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The List of The "ANBU" Member:
-ar4ngel
-Cain
-Ryan biggins
-Kreios
-Sabo
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Over the next two days, Tsunade and Kaito were busy removing the curse marks in the Hyuga clan's territory, while Jiraiya took over Tsunade's duties in the Hokage's office.
Starting from the second day, Hinata also returned to the Hyuga clan's territory to learn the curse removal technique from Tsunade.
Kaito wasn't aware of the deal between the Hyuga clan and the Hokage, and Hinata couldn't learn his techniques either. Since he was responsible for removing curse marks from fewer people than Tsunade, he was relatively more relaxed overall.
On the third day, Kakashi and Yamato, who had been sent by Tsunade to patrol the border forces, also returned to the village.
As time passed, more and more ninja who had been out on missions returned to the village. Konoha even temporarily halted mission assignments and stopped accepting any outsiders into the village.
On the fourth day, Konoha entered a full state of lockdown.
All civilians were evacuated to shelters, and the ninja took their assigned positions. Layers of defenses were set up around the village.
Naturally, the curse removal process for the Hyuga clan was also halted.
Kaito left the Hyuga clan and stayed at Minato's house.
That day, Tsunade finally received detailed intelligence about the Akatsuki invaders from Kaito.
The tension in the air was palpable.
At the Hokage building, the heads of various departments gathered in the conference room to review the intelligence.
"That bastard Danzo!"
Tsunade's expression had been grim ever since she saw Terai's name on the list.
Everyone remained silent.
A rogue ninja from Root, who had joined the Akatsuki to seek revenge and clear Danzo's name.
As for the target of his revenge, it could only be Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage.
This was a conflict involving the highest levels of Konoha's leadership.
"Ahem!" Jiraiya broke the silence. "Since there's a rogue ninja from Root leading them, Konoha's sensory barrier might not function as effectively as it should."
"Damn it!"
Tsunade slammed the table, forcing herself to calm down.
"Tokuma, notify the sensory ninja in all directions to strengthen their surveillance. If they detect the enemy, send a signal immediately!"
"Yes, Lady Hokage!"
Hyuga Tokuma, who had already had his curse mark removed, was the head of Konoha's sensory unit for this defense operation.
He gave a subtle signal to the person behind him.
Hyuga Iroha, who was standing behind him, silently walked out.
"Once the battle begins, I will be stationed at Konoha Hospital to oversee medical treatment."
Tsunade continued issuing orders.
"Shikaku, Inoichi, you two will be in charge of overall command and communication between departments. Choza, you will ensure their safety."
"Yes, Lady Hokage."
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio stood up and acknowledged the orders.
"Kakashi will be in overall command of the eastern front. Gai, you take the west. Jiraiya will hold the center, and Minato will be responsible for mobile reinforcements."
"Everyone else, follow the previously determined plans and carry out your duties."
"The Akatsuki is coming with full force. I ask everyone to give their all to protect Konoha!"
"Yes!"
The group dispersed.
Tsunade stood up. "Sakura, come with me to the hospital."
"Yes, Master."
Sakura, who had been by Tsunade's side all day, reported, "Master, Shizune should have already arranged everything at the hospital."
"Mm."
Tsunade strode out of the conference room and stood in the hallway, looking out the window at the unusually quiet Konoha village.
"Konoha is a treasure left behind by the sacrifices of our predecessors. As the Fifth Hokage, I will not allow anyone to destroy it!"
Sakura looked at Tsunade's back with admiration.
So cool!
One day, I will become a powerful kunoichi like Master!
Naruto, this time, let me protect you!
After leaving the conference room, Minato returned home first.
Kaito was sprawled lazily on the couch, while Naruto was pacing around the house anxiously.
Whoosh! Minato appeared in the house using the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Dad!" Naruto immediately ran up to him. "You're finally back!"
"Naruto, the enemy is coming," Minato said, patting Naruto's shoulder.
"Those bastards!" Naruto clenched his fists. "They want to destroy our village just to get the Nine-Tails' power!"
"Dad!" He looked at Minato with burning determination. "Maybe I shouldn't stay in the village. Let me lure the enemies away!"
"Naruto, this isn't just about you!" Minato looked into his eyes. "Even though the enemy's target is you, you're also a member of Konoha."
"But because of me, the village might get destroyed!" Naruto said, extremely reluctant. "I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me!"
"Naruto," Minato shook his head. "Don't underestimate the determination of all your comrades who are fighting to protect the village."
"I understand..." Naruto lowered his head, suppressing his emotions.
"Once the battle starts, stay close to me," Minato said, ruffling his hair. "Our job is to move around and provide reinforcements wherever needed."
"Right, I'll do my best!" Naruto raised his head, his eyes filled with resolve. "I won't let the enemy hurt anyone in Konoha!"
"Good," Minato smiled. "Let's fight together."
"Yeah!"
Clap clap clap!
"How touching," Kaito clapped without any sincerity.
Minato and Naruto turned to look at the young man who was sprawled lazily on the couch, both unable to hide their disdain.
Naruto even felt like he had been deceived.
When Kaito first appeared in front of him, Naruto had been deeply impressed.
A mysterious and cool Onmyoji? So awesome!
And he even told him about the Uzumaki clan and his parents, which made Naruto like him even more.
In fact, Naruto had secretly envied Sasuke, thinking how great it would be if he had an uncle like that!
Up until yesterday, in Naruto's mind, Kaito was still a mysterious and cool guy.
But today...
Hmph, Sasuke's uncle isn't that great after all. He's just as lazy as Kakashi-sensei!
Minato felt similarly to Naruto. He twitched his mouth and said, "Kaito, I remember you weren't like this before."
"Huh?" Kaito was still lying on the couch, staring at the ceiling. "Stop nagging. We're close enough now, isn't it fine to be more casual?"
You're way too casual!!!
Both Minato and Naruto couldn't help but recall the image of Kaito elegantly waving a fan, like a nobleman stepping out of a painting.
But now...
After another glance at the lump on the couch, both father and son averted their eyes.
"You guys should go. Don't worry about me," Kaito waved his hand like he was shooing away a fly. "I'm just a clone. I can't help much."
"No, there's one thing you must help with!"
Minato walked over, crouched by the couch, and grabbed Kaito's hand.
"Eek..."
Kaito immediately turned into a sheet of paper and slid off the couch.
"Talk properly!"
He reformed and quickly moved to the other side of the couch.
"That Sage Mode curse mark, give one to Naruto too!" Minato smiled brightly.
"Are you sure?" Kaito glanced at Naruto. "There's no time for him to adapt to Sage Mode now."