Curse These Old Bones - SI as Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto

Chapter 3​

Hiruzen allowed his voice to trail off, giving his audience time to digest the bombshell he'd just dropped. The room was thick with stunned silence. Asuma looked like someone had punched him in the gut—twice. His fists were clenched, his jaw set, but his eyes betrayed the storm of guilt and anger boiling inside him. Hiruzen almost felt bad. Almost.

But guilt was a luxury he couldn't afford right now. Lying wasn't just a tool in this world; it was an art form, and he considered himself something of a Renaissance man when it came to tactical deception. The truth of the Genjutsu was murky, sure. Maybe Obito had been the original culprit, using his ridiculous space-time nonsense to screw with the old Hiruzen's head. But pinning it on Danzo? That was a stroke of brilliance, if Gabriel said so himself.

Danzo was already the village's resident boogeyman. Root? Experiments? The Uchiha massacre? The man practically screamed "genocidal war criminal." Throwing him under the bus for the Genjutsu too? No one would bat an eye. And better yet, it provided cover for Gabriel's own… let's call them adjustments to Hiruzen's personality.

He glanced at Asuma, who looked one heartfelt apology away from a full emotional breakdown. Guilt was a powerful motivator, and Gabriel wasn't above using it. He softened his expression just a hair—fatherly concern, tinged with the weight of impossible burdens. "Asuma," he said, voice low and steady, "this is not your fault. Nor anyone else's. The enemy was insidious, hiding in shadows I failed to see. Don't blame yourself for not seeing I was acting differently. The fault lay with me. But now that I know, I will act."

Asuma straightened slightly, swallowing hard, but he nodded. Good. One down.

Kakashi, ever the enigma, simply gave a slow nod. His posture was relaxed, but Gabriel could practically hear the gears grinding behind that single visible eye. Kakashi would buy the story—Mangekyo Sharingan, Danzo, Shisui—it all checked out. But Gabriel would need to keep an eye on him. Kakashi wasn't the type to let details slide.

Ibiki was the wild card. The man's face was a study in granite, his eyes unblinking as he dissected every word, every pause. Gabriel leaned into the scrutiny, meeting Ibiki's gaze with a steady confidence that said, Yes, everything I've said is horrifying and true. Do you dare question it? Ibiki was a paranoiac man - and this story, the one that made everything wrong in the village being attributed to an evil mastermind and a traitor…that narrative fit perfectly to the man's vision.

Finally, Ibiki gave a curt nod. And that's three.

The beauty of this half-truth, Gabriel mused, was its utility. Shikaku, with his razor-sharp instincts, would piece together just enough of the puzzle to keep his allies—the Akimichi and Yamanaka—on edge. "The Hokage's onto something big, and he personally game me a warning" he'd say, the worry etched on his face convincing enough to make every other clan head sit up and pay attention. And when Shikaku's allies found the undeniable evidence of sabotage at the Academy — thanks to the little inquisitor the Naras themselves would conduct, their collective paranoia would ripple through the clans like a well-placed kunai.

They wouldn't see Hiruzen's sudden changes as odd or uncharacteristic. No, they'd assume he was reacting to some unfathomable crisis, one they weren't yet privy to. A little mystery went a long way in maintaining control.

And Danzo? If he came poking around—and he would—Gabriel would feed him just enough scraps to keep him satisfied. "A spy at the Academy," he'd say with a sigh, shaking his head like a man distraught over the corruption of innocent children. The perfect cover. The old Hiruzen had a soft spot for children and was an academic at heart, something his old teammate knew well — as he berated him for his softness at least once a week.

This mix of truth and fabrication would give him the breathing room he needed to start making real changes. And, perhaps most importantly, it meant that Ibiki, Kakashi, and Asuma wouldn't think twice about his new policies or strategies. A Hokage freshly "freed" from an oppressive Genjutsu? Of course, he'd be a little different, a little more urgent, a little less inclined to tolerate idiocy.

