Hokage Residence.
Once again, Konoha's higher-ups gathered.
At this moment, Konoha was basking in its recent victories. The Hokage had practically pulled a 1v3 in the war and managed to take down two enemies.
Especially the Sand Village. Not only had they been forced to ally with Konoha, but their Kazekage had also been mining resources for them for over a month now.
Although the Hidden Cloud Village hadn't retreated entirely, they were too scared to make a move on the borders.
At this moment, the only real threat left was the Hidden Stone Village.
"Ahem—everyone, settle down." Naruto waved his hand at the excited crowd, and the room fell silent. His reputation now far surpassed that of the Third Hokage.
"Now, only the Hidden Stone Village remains. According to Anbu reports, their forces have already crossed the Kannabi Bridge, deep in the Land of Grass.
All their future supplies will have to pass through this bridge. If we destroy it, the Hidden Stone Village will be crippled and forced to surrender!"
Naruto pointed at the war table, detailing the mission.
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
"But... who should we send?" someone hesitated. "Going that deep behind enemy lines and blowing up a critical supply route isn't something just anyone can do!"
"I propose Minato for this mission!" the Third Hokage suddenly spoke up.
The room went silent. Some had almost forgotten that he was still in charge here. But after a moment, everyone considered it and realized it made perfect sense.
Minato's Flying Thunder God made him practically untouchable, perfect for sabotage missions like this.
"I suggest that his entire team go along!" Danzo interjected from the back.
Naruto narrowed his eyes at the old warhawk. He knew Danzo never made a suggestion without an agenda.
Danzo continued with a neutral expression, "Since the negotiations with the Stone Village failed, we've suffered massive casualties on the battlefield.
Konoha is low on manpower. Minato must first reinforce the frontlines before heading to destroy the bridge.
As for his team, Kakashi graduated at five, became a Chūnin at six, and now, at twelve, he's already completed more than enough missions to qualify for Jōnin.
He would be an asset to this operation. If he gathers intel beforehand, it will drastically increase our chances of success.
I propose we promote Kakashi to Jōnin now and send him along with his teammates to scout ahead."
Naruto smirked internally. So Danzo had already begun working with certain... shadows. He didn't know what kind of deal Danzo had struck, but it was clear he was setting something in motion.
"Fine," Naruto said abruptly.
Danzo's eyes lit up with momentary triumph.
"But..." Naruto continued.
Danzo's heart clenched.
"I will personally go to the Kannabi Bridge and destroy the supply lines!" Naruto declared.
Danzo's expression stiffened. The room was silent for a moment before Tsunade suddenly stood up.
"Absolutely not!" she snapped. "That's deep in enemy territory! You don't have Minato's teleportation techniques. It's too dangerous!"
Everyone in the room knew Naruto was the strongest among them. If he couldn't pull this off, no one could.
"Relax," Naruto said nonchalantly. "Anyone who could actually threaten me is already dead..."
"Then it's settled! Minato's squad will head to the frontlines, with their priority being support.
Kakashi is promoted to Jōnin, but his focus is on intelligence gathering and his own survival.
Meanwhile, I will head straight for the bridge and handle the supply lines."
Naruto's decision was final.
That night.
Tsunade grabbed Naruto by the ear.
"Are you insane?! Even the Third Raikage, who fought Eight-Tails to a standstill, was eventually taken down by the Stone Village's forces! And you think you can just waltz in and blow up their supply line?!"
"Okay, okay," Naruto said, prying her hand off. "After this mission, I'll live a peaceful life with you."
And Kurenai, Naruto thought.
And Izumi. And Hinata. And Ino. And Temari. And Tenten...
Wait. What the hell am I thinking? Naruto shook his head and locked eyes with Tsunade, giving her an affectionate stare.
The next morning.
Naruto and Minato stood at the village gates. Tsunade had come early to see him off.
"Come back soon," she said softly.
Naruto ruffled her hair. "What's this? I'll be back in a week."
Tsunade hesitated for a moment before removing a pendant from around her neck.
"This was my grandfather's. I gave it to my little brother before he... before he died. Now, I'm giving it to you."
She kissed Naruto's forehead.
Naruto smirked and leaned in for more—only to get punched in the head.
Tsunade turned and walked away, cheeks flushed.
Naruto rubbed his head, grinning. "We're already a couple. What's with the shyness?"
He turned to Minato's team, who were staring, wide-eyed.
He scoffed. "What? Let's move out!"
After several days of travel, they reached the Fire Country's border.
"Alright," Naruto said. "Minato, get to the frontlines. I'll take care of the rest."
Minato nodded and turned to Kakashi. "Congrats on becoming a Jōnin. I don't have much to give, but here—take this kunai."
Kakashi took the three-pronged kunai, studying it.
Naruto peered over his shoulder. "Why the hell does it look like a tuning fork?"
Minato twitched. "It's designed for better handling."
"You mean it's unnecessarily fancy and expensive," Naruto smirked.
Minato ignored him and turned to Rin. "Don't you have something for Kakashi?"
Rin blushed and quickly handed Kakashi a medical kit. "Congrats!"
Kakashi accepted it calmly and turned to Obito.
Obito was casually putting eye drops in his Sharingan. When he noticed everyone staring, he frowned. "What?"
Kakashi crossed his arms. "Gift."
"Screw you! No!" Obito huffed. "Why the hell should I give you a gift?!"
Naruto watched the interaction, smirking. Yep. The dynamic was still the same. Obito and Kakashi—rivals to the end.
"Alright," Naruto finally said. "Enough talk. Time to get moving."
They split into groups, each heading toward their destinations.
In a dark cave.
A hoarse voice spoke. "Has he arrived?"
A chuckling voice replied, "He's coming. He'll be here soon."
"Good... then let's make sure he never leaves."
From the darkness, a pair of crimson eyes flickered open.
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