Naruto Tenseigan Reborn: Toneri's Time-Traveling Romance

39

Toneri strode purposefully through the winding subterranean corridors far below the arena’s wreckage, slipping past patrols with casual illusion casts. This clandestine meeting secured hard won trust, yet necessity demanded he play along a bit longer in the foolish monkeys’ cumbersome games.

Soon enough they would openly embrace his mantle of leadership upon demonstrating the feeble structures needing supplanting by enduring vision from ancients returned...

Arriving at the secured suite, Toneri pressed through barrier seals and multiple bulkheads before entering the spartan chamber. Inside awaited the bandaged village leader reclining stiffly midst scattered books and rumpled bedding. Likely the elder had sustained injuries too grievous for even a Kage’s robust constitution to swiftly mend. And after the humbling duel, his advisors probably demanded seclusion while reinforced protections were prepared against possible coup.

If so then Toneri’s continued unimpeded access spoke clearly of his positioning within Konoha’s power hierarchy. Schooling his features to proper contrition, he offered short bow of deference. "Greetings Lord Third. Apologies for intruding this late hour but you expressed wishes for private counsel once refreshments restored energies."

Gesturing his guest to sit, Sarutobi set aside yet another treatise on mythic past eras and primordial beings wielding demigod virtues. Clearly the Professor sought better understanding his village’s enigmatic guest and any ancestral affiliations.

"No imposition Toneri as I invited open channel.” Straightening against pillows, his piercing gaze bore intently. “Especially if you bring substance on certain parties our last meeting referenced.”

Toneri inclined his head gravely. “Indeed I come bearing news on the one called Orochimaru who I gather remains estranged from this society.”

He carefully gauged Sarutobi's response when uttering the reviled name. Seeing encouraging focus, he continued. “My extensive travels rendered encounter with many dangerous factions. Several times this nukenin’s signature worked against Konoha interests across nomadic bands or isolated communities.”

He watched emotions play across the weathered face at each damning report - sadness, regret and finally resignation that the beloved student was indeed lost to hatred and selfish ambition. Now for the killing stroke...

“Just yesterday came whispers from beyond Rice Country of a hidden laboratory perfecting abominations in mockery of life itself.” Toneri's face darkened recalling twisted aberrations floating in glowing vats. “Their creator could only be that twisted fiend now clearly irredeemable. For the greater good, this blight must be purged!”

He lifted his head proudly. “Therefore by your leave Lord Hokage, I shall venture immediately with my cohorts to cleanse this mounting vileness before the rot spreads. Grant us sanction and I swear upon my forebears none shall learn events tracing back here.” He slapped fist to heart as salute. "We shall be but faceless servants of fate's righteous judgment."

Considering long moments, Sarutobi read clearly between artful lines. Rightly or wrongly, this “off books” sentence would never reflect back upon Konoha authorities. And eliminating the rising global menace his former pupil represented was long overdue...

With slow grave nod, HCV gesture granted official vengeance writ through tacit silence. Flashing a joyless smile, Toneri rose and bowed deeper. “You show wisdom as ever Professor. Now by your leave to discharge dismal duty so we might convene more cheerily soon over successes."

Hours later as moon peaked, three silent specters slipped beyond village bounds upon paths untouched by mortal tread...

Some days afterwards, Toneri entered familiar gates uncontested by guards suddenly rendering deferential salutes at his passing. Already whispers spread regarding Team 11 completing an unspecified but monumental mission for throne’s glory. Banners and flowers adorned the Tower plaza where entire senior councils stood arrayed with village’s top elite Shinobi in full regalia.

Awaiting at fore, Lord Third leaned heavily upon an ornate cane for freshly knitted broken bones. Yet his weathered face held proud fatherly relief seeing most trusted advisors whole if tired from long travel. Behind the esteemed leaders, citizens packed the crowded square bursting with energetic chatter regarding momentous events.

As Toneri strode solemnly through the ranked assembly, immediate hush fell across the masses. All stared in unified reverence at one who nonchalantly wielded power reserved for village founders or ancient deities. Reaching the raised dais, he stood straight backed and clear eyed before history’s judging eye.

Halting below hovering drone cameras, aged leader gripped lectern to address both those gathered and countless viewers beyond. “By authority vested through failures in my stewardship, this tribunal bears witness as penance.” Sarutobi gestured towards the waiting figure bathed in pure light.

"Through wisdom transcending ages and valor defending our lands from rising darkness, scion of prestigious ancestors has proven noble intentions safeguarding Konoha against gathering foes." He thrust fist overhead towards the heavens. "Let none doubt transparent merit after this selfless service. Absolute trust binds us to destiny's champion!"

A deafening roar ascended from gathered throngs and distant crowds alike. Any lingering doubts were burned away for most that seminal hour. A new power was rising within the heart of shinobi world. And by divine providence did Konoha now host freshening spirit promising protection against the gathering storms...