"Yesterday morning, several hundred Kirigakure ninja entered the Land of Rivers and established an outpost," Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly. "Their commanders are the Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist."
The Seven Ninja Swordsn of the Mist are an elite squad from Kirigakure, with each mber possessing jōnin-level strength and wielding a unique ninja sword. According to legend, when the seven join forces, they can conquer a small country in a single night.
"Although their numbers are few, they are exceptionally powerful," Hiruzen continued. "Additionally, with the sea at their backs, they can attack or defend with ease, making them a formidable opponent."
"The Land of Rivers is bordered by the Land of Wind on the left and the Land of Fire on the right," Shikaku Nara stood up and asked, "Is Kirigakure targeting Sunagakure or Konoha?"
"We're not sure yet," Hiruzen shook his head. "However, Sunagakure has already requested our assistance."
In Hiruzen's view, Kirigakure was most likely targeting Sunagakure. After suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of Kumogakure, Sunagakure's remaining forces were less than half their original strength. If Kirigakure launched a large-scale attack, Sunagakure would probably be unable to hold them off, or if they did, it would co at a heavy cost.
Hiruzen had briefly considered taking this opportunity to seize control of Sunagakure. However, with Kumogakure and Iwagakure also in play, he decided to remain cautious for the ti being.
"Sunagakure will send five hundred ninja to cooperate with us," Hiruzen said after a mont's thought. "Konoha will also send five hundred ninja, led by Tsunade."
Tsunade nodded casually in response. A battle involving only a thousand ninja wasn't particularly intense, but the Seven Ninja Swordsn were a real concern.
Hanekawa's expression turned odd. Could this be the legendary battle from the original story, where Might Duy fought the Seven Ninja Swordsn alone and kicked them into oblivion? But now that Tsunade was involved, the outco was uncertain.
"There's one more matter," Hiruzen sighed.
The room fell silent as everyone exchanged concerned glances. This truly felt like a ti of looming chaos, as though a storm was about to break.
"Iwagakure has been gathering supplies recently," Hiruzen said with a headache. "Although we don't know their exact target, Konoha is certainly one of them."
Hanekawa was deep in thought. In the original story, Iwagakure primarily targeted Kumogakure, sending ten thousand ninja, ultimately leading to the Third Raikage's death. They also launched a secondary attack on Konoha, resulting in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, which led to Obito Uchiha's supposed death.
Of course, Obito was actually saved by Madara Uchiha, who, during Obito's recovery, introduced him to the Moon's Eye Plan.
However, Obito didn't imdiately accept the plan and tried to return to Konoha. To prevent this, Madara manipulated Kirigakure's ninja into capturing Rin Nohara and sealing the Three-Tails into her.
Upon learning this from White Zetsu, Obito rushed to rescue her, only to witness Kakashi Hatake killing her. Overwheld by grief, he awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan and descended into darkness, eventually embracing the Moon's Eye Plan.
Hanekawa wondered if Madara's plan would change this ti. After all, Rin was no longer Obito's teammate, and with Tsunade around, capturing her would be far more difficult.
"Iwagakure's movents will be monitored by patrol units under Sakumo Hatake's command," Hiruzen said after so thought.
"I believe Namikaze Minato is the best choice for this mission," Danzo Shimura suddenly interjected.
"Minato is currently assisting Sunagakure in fending off Kumogakure and cannot return imdiately," Hiruzen shook his head.
"Once Orochimaru reaches the Land of Frost, Minato will have the ti to leave," Danzo glanced at Orochimaru and spoke with a seemingly sound argunt. His true intent, however, was to prevent Minato from earning more rit. After all, the Flying Thunder God Technique was a formidable weapon in war.
Orochimaru frowned slightly. To him, Danzo's suggestion implied a lack of confidence in his abilities. Does Danzo really think I can't handle a re junior?
"With the Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato can report any movents from Iwagakure instantly," Homura Mitokado added in agreent. "This is a matter of life and death, and we cannot afford any delays."
"Very well, Minato it is," Hiruzen finally agreed after so deliberation.
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. He had briefly considered opposing the decision but quickly realized it might be beneficial. Without Minato, Orochimaru would face the future Fourth Raikage A, Killer B, and Yugito Nii directly.
Although Orochimaru was strong, he wasn't strong enough to handle all three of them alone. The battle would likely be long and grueling.
