"Tsk tsk tsk..."
"It's quite a predicament, Sarutobi-sensei."
Upon receiving the distressing news and rushing to the scene, Yu found Orochimaru's underground laboratory already reduced to rubble by Explosive Tags. Hiruzen Hokage and a group of Konoha ninjas stood amidst the debris, their appearances reflecting the chaotic situation.
"Youngster..."
"And you find it amusing to taunt me in this chaos!"
Observing Yu's leisurely arrival, adorned with a mischievous and mocking expression, Hiruzen couldn't help but harbor a sense of irritation.
Since his return from the battlefield, Hiruzen noticed a growing unruliness in Yu's demeanor—acting more freely and at times, disregarding the presence of other Konoha ninjas.
"Alright, alright..."
"As for Orochimaru's defection, my condolences, Sarutobi-sensei."
"However, don't tell me you didn't foresee today's events unfolding."
Gazing at Hiruzen, who appeared despondent and melancholic, Yu couldn't help but offer comforting words.
'In the end, I was still too soft-hearted...'
When faced with Orochimaru's malevolent intentions to kill and abduct Konoha ninjas for human experiments, Hiruzen had ultimately allowed sentimentality to prevail. He had released the once-beloved disciple, sowing the seeds for yet another upheaval in Konoha's future.
A sigh escaped from the depths of Yu's heart. 'If the day comes when I'm the defector, would you extend the same mercy?'
"So... should I track him down and intercept him now?"
Uttering these words, Yu noticed the shifting expression on Hiruzen's face, prompting him to swiftly shift the conversation.
"No, it's not necessary..."
"Jiraiya has already embarked on a mission to pursue Orochimaru."
In response to Yu's offer, Hiruzen shook his head. After regaining composure, his aged and clouded eyes regained a sharp glint, "Due to the Nine-Tails incident, the Fourth sacrificed himself. Consequently, there will be a meeting to discuss my reinstatement as the Hokage."
"Yu, you'll be responsible for escorting me on this journey."
"And Kakashi, bring two ANBU members as my guards."
After issuing these instructions, Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Kakashi, who had just emerged from the nearby forest.
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Having just stepped out of the woods, Kakashi's mind was still absorbed in the recent clash with Orochimaru. Upon spotting Yu, his focus sharpened, and he nodded in acknowledgment.
Reinstated as the Hokage?
Hearing Hiruzen's words, Yu nodded thoughtfully. It appeared that the current reality was inevitably aligning with its original course. Following the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, in the Nine-Tails incident, Hiruzen, who had previously withdrawn into the shadows, was once again taking command of Konoha.
...
Soon, it was afternoon.
Outside the village of Konoha, Yu, Hiruzen, Kakashi, and two other ANBU ninjas departed from the village, heading towards the Land of Fire Daimyo's residence.
Although it had been decided that Hiruzen would reclaim the position of Konoha's Hokage following the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, in the Nine-Tails incident, tradition dictated that Hiruzen attend the meeting at the Land of Fire Daimyo's residence.
"Both of you, be careful... Pay attention to protecting Hokage-sama."
The group of five strolled leisurely along the desolate ancient path in the Land of Fire, and a faint, elusive sound of wind seemed to seep through the trees that covered the forest on both sides.
Kakashi and Yu flanked Hiruzen, with Kakashi, in his deep voice, reminding the other two Konoha ANBU ninjas to stay vigilant.
As they conversed, Kakashi and Hiruzen exchanged a glance, nodding subtly as if reaching some unspoken agreement.
'These two... Is there something more?'
Although the actions of Kakashi and Hiruzen were discreet, they couldn't escape Yu's keen Observation Haki.
Sensing the silent, subtle communication between the two through their eyes, a hint of doubt crept into Yu's mind.
He recalled from the anime that during this specific period, following the death of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen resumed the position of Hokage. Shimura Danzo, attempting to seize control of the village, exploited the darkness in Kakashi's heart, accusing Hiruzen.
Kakashi had once grappled with distress, believing that Hiruzen's lenient policies had contributed to the death of his sensei, Minato Namikaze, as well as Obito and Rin. However, Kakashi's subsequent conversation with Hiruzen dispelled the confusion and turmoil in his heart.
Shimura Danzo had schemed to end Hiruzen's life on the way to the Land of Fire Daimyo's residence to accept his appointment, but Kakashi betrayed Danzo midway, saving Hiruzen from imminent danger.
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!"
As Yu contemplated, a sudden burst of sharp sound sliced through the air.
Countless shurikens swiftly flew out from the forest, launching a fierce attack on Yu and the group of five from various angles.
"Be careful! Protect Hokage-sama!!"
Sensing the abrupt onslaught around them, Kakashi immediately shouted in his deep voice. The Sharingan under his cat-faced mask widened suddenly.
"Water Release: Water Wall!!"
Before Kakashi could react, accompanied by a light shout from beside him, a circle of water, resembling waves, abruptly rose from the ground around them. The water wall formed a circular barrier, enclosing all five of them and staunchly blocking all surrounding attacks.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Yu instantly unleashed Water Release, directly thwarting all incoming shurikens and kunais, causing explosive tags to continuously detonate on the water wall.
"So fast in executing jutsu..."
"And to be able to perform such advanced Water Release in a place without water..."
Witnessing Yu at Hiruzen's side instantly employing high-level Water Release Ninjutsu to block all incoming attacks, Kakashi's left eye under the mask, stained red with the Sharingan, involuntarily contracted slightly. He realized that even with his Sharingan, he couldn't copy Yu's Ninjutsu in time.
"Neat and efficient."
"It seems this kid hasn't neglected his Ninjutsu training besides his Kekkei Genkai and Puppet Jutsu."
Facing the sudden assassination attacks from all directions, Hiruzen stood undaunted in his place. However, as he observed Yu next to him instantly using Water Release Ninjutsu, a hint of admiration and satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
"Aren't you planning to explain what's going on?"
"It seems you're keeping something from me, Sarutobi-sensei."
Dealing with the sudden assassination attempts around him in a casual manner, Yu felt the admiring gazes of Hiruzen and Kakashi beside him. A hint of helplessness appeared at the corner of Yu's mouth, but his hands showed no signs of stopping.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Biting Explosion!!"
Before Kakashi and the others could react, through the constantly washing water curtain in front of him, Yu witnessed more than a dozen black-clad ninjas suddenly rushing out from the forest. Several complex hand seals had already formed in Yu's hands in an instant!
The S-rank secret Water Release Ninjutsu was unleashed abruptly. Capitalizing on the water environment created by the Water Wall, a water whirlpool, nearly ten meters in diameter, materialized beneath everyone's feet. Rapid streams of water forcefully expelled upwards, instantly launching the black-clad ninjas attempting to assassinate Hiruzen into the air.
"This kind of Water Release... not good!"
The group of black-clad ninjas, now airborne, desperately resisted the rushing water below. A strong sense of crisis flashed through their minds.
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