Anyway, it would take them roughly three weeks to get back to the village, since Hiruzen wanted to keep his kind old man persona—which was enough time for Aizen Sōsuke, Seijuro's double (yes, he had split himself again), to get to work. This time, the split would last longer. As in: a few years.

Sure, his strength was halved, but he could gain it back—and if he doubled, no, quintupled his strength, then when he fused again, he'd have like ten times the gain.

So yeah.

If both clones were Kage-level, then fused Seijuro would basically be double the strength of a Kage.

His clone would focus on learning Sage Mode from the snakes or some shit like that. Couldn't have anything tracing back to him.

Anyway, while Seijuro was protecting Hiruzen on the way back, Aizen was putting in work—having already finished the first volume of a book.

Then, using the countless seals Seijuro had embedded around Konoha, he would teleport said book into people's packages... or in front of their houses.

Or literally into their houses.

This way, everyone in Konoha who could read had a copy. He even had a fake company set up in the Land of Fire as a cover, just in case.

But oh well, not like Hiruzen would ever catch him.

With this plan, he'd make sure Hiruzen completely lost control of whatever Danzo was doing.

For a man who loved his image so much... this would deal devastating damage.

As for what it was... well, Hiruzen would find out when he returned to the village.

When the Hokage arrived, he expected some kind of praise. After all, the war with Iwa was over. Kiri was backing off—their peace treaty set to finalize in a week or so.

Suna was a non-factor, meaning Kumo was the only real threat left.

Instead, he was met with—

Whispers.

So many whispers.

And not the, "Oh, wow, he's so cool!" kind. More like the kind you'd hear when someone finds out their esteemed neighbor had a "secret room" full of... artifacts.

Hiruzen's brow furrowed. "Why are they... staring?"

Some people looked at him in horror.

Some with embarrassment.

Others... struggled to even look him in the eye.

One old merchant bowed too fast and backed away like he'd just seen a ghost.

"Fox," Hiruzen said, voice cold.

Seijuro tilted his head lazily.

"Find out what's going on. Now."

Seijuro already knew what was going on—but still, he obeyed.

Time skip – A few minutes later.

Four ANBU appeared in a puff of smoke, each holding a magazine in their hands like it was a cursed object.

Seijuro leaned against the wall, arms crossed, not saying a word.

Hiruzen picked one up.

The cover alone made his soul leave his body for two full seconds.

"The Forbidden Mission: A Love Bound by Shadows"

A Danzo x Hiruzen BL Political Erotica – Volume 1

On the cover: a very detailed, high-quality drawing of a shirtless, smirking Danzo pinning a dramatically flushed Hiruzen against the Hokage Monument—his robe halfway undone.

It was... disturbingly well-rendered.

"...What in the seven hells is this?" Hiruzen whispered.

The ANBU dared not answer.

He opened it.

Excerpt from Page 12:

"And just like that, with a single thrust of authority, Danzo once again evaded punishment. Hiruzen's resolve melted faster than a Genin in the Chūnin Exams—his Will of Fire snuffed out by Danzo's... might."

He slammed the book shut.

The drawing was quite... detailed. It even showcased the Hashirama Cell arm Danzo possessed.

"WHY IS THIS A THING!?"

Inoichi's voice came from the hallway. "From what we've seen, this story is quite popular in Konoha."

Hiruzen turned, red-faced with fury and shame.

Seijuro picked up a second volume calmly. "It seems like the author is planning to drop a sequel, Hokage."

Seijuro had switched from calling him Lord Third or Hokage-sama for a small but deliberate reason. Psychological warfare. Most people wouldn't notice, but someone perceptive might say his opinion on the Hokage had... shifted.

"WHY!?"

"It's titled 'Shadow Binding Jutsu: Uncensored Edition.'"

He flipped through it nonchalantly. "Chapter 7 is called 'Dick Diplomacy.'"

Hiruzen: "...You're lying."

Seijuro: "Page 23—Danzo whispers, 'This is how I deal with traitors,' before grabbing—"

"ENOUGH!"

Twenty Minutes Later – Village Council Room

The atmosphere was heavy. Copies of the magazine now sat in front of every clan head and civilian representative. Every. Clan. Head.

Even Tsume was halfway through reading her copy, eyes wide.

"They have you in a collar in this one," she said absently.

Hiruzen's eye twitched.

"If it helps, Lord Third, the art's pretty consistent. Someone clearly studied your... build."

...No, it didn't help, Shikaku...

Inoichi didn't say much.

Homura looked like he was in physical pain.

Koharu whispered, "Is that a leash?"

"STOP LOOKING AT IT!"

"From the report, the book is currently in the top 10 most popular books in the Land of Fire," one ANBU reported. "And it's planning to spread further... We tried to track the author, however—"

"Author: Anonymous."

"Publisher: Cloudshade Press. Based in the Land of Iron. Independent."

"...They're not even in Fire Country jurisdiction," Shikaru added helpfully. "Also, rumor is, copies are already headed for the Daimyō's court."

Hiruzen froze.

His eyes glazed.

Shit.

Shit was bad.

A/N.....Dam.I wrote this chapter at 3 am, so maybe I was high, maybe it was drastic, but it work.