"Hiruzen, why did you keep Tsunade back? Shouldn't she be on the front lines?"
After the others had left, Homura Mitokado frowned, speaking sharply to the Third Hokage. "Tsunade's skills are vital in war. Keeping her here feels like a waste of her talent."
The Third Hokage exhaled softly.
"You both know Tsunade's current condition. She's no longer suited for frontline combat. Besides, if something unexpected happens within the village, we'll need her here. I have other plans for her."
Homura's gaze hardened. "The situation is dire, Hiruzen. I hope you know what you're doing."
The Third Hokage didn't argue. Instead, his eyes shifted toward Lock, who stood silently beside the desk.
"Lock," Hiruzen said, his tone calm but firm. "The border situation is critical. Your skills in reconnaissance and infiltration are unmatched. I need you to move immediately to the front and assist Jiraiya."
"Yes, Lord Hokage." Lock's response was immediate.
Koharu Utatane, who had been silent until then, frowned slightly. "Hiruzen… who is this young man you're sending on such a mission? Can he be trusted with something this important?"
The Hokage smiled faintly. "He's Jiraiya's disciple—Lock. He's also been working directly under me within the ANBU. His abilities speak for themselves."
Both advisors exchanged surprised looks.
"So this is that Lock?" Homura muttered. "The one Danzo once quarreled with you over?"
Koharu gave the masked figure a more careful glance. She had heard of him, of course — a young prodigy from Jiraiya's line who'd already made a name for himself within the ANBU. That the Hokage trusted him this much said everything.
Lock bowed respectfully.
"Honored advisors."
Though he rarely interacted with them, he knew their authority. Even without direct command power, they were among the few who could influence the Hokage's council and even cast votes in leadership matters. Respect was due.
Koharu nodded curtly. "Since Hiruzen trusts you, we'll trust you too. But remember this — in war, power alone isn't enough. Information wins battles. Sometimes a single report can decide the fate of thousands. Carry that responsibility well."
Lock answered solemnly.
"Yes, Advisor."
Hiruzen gestured toward the door. "There are supplies prepared for you. Collect them, then head out at once. Deliver my message to Jiraiya — he's to hold the border at any cost. Iwagakure must not break through."
Lock hesitated for a moment. "I'll be leaving alone?"
The Third Hokage nodded. "Yes. The main army will move more slowly. I need you to reach Jiraiya before they do — warn him, and support his defense however you can."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Lock bowed, then turned and left the office. At the entrance, an aide led him to the supply division, where he received a large pack.
It weighed nearly fifty kilograms — heavy enough that its contents were clearly important. Without asking questions, he slung it over his shoulder and headed out.
Before leaving the village, he made one last stop — home.
When his mother, Yuzu, heard that he was being deployed to the front, she froze. Her face turned pale, memories flooding back.
More than a decade ago, her husband had left for the same war — and never returned. All that came back was his headband and a bracelet — the last symbol of their life together.
Now her only son was walking the same path.
Her hands trembled as she packed his clothes. She wanted to beg him not to go — but she couldn't. She knew the truth better than anyone.
He was a shinobi of Konoha, stronger than his father had ever been. And the village was in danger.
So she said nothing, only standing at the doorway as Lock bowed his head and turned away.
When he was gone, she remained seated there, staring blankly into the empty road, lips moving in silent prayer — that her son would come home alive.
Lock felt her fear. He wanted to reassure her, but words were meaningless. He had chosen this path long ago.
If the village fell, there would be no home to return to.
He clenched his fists. This isn't just for Konoha. It's for her.
Without looking back, he activated his Blink Dagger, the chakra blade humming faintly as his body blurred into motion.
In less than a day, Lock reached the front line — a speed no ordinary ninja could match. He entered Jiraiya's command tent without sound.
Jiraiya, crouched over a map, nearly jumped when Lock appeared behind him.
"How the hell did you get here so fast?"
Lock's muffled voice came from beneath his mask. "You know my speed, Sensei. If I push myself, a few thousand kilometers is nothing."
Jiraiya scoffed, half irritated, half impressed. "Tch, still showing off, huh?"
He leaned back, scratching his head. "You know, sometimes I really hate that you're faster than me."
Lock only shrugged. "Maybe you should train your legs more, Sensei."
Jiraiya grinned despite himself. He knew better than anyone — Lock's movement ability was unparalleled.
Even the Third and Fourth Raikage, famed for their lightning speed, couldn't maintain such velocity over distance. Lock's Blink Dagger Technique lets him teleport nearly a kilometer every few seconds with minimal chakra use — rivaling even the Flying Thunder God Technique in pure mobility.
Of course, the Flying Thunder God had its own advantages — no cooldown, near-instant escape under attack — but for endurance and long-range speed, Lock's method was unmatched.
As the laughter faded, the tension in the air returned. Outside, the sound of distant explosions echoed across the mountains.
The war had already begun.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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