"The rest need not be said. War is imminent. I hope everyone prepares well and stays safe," Hiruzen Sarutobi said as he stood up. "eting adjourned!"
"Yes," everyone responded in unison.
After the eting, no one was in the mood for small talk or catching up. They quickly left one after another.
Tsunade originally wanted to chat briefly with Orochimaru but gave up when she saw him approaching Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Old man, I want to bring along mbers of the Uchiha clan," Orochimaru said just as Hanekawa was about to leave, overhearing their conversation.
Hanekawa's eyes narrowed as a thought crossed his mind—Orochimaru likely volunteered to lead the mission not just because of his alliance with Danzo but also to gain access to the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan.
Hanekawa shook his head, choosing not to intervene. After all, he had no way to stop Orochimaru. Even if he warned the Uchiha, those fated to die would still et their end.
"What a pity," Tsunade suddenly said as they left the eting room.
"Pity? What do you an?" Hanekawa turned slightly, looking at her elegant profile.
"Your birthday is in a couple of days," Tsunade explained. "If the war had been delayed just a little longer, it would have passed."
"Oh, that," Hanekawa smiled. "Don't worry about it. Honestly, if you hadn't ntioned it, I would've forgotten it was even my birthday."
"So, you're saying you forgot my birthday too?" Tsunade's tone shifted suddenly, catching him off guard.
Hanekawa froze for a mont. What? Why did things escalate so quickly?
"Of course not!" he quickly responded. "I would never forget my Sensei's birthday!"
Tsunade stared at him for a few seconds before breaking into a smile.
"...?" Hanekawa's mouth twitched slightly.
"Not bad. At least you're thoughtful toward your teacher," Tsunade said with a grin.
"But clearly, you lack affection for your student," Hanekawa retorted, shooting her a glance.
"What do you an by that?" Tsunade's smile faded. Grabbing his collar, she leaned in close and asked, "Are you saying I'm not good to you?"
A faint, pleasant scent wafted toward him, and at such close range, Hanekawa found her even more stunning.
Of course, his gaze inevitably drifted downward, where he was t with an eye-catching view of snowy white peaks, gently rising and falling with each breath she took.
"You're very good!" Hanekawa answered imdiately, his heart yielding to self-preservation.
"Fine. Since it's your birthday soon, I'll let you off today," Tsunade said as she released him, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
This brat is getting better-looking by the day.
It's a bit stressful being around him for too long. Even Tsunade wasn't immune to the allure of beauty.
Humans, after all, are either outwardly or secretly drawn to attractive things. Seeing soone good-looking on the street naturally makes people want to take a second glance.
"Sensei, how about we bring Uncle Duy along on this mission to the Land of Rivers?" Hanekawa asked as he caught up to her.
"Sure," Tsunade agreed without hesitation. "His strength is decent, and he could be useful against the Seven Ninja Swordsn."
"Are the Seven Ninja Swordsn really that formidable?" Hanekawa shook his head.
In his opinion, among the Seven Ninja Swordsn, the only one who could be considered truly top-tier was Kisa Hoshigaki, and he belonged to the second generation. The current generation didn't include him.
In the original story, the first generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsn didn't leave much of an impression. The one with the most screen ti was Biwa Juzo, who later joined the Akatsuki after defecting from Kirigakure. However, even his death was rather anticlimactic—he was struck down by his own sword when it was deflected by the Fourth Mizukage's Tailed Beast Bomb.
"Don't underestimate them," Tsunade said, flicking his forehead. "In Kirigakure, they hold a position equivalent to us, the Sannin."
"They can't possibly be compared to you, teacher," Hanekawa said with a smirk. "That comparison really downgrades the Sannin."
"I was talking about their status," Tsunade said with a huff. "Of course, they're not as strong as , but they're more than capable of dealing with you."
"That's debatable," Hanekawa replied defiantly. "I've got the Yin Seal now!"
Tsunade paused for a mont, thinking it over. This kid really wasn't weak anymore. Unknowingly, he had grown to this level.
"Fine!" Tsunade said with a smile, narrowing her eyes. "You might handle one of them, but you can't take on all seven."
"I wouldn't fight all seven alone," Hanekawa muttered. "Why would I go out of my way to pick a fight with them by myself?"
"Don't talk back," Tsunade said, giving him a glare before striding forward.
Before long, they arrived ho.
"Sensei!"
Yūhi Kurenai and Nohara Rin approached them, asking, "What's going on?"