Kakashi was the first to speak, his voice steady but carrying a sharp edge. "So, what are your orders, Hokage-sama? Do we execute the traitors?"

Hiruzen's lips curved into a grim smile, the kind that hinted at deeper machinations. "No," he said, the word cutting through the air like a blade. "Root likely has seventy to a hundred operatives—many of them exceptionally skilled. They are bound to Danzo through particularly vicious seals. Direct confrontation would be reckless. But I have... a plan. One that will bypass Danzo's control and, in time, allow us to reclaim those operatives for Konoha."

Kakashi tilted his head, curiosity flickering in his lone visible eye. "Bypass his control?"

"Yes," Hiruzen replied, his tone lighter, almost sardonic. "I do occasionally have brilliant ideas. This one will require precision, patience, and timing. But if executed correctly, we'll turn Danzo's weapon into an asset for the village."

He straightened, his gaze shifting to Ibiki. "Ibiki, your first task is to begin inspecting the Academy. Danzo will notice you sniffing around—it's inevitable. He likely has Root agents embedded in your department, watching your movements."

Ibiki's face contorted into a scowl of such intensity it seemed to carve deeper lines into his already hardened features. "Root agents in my department?".

Hiruzen met his gaze without flinching. "Yes. And I expect you to remain disciplined. You'll sniff, but you won't strike—yet. Not until I give the word."

He let the weight of his command settle before continuing. "I don't know the full roster of Danzo's operatives, but before I was compromised, I identified a handful of Root agents. These names I remember clearly: Tatsuma Aburame, Torune Aburame, Yōji Aburame. Hyo, Hinoe, Hinoto, and Fū Yamanaka."

Ibiki's fists clenched, but he gave a single nod, the promise of action burning in his eyes.

"You are not to act on this knowledge until I say so," Hiruzen emphasized, his voice steely. "Prepare yourself and your team. When the time comes, I'll need you ready to move at a moment's notice."

He leaned back slightly, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "For now, you must keep things business as usual. I've taken precautions to ensure I'm immune to the Genjutsu—at least this particular one—but I wanted trusted people to know it had happened. Just in case."

The three nodded, their postures tense but attentive. Hiruzen shifted his tone, slipping into the calm pragmatism that came naturally to him. "Kakashi, Ibiki, Asuma—what I want now is independent analysis. Each of you will produce a report. You have five days."

The tension in the room sharpened. Kakashi's eye narrowed slightly, while Ibiki's lips pressed into a thin line.

"These reports will include a complete overview of my decisions - and, more broadly, all ninja-related policy decision - over the past few years," Hiruzen continued. "Highlight the policies enacted, any odd behavior, and most importantly, the changes I refused to make. I want you to identify every weakness in Konoha—administration, military, intelligence, the ninja roster. Anything and everything."

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but probing. "Do you have specific areas in mind?"

"If I did, I wouldn't need three independent reports. Consider this an audit of the village's vulnerabilities—objective and thorough."

Ibiki let out a low grunt of acknowledgment, while Asuma nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.

Hiruzen turned to Kakashi. "One more thing. I'm afraid you'll need to stay in ANBU for a few months."

Kakashi straightened slightly. "Understood."

"If the sabotage at the Academy is as pervasive as I suspect, Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha won't be graduating anytime soon. I need you close to the situation and ready to act if necessary."

Another nod from Kakashi. "Understood, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen's attention shifted to Ibiki. "Ibiki, I have another task for you. Retrieve every blood sample in our database for these three names." He handed a folded paper to the scarred ninja. "Bring them to my lab beneath the Hokage Tower by tomorrow."

Ibiki glanced at the paper, then back at Hiruzen, his expression unreadable but his voice firm. "Consider it done."

"Good." Hiruzen's gaze swept over them once more. "You're dismissed. Make every second count."

Kakashi and Ibiki saluted, before turning and leaving the room. The door closed with a heavy 'thud', leaving only Hiruzen and Asuma behind.

