After hearing Inoiki's explanation, Team Asuma felt a wave of relief. It was the best, maybe the only, course of action. To completely eradicate the Akatsuki, the major hidden villages would have to forge an alliance—a massive undertaking, but necessary. Inoiki then went on to detail everything that had transpired during the Amegakure mission.
Hearing the full account, the team was deeply shocked but also marvelled at the sheer increase in Inoiki's power. Only a few months ago, he had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Nagato. Yet, this time, he had not only won but had done so beautifully, with absolute dominance, emerging without a single injury.
They continued their conversation until they had emptied their ramen bowls. They even held a small eating competition among themselves, which, of course, was won by Naruto. Upon securing his victory, Naruto jumped up, his face radiating pure, unbridled happiness at the result of his friendly competition.
(A ramen victory was a victory that mattered.)
Finally, when the laughter had faded and they'd enjoyed enough of the evening, Inoiki turned to him. "Naruto, now go and get some rest. Tomorrow morning, we have to leave Konoha. We have an important mission to complete, after all."
Naruto immediately snapped into focus and nodded sharply. "Yes, I will go and have a proper rest right away so that we can be ready for this long-term mission." He knew this mission wouldn't be brief; at the very least, fulfilling this new objective would require several months to complete.
Then everyone separated and went their respective ways, heading back toward their homes. Inoiki walked with his sister, Ino, back to the Yamanaka compound.
Once at the house, Inoiki informed his parents that he would be leaving again for a mission early the next morning. His mother couldn't help but let out a small gasp of concern.
(The worry was instant, palpable.)
"Why so soon?" she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety. "You've just returned from one mission; now you're being sent out again so quickly."
Inoiki shook his head, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Mom, everything is fine." He stepped forward and placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. "This mission is just a long-term one. It mostly requires a lot of traveling and less fighting, so you don't have to worry about anything serious."
Even with Inoiki's calm words, being a mother, she could not feel totally relieved. Not long ago—just a few months—her son had been all but declared dead. It was only due to luck and his own incredible strength that he had survived and returned home. For many desperate days, she had lived with the crushing despair that her son had died; that cold, empty feeling was one she never wanted to experience again.
Inoiki knew exactly what his mother was thinking. He could see the fear lingering in her eyes, but there was little he could do to truly ease it beyond his words. He could only continue to console her and promise her that he would be fine, and that nothing would happen to him this time. He held her gaze for a moment longer, trying to transmit his certainty. Then, after saying goodnight, Inoiki went to sleep.
The next morning, after waking up and eating breakfast, Inoiki met Naruto, who had already arrived at the Yamanaka house. Together, Inoiki and Naruto went to meet Tsunade to formally inform her that they were departing the village. With her final nod, they left Konoha immediately.
Their first stop was Sunagakure. Upon arriving at the Hidden Sand Village, they met with the Kazekage, Gaara, told him everything about the looming threat, and extended the invitation for the Five Kage Summit.
(The gravity of the situation was evident in Gaara's serious expression.)
Once their task in the Sand was complete, they left at full speed for Kirigakure, the Hidden Mist Village. For much of the journey, Naruto was carried by Inoiki. Inoiki stood upon his gigantic sword, controlling its flight and direction with sheer psychokinesis. They either stood or sat on the massive blade as it cut through the air, propelling them toward their next destination.
Inoiki could have used his space teleportation ability, but he consciously avoided it. Such extensive teleportation would consume a massive amount of chakra, which he simply did not want to waste. Ever since he was ambushed and nearly killed by Nagato, Inoiki had become significantly more cautious. He refused to be caught in a state where he lacked the capacity to fight back effectively, or where his chakra reserves would restrict his strength. Such a vulnerability was unacceptable.
They maintained a proper cycle of resting and flying on the sword, and soon, within two days, both Naruto and Inoiki reached the towering, moisture-laden gates of Kirigakure.
Inoiki's giant sword, which he was controlling with his psychokinesis, reached just a meter or two above the ground. From the massive blade, both Inoiki and Naruto leaped, landing softly on the dusty earth. The sword instantly collapsed under Inoiki's control, shrinking into a large, spherical metal ball as they landed outside the main gate of Kirigakure.
They were immediately surrounded. Four masked ninjas formed a tight ring around them, and directly in front stood two ninjas without masks. Six figures in total had them cornered. Inoiki instantly understood the arrangement: the four masked figures were clearly the Anbu unit of Kirigakure, while the two unmasked ninjas in front were regular Kirigakure shinobi.
One of the two unmasked figures spoke, his tone stern, questioning their presence. "Who are you both, and what is your purpose for coming to Kirigakure?"
Inoiki looked toward him and replied calmly, making sure to show no sign of hostility. He knew none of these ninjas would attack unless he made the first move. No need to cause trouble before we even get inside.
"We are here on the orders of the Hokage," Inoiki stated. "As you can see, we are ninjas of Konoha. We are here to meet with the Mizukage. We have an important matter to discuss with her." He paused, his gaze steady. "Please give this letter to her, and she will understand what I mean."
As Inoiki reached into his pocket for the envelope, the surrounding ninjas tensed. The four Anbu tightened their grips on their respective weapons, ready to strike, expecting a smoke trick or some other insidious method. But nothing happened. Inoiki simply produced a sealed envelope and held it out.
The unmasked ninja carefully took the letter from Inoiki's hand. "You will have to wait here," he said.
(His voice was clipped, suspicious.)
"I will first need to inform Lady Mizukage about this. Only if she agrees to meet you will you be allowed to enter Kirigakure."
Inoiki didn't mind the caution. He found this level of scrutiny to be expected, perhaps even generous hospitality, considering the recent past. Just a few months ago—or a year at most—this very village had been soaked in the scent of blood from the widespread killing. Its infamous moniker, the "Bloody Mist," was a stark and factual truth, not just an empty context.
But things had changed. Kirigakure was clearly different now, a tangible improvement under the new Mizukage's tenure. A good thing for them, and for the world.
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