Kenya hadn't expected that his very first task as the newly appointed Minister of Konoha Shinobi would coincide with Sasuke's defection.
Right now, Uzumaki Naruto, Haruno Sakura, and Kakashi stood before him, the full team—minus Sasuke—gathered in his office.
Naruto's injuries from the battle with Gaara hadn't yet healed; his face and hands were still wrapped in bandages. According to Kakashi's account, Sakura had gone to check on Sasuke only to discover that he was missing. She had searched all the usual places he frequented but found nothing. Realizing something was wrong, she immediately reported it to Kakashi.
Originally, Kakashi intended to bypass anyone else and report directly to Tsunade, avoiding contact with Uchiha Kenya altogether. But Tsunade was busy handling a major event and had redirected all missions below S-rank to Ninbu. Left with no choice, they came here.
"According to your words, Sasuke has been missing for four days. There's no record of him taking any mission. That can only mean one thing—he defected, correct?" Kenya asked calmly.
"Sasuke won't defect!" Naruto shouted, voice sharp with defiance. "Absolutely impossible!"
"Calm yourself, Naruto. Since you're so certain, then I'll make this official. I'll assign you a mission to pursue Sasuke," Kenya replied with a small smile.
"Really?! You're a good guy after all!" Naruto grinned, showing his bright teeth.
Kenya chuckled. "Well, I can't compare with the Third Hokage, or even your teacher's teacher, the Fourth."
Kakashi's eyelids twitched. For some reason, he felt a hidden barb in Kenya's words.
"But where did Sasuke go?" Naruto asked in confusion. Chasing him was one thing—but without clues, it was impossible to start.
"Kakashi's summon hounds should be able to pick up Sasuke's trail. Even after four days, traces of his scent should remain," Kenya suggested. "This mission will be classified as B-rank. Hatake Kakashi will lead, with Naruto and Sakura as the team members. Your task: track down Uchiha Sasuke."
He stamped the mission scroll, slid it across the desk to Kakashi, and said with a sly smile: "I wish you success."
Outside the Ninbu Building, Naruto stretched his arms behind his head and laughed. "See? Kakashi-sensei was all tense for nothing. That guy might be from Sasuke's clan, but he's not bad at all!"
Kakashi gave Naruto a sidelong glance, lips tightening under his mask. He wanted to correct Naruto, but instead summoned his ninken with a series of quick hand signs. His tone turned serious.
"Before we set out, listen carefully. You both need to prepare for the worst outcome. After the wars we've been through, you should know this already—the ninja world is dark, and often cruel. Sasuke may really have defected."
The weight of his words struck home. Naruto and Sakura both stiffened, their faces paling. Hearing it from Kenya was one thing. But from Kakashi—their trusted teacher—the truth cut far deeper.
By dusk, inside the Hokage's office, Tsunade leaned back in her chair with a groan, exhausted from paperwork. She shifted her gaze to Kenya lounging on the sofa.
"Move. I want to lie down there."
Kenya smirked. "It's wide enough. You could still lie down even if I'm here."
Tsunade's glare shut him up instantly. He stood, yielding the space as she sprawled out comfortably.
"How did the Wind and Water Countries respond?" he asked.
"In the Wind Country, it's practically decided that Gaara will be the Fifth Kazekage. He's still too young, though, so the real power lies with elders like Pakura and Chiyo. Fortunately, they're united and agreed to your proposal," Tsunade explained. "As for the Water Country—the Fifth Mizukage responded faster than even them. She agreed without hesitation."
Kenya raised a brow. "I recall that during the Mist's civil war three years ago, you claimed I was meddling there."
"Don't twist my words." Tsunade shot him a look.
Kenya chuckled, brushing it aside. At that time, Terumi Mei had hinted at more than a political alliance—but he'd deflected her advances. Whether she still harbored such thoughts, he couldn't say.
"I don't care about your messy affairs," Tsunade muttered. "Just remember—what you're planning is extreme. Don't move unless you're sure of success."
Kenya's expression hardened. "The Sarutobi and Shimura factions are gone. You and I together are like Hashirama and Madara once were. The Wind and Water have already pledged themselves to us. If that isn't proof enough, then what is?"
Tsunade turned her head away, lips pressing shut. He was infuriatingly persuasive, always leaving her without a counterargument.
Two days later, Team 7—short one member—returned from their mission. Kenya didn't need to ask the outcome. Four days late from the start, there had been no chance of catching Sasuke.
At the same time, in Sunagakure, Gaara was confirmed as Fifth Kazekage, though the village elders still held sway. Pakura now led the newly established Ninbu there, while Temari supported her younger brother.
Across the sea, in Kirigakure, Fifth Mizukage Terumi Mei prepared her delegation, flanked by the prodigy Ao and the swordsman Mangetsu Hōzuki.
The shadows of three great villages were now moving toward Konoha.