A faint wisp of smoke curled from the old wooden pipe as Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair. The morning sun spilled across the papers of his desk, where a fresh mission report lay — delivered not long ago by courier hawk.
The aged Hokage opened the scroll, eyes narrowing as he read.
Mission: Secure Kaigan Outpost.
Status: Complete.
Raiga Kurosuki — Eliminated.
Kurodan — Eliminated.
Kiba swords recovered.
No confirmed trace of foreign seal activity detected.
Team currently resting at Takayama Hot Springs.
A rare smile touched the corners of Hiruzen's mouth.
"You've come far, Naruto..."
The boy — still rough-edged, still learning — but already fighting beyond his years. And Hayato — a steady hand to temper him.
And the Kiba swords — long considered lost — were now back in Konoha's hands.
"But such relics belong not in war chests… but in peace offerings."
Below the tower, Konoha stirred.Teams of young Genin darted through the markets, voices raised in good-natured argument.The mission desk was bustling.
Team 8 was off handling a minor plague of river leeches in the rice paddies.Team 10 had been sent to reinforce village defenses near the outer walls.Even Team 7 — with Kakashi as ever late — had been dispatched to guard a merchant convoy bound for the western border.
"Every shinobi must take their steps."
Another knock at the door.
"Enter," Hiruzen called.
Shikaku Nara stepped inside, scroll in hand.
"The Hidden Mist delegation has confirmed their envoy," Shikaku reported. "They will receive the Kiba swords in the neutral border town near Hidden Frost Village. Meeting is scheduled in three days."
Hiruzen nodded.
"Perfect timing."
His gaze returned to the mission report.
"Naruto and Hayato will deliver the blades," the Hokage said at last. "They recovered them — it is fitting they close the matter."
Shikaku smirked slightly. "A bold choice. The boy has gained some attention lately."
"Good," Hiruzen said simply. "Let him walk among the shadows of past wars — and the light of peace. He needs both."
He exhaled slowly. "Send word to Hayato and Naruto. Upon finishing their rest, they are to proceed to the Frost border town and oversee delivery of the swords. The Mist delegation will be watching."
Shikaku gave a slight bow. "Understood."
As the door closed behind him, Hiruzen stared out across Konoha — rooftops shining in the sun.
"Soon, Naruto… you will understand how heavy these blades truly are."
Another long breath of smoke drifted into the air.
"And how precious the peace we fight for must be."
[Hokage Tower Courtyard | The Jonin Commander's Perspective(Shikaku Nara)]
A cool breeze swept across the stone courtyard outside the Hokage Tower.
Shikaku Nara leaned against the railing, a thin cigarette smoldering between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily into the morning air. His sharp eyes, half-lidded, remained thoughtful as he reread a slim report scroll tucked under his arm.
Two weeks out… one fight after another… and the boy pulled it off, he mused.
Footsteps echoed. Shikaku didn't glance up — he already sensed them.
"Shikaku," came Shibi Aburame's calm voice.
Beside him now stood Shibi, flanked by Tsume Inuzuka and Inoichi Yamanaka — three clan heads, and old comrades of the Jonin Commander.
"You've seen it, I assume?" Inoichi asked, nodding toward the scroll.
Shikaku exhaled smoke. "The Kaigan report. Yeah."
Tsume crossed her arms, sharp eyes gleaming.
"Naruto, huh? Took down one of the Seven Swordsmen — and lived to tell about it." She snorted. "Little runt's got more bite than people give him credit for."
Shibi added, voice measured: "And preserved a border village that would otherwise have been razed. Impressive initiative… and unexpected foresight."
Shikaku took another drag from the cigarette, gaze narrowing slightly.
"It's more than that," he said slowly. "You're thinking like ninja. I'm thinking like a strategist."
He tapped the scroll.
"Kaigan is an old trade stop. Minor, yes — but historically linked to border routes feeding into the Frost and Water trade streams. Naruto's actions gave them a symbol. They'll remember the Leaf came through for them when Mist swords and rogue factions threatened their homes."
Inoichi nodded, seeing where this led. "Which means… those stories reach Mist ears."
Shikaku's eyes gleamed faintly.
"And the Mist itself is fractured still. The new Mizukage's position is stable — barely. Public goodwill matters. A show of honor from Konoha now — returning the Kiba blades instead of hoarding them — it's a perfect gesture."
He flicked ash from the cigarette.
"Peace is never free. But it can be seeded. The Hokage's move is shrewd — Naruto and Hayato carrying the swords in person? Humble. Symbolic. If Mist leadership is watching — and they are — this opens the door."
Tsume tilted her head. "You're saying they might come to us."
Shikaku smirked. "I'm saying they're already thinking about it. A young generation of Mist shinobi no longer bears the same hatred their elders did. And when they hear a Konoha boy risked his life fighting rogue elements and then returned their prized swords respectfully—?"
He shrugged.
"It's a chance. Small. But real."
Shibi's beetles hummed faintly beneath his cloak.
"A new ally would shift the regional balance… but I imagine there are those in Mist who would resist such a path."
"Naturally," Shikaku agreed. "But Hiruzen's message is simple: we are willing to talk. And more importantly — the Leaf has no need to fear their steel."
He crushed the cigarette beneath his sandal.
"And young Naruto, unknowingly, gave us the best opening we could ask for."
Tsume laughed, teeth flashing. "That boy's gonna give the old guard a run for their money."
Inoichi smiled faintly. "Or change the whole board entirely."
Shikaku glanced toward the tower window, where the Hokage's silhouette could be seen moving in quiet preparation.
And this is just the start.