EDITED: 4/14/17

Previously, this was supposed to be Chapter 36.5, a some sort of companion chapter for Chapter 36. My reason was that, I intended to have one long chapter but then I felt that it was too long, so I decided to split it into two. But now that I've thought about it, there really is no sense in calling this chapter, Chapter 36.5, since it can stand on its own without compromising the entire storyline. Therefore, I am calling this Chapter 37.

Okay, now that minor and irrelevant thing is aside, I only edited the spelling and grammar errors in this chapter. Read on.

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37

Tsunade penned her signature on the document and handed it off to Shizune, who promptly stored it to a sealing scroll to be sent to a neighboring village. The two worked seamlessly, like a well-oiled machine, and so far, it was a quiet morning in the Hokage's office.

Until a knock came.

"Enter," Tsunade droned, not lifting her eyes from the hefty scroll from Suna containing the bilateral agreements on the establishment of a joint training center for future medic-nins. It took the Hokage a while to register the heavy boots and the dark trench coats.

"Ibiki," she said, finally acknowledging the presence of the interrogator. Her brown eyes turned to his companion. "Inoichi." She placed the scroll on her desk before leaning back on her chair. "It's rare to see both of you outside in the sun. What is it?"

The two men shared a glance before Inoichi handed Tsunade a manila folder. "Updates on the investigation on Fujiwara, Hokage-sama."

Tsunade took the folder and skimmed its pages. A familiar term caught her eye. "Tengu of the Sanro. Land of Iron?" she looked up at Inoichi. "What's this?"

"We have evidence to conclude that Fujiwara Keiko is samurai and has strong connections with the rogue samurai group Tengu of the Sanro. We were able to make her tell us about her negotiations with the group."

Tsunade sat straighter in her chair, brows furrowing. "And? Does it involve the Kageboshi?"

"She won't divulge anything specific about her intentions for the Demon Wolf. Instead we found that she's bent on getting the mine, something in the mine, that's located behind the mountain range of Sanro." Inoichi tucked his hands in his pockets. "She had the Daimyo meddle in it and of course, there was resistance from Mifune-dono and this intrusion wasn't looked upon lightly. The Daimyo was forced to retreat and Fujiwara took the matter in her own hands by using the mercenary group Tengu. The group is helping her acquire the mine and other accomplices without rousing the samurai leader Mifune-dono. We were able to get confessions about the said dealings and they are all recorded in that file."

Tsunade spared the said file a glance. "What exactly is in that mine?" Tsunade asked. "And how come the Daimyo decided to dip his hands in samurai territory?"

Ibiki smirked. "Tsunade-sama, with no disrespect meant, but if you were a man you'd realize that Fujiwara Keiko can be persuasive if she wants. That aside, the woman knows how to play her charms right and the Daimyo is putty under her hands. As to the contents of the mine, we are not sure but she spoke of an inscription that she said belongs to her forefathers. Some sort of scrolls to summon the divine powers of the Sage of the Six Paths. She divulged that she's descendant of a certain... Masashige-dono and insists that the 'true children' of the Sage are not shinobi but samurai. This belief led her to pursue the Kageboshi and in extension, Satsuna Akira." At this, Ibiki turned to Inoichi.

Inoichi picked up from where Ibiki left off. "Parts of her mind are still locked and forcing these memories open may cause permanent brain damage. However, I gained access to a portion of her childhood memories. Hokage-sama, we thought wrong about Satsuna Akira." The Yamanaka paused. "She isn't the last of her clan."

Tsunade's eyes widened. Beside her, Shizune let out a small gasp. "You mean... Fujiwara is related to Satsuna?"

"Fujiwara Keiko is a stage name. Her real name is Satsuna Keiko. She is Akira's maternal cousin."

The room was silent as Tsunade processed the information in her mind. What are the implications of having another Satsuna in the village? Does Akira know? Surely she doesn't. But should she?

The Hokage once again flipped open the reports of T and I, and read briefly the detailed descriptions of the actress' identity as gathered by Inoichi and his team. Tsunade composed herself, temporarily setting aside this information, and focused her attention back to other important facets of the investigation.

"For the purpose of this investigation I would like her to be referred to as Fujiwara Keiko," Tsunade said, eyeing the two interrogators intently. "So, both come from a lineage of Samurai and Fujiwara have interests on the Kageboshi and this minefield in Tetsu no Kuni (Land of Iron). Tell me more about Fujiwara's relationship with Akira."

Inoichi released a deep sigh. "Fujiwara is the daughter of Satsuna Eiji, Akira's uncle. Fujiwara's memories are sketchy but there's enough connection to realize that they come from the same blood line. It appears that Inoue-sama had two children: Eiji and Kimiko. There isn't enough data to support this but my theory is that the Satsuna clan is structured almost similar to the Hyuuga, where a "Main" and "Branch" household existed. It seems that Fujiwara is from the "Branch" house, while Akira is from the "Main" house, being the daughter of Satsuna Kimiko, the previous vessel of the Kageboshi."

