Naruto: Escape From Konoha

Chapter 198: 194: Crossroads

The capital of the Land of Fire, the Daimyo's mansion.

It is often referred to as a mansion, but in fact, it was an extraordinarily grand castle. The castle housed not only the daimyo but also an entourage of maids and guards, including numerous skilled ninjas secretly safeguarding the daimyo's security.

In the castle's highest tower, the Fire Daimyo and several key ministers had gathered here for a meeting. Present were the Third Hokage, Hiruzen, a symbolic military leader for the Land of Fire; the two advisors, Koharu and Homura; and the leader of the secretive Root, Danzo.

All four of them had gathered at the castle keep to discuss a particular matter—the impending resignation of the Third Hokage and the appointment of the next Hokage. As the news of the Third Hokage's resignation reached the Fire Daimyo , someone who had known Hiruzen for many years, the Daimyo's face expressed regret.

"It is a pity. You've done a good job during your tenure as the Third Hokage. I didn't expect you would be retiring so soon."

"Daimyo-sama, you're joking. The truth is, I'm already in my fifties, and I no longer have the same energy and strength as before. It would be better to name the next Hokage assoon as possible. Besides, the reason Konoha was always in a war is partly due to my poor leadership." Hiruzen said with a sigh, as if he had made up his mind.

The daimyo nodded, unfurled his fan, and lightly fanned himself while gazing with nostalgia.

"In that case then, the four of you coming here together suggests you have already settled on the candidate for the Fourth Hokage position."

Though the Daimyo was the country's nominal leader, he held the highest administrative and military authority. However, this authority wasn't absolute, and it was extremely challenging for the Daimyo to interfere with the decision making of choosing a Kage, including those pertaining to the management of a ninja village.

Therefore, it was up to Konoha to select the candidate for the Fourth Hokage. Their visit here was largely ceremonial, allowing the daimyo to bear witness to the process. After all, Ninja Villages relied on financial support from the nobles, such as the daimyo, to function. This decades-long arrangement had stood the test of time and remained unchanged.

"Yes, we've chosen a candidate."

Hiruzen confirmed. He presented several copies of documents outlining the selection to the Daimyo and the other important officials. These officials, including the daimyo, hailed from powerful and wealthy families, possessing resources and influence beyond the reach of ordinary people. They represented the pinnacle of the Land of Fire's power.

After reviewing the document contents, the Daimyo and other officials nodded in agreement. The chosen candidate was somewhat unexpected but it was reasonable.

"The Yellow Flash? He is indeed an excellent ninja, and we've heard words about him. Even among the nobles, there are even young ladies who admire a talented and promising ninja like him. The next time you visit, please bring him along. My daughter wishes to meet him too." The Daimyo said with a smile.

"Daimyo-sama, it isn't appropriate for a member of the nobility to engage in such manner. Besides, you're only flattering Minato." Hiruzen chuckled, calmly declining the Daimyo's proposition.

For someone related to a country's daimyo, there were political undercurrents to the proposal, especially concerning a princess; marriage was often a means of advancing their political interests. In any case, as the Hokage, allowing external power structures getting involved was not an option. It would damage the Hokage's authority and influence.

"They're all young people, maybe they have more in common to discuss than us old timers."

Facing the Daimyo's repeated requests, Hiruzen smiled saying nothing.

Danzo, on the other hand, silently sneered, his eyes filled with resignation. For a ninja like Namikaze Minato, no matter the circumstance, it was impossible to stand by his side. As one of Konoha's key decision-makers, however, he was obliged to attend this important yet not important meeting.

....

The selection of the Fourth Hokage happened quickly. Under the pretense of having village matters to attend to, Hiruzen, accompanied by the three advisors and the Anbu, they left the capital of the Land Of Fire and returned to Konoha.

After their return to the village, the first order of business was dispatching Anbu to spread the news throughout the village, ensuring every ninja and villager learned that Namikaze Minato was to succeed as the Fourth Hokage. Konoha was about to usher in a new era under the guidance of their new Hokage.

