“Team Guy: Might Guy, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, and Tenten.” “Team 7: Kakashi Hatake, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno.” “Team 8: Kurenai Yuhi, Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, and Shino Aburame.” “Team 10: Asuma Sarutobi, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Choji Akimichi.” The Third Hokage announced the list of shinobi assigned to the mission.
Under ordinary circumstances, suppressing a rebellion in a minor country would require only a single squad consisting of one jonin and three genin.
Even if Konoha wished to exercise additional caution, two squads would have been more than sufficient.
Yet the Third Hokage had deployed four entire teams at once.
He clearly had another purpose in mind.
“Wait!
Forget the others for now—why is the Nine-Tails brat included?” Danzo demanded with a frown.
“What is the meaning of allowing the village’s valuable jinchuriki to leave Konoha?” In his opinion, Naruto Uzumaki, as the Nine-Tails’ jinchuriki, should remain inside Konoha for his entire life under constant surveillance.
Only during wartime should he be brought out and used as a strategic chakra weapon to deter enemy nations!
“You are worrying too much, Danzo.
Four elite jonin will be accompanying him.
Naruto’s safety will be absolutely guaranteed,” the Third Hokage explained.
“These four teams include four of Konoha’s finest elite jonin and the twelve most exceptional genin of this generation.
Isn’t this deployment somewhat excessive?” Homura Mitokado asked in confusion.
Hiring even one elite Konoha jonin required an enormous sum of money.
The daimyo of the Land of Waves had only provided the reward for a single S-rank mission.
Konoha would retain half of that payment.
Once the remaining half was divided among so many shinobi, each person would effectively receive no more than the compensation for a C-rank mission.
“Then distribute the payment according to C-rank standards.
It isn’t a particularly difficult mission anyway.” The Third Hokage remained composed as he continued, “We can also use this opportunity to let Konoha’s young sprouts see the outside world and broaden their experience.” “I see.
So that is what you were planning, Hiruzen!” Homura’s eyes brightened, and he nodded in approval.
“Using the Land of Waves mission as a trial to properly train the younger generation…
That is an excellent bargain.” “Your idea is as clever as ever, Hiruzen.
Hehe~ I wonder whether the rebels in the Land of Waves will wet themselves the moment they see Konoha’s mighty shinobi.” Koharu Utatane sneered.
“Hmph!
What a pointless exercise!” Both elders strongly approved of the Third Hokage’s plan.
Only Danzo expressed intense dissatisfaction.
He had been hoping to cause a major incident—preferably one that would ignite another war.
Now, however, the three old fools before him had already arranged everything.
The rebellion in the Land of Waves would be crushed immediately.
There was no room left for him to manipulate events from the shadows.
How utterly disappointing!
Will I truly never live to see Konoha unite the entire shinobi world through war?
…
Along the coast of the Land of Waves— “Brothers, I’ve received word that the Land of Waves has become incredibly wealthy!” “Seriously?
I thought the Land of Waves was just a minor country without any shinobi.” “Then let’s rob the hell out of it!” A large fleet of pirate ships sailed aggressively toward the Land of Waves.
The pirates aboard were already fantasizing about burning, killing, and plundering everything after reaching the island.
“Enemies are approaching!” Haku’s senses were exceptionally sharp.
From the unusual movements across the water, he immediately detected the arrival of uninvited guests.
“My, my~ Where are you going?” Akira reached out and caught Haku by the hand.
“I need to warn the villagers to evacuate immediately.” Haku’s face remained expressionless, but concern flickered between his brows.
Deep down, he was still an exceedingly kindhearted person.
“There’s no need to rush, Haku-chan.
They’re nothing more than a crowd of ridiculous clowns.
Why make such a fuss over them?” Akira spoke indifferently.
He gazed toward the fleet slowly emerging over the horizon, not a single ripple of emotion appearing in his eyes.
It was as though the approaching pirates were nothing more than a swarm of ants.
“…” Haku froze for a moment, seemingly affected by Akira’s commanding presence—as though he stood above all creation.
Akira rose to his feet.
He did not appear to do anything, yet the heavens and earth suddenly changed.
The wind howled, dark clouds churned, and towering waves began surging across the sea!
Is this…
ninjutsu?
No…
Haku’s dark-brown eyes widened as though he were witnessing something completely inconceivable.
“From the moment I set foot upon this island, it became my territory.” A translucent white sphere of energy condensed around Akira’s fist.
“So, why don’t we begin by greeting our guests~?”