As the most common rank in the ninja world, Chunin play an essential role in the combat power of ninja villages during war.
Jonin, on the other hand, are the primary factor in determining the outcome of a battle. Ninjas at the level of Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Sakumo can even annihilate a small enemy team on their own.
As for the Kage of the five major ninja nations, they hold a truly central position in the war and act as a powerful deterrent. They do not easily participate in the war directly.
In the last Ninja War, the Second Mizukage and the Second Tsuchikage fought to the death, ultimately resulting in both of them being severely injured and perishing.
The loss to their respective villages was immense.
So, when Sandaime appointed Minato, Uchiha Yoruki, and Nawaki as special Chunin, their expressions grew serious.
This showed that Sandaime truly recognized their strength.
However, being a Chunin requires more than just strength. In fact, Minato and Uchiha Yoruki had only graduated a few months ago. Being promoted to Chunin directly was unprecedented in Konoha's history.
Even during wartime.
"Since you have all chosen to fight on the battlefield, there is no turning back. If any of you decide to quit now or in the future, you will be charged with deserting the battlefield and treason. If you die in battle, you will be regarded as heroes of the village and buried in the cemetery for heroes. If the war ends and your bodies cannot be found, your names will be engraved on the monument to heroes," Sandaime said solemnly.
Minato and the other two nodded firmly.
"Go back and prepare. This afternoon, you will set off with the main force and head to the front line!" Sandaime continued.
"Yes!"
Minato and the others responded, bowed, and left the Hokage's office.
After they left, Sandaime's eyes darkened. He then looked at Tsunade and said, "You should also go back and prepare. You've worked hard. Be careful and pay special attention to those three children. They are all good seedlings."
"Yes, Sensei," Tsunade responded. She would naturally do so without Sandaime needing to tell her.
Nawaki was her only living relative. No matter what, she couldn't let anything happen to him.
Tsunade then left. In the now-empty office, Sandaime whispered, "Anbu."
Swish!
Suddenly, a masked Anbu appeared.
"Go find Orochimaru for me," Sandaime ordered.
"Yes!" the Anbu responded and vanished.
Minato had already made all the necessary preparations, but now the only thing he was worried about was Kushina's reaction after she found out he was going to the battlefield.
He didn't know how to say goodbye to her, and she should still be sleeping after he left.
But knowing Kushina's character, he knew that if he didn't tell her anything, she would definitely do something reckless.
Minato immediately took out paper and pen from the drawer in his room.
He wanted to leave a letter for Kushina.
Swish!
Before leaving, Minato went to Kushina's residence with the sealed letter in hand.
There were no Anbu guards around Kushina's room now.
Minato bit his finger, formed seals with both hands, and then pressed them on the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
A half-human-high giant toad appeared in front of Minato. It was Gamakai, whom he had summoned before.
"Minato, long time no see." Gamakai smiled. He and Minato had a good relationship.
"Brother Gamakai, I have something to ask of you," Minato said.
Gamakai nodded and said, "Tell me."
"I'm leaving the village this afternoon to go to the battlefield and participate in the Second Ninja War, but I have a letter to give to the girl named Kushina whom you met last time. I want you to help me deliver it."
Gamakai's expression suddenly jumped, and he exclaimed, "If they're sending a ten-year-old child like you to the battlefield, does Konoha have no one left?"
"This is Master Jiraiya's decision." Minato immediately explained the whole situation to him.
Although Gamakai still didn't quite understand, his familiarity with Jiraiya made him less resistant to the idea.
"Alright, but you, kid, must be careful on the battlefield. If you die, I'll be very sad," Gamakai teased. Minato nodded and said, "I will definitely return to Konoha alive. I still have many wishes to fulfill."
Minato handed the letter to Gamakai, estimating the time of the summoning. It should be enough to last until Kushina wakes up for her patrol tasks.
After that, he went directly to the assembly point. Hundreds of ninjas were gathered in front of the Hokage Building. When Minato arrived, Uchiha Yoruki and Nawaki were already there. However, instead of greeting them immediately, he moved to the side of the team and found the team leader, Senju Tsunade.
"Special Chunin Namikaze Minato reporting," Minato said as he approached Tsunade. Although they knew each other privately, in this situation, even Tsunade's brother Nawaki had to follow the proper procedure.
"Join the team," Tsunade nodded and said expressionlessly.
Minato immediately joined the formation and walked over to where Nawaki and Uchiha Yoruki were standing.
He also saw a familiar figure again—Suzuka.
The three of them stood together, drawing many eyes. The younger ninjas there were only seventeen or eighteen years old, so Minato and the other two, who looked about ten years old, stood out in the crowd.
"Attention!"
With the shout of a Jonin, all conversations and glances stopped abruptly, and the hundreds of ninjas immediately lined up. Minato and the other two were the last in the formation.
Everyone then looked up at the same time, where Sandaime stood on the Hokage Building, looking down at them.
"I don't have much to say. What I do want to say is that we are waiting for you all to defeat the enemy ninjas and return triumphantly!"
"Yes, Hokage!"
Everyone shouted in unison. The synchronized shouts seemed to resound throughout Konoha, filled with a firm will, like the name of this country—like a blazing fire.
Tsunade turned around, and standing beside her were Hatake Sakumo and Orochimaru.
"Go, to Amegakure!"
Swish!
Tsunade and the other two jumped up, followed by hundreds of ninjas who rushed out immediately. If this scene were witnessed by ordinary people, it would surely be spectacular.
Minato and the other two wore stern expressions as they followed the large group. The speed that might have been difficult for other Genin to keep up with posed little pressure for these three children.
Just one minute later, the hundreds of ninjas had stepped out of Konoha's gates and collectively sped up again.
Of course, these hundreds were just the advance reinforcements. After they left, more Konoha ninjas would continue to head to the battlefield
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