The next morning.
Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Uzumaki Raiden's room. After his dinner with Jiraiya and the others, Raiden had succumbed to the pressures of Tsunade and Jiraiya and ended up drinking more than he could handle. At his young age, alcohol tolerance wasn't his strong suit, and after a few drinks, everything became a blur. He couldn't even remember how he had gotten home.
"I really can't drink anymore. I blacked out too easily," Raiden muttered, shaking his head as he looked at his torn clothes. He rose from his tatami mat and headed to the bathroom. After changing into clean clothes and refreshing himself, he felt significantly better. Grabbing the Totsuka Blade, Raiden prepared to head to the Hokage Building.
Unaware of his new Anbu appointment, Raiden still believed he was a member of the Hokage Guard Squad. As he stepped out of his house, the Anbu assigned to monitor the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki subtly followed him. However, today's security detail was noticeably lighter, with only three Anbu stationed nearby.
These Anbu did not bother to conceal their presence and followed Raiden openly.
"Just the three of you today?" Raiden asked casually as he walked through the forest. "Is this how it always is now?"
"Captain, by Hokage-sama's orders, the three of us have been assigned as your subordinates," one of the Anbu responded, her voice clear and feminine.
Raiden paused, slightly taken aback by the unexpected response. He turned to look at the Anbu who had spoken. Her figure was noticeably slimmer than the other two, and the chest armor of her uniform hinted at her being a woman.
"Captain? I'm just an ordinary guard. Since when do I have subordinates?" Raiden mused aloud, shaking his head. "The old man really overdid it with this backdoor promotion."
The three Anbu exchanged puzzled glances, surprised by Raiden's reaction.
"Captain, what are you talking about?" the female Anbu asked. "You were officially appointed as the captain of an Anbu unit by Hokage-sama yesterday. Don't tell me you've already forgotten."
"Captain of Anbu? What?" Raiden said, bewildered, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword. "Why don't I remember this at all?"
The Anbu seemed unfazed by Raiden's confusion. The female operative stepped forward and clarified, "You were appointed yesterday afternoon, and Hokage-sama personally assigned us to your unit. Are you sure you don't remember?"
Raiden frowned, doubting himself. "I'd better confirm this with the old man. Let's go to his office." With a wave of his hand, he led the Anbu toward the Hokage Building.
Konoha Village, Hokage Office.
The usually quiet Hokage Office was bustling with activity. Several additional chairs had been placed around Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk, where key figures sat discussing pressing matters. Behind Sarutobi stood Uchiha Shinki and Hatake Sakumo, their expressions grim.
"Master Hokage," a masked Anbu reported, "it's confirmed. Sand Ninja Village has mobilized a significant force toward the Fire Country's border. However, their movements are unusual. Instead of heading directly to the border, their forces are splitting into smaller teams, as if searching for something."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully and turned to Danzo Shimura, seeking his opinion.
"Hiruzen, Sand Ninja is likely dissatisfied with the armistice agreement from the Second Great Ninja War. They might be trying to evade the reparations by starting another conflict," Danzo suggested. "We should preemptively send a large force to the border and crush them before they can act."
"If we do that, war will be inevitable," Sarutobi countered, his tone cautious. "What do you think, Mitokado Homura?"
"I partially agree with Danzo," Mitokado Homura replied. "Deploying forces to the border is necessary for defense, but our priority should be uncovering Sand Ninja's true intentions. Has there been any word from our spies in Sand Ninja?"
Sarutobi nodded, acknowledging Homura's more measured approach. "Sakumo," he said, turning to the White Fang, "can I entrust you with the mission to uncover Sand Ninja's plans? This task is critical to maintaining peace and preparing for potential conflict."
Hatake Sakumo bowed slightly. "Hokage-sama, I'll take on this mission. I'll find out what Sand Ninja is planning and prepare us for any eventuality."
As Sakumo finished speaking, commotion erupted outside the office.
"Hokage-sama is in a meeting! You can't enter!" a guard shouted.
"I won't take long; I just need to ask him something!"
The door swung open, and Uzumaki Raiden stepped in, sword in hand. "Sarutobi-sensei, is it true? Did you appoint me as an Anbu captain?" he asked directly, ignoring the tense atmosphere.
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Raiden. The oppressive aura from the assembled figures weighed heavily on him, but Raiden stood his ground.
"Raiden! Do you realize you've interrupted an important meeting?" Danzo snapped, rising from his seat.
"My apologies, Lord Danzo," Raiden replied calmly, his tone respectful but firm. "This is urgent. I'll be quick." Without waiting for a response, he turned to Sarutobi, ignoring Danzo's scowl.
Danzo's frustration was palpable, but he restrained himself, muttering under his breath.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, however, smiled faintly, his eyes bright with an idea.
"Spy mission," he said thoughtfully. "Let this kid handle it."
(End of this chapter)