Writing Journey: August 20, 2024 

Publish: August 28, 2024

Edits: 

Words: 2644

See Author's Note at the end! 

──── ✧《✩》✧ ──────── ✧《✩》✧ ──────── ✧《✩》✧ ────

The sky was clear, and slightly cloudy here and there, and birds were singing, chirping, and flying about. 

Kids ran around in Konoha, everything was normal so far. 

Except for a few heart attacks from the secretary who had just received a head of Hidan who was still talking his head off while screaming at her and screaming about a red-haired man.
Shinbois that were passing by the reception desk were a bit wary of the talking head but paid no attention except to the mentions of a red-haired man which in this case, it could be an Uzumaki. 

The secretary lady was in for a lot of unusual... things today because just now, this talking head named Hidan who is a literal S-rank missing-nin that defected from Yugakure village, and a Jashin worshiper that does crazy blood rituals from another one's blood.. Also from.. some organization something Akatsuki.  Then she was met by two other scrolls, one belonging to Kakuzu, an S-rank missing-nin from Takigakure village, a literal zombie man, and an Akatsuki member.. The second one was Kabuto Yakushi the famous medical-nin that went after Orochimaru—something about attention, and affection from the insane snake man. 

Hidan's constant shouting and laughing seemed to be a mask for his underlying fear, especially when he encountered Shizuki. 

The secretary, trying hard not to make eye contact with the head, quickly flagged down two nearby ANBU operatives. She was also losing her mind over this talking head. 

The two anbus walked up to the desk and stared at the head yapping away.

 They were both amused and intrigued by all this... kind of, they were scared inside by how the hell this head was still talking and alive. It was some sort of Frankenstein stuff. 

The one with the boar mask was interested in this red-haired man that Hidan kept talking about. 

The tiger mask reassured the secretary that Hidan will die slowly from hunger and that it would be over in a week or less depending on how long he lives.

After a brief exchange of glances, they decided it was best to report the situation to the Third Hokage.

The two anbu both body flickered into the hokage's office, startling the third hokage a bit as he was briefly smoking from his pipe. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, glanced up from his desk, his serene expression momentarily disrupted by the sudden appearance of the two ANBU operatives. He was a seasoned leader, but the sight of Boar and Tora materializing out of thin air with a dismembered head in tow was enough to give anyone a pause.

Hiruzen looked up from his desk, his calm demeanor momentarily disrupted by the sight of the two ANBU operatives and the dismembered head. "Boar? Tora? What's going on?"

Boar, the more inquisitive of the two, cleared his throat and spoke up, "Hokage-sama, we've encountered an unusual situation. We found this... head... at the reception desk. It belongs to Hidan, a member of the Akatsuki. He's been rambling incessantly about a red-haired man, and crazy seal tattoos on his arms."

Tora, with his usual calm demeanor, added, "The secretary is quite distressed. She's doing her best to ignore the head, but it's causing quite a stir. We thought it best to bring this to your attention immediately."

Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. Hidan's presence was troubling enough, but the mention of a red-haired man piqued his interest. His mind raced through the possible connections, his experience telling him that this was not a random occurrence.

"Red-haired man, and tattooed seals, you say? This could be significant," Hiruzen mused aloud, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hidan's ramblings might be connected to recent events."

Turning his attention back to Boar and Tora, he continued, "First, let's secure Hidan's head. We need to ensure it's contained properly and doesn't cause further disruption. As for the red-haired man, we need more information. If he's someone of interest, we must determine whether he poses a threat or is an ally."

Boar nodded in agreement. "Understood, Hokage-sama. We'll take the necessary steps to contain the head and investigate the red-haired individual."

As they prepared to leave, Hiruzen's mind remained focused on the mention of the red-haired man. He had heard rumors of a formidable figure with red hair who had appeared in the Bingo Book under the alias of 'Silent Whirlpool' or 'Deadly Whirlpool.' This individual had been described as an elusive and powerful shinobi, but little else was known about him.

"Be cautious," Hiruzen warned as the ANBU operatives departed. "If this red-haired man is indeed connected to the Akatsuki or if he is some shinobi with unknown intentions, we need to be prepared for anything."

With the ANBU out of the room, Hiruzen sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair. The peaceful day in Konoha had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. He picked up the bingo book and began to review the information about the 'Silent Whirlpool' he had gathered, his thoughts filled with concern for what might come next.

'Silent Whirlpool.. unknown status.. unknown abilities, level anbu.. ah so I can maybe send my anbus to watch hi- KAGE?!... Never mind...' Hizuren thought solemnly to himself. 

Hiruzen's mind raced as he perused the information in the Bingo Book about the 'Silent Whirlpool.' The entry was sparse, a testament to how elusive and enigmatic this red-haired figure had been. The mention of the title 'Seal Master' stood out sharply.

