The test into the second year was the same as it was the previous 3 quarters so most of the rankings went unchanged except that this time Sasuke and Kudo tied for first place, they had taken down the huge lead built by Sakura in chakra control.
Kudo walked excitedly back from the academy; he had ranked first place although he had to share it was a win, nonetheless. It was getting darker; the four lords of mischief had gone out celebrating the end of the academy year.
Getting to his house, a strange silence lingered thinking nothing of it he walked in. "I'm home." Taking off his shoes, hearing no reply he was about to speak when he saw his father held mid-air by the neck, a man in black clothes with a Hawk mask pointing a long blade at his mother.
A dozen minutes earlier;
"Knock. Knock" Someone knocked, "Are you expecting someone honey?" Ina asked. "No, are you?" Murata replied but Ina shook her head. Opening the door, he was greeted by the sight of a man more than 6 feet with black hair wearing a hawk mask. Despite the initial surprise Murata quickly regained his calm, "Welcome, how can we help you?"
"I'm here on official business from the village. Can I come inside?" Hawk asked, Murata for second thought about saying no but he dropped that thought. "Yes, welcome in." Leading the man into the lounge he couldn't help but wonder 'What are the village's hidden operatives doing here.'
A merchant was an information broker by trade, naturally Murata was aware of the hidden forces moving in the shadows. Lots of rumours circulated in the smaller villages while some easily dismissed them merchants however took them seriously. It wasn't difficult for a merchant caravan to collapse simply for angering a great village if not wiped out entirely. The merchant had to have a serious pull in the world to operate freely from influence by the great villages and unfortunately for root the Blue dragon had serious pull. Murata officially was the 2nd vice head of the Blue dragon merchant caravan.
Taking a seat, Hawk had already evaluated all threats and escape routes, those silent if needed.
"Tanehiko-san, I will be blunt. Your son has been chosen to be placed under Lord Danzo for his future development. This officially comes from the Hokage's office."
Over in the Kitchen Ina dropped a plate hearing those words, her fears intensifying 'I hope you know what you are doing Murata.' Her thoughts chaotic, "I am afraid that is impossible." Murata said leaning back into the couch. "If it had been so, I would have received official order from both the Hokage's office or the merchant group. Seeing as neither have come then I must doubt your claims."
Hawk's teeth clenched in anger, this was why he hated merchants they operated like the great villages weren't providing a roof over their heads that their businesses succeeded due to the villages and as such should follow directives of the village above all else.
"The communication will come." Hawk said, "This is not a debate. I am notifying you of what will happen and you must hand the boy over to make this easy for both sides." Hawk leaned in his hands clasped.
"And again, I say that it is impossible." 'I would a failure of a father if I didn't anticipate and prepare for this. You won't take my son even if you could move the stars.'
Ina remained in the kitchen afraid to interrupt, from her husband's tales she knew root was not to be trifled with but hell would freeze over before they took her son.
"Mr Tanehiko, it seems you don't understand. This isn't a request." Hawk inched closer, his hands resting on his thighs. As much as he wanted to kill this man, he knew that for now root couldn't touch him.
"I think you better leave. The answer will remain the same regardless. There is nothing that will change my mind."
"I think you will find it that root can be very persuasive." Since the man seemed aware of his background, he said it directly but his gaze was on Ina, Murata's wife.
"And I think you will find out that the village isn't only backed by the great clans. You are of course welcome to try." As soon as he said so, Hawk flickered instantly grabbing Murata by the neck.
"Murata!" Ina screamed running over but a blade staring at her face stopped her dead in her tracks. Her heart pounding as Murata groaned from the sudden force but still, he didn't blink or tremble.
"How about now? Do you still think your merchant connections will protect you? How about I take him after both of you are no longer with us, the living?" Hawk's cold eyes deeply searing into Murata but still he did not waver.
"I have already set things such that even if you kill us, you won't get my son. Root might not even last that long." Murata said heaving.
"You are bluffing." Hawk refused to entertain such an absurd notion.
At this moment the door suddenly opened, Murata's heart tightened with panic as he turned to his soon. "I'm back." Kudo's words reverberating in the still room his gaze falling on his parents their lives being threatened.
Kudo's face warped in fury and hatred, at the sight of this Hawk instantly knew that his mission was a failure. His thoughts halted by a scream of rage.
"Who are you?! Stop or else!" Kudo yelled running down the short hallway but as he got to his parents the masked man had vanished. All Kudo felt was a presence behind him.
'Better to eliminate threats early.' But this thought vanished as he sensed multiple presences closing in on the house. Taking a quick glance, he abandoned his mission. The mission wasn't that important in the grand scheme of things, the boy would have probably washed out in the training.