Under the clear blue sky, four energetic figures darted through the lush forest, leaping skillfully across the branches.
At the lead were two individuals with the same iconic watermelon-shaped hairstyle and green jumpsuits. The older of the two, with a resolute face, grinned confidently. "Lee, the village gate is just ahead! It seems I'll be the winner of this competition!"
"I won't lose, Sensei Guy!" Rock Lee called back, his voice brimming with determination.
Trailing behind them, TenTen—who had exchanged her usual outfit for a sleek white military-style jacket—watched their antics with a resigned expression. "Why are these two always so full of energy?" she muttered.
Turning her attention to the young man running beside her, TenTen teased, "Kirito, do you want to join me for a relaxing bath after this?"
"Sounds good," Kirito replied with a calm smile, extending his hand toward her.
TenTen grasped Kirito's hand and, in one swift motion, was hoisted onto his back.
Settled securely, she waved her arm cheerfully. "Let's go!"
With TenTen on his back, Kirito's movements became almost supernatural, his speed and agility seemingly unbound by gravity. In the blink of an eye, they closed the gap to Guy and Lee.
"You're cheating again, TenTen!" Lee shouted in protest, seeing them rush past.
"If you're not happy about it, try to catch up!" TenTen retorted playfully, sticking out her tongue.
"Lee, life isn't always fair," Guy said with a sage-like tone, still sprinting. "Our job is to overcome adversity through hard work! Youth never gives up!"
"Yes, Sensei Guy!" Lee replied earnestly, pulling out his notebook mid-run to jot down notes on perseverance.
Yet, even with their best efforts, Kirito effortlessly overtook them.
"I won't let you win so easily, Kirito!" Guy's voice erupted with passion, his energy flaring like a burning torch. "Fire up! Youth!"
Not one to be left behind, Lee followed suit, shouting, "I won't lose either! Hot-blooded youth, let's go!"
As Guy surged forward like a rocket, trailing fiery energy, Kirito maintained his lead with a grace that left even Guy impressed.
"Kirito's power is astounding," Guy thought, marveling at Kirito's balance of explosive strength and precise control. "This level of mastery is something even Lee and I can only achieve by opening the Eight Gates."
Through the dense forest, the towering gates of Konoha finally came into view.
With a smooth landing, Kirito stopped in front of the gates, setting TenTen down gently.
"Number one!" TenTen cheered, raising her arms triumphantly.
Guy and Lee weren't far behind, blazing fiery trails behind them as they skidded to a stop—though Lee collided with Guy, sending both of them tumbling straight into the gate.
The chaotic crash left Izumo and Kotetsu, the guards on duty, staring in dismay as their post was reduced to rubble.
"Welcome back," they said dryly, offering strained smiles.
TenTen sighed as she helped Guy and Lee to their feet. "Can you two stop causing trouble for others?"
"Sorry about that!" Guy said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head with an awkward laugh.
After sorting out the mess, the team made their way to the mission announcement office to submit their report.
"Finally, a chance to rest," TenTen sighed, stretching her arms. She glanced at Kirito and teased, "Still thinking about that bath?"
"You wish," Kirito replied, though his mind seemed elsewhere.
He had sensed an unusual tension radiating from the Hokage Building.
"Something's wrong," Kirito thought. "Naruto's supposed to be back, but this atmosphere doesn't feel right."
Before he could share his concerns, the office door burst open, and Shizune rushed in, looking anxious.
"Is there any team available right now?" she asked urgently, scanning the room.
When her eyes landed on Team Guy, she sighed in relief. "Perfect! Lady Tsunade has an urgent mission for you!"
"Looks like no rest for us," TenTen muttered, resigning herself to the situation.
"What's the mission, Senior Shizune?" Kirito asked, stepping forward.
"The Kazekage of the Sand Village has been captured by the Akatsuki. Lady Tsunade has already sent Kakashi's team as the advance group. You'll follow as the support team to assist in the rescue operation."
Hearing this, Kirito's suspicions were confirmed. "It's starting. The Akatsuki have made their move."
"Kakashi's team? Does that mean Naruto's back?" Lee asked, his face lighting up with excitement.
"Yes, Naruto returned to the village two days ago. You'll get to see him during this mission," Shizune replied.
"Finally! I've been waiting to test my strength against Naruto's new skills!" Lee exclaimed enthusiastically.
"We won't let Kakashi's team outshine us!" Guy declared. "Let's prepare to depart immediately!"
"Everyone, meet at the village gates," Shizune instructed before hurrying off to relay the news to Tsunade.
As Team Guy geared up for the mission, the tension in the air reminded Kirito of the challenges ahead.
[Naruto's back, but it looks like we're about to dive straight into the storm.* Kirito thought, bracing himself for what lay ahead.
(End of Chapter)
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