For a moment, the room was still. Hiruzen let his gaze rest on his youngest son, studying the mix of emotions flickering across Asuma's face—curiosity, concern, frustration. Asuma held his gaze, his arms crossed but his posture softer than usual, almost questioning.

Hiruzen finally spoke, his tone quieter but no less firm. "Asuma, tell your brothers and sister we're having dinner tonight."

Asuma blinked, caught off guard. "Dinner?"

"Yes. All of us. Tonight."

The younger Sarutobi hesitated, then gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Alright, dad. I'll let them know."

Hiruzen inclined his head in acknowledgment, watching as Asuma turned and left the room. He leaned back, exhaling through his nose as he pressed the intercom button. "Come," he said, his voice steady but laced with the weariness of someone who was juggling three crises and had just discovered a fourth.

Moments later, his secretary entered the room. Professionalism radiated off her like a carefully cultivated shield, her tailored pencil skirt and neatly tucked blouse speaking volumes about her attention to detail. Her stride was confident, precise, and entirely too distracting.Hiruzen forced himself to stare at the clipboard in her hand and not the way her attire complemented her movements.

Focus, Gab-Hiruzen. This is not the time to ruin your newfound Hokage reputation by acting like a lecherous fool.

"Let's go to the underground facility," he said briskly, tapping the desk lightly with his fingertips.

Her brows lifted just a fraction—enough to signal surprise—but her professionalism held firm. "Yes, Hokage-sama," she said.

He stood, nodding slightly. As they left the office, he could feel Yugao's ANBU team trailing him. Their movements were quiet, practically imperceptible, but not to him. I get it. Protect the old man, even if he is able to kill each one of you. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

They descended into the underground through a spiraling staircase, the air cooling as they went deeper. The faint smell of age—stone, metal, and dust—lingered, growing stronger with every level. His secretary moved ahead, fingers brushing across seals etched into the walls, activating mechanisms that unlocked heavy iron doors. Each one opened with a groan that seemed to echo far too long.

When they reached the lowest level, Hiruzen stepped into the facility, and nostalgia hit him like a hammer. Or maybe disappointment.

It was worse than he remembered. Dust coated the shelves of his once-meticulous library, where scrolls and books on advanced ninjutsu and anatomical studies lay forgotten. The laboratory, built to rival any in the ninja world during his prime, now looked tired—its stainless surfaces dulled, its equipment reduced to relics of a past era. The reinforced training room yawned open beyond, its padded walls dotted with faint scuffs that told stories of battles long forgotten. A secondary office sat tucked away in the corner, a desk strewn with papers that hadn't been touched in at least fifteen years. The training room had been built under the first Hokage. The second had added the cells and the office - and he had been the one to complete it with a laboratory and a library.

Neglect, Gabriel thought sourly. The great enemy of ambition.

Ahead of him, Anko stood at attention, her team of Chunin moving with precision as they secured unconscious prisoners into containment cells lining the walls. She turned and bowed slightly as he approached. "Hokage-sama, the prisoners have been processed and are ready for your inspection."

Hiruzen nodded, scanning the scene. The prisoners were bound and sedated, their heads lolling like broken marionettes. "Efficient work, Anko. As always."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," she replied, her voice carrying respect but without losing its usual edge.

He exhaled through his nose, his gaze sweeping the room again. "The efficiency of the operation only highlights the inefficiency of this space," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "This facility is a shadow of what it was meant to be."

Anko hesitated before speaking. "We'll see to its restoration immediately, Hokage-sama."

"Good," he said, turning to his secretary. "Tomorrow, I want a cleaning team down here to scrub every inch of this place. After that, inform my daughter that I expect her to oversee the restocking of this lab. I'll need it fully operational for advanced research."

His secretary nodded sharply, scribbling on her clipboard. "I'll notify her immediately."

At that moment, an ANBU appeared from the shadows, holding a wooden box. Without a word, the operative knelt and offered it to Hiruzen. He deactivated the impressive security seals - but nothing was overkill when one knew what they contained - and opened the box, revealing five vials of blood marked with initials. A faint smile tugged at his lips. "Ibiki doesn't waste time. Excellent."

