In this era of war, teams had not yet been standardized into four-man squads like in the future. It seemed that after experiencing this war, the higher-ups in Konoha had carefully considered the matter—or perhaps were inspired by the legendary Sannin—and decided to adopt the four-man squad system. This arrangement conserved manpower while allowing better responses to unexpected situations.
Since White Fang had allowed him to form a squad himself, it was likely both an acknowledgment of his abilities and indicated White Fang simply no longer had time to train him personally.
If he guessed correctly, the battles at the Rain Village had probably ended. Naturally, Konoha wouldn't waste its forces by keeping White Fang there any longer. He would surely be transferred to the Second Battle for a handover with the Third Hokage. Only this time, White Fang would have overall command responsibilities.
Therefore, choosing the other three members became especially important for Anya. First and unquestionably, Minato was his first choice. As for the remaining two, Anya fell into deep thought.
The reason for hesitation was simple—he just couldn't decide. Although he was a disciple of White Fang, he wasn't well-known himself; experienced fighters wouldn't willingly obey his commands anyway, so why bother? And as for beginners, Anya could only scoff inwardly.
This mission was essentially like entering another massive battlefield operation—and what did those operations need most? Definitely a tank and a healer. A figure immediately came to mind: Dan Kato. There was no one more suitable than him, especially considering their existing friendship.
As for the tank position, someone from the Akimichi clan would've been ideal without question. However, the Three Clans typically remained grouped together, making separating them inappropriate. So who else should he choose?
Well, never mind. He'd think about it later. He'd bring these two on board first, then ask for their suggestions. Perhaps a third candidate would emerge then.
Without delay, Anya headed straight to the hospital where Dan Kato's busy silhouette quickly came into view.
After Dan finished treating a ninja, Anya approached and said, "Dan, I need to talk to you."
Looking quite exhausted, Dan wiped the sweat off his forehead and gently asked, "What is it?"
Anya got straight to the point, saying, "I'm forming a four-man team to carry out a mission on the battlefield against Iwagakure. I'd like to invite you to join my squad."
"Going to war?" Looking around at the injured ninjas crying out in pain in the hospital, Dan tightened his fist and resolutely replied, "It seems war has become inevitable if we are to achieve peace in the village afterward. Alright, I'll go."
Hearing Dan's agreement, Anya let out a sigh of relief and said, "Then get ready. Meet me tonight at the Konoha gates."
With that, Anya hurried off to look for Minato next. Unexpectedly, Minato wasn't at home.
Where had that guy gone? Could he possibly be...
Realizing a sudden idea, Anya rushed directly to Kushina Uzumaki's house—and just as expected, Minato was indeed here too.
Unable to help himself, Anya teased, "No wonder I couldn't find you anywhere—you're hiding here!"
Seeing Anya appear, Minato looked somewhat embarrassed and awkwardly smiled, saying, "I've been worried about possible actions from Kumogakure, so I've stayed here protecting her lately."
Before Anya could reply, Kushina Uzumaki interrupted impatiently, "Tiny, what business do you have with where Minato is? We don't welcome you here."
"This nickname gives me a headache," Anya frowned, though his hair wasn't that short—he definitely didn't qualify as a 'short cut.' This little spicy girl must have gotten used to calling him that. Naturally, Anya didn't bother arguing and turned directly to Minato, "The battle at Sanshouo Hanzo's area has already ended. My teacher asked me to form a four-man squad heading toward the second battlefield, and I want you on my team. Interested?"
Minato nodded without hesitation.
Beside him, Kushina's face darkened as she gripped Minato's hand tightly.
Here we go again with the drama, Anya muttered inwardly, watching Kushina cling tightly to Minato before saying, "Don't worry. My teacher should've already headed to the second battlefield by now. Third Hokage will return to the village soon, and with him there, you'll be safe."
After hearing this, Minato turned to Kushina with a solemn expression and said, "I must go. This war is about protecting our home. I can't stand by and do nothing—it's my duty."
Understanding she couldn't stop Minato, Kushina lifted her head defiantly, "Since you're going, then I'm coming too. Little... Anya, right? I want to join your four-man squad."
"You?" Anya shook his head hard. Leaving aside her abilities, with her temperament alone, he wouldn't choose her. Brining a couple on the same mission? That's just asking for bad calls based on emotions.
Seeing Anya refused her, Kushina's eyes twinkled as she seemed to have thought of something. She released Minato's hand and said, "In that case, you go home and prepare first."
"Okay." Minato smiled gently at her and disappeared using Shunshin.
As Anya was about to leave, Kushina suddenly called him out, "Wait."
Anya scowled as he reluctantly turned around and said, "Don't expect me to take you along. No means no."
Kushina snorted coldly, "Hmph! Minato often mentions you these days. I know you're very interested in powerful ninjutsu. So how about this—you take me along and I'll teach you Uzumaki's sealing techniques."
"Huh," Anya's face instantly became bright as he grinned, "That sounds not bad at all. Then let's bring you along. But let me warn you beforehand, you must obey my commands during the mission. If unauthorized actions lead to serious consequences, I will request to send you back to the village."
Seeing Anya had agreed, Kushina's face lit up with delight as she nodded, "Alright, I understand."
"Then you'd better get prepared. We're assembling tonight at Konoha's front gate."
Never expecting the four-man team could assemble this quickly. Although choosing Kushina was somewhat impulsive, at least she wasn't the jinchūriki of Nine-Tails yet; taking her out wouldn't cause much concern. Moreover, the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan were highly appealing to Anya.
The Uzumaki clan was known throughout history for possessing some of the most powerful sealing techniques—excluding only the rare god-tier abilities, their techniques were unmatched. Owning power you can't control often brings nothing but disaster.
With sealing techniques available, there would be so many applicable situations in the future, especially regarding tailed beasts. Anya once had an idea: once his strength improved, he planned to do some hands-on experiments with one firsthand, since chakra that breaks all known human limits was truly tempting.
When night fell, the four met exactly on time at Konoha's main gate. Of course, Minato was quite surprised when he saw Kushina there.
But Kushina's words quickly silenced him.
"Since it's a war, no one can avoid it. Besides, we're teammates now. I believe you can protect me."
Anya addressed the three of them: "We don't know how long this war will last. It's very likely we'll have to work together on long-term missions. To make our teamwork more effective, we should all share our specialties. I'm Anya. I'm currently at Jonin level and specialize in close-range combat with blades."
"Minato Namikaze. Jonin-level strength. Specializing in speed."
"Dan Kato. Jonin-level strength. Medic ninja. Skilled in assassination."
"Kushina Uzumaki. Currently holds the rank of Genin. [Sealing Technique]."
Once they had a rough idea of each other's strengths, Anya said with enthusiasm: "Let's go!"
Together, they stepped into the night, rushing toward the unknown battlefield.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
Want to read the subsequent content in advance?
Please follow my Patreon:patreon/Tansnovel
Tans Novel - The Fastest-Updating Naruto Fanfiction Account
Read 100+ chapters in advance, with at least 3 new chapters updated every day! More free chapters! 20+ Naruto fanfictions!
Just three steps:
1. Download and open the "Patreon" app
2. Search for "Tans Novel"
3. Click on the collection and enjoy to your heart's content
<><><><><><><><>