Konoha, in the Hokage's Office
"Wow, Minato actually made such a great contribution?" Kushina cheered and leapt up in front of the Hokage's desk, her bright eyes forming crescents. After learning about Minato's recent accomplishments from the Sandaime Hokage, Kushina couldn't contain her joy. She never imagined that Minato's strength would surpass her expectations and that he would save everyone during the Sand Ninja ambush, becoming the number one hero.
The Sandaime Hokage nodded and added, "So the village leaders have unanimously decided to promote him to Special Jonin."
"Special Jonin?!" Kushina's pupils widened as she exclaimed loudly. Minato had been promoted to Special Jonin, achieving the same rank as the captain of her Guard Sixth Team. Within less than three months, Minato's impressive achievements had left her astounded.
Their mutual dream was to become Hokage, and given Minato's current performance, it seemed he might indeed realise their dreams in the future. Remarkably, at just under eleven years old, he had been promoted from special chunin to special jonin in only three months, an unprecedented feat in Konoha's history.
"Minato has performed so admirably that he deserves this merit, and I'm sure you don't want to be surpassed by him so easily, right?" Sandaime observed with a smile as he looked at Kushina.
"Of course," Kushina quickly replied before exiting the Hokage's office to return to her duties.
Land of Earth, Iwagakure, High-Level Meeting Room
"The people of Konoha are indeed formidable. First Hanzo of the Salamander and then Chiyo—they managed to fight without requiring Sandaime Hokage's intervention." In the meeting room, an elderly man floated above the ground, his voice low as he addressed those present. This was Sandaime Tsuchikage, Onoki.
Recently, when news broke that the Rock Ninja troops were completely annihilated and Tsuchiguki was killed on the spot, the high-ranking officials of the Rock Ninja were left shocked and furious. However, the aged Sandaime Tsuchikage remained calm. He was older than both Konoha's Sandaime Hokage and Sand Ninja's Chiyo.
But when the report of the Sand Ninja ambush and defeat came back, Sandaime Tsuchikage's expression turned extremely grim. These back-to-back battles highlighted that Konoha achive was no longer the same as when the Sandaime Hokage first assumed leadership.
The three legendary Sannins of Konoha, Hatake Sakumo, and the emerging younger generation all proved capable. Even adversaries like Hanzo and Chiyo, who warranted serious attention, were handled by these new talents. Konoha now posed a significant challenge.
Sandaime Tsuchikage, with his discernment, recognised that the Sandaime Hokage would not relent. One of the five major ninja countries would inevitably face Konoha's wrath, and as expected, it would likely be the Land of Wind, bordering the Land of Fire.
"It's impossible for us to continue on in the Land of Lain. Our future opponents will no longer be the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind," Onoki stated. He pointed to another large country adjacent to the Land of Earth on the world map displayed in the conference room— the Land of Lightning.
As anticipated, more than a dozen individuals gathered in the Cloud Ninja Village's conference room in the Land of Lightning, including elite ninjas and high-level officials. The group's leader was the imposing, dark-skinned Sandaime Raikage. Also present was C, who had clashed several times with Sakumo in Land of Hot Spring. Nearby stood a teenager with mature looks due to his skin colour and appearance, though he was only seventeen. This young man, however, was strong enough to be an elite Cloud Ninja and participate in strategies against the Land of Earth. He is the son of Sandaime Raikage.
After half a month of rest, the Konoha troops set up a stronghold accommodating hundreds on a mountain in the Land of Rain, utilising supplies brought by reinforcements. Sentry posts were stationed every ten meters around the perimeter, ensuring vigilance after two prior attacks.
On the mountain, figures could be seen moving through the forest. Hundreds of ninjas had assembled at the stronghold's main entrance. Leading them were Tsunade, Hatake Sakumo, and Orochimaru. Opposite them stood Jiraiya, Uchiha Kai, and several other Konoha ninjas. Jiraiya appeared displeased.
"It's really dull. I was assigned to stay in the Land of Rain," Jiraiya complained.
Hatake Sakumo smiled faintly and said, "Haha, currently we have no faster or safer way to transmit information than with Mount Myoboku's toads. So naturally, you need to stay."
Although the situation in Rain Village was stabilised, it still required a strong individual to oversee it. Uchiha Kai alone seemed inadequate, but coupled with Jiraiya, the task was manageable.
"You may not be going to the Land of Wind, but you've trained someone who can summon Mount Myoboku Toads. This time, your disciple will take your place," Tsunade remarked.
Jiraiya glanced at Minato within the crowd, who offered a reassuring smile.
"Teacher, don't worry."
Despite being young, Minato's outfit had slightly changed. Due to the war, there was no specific ninja attire available for him, so he wore a Chunin vest, which he earned upon promotion to Special Jonin. Uchiha Yoruki and Nawaki, also present in the team, did not meet the qualifications yet. Uchiha Yoruki, usually competitive with Minato, gazed at him with subdued respect. Minato's actions had evidently won over all surviving ninjas, even Uchiha Yoruki. Nevertheless, he hadn't abandoned his rivalry with Minato.
Acknowledging this, Jiraiya nodded; though Minato was not yet eleven, his prowess required no concern.
"Let's not delay any further; it's time to set off," Tsunade urged, cutting the conversation short.
Sakumo and the others exchanged awkward smiles. Then, led by Tsunade and the commanders, hundreds of Konoha ninjas embarked southwest towards the Land of Water.
Their target: the Land of Wind!
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