"Seal master? Like Jiraiya...?" Hiruzen muttered under his breath, a hint of confusion and concern in his voice. Jiraiya, his old student and one of the legendary Sannin, is known for his mastery of seals. If this red-haired individual was in any way connected to Jiraiya's expertise, it could mean the situation was even more complex and potentially dangerous than anticipated.

The implication of the title also suggested that this 'Silent Whirlpool' might possess abilities that could rival or even surpass those of known Shinobi masters. If Jiraiya had trained with seals to a high degree, it was plausible that someone else could have as well—especially if this red-haired figure could wield powerful or forbidden techniques.

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, taking a thoughtful drag from his pipe. The sudden turn of events, including Hidan's disturbing presence and the cryptic mention of the red-haired man, presented a web of potential threats and unknowns. He needed to act carefully and swiftly to safeguard Konoha.

He looked at his hidden anbu guards that were very well hidden in the room and sent them a discreet look with a few hand gestures to instruct them to increase surveillance on any known associates or suspicious activities related to the 'Silent Whirlpool.' The ANBUs gave silent nods and poofed away to handle the security measures. He also decided to consult with Jiraiya, whose expertise in sealing techniques and his extensive network of contacts might provide further insight.

As he prepared to draft the necessary orders and set up meetings, he couldn't shake the growing sense of unease. The peaceful days of Konoha were becoming increasingly overshadowed by shadows of potential conflict and intrigue.

He glanced at the office door, his mind already turning towards strategies and contingencies. The red-haired individual's connection to powerful sealing techniques could mean a looming threat, but it could also imply that he was an important piece in a larger puzzle—perhaps even a potential ally if approached with the right diplomacy.

With that, he grabbed a small scroll and began writing down a message to be sent to Jiraiya:

'Jiraiya, DO NOT discard this scroll. This isn't nonsense. 

Burn it once you finish reading it. 

I have troubling news. 

Danzo is dead. It appears that he was assassinated but, we do not know who. 

Ibuki has been investigating the matter but nothing- Danzo was proven to be a traitor and the true mastermind of the massacre of the Uchiha. Itachi was innocent. 

Itachi was framed. 

Danzo was the one who initiated the order, and personally used ROOT nins to kill them, while also making it seem like Itachi did it. 

However, the investigation soon came to an end as there was no other evidence for whoever had killed him. 

Just today, I have gotten word of a red-haired individual who is widely known as the 'Silent Whirlpool,' rumors are speculating that he is a seal master, and was the one that killed Orochimaru, Kakuzu, Kabuto, and beheaded Hidan. 

I had gotten word that Orochimaru is dead. 

I can't believe I'm saying this but, I don't believe Orochimaru is dead does not make sense, he has been jumping from body to body for immortality. 

I want you to investigate his death to see if the rumors are speaking the truth. 

We also received one scroll belonging to the rumored organization that you have spoken of, The Akatsuki. 

Kakuzu. S-Rank Missing-nin of Takigakure. 

A head of Hidan, the Jashin god worshiper. He is still talking but he will eventually die of starvation. 

Lastly, we received a scroll of Orochimaru's lackey's head, Kabuto Yakushi. 

I am not sure if Orochimaru and this Kabuto Yakushi are dead for good. 

I want you to investigate these incidents, and once you finish, report back. 

 Return to Konoha as soon as possible to provide your insight. 

Signed Hiruzen Sarutobi, Third Hokage.'

After sealing the scroll with his chakra, Hiruzen summoned one of the messenger monkeys. The small, nimble creature appeared with a puff of smoke and looked up at Hiruzen with curious eyes.

Hiruzen attached the scroll to the monkey's back, giving it a gentle pat. "Deliver this to Jiraiya immediately. His timely response is crucial."

The monkey nodded, then disappeared in a puff of smoke as it sped off towards Jiraiya's last known location. Hiruzen watched it go, his thoughts heavy with concern.

Turning back to his desk, Hiruzen began drafting orders to the ANBU to increase surveillance on any suspicious activities related to the 'Silent Whirlpool.' The situation was becoming more intricate by the minute, and he knew that understanding the true nature of this red-haired individual and his connection to powerful sealing techniques was critical for Konoha's safety.

He took another thoughtful drag from his pipe, reflecting on the day's developments. The quiet peace of Konoha felt fragile, and Hiruzen knew that he needed to prepare for whatever might come next, be it an enemy or an unexpected ally.

As the messenger monkey vanished into the distance with Hiruzen's urgent message, the Third Hokage's mind was already shifting to the myriad tasks that lay ahead. His thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on his office door.

"Enter," Hiruzen called out, his tone steady despite the swirling chaos in his mind.

