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When the massive projection of Hiruko disappeared, Konoha's villagers were momentarily gripped by panic. 'First, an airborne ninja village had attacked, and now a rogue ninja with stolen kekkei genkai was threatening them. How many more crises will we face? Can't we just live in peace for a while?'
The panic lasted about ten minutes until Minato made a public announcement, reassuring everyone: "The matter is under control. I will personally ensure the safety of the village."
The villagers, reassured by their Hokage's confidence, quickly returned to their usual routines:
"Hokage-sama said it's fine, so it'll be fine. Who's this Hiruko guy anyway? He sounds like he's got nothing better to do."
"If his ninjutsu is so good, maybe he should help rebuild the houses Sky Ninja destroyed. My roof still has a hole in it!"
"I've got a discount coupon for Barbecue Q. Once this is over, I'll treat you all."
"Honestly, his projection was pretty impressive. I heard it's better than the latest Fuji Kazuki adaptations of Jiraiya-sama's Icha Icha series…"
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage stood on the roof of the ninja academy, lighting a rare cigarette while avoiding his wife's watchful eyes.
"Minato's reputation has reached a level we old guys could only dream of," Hiruzen muttered, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Well, no use fretting over it. Let's just focus on the next class material."
He glanced at his lesson plan. "Trap-setting techniques… Oh no, I hope Konohamaru doesn't use these on me."
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Preparing the Team
After calming the villagers, Minato began planning the operation.
"The curse mark on Sasuke will likely activate again. When it does, we'll use it to trace Hiruko's location," he explained. "Now, let's decide who will handle this mission…"
Before he could finish, Itachi stepped forward, his tone icy. "Lord Hokage, allow me to go. That man dares to target my brother? He won't succeed."
Sakura volunteered next, her voice determined. "I'm going too! Sasuke is my teammate, and I won't let anyone take him."
'What kind of teammate? He's mine!' Sakura thought, glaring internally at anyone who might dare to interfere with her chance to help Sasuke.
Kakashi adjusted his forehead protector. "As Sasuke's teacher, I can't sit this one out."
Naruto stood beside Kakashi. "Someone like Hiruko? Yeah, I'll help take him down."
Minato nodded, trusting this team's capability. "Very well. Kakashi's team will handle this mission, with Itachi temporarily joining them. I'll leave this in your hands."
The four nodded in unison.
Minato smiled at Sasuke, who seemed unusually quiet. "Your task, Sasuke, is to… sleep."
"…Oh." Sasuke's reply was subdued. He hated feeling like a burden. To have been cursed by someone like Hiruko felt like a personal failure, a disgrace to the Uchiha name.
"Don't overthink it," Itachi said, poking Sasuke's forehead. "When you wake up, your brother will have taken care of everything."
"…Yeah." Sasuke's mood lifted slightly, thanks to Itachi's reassurance.
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The team gathered to monitor Sasuke while he rested. Minutes later, Sasuke opened his eyes, irritated. "I can't sleep when you're all staring at me like this."
Naruto smirked. "Want me to sing you a lullaby? I can do Mr. Rabbit."
Sasuke glared at him. 'A lullaby? I'm not a kid. And I still remember the weird songs you sang as a kid none of them were normal!'
"Don't make it worse, Naruto," Kakashi said, pushing him aside. "Let's all wait outside. Itachi can stay here."
Mikoto, looking anxious, made a request. "Can Sakura stay? She's a medical ninja, and I'll feel more at ease knowing she's here."
Sakura, stunned by Mikoto's trust, quickly nodded. "Of course!"
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Naruto was outside, enjoying tea and snacks, when Sasuke staggered out of the room. The curse mark had activated, and Sasuke was now moving under Hiruko's influence.
The group quickly made way for him as Naruto deployed a shadow clone to clear the path ahead. "Let's make sure he doesn't accidentally hurt anyone."
Sasuke's pace was slow and unsteady at first, but as the day progressed, his speed increased. By nightfall, the group had chased him northwest, crossing the Land of Grass. They stopped briefly to catch their breath.
"Where's he going?" Naruto grumbled. "I thought this would be quick smack Hiruko, collect the paycheck, and go home. Instead, we're on a cross-country chase!"
"The direction suggests the Land of Grass, near the border with the Land of Earth," Kakashi noted. "It shouldn't be much farther."
Sakura looked worried. "Sasuke's been moving nonstop. Can his body handle this?"
"I had him eat high-energy food before we left. He'll manage," Sakura reassured herself. "And if anything happens, I'll heal him!"
Itachi remained silent, but his concern for his brother was evident. He added a mental note to make Hiruko pay for this.
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The Golden Wheel Mountains
By dawn, they reached the Golden Wheel Mountains, a desolate area with steep cliffs and narrow passes.
"This is it," Kakashi said. "A perfect hideout. Anbu reported several missing bloodline limit users in this region. Hiruko must be here."
Naruto squinted at the minimap. "Something's coming… from above."
Everyone looked up. A strange bird circled overhead, scattering sharp feathers that embedded themselves in the rocky ground. While the aim was poor, the explosive power of each feather was undeniable.
"Bomb feathers? Who designed this thing, Deidara?" Naruto quipped as the feathers began detonating.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
As the group dodged the explosions, Naruto muttered, "Art is plucking feathers!"
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