The wind rustled the trees surrounding the Fire Temple, carrying with it the scent of pine, old wood, and burning incense. A somber stillness hung over the temple grounds, broken only by the rhythmic sweep of brooms brushing leaves from stone.

Inside the main chamber, the Guardian Ninja had gathered.

Some stood near the windows, arms folded. Others sat cross-legged beneath the murals of the Twelve. Their weapons were nearby. No one spoke.

The heavy doors creaked open.

Asuma Sarutobi stepped inside.

He wore no armor, just a dark cloak and travel boots covered in dust. His eyes scanned the hall, resting briefly on each familiar face. Some looked surprised. Some cautious. One or two quietly glared.

"Chiriku," Asuma greeted with a small nod.

The monk stepped forward, wearing the same orange-brown robes as always. His expression was calm, but something behind his eyes was guarded.

"Asuma," he said. "You've come far."

"I needed to," Asuma replied.

Kazuma stood near the corner of the room, arms crossed tightly over his chest. "Then say what you came to say."

Asuma walked forward and stood before them all.

"I came to inform you… the Daimyo is dead."

A beat of silence. Not even the wind dared enter.

Chiriku blinked. "What?"

Asuma didn't flinch. "He was removed by Konoha. Quietly. Without bloodshed beyond what was necessary."

"Removed?" Kazuma said sharply, voice rising. "You mean assassinated."

"No," Asuma said firmly. "Eliminated as a threat. He was Not murdered in secret. It was a decision made after much deliberation. And I'm here because you deserve to hear the truth."

Chiriku's voice lowered. "What happened?"

Asuma looked at all of them, one by one.

"You all know the pact made generations ago, when the First Hokage and the Daimyo established the foundation of our modern peace. One nation, one hidden village. The shinobi would serve as the military arm, while the Daimyo governed civilian matters. It was a balance of trust."

He paused.

"But the Daimyo violated that trust. He began constructing a military school in the capital, in secret. One that trained civilians outside of Konoha's knowledge. He recruited instructors loyal only to the court. It was not a Konoha academy. It was an attempt to build a personal shinobi force under his own direct command."

Some of the younger Guardians shifted uneasily. Murmurs passed between them.

Kazuma narrowed his eyes. "And you're saying that justifies killing him?"

Asuma exhaled. "I'm saying it made conflict inevitable. Konoha didn't act out of ambition. It acted out of necessity."

Chiriku frowned. "But still… a Daimyo. Attacked by shinobi. You know what this means, Asuma. The other Daimyo won't allow it to stand."

"I know," Asuma said quietly. "They may see it as a threat. As a message. That if one Daimyo can be removed, any of them can."

He folded his arms.

"There's a real chance they'll retaliate, not because they cared for him, but because they need to send a message. That Daimyo authority cannot be challenged."

Kazuma scowled. "Then what you're saying is we're going to war."

"No," Asuma said immediately. "That's what I'm trying to prevent."

He looked at all of them again. "That's why I came here personally. You're still the Twelve Guardian Ninja in the eyes of the world. You were created to protect the Daimyo. But now, there is no Daimyo. That title, that role… is gone."

"You want us to disband," Chiriku said.

"Yes," Asuma replied. "Peacefully. Honorably. So you aren't caught in what might come."

Kazuma took a step forward, voice rising. "You want us to throw away our vows? Our identities? The Twelve have stood for decades. We were the sword and shield of the Fire Nation!"

"I remember," Asuma said. "I served with you. I believed in it. But the role no longer fits the times. If you remain a militarized group outside of Konoha's authority, while tensions rise between nations… it will be seen as a provocation."

Some of the younger Guardians exchanged glances. A few looked uncomfortable.

But Kazuma didn't waver.

"So we just fold? Let Konoha tell us what to do now?"

Asuma met his gaze. "It's not about pride. It's about survival. If Konoha deems the Guardians a risk, Hajime will act. And if he acts… none of you can stop him."

That name hit like a thunderclap.

Even Kazuma didn't answer immediately.

Asuma added, "I'm not threatening you. I'm telling you the truth. Hajime doesn't play, He ends threats. Quickly. He won't wait for debate. And if this temple appears to be a gathering point.... It will be neutralized."

Kazuma's hand drifted to his weapon.

He took a step forward. "You think I'll just kneel? Throw away everything I've built? Everything I've trained for?"

"I think," Asuma said slowly, "you're smart enough to know what will happen if you don't."

Kazuma's chakra flared slightly, barely restrained. "You speak like a man who's already forgotten what loyalty means."

"No," Asuma answered. "I'm remembering what loyalty used to mean. Loyalty to peace. To the Land of Fire, And To Konoha, Where I Grew." especially making his voice louder on the word Konoha.

Kazuma's anger broke. With a growl, he moved to strike.

But Chiriku moved first.

In a flash, he blocked Kazuma's arm with a reinforced palm strike, redirecting the force harmlessly into the floorboards.

A few younger Guardians gasped, half-rising, and readying their own weapons.

Chiriku's voice was low, firm. "Enough."

Kazuma pulled back, breathing hard.

Chiriku looked around the room. "If we Attack Asuma now… Konoha will Attack Us then."

He turned to Asuma. "And if we don't disband?"

Asuma didn't hesitate. "Then the order will come. You'll all be cleared out. One way or another."

Silence again.

Some of the younger monks looked nervous now. A few looked to Kazuma, waiting for a signal.

Asuma exhaled and turned toward the doors.

"You have until dawn," he said. "After that, I can't help you."

He left the temple hall, the wind stirring his cloak as he stepped into the fading light.

Behind him, the Guardian Ninja stood in silence, as disbanding means, giving up their privileged, and status. But Daimyo is already dead, their Status has long been gone.

And far above, hidden in the trees overlooking the temple, two ANBU agents watched.

Chapter End

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