"Then does this mean that Fujiwara seeks out the Kageboshi as some sort of revenge?" Shizune supplied, sloe eyes darting from Inoichi to Ibiki. "But what is there to destroy, if the entire Satsuna clan had been eliminated?"

"We don't know for sure if the Satsuna clan has truly been erased from existence," Ibiki said. "First, it's an unfamiliar clan from a faraway land, and not even shinobi in nature. Second, our resources are limited and we will be basing our assumptions and decisions heavily on the testimonies of Fujiwara and the previous records of the Third and Fourth Hokage. Lastly, if it's revenge that Fujiwara wants, why did she not kill Akira that time?"

"But she tried to extract the Kageboshi, didn't she?" Shizune said. "We know for a fact that extracting the bijuu from the jinchuriki will kill the host. That's what happened with the Kazekage."

"Maybe she isn't out to kill the girl," Inoichi said this time.

Tsunade cleared her throat. "Then why does she want Akira and the Kageboshi?" she asked in a loud voice. "Any leads, any indications as to why she tried to extract the bijuu?"

Ibiki and Inoichi looked at each other before Inoichi answered. "As we mentioned earlier, we could get no clear answers as to what exactly she wants to do with the creature," said Inoichi. "However, my team and I will continue to press on with our mind jutsu to acquire this crucial piece of information. It's just that we need support in future interrogations. My methods may be a little severe and we need a medic nin specializing on neuro--"

"Granted."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Inoichi bowed. He met Tsunade's hard glare. "Regarding your question, this is just my theory and I have yet to probe the woman's mind to prove this. But if we were to follow her thought process, we can surmise that Fujiwara wants to capture Satsuna Akira in order to release the Kageboshi and summon some supernatural power that she believes the Sage had bestowed upon her deceased clan."

Ibiki, Shizune and Tsunade all stared at Inoichi. The Yamanaka continued. "Remember, she said that the Sage's 'true children' are samurai, not shinobi, and she firmly believes that the powers we shinobi possess rightfully belongs to samurai. She doesn't believe that Samurai and Shinobi could co-exist, rather that Samurai should lord over shinobi. And she wants to use the Kageboshi for that purpose. I think it doesn't matter to her if Akira lived or died."

"That's highly possible," Shizune interjected. "Maybe that is why she tried to siphon off the bijuu the moment she got her hands on the girl."

"But these are all assumptions, Hokage-sama," said Inoichi. "We have yet to confirm."

Tsunade nodded. "Make sure you do."

There was a short pause, and Tsunade took this as a chance to peruse the file in front of her. A photo of Fujiwara in interment looked back at her, along with the transcription of Inoichi's mind walks and mind transferences. These intrusions to the actress' mind showed her ties with the Daimyo, leaders of other smaller villages, merchant groups. The shady business dealings for the suppliers of materials for Konoha's infrastructure were also detailed. Tsunade felt a shiver down her spine. It was as if Fujiwara herself was the Daimyo, considering the extent and breadth of her influence on Konoha's affairs. It was truly a blessing that they caught the woman before she could do something more.

An entry caught Tsunade's attention. She looked up at Ibiki. "Iwagakure? The Battle at Kazurabashi? Explain."

Ibiki cleared his throat. "The Battle at Kazurabashi is the result of a failed abduction of Satsuna Akira by shinobi said to be from Iwa. The records state the Satsuna went berserk and lost control of her bijuu, causing quite a carnage. ANBU Team Byakko was deployed under the orders of Lord Third. The ANBU team was sent to clean up the mess caused by this rogue shinobi team that operated under Iwa's name."

Tsunde's fair features contorted in a frown. "You mean to say that Fujiwara ordered Akira's abduction and used Iwa?"

Inoichi spoke. "I was able to gather information about her connection with Iwagakure. The multiple attempts of Iwa to capture Satsuna Akira was due to Fujiwara's indirect meddling. It appears she had been ratting out the presence of another jinchuriki in our village to Iwagakure. Iwa's desire to one-up Konoha led to them trying to abduct the Satsuna twice for her Kageboshi."

Tsunade tensed in her seat, fists clenched and brows furrowed. "So, Fujiwara wanted the Kageboshi, used Iwa shinobi—how was she able to involve Iwa in this? Is there substantial proof of Iwa's involvement? Because if there is, it means Iwa did not honor our peace treaty."

The two shinobi shared a look and Ibiki spoke. "On paper, it seems that Iwa had nothing to do with it. They were implicated but the Tsuchikage had released an official statement condemning the act and saying that the shinobi involved were rogues. The cases were closed and settled with the Sandaime."

Tsunade scoffed. "Tch. We know better than that. Still, I want to make sure." Ibiki nodded and Tsunade turned her attention to Inoichi. "Do we share jurisdiction over Fujiwara with the Samurai or not?"

"She's registered as a citizen of the Land of Fire," Inoichi replied. "We have sole jurisdiction over her, Hokage-sama."

