances of a successful rescue are dwindling. I can tell that he won't be able to hold on while doing nothing for much longer."

"What makes you say that Lord Hokage?"

"He cares deeply about Tsunade and Shizune… And because I see some of you in him…"

Kakashi was taken back by that statement.

Hiruzen continued. "When Rin was in trouble, you were able to continue with the mission but ultimately you made a choice and turned around. You ignored the mission and you went and rescued your teammate from enemy ninjas."

"Yes. But in doing so I lost another."

Kakashi looked down for a moment as the memories of that day came to the forefront of his mind. "I saved Rin that day but I lost Obito. And what's worse… I couldn't even keep my promise to him."

"I'm sorry for dredging up unpleasant memories… but Daichi is like you. He truly believes that Tsunade and Shizune are in the Land of Earth. So it won't be long before he goes looking for them himself."

Kakashi nodded as he considered that a giant possibility.

"Moreover, even if we find Orochimaru in the Land of Earth, the chances of a successful rescue of both Tsunade and Shizune are slim. There is a great probability that one of them might perish."

Kakashi was somewhat on edge as he looked at the Kage. "What exactly are you asking me to do, Lord Hokage?"

"If Daichi finds something new or any information we missed or if he plans to go to the Land of Earth…" Hiruzen closed his eyes and sighed at what he was about to say.

Kakashi's jaw clenched and he was slightly tense as he waited for the Hokage's words.

Hiruzen opened his eyes as if finally making a difficult decision. "Help him. Accompany him to the Lard of Earth."

"What!?" The silver haired Jonin was taken back.

Hiruzen smiled at the Jonin. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Because it's what I would do if I was in his position. Wasting more time arguing and worrying about the rules won't help him and it won't get us anywhere. I have certain restrictions due to my position but you and Daichi. You don't have such burdens."

Kakashi let out a breath of relief. "I understand sir." 'Being Hokage… He has to think about the welfare of the whole village. But a Genin and a Jonin has no such problems.'

"If the current attack on those bases yields nothing, I'll send Jiraiya and someone else to the Land of Earth to covertly help you two. But Kakashi…" Hiruzen's face took on a serious expression. "You should know that should you two go into the Land of Earth and anything goes wrong or if you two get captured, it'll put the village in a very difficult position. There might not be much I can do and the village will deny any involvement in your actions. Especially if Onoki becomes unreasonable."

Kakashi understood the implications and the seriousness of the situation.

"Not only that, if Orochimaru does in fact have Tsunade and Shizune there and you somehow manage to find and get to them, someone might have to stay behind for the mission to become successful… You understand what that means, right?" A tinge of sadness could be heard in Hiruzen's voice.

Kakashi smiled and simply nodded his head. "Yes sir. If something like that happens, I'll make sure Lady Tsunade, Shizune and Daichi escape safely."

Hiruzen's heart pained for a moment as he gazed at the Jonin's expression. "Kakashi…"

"You shouldn't look so worried, Lord Hokage. Besides these are all the worst case scenarios." The silver haired Jonin spoke with a calm tone. "I should probably take Daichi to the intelligence department."

Hiruzen nodded and soon the Jonin left the office leaving the Hokage alone with his thoughts. He stood from his chair and walked up to the window and looked down at the village.

'Yes, what I described was indeed the worst case scenario, Kakashi. You and Daichi are valuable ninjas of the village. I won't let anything happen to either of you that easily… If this attack truly yields nothing then I'll have Jiraiya and Tobirama sensei shift their focus and infiltrate the Land of Earth. Coupled with Kakashi's resourcefulness and Daichi's skill, I'm sure my fears won't come to pass.'

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Author's Note.

Originally I had a small part of the teams attacking the base in this chapter but recently I've been rewatching Mission impossible series and decided to edit this chapter and add a few more bits of interaction between kakashi and hiruzen.

If you like my story and want to read ahead, then check out my P.a.T.R.E.0.N page. I've uploaded up to 30 additional chapters there.

Patre /MonkWithAPen (No space)