He snapped the box shut and turned to the remaining Chunin. "Finish securing the prisoners. Once they're in place, leave. You've done enough for now."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," they replied in unison, moving quickly to complete their tasks.

Within minutes, the facility was empty save for Hiruzen, his secretary, the ANBU team. He turned to his secretary, giving her a small nod. "That will be all for now. Prepare the necessary arrangements and report back tomorrow."

She bowed slightly and left without another word, her heels clicking faintly as she ascended the staircase.

Hiruzen's gaze fixed on Cat as the last of the ANBU exited, leaving the room charged with tension. "Cat, stay," he commanded.

Hiruzen watched as the last of the ANBU melted into the shadows, leaving only Yugao behind.

"Take off your mask," Hiruzen ordered, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Yugao complied without hesitation, raising her gloved hand to lift the mask from her face. Beneath it was a stark beauty that was almost startling in its contrast to the cold anonymity of her uniform. Her violet hair, trimmed neatly to her jawline, framed sharp cheekbones and a mouth set in an expression of unrelenting seriousness. Her golden-brown emotionless eyes locked onto Hiruzen's, unwavering and unreadable, the intensity in her gaze as precise as a blade.

Her ANBU gear, designed for efficiency in battle, fit snugly against her body, outlining her powerful, athletic frame. Her chest was firm and pronounced beneath the armor, the straps emphasizing her physique without impeding her movement. The shape of her toned thighs was impossible to ignore, the muscles evident even beneath the black combat tights that hugged her legs. Her hips swayed slightly as she shifted her weight, though her stance was steady and ready for action at a moment's notice. Her abs, faintly visible through the form-fitting material, were taut and defined, a testament to her disciplined training. Her arms, bare beneath the shoulder guards, showcased sleek muscle that spoke of the strength needed to wield her katana with precision.

"You must wonder why told you to leave when I summoned the others—Asuma, Kakashi, Shikaku, your friend Anko, and Ibiki," Hiruzen said, watching her closely.

Yugao bowed slightly, her voice steady and even. "No, Hokage-sama. I do not wonder. I am your blade. I obey."

A faint smirk tugged at the corners of Hiruzen's lips. Obedient, sharp, and silent. He could get used to this. He nodded, gesturing for her to stand straight. "Good," he said. "It's good to have such straightforward loyalty."

He paced a few steps, letting the weight of the moment build. "We have an S-rank security breach," he said, his voice quiet but heavy.

Her reaction was subtle—her pupils dilated ever so slightly, and her posture shifted almost imperceptibly, but her face remained impassive. "Awaiting your orders, Hokage-sama," she replied, her tone steady as steel.

Hiruzen stopped and turned to face her fully. "Dire times call for dire solutions," he said. "Changes are coming, Yugao. Big ones. Konoha will emerge stronger, but sacrifices will be made along the way. Do you understand?"

Her gaze didn't waver. "Yes, Hokage-sama."

Satisfied, Hiruzen moved to the table where the wooden box sat. With precise hands, he opened it, retrieving a vial of blood. He unsealed a scroll from within his cloak, spreading it across the surface in front of him. The intricate seals drawn on the parchment seemed almost alive as he smeared a line of the blood across them.

Yugao's eyes followed his every movement, her sharp mind already processing the implications. When Hiruzen approached one of the unconscious prisoners slumped against the wall, her jaw tightened slightly. She recognized the man—one she had arrested herself, a rapist and traitor who had stained the village with his presence.

Hiruzen knelt beside the prisoner, his expression unreadable. He placed two fingers against the man's chest and struck with the precision of a seasoned killer. The prisoner's body jerked once, then went still, the breath leaving him in an instant.

Without pause, Hiruzen's free hand began weaving through a series of seals.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu: Edo Tensei - Impure World Reincarnation."