Chapter 76 – The Dragon Vein Mission
The Hokage's office was dim, the air heavy with smoke from Hiruzen Sarutobi's pipe. The muffled sounds of Konoha were distant, but here the mood was grave. The weight of the ongoing conflict pressed down, palpable in the small room.
Before the desk stood three shinobi clad in standard ANBU gear—masks at their sides, posture sharp and disciplined. Namikaze Minato, tall and calm, stood at the center. On his left was Aburame Shibi, his presence quiet but sharp with calculation. On the right was Akimichi Chōza, broad-shouldered, his serious face unusually tense.
Hiruzen exhaled slowly, a thin plume of smoke curling toward the ceiling, then set the pipe aside. His voice was low, carrying the undeniable weight of war.
> "The war continues along the borders of Fire and Wind. Between them lies the buffer—Rivers and Rain. That land is bleeding, and now… intelligence from our spy in Suna has reached us. It's a development that shifts the entire balance of power."
>
The three shinobi remained silent, their eyes locked on the Hokage, waiting.
Hiruzen's expression hardened, his gaze piercing.
> "Sunagakure is moving toward Rōran, an isolated city-state deep in the region. Their target is the Dragon Vein—an ancient source said to hold limitless, uncontainable chakra. They believe it's the key to victory."
>
A faint, chilling shift ran through the room.
Chōza, ever direct, broke the silence with a deep, rumbling voice. "Limitless chakra, Lord Hokage? Is the report reliable? Such power is rumored only in myth."
> "The risk is too great to dismiss," Hiruzen countered, leaning forward slightly. "Our data, however sparse, suggests the Vein is tied directly to the land itself, controlled by Rōran's Queen. If the Queen submits, Suna will gain unimaginable power. If she resists, they will seize her and control the Vein by force. Either outcome means a Sand Village capable of overwhelming the Five Great Nations."
>
Minato's eyes narrowed slightly. He spoke with the quiet authority that made him a feared presence on the battlefield.
> "What is Suna's expected arrival time, Lord Hokage? Do we have an estimated force size?"
>
> "They are moving quickly. A strike force—likely high-ranking Jōnin—is already in transit. You have little time. This cannot be allowed," Hiruzen stressed. "The Dragon Vein is too dangerous to fall into Suna's hands. Your mission: infiltrate Rōran, protect the queen, and if necessary—seal the Vein itself before it can be weaponized."
>
He looked directly at Minato, his voice steady and resolute.
> "Minato… I entrust this mission, this cornerstone of our defense, to you."
>
Minato stepped forward and bowed slightly, his posture impeccable. "Yes, Lord Hokage. I will see it done."
But instead of stepping back, he reached into his vest and withdrew two slim, well-worn profiles, placing them neatly on Hiruzen's desk.
Hiruzen raised a discerning brow. "Oh?"
Minato's tone was respectful, yet resolute. He spoke with the conviction of a teacher who knew his students' true worth.
> "Lord Hokage, with the nature of the Dragon Vein being chakra-based, I request to add two to my team. Hatake Kakashi's talent for elemental manipulation and his speed are essential for rapid deployment and defense. Furthermore, Uchiha Akira's unique growth—his precision, coupled with the potential of his Sharingan—offers an unparalleled defensive and analytical edge that a mission of this complexity demands."
>
Shibi remained silent, but a small, calculating nod confirmed his agreement with the rationale.
The Hokage sat back, considering. Smoke curled around his face as he studied Minato's calm, unwavering expression, then glanced over the files. Kakashi—a prodigy, yes. Akira—quiet, yet his record spoke of a sharp mind and frighteningly unusual growth.
Finally, Hiruzen gave a small, solemn nod.
> "Very well. They will join you. Let their youth be a shield, not a weakness. Use them wisely, Minato."
>
Minato inclined his head. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. They will not fail."
Hiruzen's voice grew firm, stripping the air of any lingering warmth.
> "Remember, this is an infiltration mission. Masks on. Your identities must remain hidden at all times. If Suna confirms Konoha's presence, it could escalate the war further. Protect the queen, seal the Dragon Vein if possible… and return alive."
>
The three ANBU bowed in unison—a sharp, disciplined movement.
Minato retrieved the two profiles. His eyes narrowed slightly behind his mask as he straightened, a weight settling on his shoulders that was heavier than the war itself.
Rōran… the Dragon Vein…
He glanced briefly at the names in his hand—Akira and Kakashi.
This mission will test us all, both as shinobi and as a team.
And with the quiet opening of the office door, the seeds of fate began to move.