The skies over Konoha were filled with an unusual display of fireworks.
The Sky Ninja's weapons had been rendered useless before they could even deploy them, their explosives prematurely detonating in midair. The result was a monochrome spectacle of smoke and fire lighting up the heavens.
Below, the villagers cheered, calling out the name of their Sixth Hokage.
Once again, they felt an overwhelming sense of security, a deep pride swelling within them. This was their Hokage, a protector so powerful he could ensure their safety with ease.
Meanwhile, Natsuro returned to his office, took a sip of tea from a nearby cup, and smiled, it was still warm.
Above Konoha, a young figure with pale red skin witnessed the entire spectacle. The "boy" opened his mouth but was at a loss for words.
So this is Konoha?
The same ninja who had decimated his own village were now powerless before Konoha's might.
Gritting his teeth, the boy dragged his exhausted body toward Konoha's gates. I must seek the help of Konoha's medical ninja!
.....
Back in the Hokage's office, Kakashi had arrived at Natsuro's request.
"Kakashi, you've heard about the Sky Ninja incident, haven't you?" Natsuro asked.
Kakashi nodded. He had indeed pieced things together.
"Good. I've left a few of them alive, and they're currently retreating to their base. Some members of the ANBU are tailing them to pinpoint its location," Natsuro explained.
"Your mission is to locate and destroy their base. If possible, try to retrieve any technology related to their flying devices."
"Will I be going alone?" Kakashi asked, knowing the challenge of fighting airborne enemies.
"Of course not. You can pick your team from this list," Natsuro replied, handing Kakashi a list of names that included the Konoha Twelve.
Relieved, Kakashi took the list, grateful the mission wouldn't be as overwhelming as he initially feared.
"Oh, by the way," Natsuro said, his tone shifting slightly, "how's your progress with the Land of Snow? Have you made any headway with Princess Koyuki?"
Shikaku raised an eyebrow at this unexpected question.
Kakashi sighed. "Hokage-sama, please stop matchmaking me."
"This isn't matchmaking," Natsuro replied with a sly smile.
"It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. Konoha gains access to Snow's unique technology, and Princess Koyuki gains the protection of the renowned Copy Ninja. Besides, you're not getting any younger. If your father were alive, I'm sure he'd want you to settle down and carry on the Hatake name."
"Kakashi, I have to agree with the Hokage here," Shikaku added with a smirk.
Kakashi sighed again, rubbing his temple. "I've already negotiated the terms of our collaboration. Their production capacity is limited, so they're prioritizing their own needs before supplying Konoha."
"I see," Natsuro said thoughtfully. "But if Princess Koyuki isn't an option, Konoha has plenty of candidates. How about Shizune? Or perhaps Yugao Uzuki…"
"Enough! Hokage-sama, I've already made my decision," Kakashi interrupted, eager to put an end to the conversation before he was forced into an awkward blind date.
"Very well. I'm just offering suggestions," Natsuro said, smiling knowingly. "But remember, it's not healthy to stay trapped in the shadows of your past."
Natsuro glanced at the list Kakashi had handed back. "You're only taking Shikamaru and Shino? Are you sure?"
"Yes, just the two of them," Kakashi confirmed.
"Take Ino as well. Her long-range abilities could be useful," Natsuro suggested.
Kakashi nodded. Including Ino was a good idea, especially since Natsuro had recommended it.
"Understood. I'll depart immediately," Kakashi said, eager to escape before the conversation returned to his love life.
"Before you go, ask Asuma to come see me," Natsuro called out.
"Will do." Kakashi left as quickly as possible, his retreat resembling an escape.
Both Natsuro and Shikaku chuckled at the scene.
Shikaku turned to Natsuro. "Hokage-sama, what do you need Asuma for?"
"It's about the formal paperwork for my succession. The process was a bit rushed, so it hasn't been officially reported to the Fire Daimyō. Since Asuma has a good rapport with the Daimyō, I'd like him to handle this."
Shikaku nodded in agreement.
Speaking of Asuma, Natsuro added, "I've heard he was quite rebellious in his youth?"
Shikaku's expression turned wry. "You could say that. He left Konoha for a while to wander the world, eventually joining the Twelve Guardian Ninja and pledging his life to protect the Fire Daimyō. He even refused to return to Konoha for some time."
"Is that so?" Natsuro chuckled, imagining Hiruzen's exasperation during those years.
Just then, Izumo Kamizuki entered the office.
"Hokage-sama."
"What's the matter?" Natsuro asked, puzzled by Izumo's unexpected visit.
Izumo quickly explained that a boy had arrived at Konoha's gates, claiming his village had been attacked by the same Sky Ninja who had just assaulted Konoha. Many of his fellow villagers were injured, and he had come seeking his teacher, Shinnō, as well as Konoha's aid.
Since the boy's story involved the Sky Ninja, Izumo thought it best to inform the Hokage immediately.
Natsuro and Shikaku exchanged glances, surprised to hear more about the Sky Ninja so soon.
"Where is this boy now?" Natsuro asked.
"He's at the hospital. He collapsed from exhaustion shortly after arriving," Izumo reported. "Also, Shinnō seems to have entered Konoha recently, I noticed his name in the visitor logs within the last day or two."
"Got it. Resume your duties. Shikaku and I will head to the hospital," Natsuro said.
"Yes, sir." Izumo bowed and left...
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Currently on Chapter 299 - Jiraiya, Nagato and Konan Meet