"The war has started. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning," Hanekawa replied.
"Cloud Village again?" Yūhi Kurenai complained. "They're such a nuisance!"
"Yes and no," Hanekawa answered, teasingly.
"Huh?" Kurenai instinctively grabbed his wrist. "Hurry up and tell us!"
"Here's the situation."
Hanekawa recounted the three key points that Hiruzen Sarutobi had ntioned during the Jōnin eting.
Kurenai's eyes widened in surprise—things were more serious than she had imagined.
Nohara Rin's expression turned to one of deep concern. With war approaching, who knew how many lives would be lost? What troubled her most was that people she knew might end up in danger.
"Enough, stop scaring them," Tsunade stepped forward, stomping on Hanekawa's foot lightly. "It hasn't gotten that bad yet. Go back and prepare."
"Yes, Tsunade-sensei," Kurenai and Rin responded in unison, snapping out of their worry.
The Next Morning
"I never thought there'd be a day when my daughter and I would fight side by side," Yūhi Shinku said at the breakfast table, looking sentintal.
"Don't worry! Hanekawa and I will protect you!" Kurenai declared confidently.
"...?" Yūhi Shinku stared at her, bewildered.
What kind of reverse logic is this?
"With your strength, it's obviously protecting you," Shinku retorted with a snort.
"Really?" Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "I bet you couldn't even beat Hanekawa."
"What nonsense!" Shinku turned to Hanekawa. "Co outside, let's spar!"
"Uncle Shinku, we're supposed to gather at the village gates soon. We shouldn't waste ti," Hanekawa said, coughing awkwardly.
There was no way he'd dare fight his future father-in-law. Besides, Kurenai wasn't wrong—he probably couldn't win.
"Actually, I was originally assigned to the Cloud Village battlefield," Shinku said, changing the subject. "But Nara Suzaku, who's coordinating troop deploynt for Lady Tsunade, reassigned to the Mist Village front."
Nara Suzaku? Hanekawa vaguely rembered him—a Jōnin from the Nara clan who, in the original story, was responsible for monitoring and intercepting Naruto during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"Looks like I'm benefiting from your presence," Shinku said with satisfaction.
He had always hoped for Kurenai and Hanekawa to distinguish themselves. Now, it seed that goal was halfway achieved—they were beginning to gain influence in the village, even if much of it ca from being Tsunade's students.
After breakfast, the three of them headed to the village gates, where they joined the 500 assembled ninjas. At Tsunade's command, the group set off toward the Land of Rivers.
The Land of Rivers bordered the Land of Fire on the west. It took them two days to reach the border, but instead of advancing further, they set up camp at a secluded spot.
There were two reasons for this:
1. The Mist Village ninjas had already occupied the Land of Rivers, and advancing recklessly might lead to ambushes or traps.
2. They needed to wait for the Sand Village ninjas to join them.
By dinnerti, Hanekawa's tent beca lively because it was both his and Tsunade's birthday.
Although it was a rushed affair in the middle of a war, they still managed to celebrate with a hearty al. Joining them were Kurenai, Rin, Shinku, and Might Duy.
"Birthdays, such a youthful occasion!" Might Duy exclaid, visibly moved.
"It would've been perfect if Kakashi and Guy were here," Kurenai said wistfully.
"Once the war is over, we'll see them again," Rin said softly.
"Let's not jinx it. Co on, let's eat," Hanekawa quickly interrupted, preventing her from tempting fate.
Since they were in a war zone and Mist Village ninjas could appear at any mont, everyone dispersed quickly after finishing the al.
"I didn't prepare a gift. I'll give you one next ti," Tsunade said after everyone else had left, leaving just her and Hanekawa.
"No worries. I didn't prepare a gift either," Hanekawa said. Then, an idea struck him. "Actually, I have a way for both of us to exchange gifts."
"Oh? What's that?" Tsunade asked curiously.
"How about a hug?" Hanekawa suggested with a playful grin.
Tsunade was montarily stunned, staring at him silently. Just as he started to feel nervous, she stepped forward and embraced him.
A soft, warm fragrance enveloped him, and Hanekawa instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Alright," Tsunade said after a few seconds, suppressing the emotions stirring in her heart as she pulled away.
She turned and walked out of the tent. For so reason, although she had hugged him countless tis before, this one felt different.
(2days left for PS bonus)
_
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