"Very good. I don't want to involve Samurai as much as I could, you know that." The Hokage then stood up to give her orders. First to Shizune. "Get me the records of the Yondaime and Sandaime. Draft me a letter for the Daimyo's office telling a brief summary of what T and I have gathered on Fujiwara, I want to make sure we can establish a clear case against this woman. Then, follow up the analysis in the chakra-sucking device placed on the Satsuna. Research and Tech Development should be done with it by now. Lastly, send for someone from the Archives, I want all information on a samurai clan called Satsuna summarized and submitted in my office STAT."

Shizune bowed in acknowledgement and set off to work immediately. Tsunade then turned to both Ibiki and Inoichi.

"Three things," said the Hokage, raising three fingers. "One: Find any of her accomplices. There's no way Fujiwara can orchestrate a thing this big, with involvement of a shinobi village and samurai. I want more details on Tengu of Sanro. Two: Find out her motives immediately. Is she doing this purely out of spite, is she planning a war, which villages had she been in contact with. Three: Find out all she knows about the Kageboshi. If your theory is correct Inoichi, then the beast is more powerful than we initially believed and should be dealt with properly. I will assign a medic team to assist you. Shizune will be Head Medic."

The two interrogators bowed stiffly. "Hai. Hokage-sama."

"Inoichi," Tsunade opened a scroll and skimmed it with her eyes. "How do you feel about working with your daughter on this case?"

Inoichi did a double-take. "Ma'am?"

"You requested for medic nin with neuro specialization on board, right? Ino fits the bill." The Hokage rested her chin on clasped hands. "Shizune will supervise of course."

The Yamanaka clan head sighed deeply. "I'd like her to focus on Yamanaka clan techniques, but she has her sights on becoming medic nin. I guess you can do what you wish, Hokage-sama."

"Great." Tsunade now gave them a dismissive nod. "Thank you for the information, you're dismissed. Don't come back here without solid results."

"Hai."

Once alone in her office, Tsunade opened the manila folder and began to read the data presented carefully. As she did, thoughts raced in her mind.

So, Fujiwara and Akira are related by blood. Fujiwara, due to unknown reasons, wants the Kageboshi from Akira to use it to "lord over shinobi". To get to the girl, the actress seduced the Daimyo and with her influence mobilized rouge shinobi groups affiliated with Iwagakure (although they denied it). Her plans to abduct Akira was soon foiled when an associate of hers turned traitorous, Watashi. The old man sent a fake mission request to have Konoha's elite shinobi to sniff out Fujiwara. However, Akira was included in the mission and this turned the tide towards Fujiwara's favor, and she almost succeeded in extracting the beast from Akira.

If Inoichi's theories were correct—that Fujiwara will use the demon wolf to subjugate shinobi—then that would mean war. If Fujiwara succeeds in her plan and unleashes the Kageboshi, Konoha will retaliate and since the location of the battle is in the Land of Iron, the Samurai will be forced to join the fray. Other shinobi villages, seeing Konoha unstable, will surely use the opportunity to make Konoha fall.

Tsunade weighed her options. By blood, ownership of the Kageboshi belongs to the Samurai because the jinchuriki is a samurai by blood. Therefore, the beast should be handled by Samurai and not by Konoha.

However, by virtue of citizenship, Konoha can also claim ownership of the beast since its current jinchuriki is a Konoha shinobi. And even before the beast was sealed into Akira, its previous vessel was a naturalized Konoha citizen—Satsuna Kimiko (Akira's mother) and Satsuna Inoue were emigrants although samurai by blood. Therefore, it is up to Konoha to decide what to do with the beast and the jinchuriki.

'But do the Samurai even know that the Kageboshi exists? Are they even aware that the Satsuna still lives?'

And Akira? What happens now to the girl? Konoha could not just send her away. Akira is a kunoichi of the village too.

Tsunade's instinct told her to keep everything a secret to protect the girl. But she remembered Danzo's sly offer and the Hokage frowned. 'That old man knew something, for sure,' she thought. 'He may even know more than the Sandaime or I.' Tsunade knew that she could no longer keep Akira in the dark if she wants to win the girl over. However, she couldn't tell her everything either.

The Hokage let out a deep sigh. First order of things: she must make sure that the Satsuna's loyalty still lies with Konohagakure. Once that is secure, then some truths can be divulged.

Tsunade prepared to summon her slug but it beat her to it. The Hokage gasped when Katsuyu had reversed-summoned itself.

"I bring a message, Tsunade-hime," said Katsuyu.

"Just in time, Katsuyu-sama," Tsunade replied. She took the scroll from the slug's mouth and opened it. Slowly, a smile formed on her lips.

"Shizune! Get me Hatake, now!"

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The dark enclosure was enough to hide the scarred man's scowl as he received the news. His grip tightened on the cane he held.

"What is our next step now, Master? The girl refuses to cooperate."

From the shadows, Danzo merely smirked. 'You think you have won, Tsunade. Enjoy your little victory. The biggest one will be mine.'

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Coded letter from Head Namekuji to Shinobi Suzume:

Rendezvous at 1900H.

Coded letter from Shinobi Suzume to Head Namekuji:

Noted. Again, request for relief. Reason: agent is burned.

Coded letter from Head Namekuji to Shinobi Suzume:

Denied. Urgent threat to the red box. Secure target. Reinforcing rendezvous at 1900H.

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