No matter what changes the village has undergone due to the alternation of Hokage, at the top of the Hokage Building, Hiruzen summoned Minato alone.

No matter what changes the village was going through due to the announcement of the new Hokage, at the top of the Hokage Building, Hiruzen summoned Minato alone,

"I'm sorry, Minato, for making you take on such a heavy responsibility so early."

"Please, don't say that Hokage-sama. Since the village has chosen me as the Fourth Hokage, I will become the Hokage. I look forward to carrying the heavy responsibilities."

Minato was fully aware of the task that lay ahead. While the role of Hokage was demanding, it would be less physically arduous compared to his days on the frontlines..Moreover, this had been his dream since childhood—to become Hokage.

"It isn't my wish to tie you up in the village, but there's growing discontent among many within the village regarding my conservative leadership. The time for change is just right."

Minato listened carefully to Hiruzen's words.

"You don't need to concern yourself about Kumo. Although their movements are strange, there are other ninjas in the village who can deal with any potential threats from Kumo against the Land of Fire. Anyways, congratulations again Minato." Hiruzen showed. warm smile.

Although Minato wasn't his disciple, but he had essentially watched Minato grow and understood him better than most. Minato's who was dedicated to the Will of Fire will definitely implement it, effectively guiding the village to a better future. Before that, however, there was an urgent need to stabilize the rest of the village. Hiruzen had to address the standing issues that still plagued Konoha before he could retire and entrust everything to Minato.

For Minato, the mission of balancing the various factions within the village would be a difficult one. Minato would need time to navigate the complicated political landscape of the village and gain the necessary power and influence.

Hiruzen's apology to Minato stemmed from this dilemma. He didn't want Minato to be a mere puppet, he desired Minato to surpass his own expectations and lead Konoha toward a brighter future.

Looking at the sky, Hiruzen's thoughts drifted to the past.

"If only Tobirama-sensei was still with us, the village might be different now." Hiruzen thought about the old the days.

Now, the Uchiha issue needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. Delaying further would be detrimental to the village's stability.

A resolute determination flashed in Hiruzen's eyes.

...

In early August, after the Fourth Hokage's inauguration ceremony, Konoha officially announced to the world that Namikaze Minato, known as the Yellow Flash, would be the Fourth Hokage.

In many ways, this development was predictable. The choice for the Fourth Hokage position was always between the Yellow Flash and the Sannin.

With the Yellow Flash as Hokage, it meant that he would no longer be on the battlefield regularly, unless there was a special situation. As for whether the Yellow Flash's tenure as Hokage would lead Konoha to prosperity or decline, only time would time.

The Yellow Flash's exceptional strength on the battlefield was unquestioned, but his leadership skills would be put to the test.

Despite the concerns from the outside, Minato was caught in a mix of distress and happiness. It may sound somewhat complacent, but becoming Hokage was indeed something to be happy about.

What was distressing was that he lacked trusted subordinates under him.

Experienced Jonins kept their distance and rarely expressed their opinions directly. Like those outside of the village, they believed in the Yellow Flash's individual strength, but they questioned his leadership capabilities.

To deal with his lacking leading ability, Minato needed to seek out capable individuals among the new generation of ninjas. He took charge and formed the Shadow Guard and his own Anbu units under his direct command.

To ease the transition, the Third Hokage personally selected four squads, comprising sixteen skilled ninjas, from his Anbu ranks to support Minato. They would work alongside Minato's existing Anbu team to help him shoulder the responsibilities of his new position.

As expected, one week after taking office as the Fourth Hokage, Kakashi officially joined Minato's Anbu. As time passed, he would rise through the ranks from member to captain, deputy minister, and eventually the minister of Anbu.

It seems like everything was going in a good direction for him.

One interesting aspect for Kakashi was the order given to him by the Third Hokage, to assist Minato and strictly follow Minato's orders.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru ask him to pay more attention on gathering information related to ninjutsu stored in the Hokage Building, including forbidden jutsus.

