Bab 24: Chapter 22
Just as Garp settled into the chair across from Hanzo, the atmosphere in the office shifted. The playful banter faded, replaced by an uncomfortable silence that mostly came from Hanzo (Since Garp rarely cared too deeply about matters not involving his grandkids.)
Hanzo leaned forward, his fingers interlaced on the desk. "The Second Great Ninja War has intensified greatly, Garp. Our intelligence suggests that the situation is deteriorating rapidly on everyone's fronts. While the Land of Rain isn't serving as the main battlefield anymore, we still see skirmishes at our border. And it's growing more frequent."
Garp nodded, his usual jovial expression replaced by one of grim determination. "I've been sensing it. The air's thick with tension, even here in Amegakure. What's the latest news?"
"Konoha has taken a more hostile stance against us." Hanzo began, his voice low and serious. "Your... 'altercation' with Danzo and ROOT hasn't been forgotten. They view us as a potential threat now, more than ever."
Garp snorted, a hint of his usual demeanor breaking through. "Hah! They should be thanking us for cleaning up that mess. ROOT was a cancer in their village. I'm sure that bastard Hiruzen is happy that he doesn't have to sleep with one eye open anymore! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
Hanzo held up a hand and slid over rice crackers, silencing Garp's outburst. "Be that as it may, it's complicated matters. However, Konoha can't focus solely on us, for revenge or peace. Iwagakure and Sunagakure have increased their attacks on Konoha's borders. Both Ōnoki and the Third Kazekage are leading their forces personally."
"Good." Garp grunted. "Let them wear each other out. It buys us more time to prepare."
Hanzo's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "Perhaps. But there's more. Our intelligence suggests that Chiyo of Sunagakure is planning another invasion of Amegakure."
This caught Garp's full attention. He leaned forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over Hanzo's desk. "Chiyo, eh? The puppet master herself. She must still be mad about you killing her brother. When do we expect this invasion?"
"Within the week, if our information is correct," Hanzo replied. "We need to prepare our defenses. I was thinking-"
"I'll lead our troops into battle. The Fleet Admiral should not engage in battle unless all other options have run out." Garp interrupted, his voice filled with a fierce determination that brooked no argument.
He had been the one to advocate for the Marines to be implemented in place of the Village system. He could eventually imagine its scope broadening into including both CP0 and Holy Knights (But without the whole pigs-in-bubbles mess). But for now, the Marines were implemented less about the logistics but what they stood for: Justice.
And as brash as he was, he felt that some traditions in his old world should be upheld. The Fleet Admiral should never make a move in war, only in negotiations and peace.
Hanzo paused, studying Garp carefully. "Are you sure? Chiyo is a formidable opponent, and she'll have a significant force with her since Suna likely wants to turn Ame into a stronghold. I don't doubt your strength but the old bat is something serious when it comes to poisons."
Garp's grin was wide, one reminiscent of those who wore straw hats, a look that had struck fear into the hearts of pirates in another lifetime. "All the better. It's time we showed the world what we're capable of. Not as Ame shinobi, but as Marines."
[Image]
There was a moment of silence as Hanzo considered this. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I trust your judgment, Garp. And I must admit, I had been hoping for an opportunity to test out the... gift you gave me."
At this, Garp's serious demeanor cracked, and he burst into laughter. "Bwahahaha! Do you mean the fruit? I still can't believe you thought I was trying to poison you!"
Hanzo's eyes narrowed in annoyance, though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "Can you blame me? You show up out of nowhere with a strange fruit, claiming it will give me power beyond my wildest dreams. Then, when I bite into it, taste the worst thing I've had in my life times 10!! Any sane person would be suspicious. And you could have told me, Bastard!!"
"Ah, but you ate it anyway!" Garp chortled. "Admit it, you were curious!"
"Curious, yes. And apparently lacking in common sense for listening to you!" Hanzo grumbled, though there was no real heat in his words. "In any case, the power has proven... useful. Though I'm still getting used to it."
Garp's laughter subsided, though his grin remained. "You'll master it in no time. Just don't go killing people on accident or whatever in the middle of Amegakure. Might cause a panic."
Hanzo sighed, shaking his head. "Your sense of humor leaves much to be desired, Garp. Now, about the upcoming battle..."
They spent the next hour discussing strategies and troop deployments. Both men had skills in organizing a battle, with them easily able to organize their troops in a manner to where the would battle weaker Shinobi (Hanzo's plan) and stay out of Garp's way (Garp's plan).
As their meeting drew to a close, Garp stood, stretching his massive frame. "Alright then, it's settled. I'll head out with the troops in two days. We'll give Chiyo and her sand rats a welcome they won't soon forget!"
Hanzo nodded, rising as well. "Agreed. Be careful out there, Garp. Chiyo isn't to be underestimated."
Garp waved off his concern with a laugh. "Bah! I've faced worse than a puppet master with a grudge. We'll be fine. Just make sure to keep things running smoothly here while I'm gone. And try not to miss me too much!"
"I'll try to contain my sorrow." Hanzo replied dryly, though there was a hint of fondness in his voice.
With a final booming laugh and a casual salute, Garp left the office, his white coat billowing behind him as he strode down the hallway.
Hanzo watched him go, shaking his head in a mixture of exasperation and amusement.
'Knowing him, he'll probably disregard the entire battle plan and fight them himself.' Hanzo thought as he sighed.
Then, as the sound of Garp's footsteps faded, his demeanor changed. The amusement faded from his eyes, replaced by a look of deep contemplation.
He walked to the window, gazing out over Amegakure. The rain fell steadily, as it always did, but to Hanzo, it seemed different now. Each droplet carried the promise of change, of a future that just a few years ago would have seemed impossible.
Hanzo's mind drifted back to a conversation he'd had with Garp five years ago, when this wild scheme had first been proposed. Garp's words echoed in his memory:
"Challenging a world that is rotten is something that only the brave are capable of doing, because they know that even if they die, their dreams never will. Because people don't die when they take their last breath, they die when their will is forgotten."
At the time, Hanzo had only listened to the words as they resonated with him. But now, seeing the changes that had swept through Amegakure, witnessing the hope in the eyes of his people... he understood them completely.
Hanzo's fists clenched at his sides, his resolve hardening. "We will change this cruel system." he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible over the patter of rain. "No matter the cost, no matter the opposition. The world of endless conflict dictated by pigs and child soldiers who die for no reason ends."
The eternal rain continued to fall, washing away the old and nurturing the seeds of a new era. An era that Hanzo, once known only as a ruthless leader, was now determined to help bring about.
[Author's Corner (Stole this from another book.)
I've been dealing with a hurt hand so it's kind of set me back some.
If you skimmed through the chapter to quickly, then basically, Hanzo ate a DF (Not telling) and Garp is going to confront Suna soon.
You guys ever read 'Path to Power?' Best OP Fanfic on the site. Recommend me some other good ones so I can ste-get inspired.
Another chapter will come this week to make up for being late. Be safe!!]
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone