Kakashi glanced at Naruto and let out a quiet sigh. He had deliberately withheld the information about Orochimaru earlier—he knew how Naruto would react. The boy's emotions were always closely tied to anything involving Sasuke, and Kakashi didn't want him acting on impulse.
Tsunade turned back to the group, her tone firm. "This is significant intelligence, and we need to act on it. I believe Team Kakashi is the right choice for this mission."
Shizune, who had been quietly observing from the side, immediately stepped forward, concern written across her face. "Lady Tsunade, please reconsider. You know the risks of sending Naruto out now—especially with Akatsuki actively targeting him. It's too dangerous to let him leave the village."
Tsunade shook her head. "No. In fact, that's exactly why we must send him. First, bringing Sasuke back is still one of our top priorities, and Naruto is the key to that. Second, we cannot afford to show weakness. Avoiding conflict with Akatsuki won't stop them—it will only encourage them."
"But it will be very risky—" Shizune began, her voice tense with concern.
Tsunade raised her hand, cutting her off. "Enough. I've made my decision. Team Kakashi will take this mission. That's final." Her gaze swept across the room. "You're all dismissed. Team Kakashi, prepare to depart tomorrow morning."
The teams nodded, offering a respectful bow before turning to leave the Hokage's office.
As they exited, Naruto paused at the doorway. He glanced back, directing his words specifically at Tsunade and Shizune. "Don't worry—I'll keep myself in check."
Then he left with the others, his tone calm but determined.
Everyone had gone—except Kakashi.
Tsunade looked up at him, narrowing her eyes slightly. "You didn't leave. That means you have something else to say."
Just then, a soft thud sounded behind her. Jiraiya had slipped in through the open window and perched casually on the sill, as if he'd been listening all along.
Tsunade noticed but didn't acknowledge him beyond a glance. Her attention remained on Kakashi.
"Well?" she said. "What is it?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. It's about Naruto. Before leaving the village, Lord Jiraiya gave me a sealing tag—something to suppress the Nine-Tails in case its chakra began to surface. During the mission, that exact situation occurred. Naruto lost control—his anger pushed him over the edge. The Nine-Tails began to emerge, and by the time I stepped in, two tails had already formed."
Tsunade's expression darkened, but Kakashi continued.
"I was just about to use the sealing tag… but then Inoiki appeared. And somehow—without using any sealing technique—he suppressed the Nine-Tails immediately."
Jiraiya dropped down from the window, landing lightly on the floor. His surprise was clear. "Seriously? Without a seal? How?"
Kakashi shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. But I believe it has to do with his kekkei genkai—Psychokinesis. He can read the surface of someone's thoughts just by making eye contact. There's no need for physical touch or hand signs."
He paused, considering his next words.
"My guess is that his mental ability allowed him to directly interact with Naruto's mind. He didn't suppress the Nine-Tails by force—he calmed the emotional storm that was feeding it. It wasn't just power… it was precision, control."
Jiraiya crossed his arms, thoughtful now. "That kind of control over emotion… that's rare. Especially against something as volatile as the Nine-Tails."
Tsunade didn't speak immediately, but her eyes were fixed on the spot where Naruto had stood just minutes ago.
Tsunade leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing in thought. "You're absolutely right—that must be it. No other explanation makes sense." She looked to Kakashi. "It seems, at least for now, we've found a new addition to your team. I've decided to send Inoiki with you on this mission. If Naruto begins to lose control again, Inoiki can stop him—not just with strength, but with that powerful mental strength of his."
Kakashi gave a small nod. He had no objections. In fact, this was the best outcome he could've hoped for.
"I agree," Jiraiya added. "With Inoiki by his side, we can all breathe a little easier. Naruto will be in good hands."
Tsunade and Kakashi nodded in agreement.
Off to the side, Shizune remained silent—but her expression was troubled. She was still deeply uneasy about Naruto going on this mission. This isn't right... He's not ready. It's too risky, she thought, anxiety rising in her chest.
Lady Tsunade won't change her mind, she realized grimly. She's already decided. The only option left...
Her jaw tightened slightly.
I'll have to inform the Konoha Council.
Just then, without warning, a massive surge of chakra rippled through the air. Tsunade immediately stood from her chair, her instincts sharp. She moved to the window, where Jiraiya was already watching the horizon, his expression serious.
Kakashi and Shizune followed, joining them. In the distance, they could all see it—lightning crashing from a cloud that wasn't made of smoke or vapor, but raw, concentrated energy. It lit up the sky in irregular bursts, each strike more intense than the last.
"That direction…" Jiraiya muttered, eyes narrowing. "Isn't that the Third Training Ground?"
Tsunade nodded. "Yes. Inoiki informed me he'd be using that space for a few days. He said he was experimenting with a new ninjutsu—something he's been developing using his weapon he recently acquired from the Land of Iron."
She crossed her arms, watching the display of power with a hint of pride in her voice.
"Looks like he's succeeded. That must be his technique in action."
----
Want to get daily updates and read chapters on a daily basis? Then join my Patreon!
Patreon Link: https://[email protected]/Hkj822
Join Discord Link: https://discord.gg/P3eXz2Er