Danzo, however, tasked Kakashi with monitoring Minato's every move, searching for any potential blackmail materials, and using public opinion to put more pressure on Minato.

Fortunately, Shiraishi didn't have any orders, and Kakashi was allowed to move freely, otherwise the burden on him would be really heavy. The Third Hokage, the Fourth Hokage, the leader of the Root, and one of the Sannin.... all influential figures more powerful than him.

Despite the challenges, there were benefits to joining the Anbu. With Minato's new authority, it provided Kakashi access to important ninjutsu materials, that would give him more knowledge to increase his strength.

The wealth of ninjutsu knowledge lthat Konoha had compiled over the years proved to be an invaluable resource for Kakashi. Although it didn't offer the same benefits as the mysterious Sage Mode.

After completing a mission, Kakashi, the leader of a four-man Anbu team, made his way to the Hokage Building for the mission report.

This mission this time eas quite easy. To identify and eliminate a spy who infiltrated Konoha from an enemy ninja village. After obtaining information from Konoha, the enemy spy made a run for the Land of Fire's border.

Kakashi's Anbu team successfully tracked down and neutralized the spy, recovering the stolen secret scroll in the process. The spy's body was also secured for the interrogation department to determine the spy's country of origin.

Carrying the retrieved secret scroll in his pouch and changing into his Anbu costume with an animal mask, Kakashi headed toward the Hokage's office to submit the scroll for confirmation to the Fourth Hokage.

Before arriving at the office, a ninja emerged from the front room. The ninja carried la large box filled with documents. Seeing Kakashi's distinctive Anbu costume, the ninja grinned, "Kakashi, are you here to see Hokage-sama?"

"Hayate, you shouldn't call out the name of an Anbu casually."

Protecting the identity of Anbu members was supposed to be common sense amongst ninjas.

Kakashi looked helplessly at ninja in front of him.

Hayate Gekko. He was transferred to wor in the Hokage Building, and he's also one of the Shadow Guard of the new hokage.

"Haha.. but it is really hard not to recognize you. With your iconic silver hair and that sword on your back."

"What are these files?" Kakashi looked curiously at the contents within box.

"These are documents that have been discarded I need to take care of. Sorry, but I have to get going."

"It's alright, just go about your business."

Kakashi watched as Hayate left with the documents, couldn't help but lament about Minato's team lacking experienced members. He understood Minato's choices were constrained, but it would be challenging to have new-generation Chunin like Hayate and other members of the Minato Kageguards.

It wasn't like he was underestimating Hayate, who had recently earned his Chunin rank, but it was rather unexpected that a member of Hokage's Shadow Guard would be a relatively new Chunin. The other two ninja, also part of Minato's Kageguards like Hayate, were likewise from the younger generation who had recently attained the rank of Chunin.

Was Minato only able to recruit his close subordinates from the pool of new ninja talent? Kakashi found himself feeling somewhat empathetic toward Minato's predicament. He made his way to Minato's office, knocked on the door and received permission to enter. When he entered he was surprised to find three other people in the room.

Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza.

He had undertaken missions together with the three of them two years ago.

'The three of them are here... does that mean...?'

The internal dispute within Konoha were far more intense than outsiders could imagine, and Kakashi felt he was at the heart of this intense storm.

Once Kakashi arrived they looked at him, easily recognizing his identity even with his mask. His silver hair, sword, fierce and sharp aura emanating from him.

Minato smiled and spoke to the three of them "Then, I'll be entrusting you with what we just discussed."

"Do not worry, leave this matter to us, Hokage-sama. We will provide you with a satisfactory response." Shikaku responded with a smile, then led Inoichi and Choza away, closing the door behind them.

After the three left, Kakashi took the stolen secret scroll from his pouch and placed it on the table before Minato..

"Hokage-sama, the mission has been completed successfully."

This was understandable since, as soon as he started working, the relationship between him and Minato would be invalidated. Here, they only had the relationship between superiors and subordinates, Hokage and Anbu.

Minato picked up the scroll, opening it. After confirming its contents, rolled it up, and placed it in a drawer.

