Reiki felt somewhat relieved seeing Tsunade's smile. He had half-expected a scolding or worse...
With this development, the atmosphere in the village began to shift toward a more "harmonious" tone. The only person feeling uneasy was Shimura Danzo.
"What?"
"Uchiha Fugaku has been meeting with the Third Hokage more frequently?"
"What could he be planning?"
"And Minato was assigned to escort the Daimyo? Wasn't that originally supposed to be handled by the Inuzuka and Aburame clans?"
...
As these reports reached Danzo, his usually stoic composure cracked. Sarutobi Hiruzen's attention was increasingly focused on Namikaze Minato and the Uchiha clan.
Could it be...
The ever-crafty Danzo understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's intent: he was making a move to curb Danzo's influence.
Due to recent incidents, Sarutobi Hiruzen had become increasingly critical of Root. While open conflict had been avoided due to mutual interests, the status quo was shifting. Danzo could no longer expect the same relationship as before.
However, Danzo hadn't anticipated that Sarutobi Hiruzen would act so swiftly or choose to align himself with the Uchiha. This was a direct affront to him!
He couldn't touch those in the orphanage anymore. It was no longer feasible to send Root operatives openly, and Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't aid him.
Root's ranks were already strained and failing to keep pace with its consumption rate. Sarutobi Hiruzen's strategy was clear—wear down Root gradually.
"We cannot allow Namikaze Minato's mission to succeed!"
"Escorting the Daimyo is a prestigious mission."
"But if it fails..."
A wicked glint appeared in Danzo's eyes. Desperation called for bold actions. If he didn't act now, Sarutobi Hiruzen would weaken Root to the point of irrelevance.
Danzo summoned the core members of Root and issued orders for a disruption mission. While he wasn't reckless enough to harm the Daimyo directly, sabotage was in play.
Time passed quickly.
By now, Namikaze Minato had escorted the Daimyo to the outskirts of Konoha.
"The blond-haired ninja leading outside—is that Namikaze Minato?"
The Daimyo asked, covering his mouth with his fan in a dignified manner.
"Yes," replied the attendant. "He is well-regarded in Konoha and is expected to become the next Hokage."
"Ah, a reliable one indeed."
"This year, Konoha shall receive increased funding. Let them continue their efforts."
The Daimyo's voice carried an air of nonchalance, yet it highlighted the importance of Konoha's strength to the Fire Nation's prominence.
Meanwhile, Minato scanned the surrounding forest, his senses heightened as they neared the village gates.
"Hm?"
"Anbu?"
Minato spotted the masked figures approaching from a distance.
"Namikaze Minato, we're here to assist with the Daimyo's escort."
"Lord Hokage is concerned about a potential ambush at the village gates," the Anbu leader spoke in a low tone.
"Understood."
Minato nodded before vanishing from sight.
*Boom boom boom!*
As soon as he disappeared, a massive explosion erupted where he had stood. Moments later, a barrage of kunai and shuriken rained down on the Daimyo's carriage.
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms: Rotation!"
Four Hyuga clan members emerged, swiftly using Kaiten to deflect the incoming weapons.
"Enemy attack!"
"Daimyo, please don't worry. The Hyuga clan will ensure your safety!"
Hyuga Hiashi declared with a stern expression. The defenders included Hiashi, Hizashi, Hyuga Omo, and Hyuga Hanano.
"Ah."
"Leave it to you."
The Daimyo remained composed, maintaining his air of calm amidst the commotion.
"Earth Release: Earth Core Movement!"
Suddenly, another group of attackers appeared, launching Earth Release techniques toward the carriage.
"Sword Technique: Lightning Slash!"
A flash of white light streaked across as Hatake Sakumo's blade cut through the advancing earth, neutralizing the threat.
"Konoha's White Fang—Hatake Sakumo!"
"Why is he here?!"
The ambushers were thrown into disarray. According to their intel, Namikaze Minato was supposed to lead the mission with a handful of Jonin. But first, the Hyuga clan, and now Hatake Sakumo?
"Attacking the Fire Country's Daimyo on the threshold of Konoha."
"Rasengan!"
Minato appeared behind the enemy group, unleashing a powerful Rasengan that incapacitated them all in an instant. The shockwave left the attackers battered and unconscious.
"The group over there has been subdued as well. Seven in total."
Aburame Shibi walked over, seven captives cocooned in his insects, their chakra drained and bodies immobilized.
"We've located and neutralized all detonating tags. No additional threats detected."
Yamanaka Kai, with a confident nod, appeared from the treetops, signaling the all-clear.
Namikaze Minato, Hatake Sakumo, the Hyuga clan, the Aburame clan, and the Yamanaka clan...
This mission's escort team was far more formidable than expected.
"Daimyo, the danger has passed. We may proceed."
Minato knelt beside the Daimyo's carriage, speaking calmly.
"Very well, continue."
The Daimyo responded, and the procession moved on. Soon, the gates of Konoha came into view.
As Minato and the others surrounded the carriage, ANBU operatives provided an external layer of protection.
Once they entered Konoha, Minato's mission would be considered complete. The guards at the gates opened them, allowing entry.
Upon passing through, the ANBU agents converged.
"Namikaze Minato, report to Hokage-sama now."
"Hokage-sama has made arrangements for the Daimyo's lodging. We'll handle the rest."
An ANBU agent informed Minato curtly.
"Isn't it protocol to escort the Daimyo to his quarters? Shouldn't Hokage-sama—"
"This is Hokage-sama's order."
The ANBU agent interrupted.
"Hm?"
Minato's brows furrowed slightly. While ANBU's directives were often abrupt, direct interference in others' missions was unusual.
Then...
*Boom boom boom!*
Before Minato could react further, the ANBU agents leapt into action, hurling kunai with explosive tags around the Daimyo's carriage. A deafening explosion followed immediately.
---
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 540 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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