Naruto: Burning Will

Konoha is by no means unfamiliar with cursed seals. The Hyūga clan's Caged Bird Seal is a prime example—a mark forcibly placed on branch family members to ensure obedience and prevent betrayal. Similarly, Shimura Danzō employed cursed seals to control members of his secret organization Root (Ne), preventing them from leaking information even under torture or Genjutsu. These kinds of seals often affect the body and soul simultaneously, making them extraordinarily difficult to remove or suppress.

The destructive power of Orochimaru's Cursed Seal of Heaven has already been demonstrated during the Chūnin Exams. However, it's still unclear whether the known side effects—such as the user's loss of self-control and surges of violent chakra—are the extent of its effects. Given Orochimaru's strength, cunning, and obsession with immortality, it seems unlikely that he would create a tool simply to enhance a few subordinates' strength. If his goal were merely to build an army of cannon fodder, it would contradict his usual careful and self-serving modus operandi. Even Mitarashi Anko, one of his former pupils, ultimately rejected him despite having received the same seal.

Thus, it's reasonable to speculate that the Cursed Seal has a deeper purpose—perhaps as a means to preserve Orochimaru's soul, or as part of his twisted Living Corpse Reincarnation technique. This theory gains weight considering his targeting of Uchiha Sasuke, the only known Sharingan wielder in Konoha. If Orochimaru's goal is to take over Sasuke's body, the cursed seal may be a preparatory step to make that possible.

As for Mizuki's report, it offered little that was truly new. While it contained some useful information, it lacked originality. Mizuki also refrained from revealing the most valuable parts—most likely because he couldn't explain how he acquired them without raising suspicion.

With no further intel forthcoming, the ever-composed Mitokado Homura waved a hand dismissively. "That's enough for now. Step aside—you'll have further duties later."

Mizuki inwardly scoffed.

"Kicked out and then given more trouble? Just my luck."

With Tsunade still absent and no Fifth Hokage appointed yet, Mizuki wasn't eager to mingle with Konoha's top brass. Any wrong step could drag him into trouble far above his rank.

Matters such as postwar patrol scheduling, reconstruction, and damage control were well beyond his interest. Although someone at his level—a Chūnin with sealing expertise—might not be a frontline decision-maker, he'd still be called in when it was time to do the grunt work. And grunt work this tedious? Not worth staying awake for.

As Mizuki fought off sleep, he suddenly heard his name mentioned. Before he could react, Hatake Kakashi, standing beside him, nudged him in the ribs.

"Huh?" Mizuki blinked and realized everyone was now staring at him.

"What's going on?"

Koharu Utatane looked displeased. "Do you have objections to the mission assignment?"

"Apologies," Mizuki answered awkwardly. "I didn't catch that just now..."

He wasn't about to agree to anything blindly—not after the fallout from his last impulsive decision.

"You will accompany the Konoha delegation to Sunagakure to assist in diplomatic negotiations," Homura clarified. "Additionally, you will escort certain prisoners."

"Understood," Mizuki replied with a stiff nod. "I have no objection."

It made sense to assign a sealing specialist to handle the transfer of dangerous prisoners—possibly even jinchūriki. The mission should pose minimal danger; Sunagakure had already surrendered, and there was no reason to expect combat.

"Still, we depart tomorrow. Time is tight," he noted mentally.

Even if he used a clone for most tasks, nothing beat handling things personally.

"There's more to do than ever... I really need to train a proper assistant."

Just as the mood in the room began to settle, an ANBU operative appeared beside Danzō, whispered something into his ear, and vanished as quickly as he came.

"What's the update?" asked Homura, eyebrows raised.

"The pursuit of Orochimaru failed," Danzō stated flatly.

No one was surprised—after all, with Orochimaru's level of planning and power, once he slipped away, catching him was nearly impossible. But the ease with which he escaped still left a bitter taste.

Koharu's expression hardened. "Orochimaru cannot be allowed to act freely. If Konoha is seen as weak, others will take advantage."

In the unstable world of shinobi politics, perception was often more important than fact. The last Great Ninja War, after all, had erupted when Sasori assassinated the Third Kazekage, and Sunagakure accused Konoha of foul play.

"I'll handle it," Danzō said coldly, stepping forward. "This is a matter of strength—and of deterrence."

As the head of the militaristic Root faction, this kind of "response" suited Danzō perfectly.

"Very well," Homura said gravely. "Let this be the final item on the agenda."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Enter."

The door opened, and the unmistakable figure of Might Guy strode in with his usual energetic presence.

"Apologies for being late!" Guy saluted, still covered in the dust of travel. He'd clearly just returned from the failed mission to apprehend Orochimaru.

"Thank you for your efforts," Homura said with a nod, then turned back to the assembled shinobi. "Now, for our final and most critical issue—choosing the Fifth Hokage."

The room fell completely silent.

Under normal circumstances, the new Hokage would be elected through a village-wide consensus, like when Namikaze Minato succeeded Sarutobi Hiruzen. But this situation was different—both the Third and Fourth Hokage were now gone, and there was no designated successor. What was needed now was someone with overwhelming strength and prestige to restore order.

"I believe the village must respond to threats with strength," Danzō began. "And I am the most qualified candidate to serve as the Fifth Hokage."

No one was surprised by his self-nomination.

But Homura shook his head. "Danzō... in times like this, we should entrust the future to someone younger, someone who still has the vitality to lead. We are too old."

It was a veiled rejection. Danzō couldn't exactly say, "Well, I've implanted the First Hokage's cells and can regenerate," could he?

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