"Thank you for your hard work. There is no issue with the mission. Fortunately, you resolved it before it could cause any trouble." Minato breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Kakashi with admiration.

"It is my duty, Hokage-sama."

"There's another important mission for you, Kakashi. After completing this mission, I'll give you a few days of vacation."

"It's my honor, Hokage-sama." Kakashi responded seriously.

Minato had been assigning him mission after mission primarily due to the lack of alternatives. The members of the Shadow Guard were all Chunin, and there were very few Jonin he could trust completely.

Minato handed Kakashi a new mission scroll, "This is the content of your next mission. Take a look."

Kakashi opened it to confirm the content of this mission. He raised an eyebrow beneath his mask,.

"The Land of Rain?"

The mission's location in the Land of Rain surprised Kakashi. To be honest, he considered many places in the ninja world to be extremely dangerous. In addition to the Land of Demons, the only other place was the Land of Rain. This seemingly impoverished nation, which had lost even its sovereignty, was a breeding ground for hidden undercurrents.

"Yes, this mission falls on you. Be careful, I sense this mission won't be easy. If you sense any issues, it is acceptable to abort the mission." Minato advised Kakashi seriously.

Kakashi had no choice but to nod. Of course, he understood the danger in the Land of Rain. If he were to meet the legendary Rinnegan, his only option would be to flee for his life. He wasn't keen on dying early, so he needed to be well-prepared. Hence, it was important to prepare additional explosives.

...

"As a result, the Yellow Flash has become the Fourth Hokage?"

Nagato inquired from a secret room within a cave, having just finished his training and resting when he heard this information from White Zetsu.

"Yeah, it took everyone by surprise. That Orochimaru's plan completely failed." White Zetsu giggled.

"Nagato-sama is also like the Fourth Hokage, you are all disciples of Sannin Jiraiya." Black Zetsu added.

"Setting aside Jiraiya, we shouldn't underestimate Konoha. The same goes for those three people. Do you have any information about them?" Nagato said looking at Black Zetsu.

Black Zetsu knew the "three people" Nagato was referring to.

"Not yet. It is really strange. We've searched nearly every corner of the world, but we can't find their whereabouts. It's almost as if they have disappeared from the world.

White Zetsu smiled, although not quite concerned. "It's not strange. When Madara-sama was still here, we suffered a lot. Their ability to hide themselves is indeed extraordinary. But in the meantime, Konoha should be free to deal with those three as well."

Black Zetsu agreed with White Zetsu.

"No, now is not the right time to deal with those three." Nagato expressed a different opinion, which surprised both Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.

Nagato looked at the half-burned burned candle on the candlestick,. "Compared to those three, Konoha is the biggest problem. To reclaim control of the Land of Rain, I need to sow chaos in either Konoha or the Land of Fire. And then there will be an opportunity to deal with those three."

"But..."

Nagato stood up from his seat, interrupting Black Zetsu's speech.

"Never mind. Konoha... The Land of Fire's power is too overwhelming. The stronger the Land of Fire, the more we depend on them for survival. Konoha and the Land of Fire are our most powerful enemy. What's more, Konoha is more accessible to target since they operate openly. We can't predict how long it will take to locate those three people."

Seeing Nagato's determined expression, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu had no choice but to agree.

Nagato's statement held true – the Land of Fire and Konoha had immense power. Particularly, the current Hokage, the Yellow Flash, was set to lead Konoha to even greater strength.

."By the way, the White Zetsu at the border of the Land of Rain got a very interesting piece of news."

"What news?"

"Hatake Kakashi, the Yellow Flash's student, recently infiltrated the Land of Rain. He appears to be investigating a prospecting matter." .

"Prospecting?"

Nagato frowned. His animosity for the Land of Rain's current leader, who had usurped Hanzo's authority, was clear..Furthermore, Kandachi had become an obedient puppet of Konoha, effectively asserting authority over Ame while ruthlessly eliminating dissidents. If it weren't for Konoha, Nagato would have already taken action. He felt increasingly sure in his decision. Unless Konoha encountered trouble, the situation in the Land of Rain and Ame would only worse.