The door creaked open to reveal Asuma Sarutobi, one of his most trusted Jonin and his own son. Asuma entered with a look of concern etched on his face. He had clearly heard about the commotion surrounding the talking head and the ominous messages that had started to surface.

"Hokage-sama," Asuma began, his expression grave, "I heard about the situation with the head and the sealed scrolls. I came to offer my assistance. If there's any immediate action needed, I'm ready to mobilize my team."

Hiruzen looked at Asuma with a mix of pride and apprehension. "Thank you, Asuma. Your readiness is appreciated. I need you to prepare your team for a potential field operation. We're investigating several troubling developments: the presence of a formidable red-haired individual known as the 'Silent Whirlpool,' the rumored death of Orochimaru, and the possible resurgence or death of his former subordinates, Kakuzu and Kabuto."

Asuma nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Understood. I'll assemble my team and be ready for orders."

"Good," Hiruzen said, leaning back in his chair. "While you prepare, I want you to keep an eye out for any anomalies in the village and surrounding areas. If the 'Silent Whirlpool' is connected to the Akatsuki or has any affiliation with Orochimaru, it's crucial that we have every possible angle covered."

Asuma turned to leave, but paused as he caught the flicker of Hiruzen's contemplative gaze. "Anything else, Hokage-sama?"

Hiruzen hesitated, then spoke. "One more thing. Make sure that any information or leads you gather are reported directly to me. We need to coordinate our efforts carefully, especially given the gravity of these potential threats."

With a firm nod, Asuma left the office to prepare for the looming investigation. Hiruzen watched him go, then turned his attention to the stack of documents and scrolls on his desk. There was much to do, and every decision would need to be weighed with precision.

As night began to fall over Konoha, a hushed calm settled over the village. The streets were quiet, with only the occasional patrol and the flicker of lanterns breaking the twilight. Yet beneath this calm surface, tensions were high, and shadows lurked with uncertain intentions.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya, who had received Hiruzen's urgent message via the messenger monkey, was at a remote hot spring in the Land of Hot Water. As he read the scroll, his face became a mask of concern. The news of Danzo's death and the implication of his true role in the Uchiha massacre was deeply unsettling.

"Orochimaru's death confirmed... or not," Jiraiya muttered, his fingers gripping the scroll tightly. "If Orochimaru's still alive, it complicates things even further. And this 'Silent Whirlpool'—if he's behind all this, he must be incredibly powerful."

He set the scroll aside and began to gather his belongings. The scroll had mentioned the need for a thorough investigation and a prompt return to Konoha. Jiraiya knew that the situation was critical, and his involvement was crucial to uncovering the truth behind these disturbing events.

The legendary Sannin finished his preparations and vanished in a swirl of leaves, his mind already racing with the potential implications of his investigation. He would need to be meticulous in his search for the 'Silent Whirlpool' and verify the truth of Orochimaru's fate.

Back in Konoha, the ANBU operatives continued their discreet surveillance, their senses heightened. They monitored any unusual activities, focusing on potential leads related to the red-haired figure and the remnants of the Akatsuki.

As Hiruzen reviewed the situation from his office, he received a report from the ANBU stationed around the village. Nothing unusual had been detected so far, but the Hokage knew that the calm might be deceptive. The village was on high alert, and every precaution was being taken to ensure its safety.

Hiruzen took one last look out of his window at the peaceful, moonlit village. Despite the tranquil appearance, he knew that Konoha's future hinged on the coming days. The village's safety, its secrets, and its integrity were all at stake.

With a deep breath, he returned to his desk, determined to face the challenges ahead. The threads of intrigue, danger, and potential alliances were weaving a complex web, and Hiruzen knew that he must navigate them with both wisdom and vigilance.

The night carried on, and beneath the veneer of normalcy, the wheels of fate were turning, setting the stage for the unfolding drama that would shape the destiny of Konoha and beyond.

──── ✧《✩》✧ ──────── ✧《✩》✧ ──────── ✧《✩》✧ ────

As per from responses, Hidan and Kakuzu are now dead. Orochimaru and Kabuto are dead by default anyway. Including Danzo, hated that man. 

The voting for staying alive was: 

Deidara: 3

Konan: 2

Pain/Nagato: 4

Tobi/Obito: 3

Kakuzu: 0

Hidan: 0

Kisame: 1

Sasori: 0

Itachi is staying alive by default. 

So I guess Sasori is dying next chapter since nobody else had voted for him to stay alive. 

Kisame probably might stay alive, but please keep on voting :D 

Q: What other ships should I implement into the story?

Let me know! 

Also, college is in session, I just started doing assignments, there is a lot, and the updates MIGHT be coming back depending on if I would be locking in on creating chapters. :D