The next morning, after a brief discussion, Konoha's leadership decided to resolve the conflict with the Sand Village at the Land of Wind's Daimyo's court. They believed that after losing several teams of skilled ninja, the Sand Village would once again sue for peace. Surrendering to Konoha was something the Sand Village was quite practiced at.
This was to be Naruto's first mission as the next Hokage, a mix of politics and military action. But as he left Konoha with the Hokage Guard Platoon, he had no intention of following the consultant elders' wishes.
The Sand Village was at its weakest. If he didn't resolve this now, was he supposed to wait until Gaara's future rule brought them back to full strength before starting another war? What was the point of that?
Gaara, the soon-to-be Fifth Kazekage, had practically handed Konoha the hilt of the sword. If they didn't finish the Sand Village with one decisive strike, were they just supposed to inflict a small wound and then offer them a healing potion?
A squad of ANBU followed Naruto and the Hokage Guard Platoon, tasked with their secret protection. Among them was one particularly short member.
The purple-haired female ninja next to him glanced at the young ninja who had just joined the ANBU. "Tenzo," she asked doubtfully, "is it really okay for his assessment mission to be protecting the man who's about to become the Fifth Hokage?"
"Yes, don't worry." The squad leader looked back at the young ANBU member following them closely and said softly, "A senior who once guided me told me that he is a very reliable choice, especially for protecting the Fifth Hokage."
However, he then muttered to himself, The person Kakashi-senpai insisted on bringing... it's not like I had a choice.
Tenzo had no idea what the small rookie behind him was thinking. Ever since Tsunade had healed Sasuke's injuries, Kakashi Hatake had almost immediately arranged for Sasuke to join the ANBU under the codename "Hawk."
At this moment, Sasuke Uchiha was in that very squad. He wore a mask and was silently cursing Kakashi for picking this specific assessment mission for him. Protect his old teammate? What a joke.
Did Naruto Uzumaki need protection? Who was protecting whom here? Couldn't they get a clue?
According to Kakashi, some ordinary attackers weren't worthy of the future Hokage's attention, and that's where the ANBU would come in. Wasn't that just a roundabout way of calling his skills poor? Sasuke's mood worsened.
Soon, the guard ninjas noticed something was wrong with Naruto's route. Raidō Namiashi frowned and said, "Lord Hokage, aren't we heading to the Land of Wind's Daimyo's court?"
"No." Naruto Uzumaki shook his head. "I've thought it over. Going to the Daimyo's court won't solve the problem. We're going straight to the Sand Village. I'm going to see Gaara."
"Huh?"
"But the leadership's decision..."
"This matter was my decision in the first place." Naruto didn't turn back. "If any of you think the mission to the Sand Village is too dangerous, you can withdraw."
He really didn't want to bring this group of guards. He had been the one to propose using force to deal with the Sand Village's provocation, and Konoha's leadership had agreed. But going to the Daimyo's court was far less direct than just solving the issue at its source. This way would save both villages from haggling over minor details.
Compared to the old men who worried about war, Naruto, who had experienced the future, understood the Sand Village's current strength far better. Honestly, besides Gaara, the rest of the Sand's ninja weren't worth mentioning. And of course, even Gaara was no match for him.
"Lord Hokage, it's not a matter of us thinking it's dangerous..."
"If something goes wrong, we won't be able to answer to the village!"
"Please proceed according to the original plan..."
"Lord Hokage!"
The guards' persuasion was useless. The young Hokage was exceptionally determined. Plus, Naruto's traveling speed was so fast that they could only trail far behind. Annoyed, Naruto finally shook off the Hokage Guard Platoon completely, speeding up on his own.
The ANBU ninjas responsible for his secret protection quickly noticed the guards falling out of range and followed closely. While the Hokage Guard Platoon stopped to rest, Tenzo, full of stamina, chased after Naruto. The remaining ANBU members gathered and met up with the guard platoon.
The purple-haired female ANBU looked unhappily at Raidō Namiashi and Genma Shiranui. "Hey, what's with you guys?" she said in a low voice.
"Hurry back to the village and report!" Genma Shiranui said, panting. "Lord Hokage wants to go straight to the Sand Village! We have to send someone to stop him!"
"What kind of joke is this? Our ANBU squad is the only protection he has left. How can he suddenly go to the Sand Village?"
"There's no time," the short ANBU member interjected softly, glancing at everyone present. "That guy Naruto has more stamina than anyone. If we don't catch up, he'll be going to the Sand Village alone."
"At the very least, we need to send for reinforcements in time," Raidō Namiashi said, stuffing a military ration pill into his mouth. "After we recover our chakra, we'll use the Flying Raijin Formation to return to Konoha and have the village send reinforcements immediately!"
The short ANBU member looked at them with confusion. "Aren't you the Hokage Guard Platoon? Shouldn't your job be to protect Naruto? Is the Hokage Guard Platoon supposed to monitor the Hokage, or protect him?"
"Hey, you ANBU brat, what do you mean by that!"
"Captain, don't be rash!"
"Hawk, shut up!"
The resting area suddenly became lively. The short ANBU's words seemed to have provoked the collective anger of the Hokage Guard Platoon. If the situation weren't so critical, they probably would have started fighting among themselves.
A disagreement arose. Some believed they should return for reinforcements, while others believed they had to continue the mission. Even if they couldn't persuade Naruto to turn back, they had to protect him with their lives.
The disagreement disappeared as quickly as it started, and the group soon reached a consensus.
"We are ANBU. We should die on the path of our mission," one ANBU ninja declared with great tragedy, his voice full of self-sacrificing spirit. "If we return to the village, what is our purpose? Is it just to deliver the news that Lord Hokage might die in the Sand Village?"
"If we die protecting him, it will make him realize his mistake. At that time, he will grow up to be a true Hokage, not this willful boy. Have you forgotten the Will of Fire? Where the leaves of Konoha dance, flames are found. The fire's shadow will illuminate the village, and once again, new leaves will bud..."
As he finished his emotional speech, everyone present fell silent.
The corner of the short ANBU member's eye twitched. He felt like he was looking at a group of morons.
However, Genma Shiranui walked up and patted his shoulder. "It's enough for us to go," he said gravely. "This little guy shouldn't be sacrificed in this mission..."
"..."
The face of the short ANBU member, hidden under his mask, turned ugly. What kind of brilliant teammates had he been blessed with?
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Bonus:
Kakashi Hatake: Sasuke, I've registered you to join the ANBU!
Sasuke: Thanks.
Kakashi Hatake: Is there a problem with the assessment mission?
Sasuke: No problem, don't worry.
Kakashi Hatake: Then I've arranged it for you!
Sasuke: Thank you, Kakashi-sensei. What is the assessment mission?
Kakashi Hatake: Protect Naruto!
Sasuke: ...