"It seems there was a little accident during one of Kandachi and Danzo's trafficking operations near the border. If the Yellow Flash gets the evidence... Konoha will be certainly interesting, and we will be seeing how Danzo falls." White Zetsu added with a smug smile.

.

"Don't rejoice yet. The Yellow Flash has only taken over as the Hokage, so he may not necessarily pose an immediate threat to Danzo. But... it is indeed a golden opportunity. so we'll take good advantage of it."

A gleam appeared in Nagato's eyes.

...

Leading three Anbu members, Kakashi journeyed from Konoha to the border of the Land of Rain in just a single day and night. Before entering the Land of Rain's borders, Kakashi's team took a half-day break to recuperate, ensuring they were fully rested and had replenished their stamina and chakra.

Although two years had passed since the end of the war, the Land of Rain had not yet attained peace; in fact, it appeared more chaotic than during the war. Bandits and rogue ninjas roamed freely, and corpses were a common sight in the wilderness.

Engaging in battles upon entering this country was considered normal, and even someone of Kakashi's caliber needed to be on high alert.

Kakashi's team comprised one special Jonin and two Chunins. While they had respectable strength, they may not be of use against powerful opponents. After all, the Anbu team had just been formed, they lacked both medical and sensory ninjas, making it a somewhat subpar lineup.

Kakashi was doing his best for this mission.

According to Minato's information, there were frequent criminal operations involving human trafficking near the junction of the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain, involving as many as hundreds of people

The full scope of this operation remained a mystery to Kakashi.

Nonetheless, his top priority was to confirm the truth of the matter as swiftly as possible. However, this investigation would likely lead to confrontations with some powerful ninja, as managing such extensive human trafficking required the influence of a formidable ninja faction manipulating things behind the scene.

While on his way in the Land of Rain, Kakashi suddenly noticed something and signaled the three behind him to stop. They complied with his order, and, together with Kakashi, they looked at the person blocking their path in the rain, their eyes filled with surprise.

To their astonishment, they beheld a drenched figure on the narrow road. Kakashi and his team were surprised by unexpected appearance.

"Jiraiya-sama, why are you here?"

The figure blocking their path, drenched by the rain on the narrow road, was none other than Jiraiya.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. Minato assigned me to join you on this mission."

"Join us on the mission?" Kakashi asked, his tone cautious.

"That's correct. Minato believed that your mission appears somewhat dangerous and he thought it would be better if I followed you. He asked me to join you shortly after you started your journey."

Jiraiya clarified. To corroborate his words, he presented Kakashi's team with the transfer order personally written by Minato.

After verifying from the scroll, Kakashi's team was reassured to learn that Jiraiya had been enlisted by Minato to assist them in completing the mission.

"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama. Your presence will undoubtedly make this mission progress more smoothly." Kakashi acknowledged with a sense of relief.

After all, they were unaware of who might be orchestrating events from behind the scenes. Jiraiya's assistance promised to improve the situation, particularly with regards to their safety.

The thought of the mysterious Rinnegan, watching over the Land of Rain from an unknown location sent shivers down Kakashi's spine.

"I certainly hope so. My decision to come to the Land of Rain wasn't solely due to Minato's request."

"Jiraiya-sama, is there another reason for your presence?"

Jiraiya looked ar the gray, rain-soaked landscape and revealed a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Well, it's something old."

'Nagato, how are you doing now? Are you still alive, or are you...'

He had been thinking about the fate of Nagato, and the other two, since arriving in the Land of Rain. He couldn't bear to think about it any longer.

Despite the uncertainty, he remained determined to locate Nagato and his friends, whether they were still alive or had met a different fate. He hoped it won't be the worst outcome. However, he was aware that it was highly possible that the three of them had died during the war that happened in the Land of Rain two years ago.

"Sure enough. Minato is truly the Child of Prophecy..."

-----

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