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On the eighth day after departing Konoha, the group finally saw the gates of the village again, and all four of them were relieved.
After being constantly on the move, they were mentally and physically exhausted.
After greeting Izumo and Kotetsu, they were about to enter the village when they suddenly stopped and looked back.
Three gaunt, yellow-faced individuals were running toward Konoha. Just before they reached the gate, they collapsed. One of them attempted to lift his head before passing out, muttering, "Mission… request..."
"Are they here to submit a mission request? Looks like we can't ignore this," Kakashi sighed, scratching his head in frustration. "Sakura."
"Got it." Sakura knelt and examined the three unconscious individuals.
After a few moments, the green glow on Sakura's hand faded. "There are no injuries. It seems they're just exhausted, severely frightened, and malnourished. Judging by their condition, they appear to be regular civilians."
"Let's get them to the hospital. We still need to meet Minato-sensei, this isn't just about submitting a report," Kakashi said, looking at Naruto.
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged glances, both reflecting Kakashi's sentiments.
"Why are you all looking at me?" Naruto asked, confused at first. Then, understanding dawned on him. "Fine, I guess the Transport Service is in emergency mode."
With that, Naruto created two shadow clones and used the Flying Thunder God technique to send the civilians to the hospital.
"All set. Let's go!" Naruto said, taking a few steps forward, only to notice his teammates still standing there, staring at him.
"What's wrong?" he asked, puzzled.
Kakashi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and said, "Hokage's office."
Sasuke mirrored the gesture on Naruto's other shoulder, adding, "I am ready."
Sakura placed her hand beside Sasuke's and playfully stuck out her tongue. "Please!"
"...Are you three too lazy to walk the last few steps?"
Naruto realized what they were after they wanted a shortcut.
"Why didn't you just ask me to Flying Thunder God us back from the Land of Snow?" Naruto asked.
Kakashi responded, "Because as your teacher, I have to make sure you all walk around and gain experience"
"And now?" Naruto pressed.
Kakashi glanced at the gates of Konoha, then, with Sasuke and Sakura's help, nudged Naruto through. "We're already in the village."
"When did you three become so in sync?" Naruto muttered, using his jutsu to teleport them to the Hokage's office door after all, you can't just appear at the Hokage's desk unannounced. Even Dad deserves some privacy.
Knock, knock.
"Come in!"
Kakashi opened the door.
"Minato-sensei."
"Dad."
"Uncle Minato."
"Lord Hokage."
Four titles, four distinct identities.
"Oh? It's you all! You've worked hard!" Minato smiled as he set down the document he'd been reviewing.
"Here's the mission report," Kakashi began, succinctly explaining the unexpected situation they faced in the Land of Snow and how they resolved it.
Even though Minato was aware of Yukie Fujikaze's reunion with her family, Kakashi made sure to emphasize all the key details.
"I see. You handled things well. The reward will be paid according to the highest A-rank mission standard."
Minato skimmed the report, sealed it, and put it away. "I'll assign someone to handle the follow-up."
"Well then, we—" Kakashi began, but before he could finish, a whirlwind suddenly burst into the office.
"The mission is complete! I made sure the pirates in the Hodgepodge Strait felt the fist of love! If they can change their ways, the tears I shed for them won't be in vain! Ahahaha!"
Bursting in with all the energy of a green whirlwind, Gai rushed over to Minato's desk, exuberantly sharing the results of his mission, with Lee excitedly beside him.
"Oh? My eternal rival, Kakashi! It's been too long! Shall we have a long-overdue match?" Gai wrapped an arm around Kakashi's neck, grinning with his signature thumbs-up and flashing his pearly whites.
"I'll pass." Kakashi just wanted to go home and read his book.
"Don't run from the challenge of youth! We should compare missions instead! I just led my beloved students on a B-rank mission, far beyond a Genin's level!" Gai boasted proudly. "What? Did you lose to me?"
Kakashi sighed, gently removing Gai's arm. "We just completed an A-rank mission."
With that, Gai stood frozen, petrified in place, as Kakashi walked away. Sasuke and Sakura followed him, while Naruto waved them off, saying, "I have something else to take care of. You guys go ahead."
Just then, Neji and Tenten rushed in, panting as they reached the Hokage's office. They both bowed. "Apologies, Lord Hokage. Gai-sensei and Lee were a bit... overzealous."
"It's alright," Minato smiled, waving it off. He knew Gai's nature and wasn't upset by such antics.
"You all did well on your mission. Now get some well-deserved rest."
"Lord Fourth!" Gai suddenly sprang back to life, flames blazing in his eyes. "My youth and my students' youth will never lose to Kakashi! Please, give us a more challenging mission!"
"As expected of Gai-sensei!" Lee quickly pulled out his notebook, jotting down Gai's latest words of wisdom.
Neji and Tenten rubbed their foreheads, barely able to stand watching. "Here we go again..."
Minato gave an awkward but polite smile and gently tried to placate Gai. "I understand your passion. I'll assign a more difficult mission soon, but for now, you should rest."
"No problem! Even resting, I'll give it my all! Let's go, Lee, Tenten, Neji!"
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle at the sight a worker so eager that Minato had to convince him to take a break. His dad was certainly a considerate boss.
"Oh, Tenten, stay for a moment," Minato called out.
"Huh? Y-yes!" Tenten replied nervously.
After Gai and the others left, Minato addressed her. "No need to worry; it's not about Gai-sensei."
"Huh?" Tenten blinked, looking more confused.
Minato handed her a scroll. "This contains information about sealing and summoning techniques. Study it well, and once you've mastered it, come to me, and I'll teach you the Flying Thunder God Jutsu"
"Wha—?! Seriously?!"
Tenten left in a daze, clutching the scroll tightly. She knew about the Flying Thunder God technique, but never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she'd get the chance to learn it.
She resolved to study the scroll all night if necessary—this was her moment, her youthful determination in action!
"Ah, I almost got carried away by Gai-sensei and Lee!" she muttered to herself, both excited and exasperated as she hurried down the street.
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