"A boy who can counter Wood Release…?"
Upon hearing this intelligence, Uchiha Madara's emotions finally stirred — violently.
Such an ability actually existed in this world?
If he had possessed that power back then, he could've crushed Hashirama with one hand.
"Is there more detailed information?" Madara pressed.
"It's said the boy was lonely, and often talked to a jujube tree," White Zetsu replied.
"Lonely? A jujube tree? Absurd!"
Madara shook his head coldly.
If chatting with plants could grant such power, then every farmer in the world would be a god.
"That boy carries a tremendous secret."
As he muttered to himself, an intense desire sparked in his eyes.
"Find a way… bring that boy to me."
Konoha — Hokage Tower, Conference Room
Kumogakure's envoy, Troi, sat across from Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo.
"Hokage, this is a letter from the Raikage," Troi said, handing it over with faint arrogance.
He deliberately used "you" instead of "your excellency," subtly placing the Raikage above the Hokage in status.
Hiruzen showed no visible reaction and quickly read the contents.
"Hm? This is the Raikage's condition?"
He found it almost laughable.
The Raikage demanded that Minato lead Team Nine to confront the Iwagakure forces on the battlefield.
In exchange, Kumogakure would temporarily halt its invasion into the Land of Fire.
Danzo also read the contents, his brows furrowing.
"Lord Hokage, this is clearly aimed at Yamato," he said in a low voice. "They want the Wood Release user dead."
The timing was too perfect to be coincidence.
Hiruzen nodded slightly.
"It's possible."
Then, after a moment's thought—
"I agree to the condition."
"Oh? That's excellent news." Troi stood up, ending the negotiation without another word.
Once he had left, Danzo narrowed his eyes.
"Hiruzen, that's a Wood Release user — and he hasn't even fully matured yet."
Hiruzen smiled.
"Danzo… has Yamato's file been officially submitted to my desk yet?"
"You mean…?"
"If he's not registered, then officially speaking, he isn't even a formal member of Team Nine yet. Understand?"
Then he added calmly,
"Even without Kumo's request, I was planning to send Minato to the Land of Grass anyway."
"Intelligence confirms that Iwa's vanguard forces are already advancing through that region."
From Hiruzen's perspective, this was an opportunity — not a loss.
Orders Issued
Minato was summoned immediately.
"Minato, Iwa shinobi have appeared in the Land of Grass."
"The situation is urgent. You will lead Team Nine there at once."
"Your mission: Use every possible method to eliminate the Iwagakure forces within the Land of Grass."
Hiruzen's tone was firm, yet encouraging.
Even so, Minato couldn't hide his confusion.
Team Nine… alone?
Against Iwagakure's elite?
But orders were orders.
Training Ground No.9
When Team Nine assembled again, Yamato was nowhere to be seen.
Minato didn't comment — rest time between missions had been far too short, and punctuality was hardly the priority anymore.
"This mission is to head to the Land of Grass and intercept the Iwagakure forces."
As soon as he finished speaking, the team collectively looked around.
"Sensei, where are the other squads?" Obito asked, baffled.
Minato shook his head.
"There are none. Only Team Nine."
"WHAT?!"
Everyone froze.
Everyone… except Drake.
Hands in his pockets, he looked completely unconcerned — as if he'd already predicted this development.
"I probably can't even beat one Iwa ninja…" Rin muttered nervously.
"Same here…" Yugao echoed, her voice equally uncertain.
"No guts," Anko scoffed — though even she was tense inside.
"Move out. We'll resupply at the outposts along the way."
Minato sighed internally but led the team forward regardless.
Half an Hour Later — Konoha
After assisting Hiruzen with official matters, Danzo exited the Hokage Building.
Swish!
A Root operative appeared beside him.
"Lord Danzo, the investigation results are in."
"Oh?" Danzo gestured for him to continue.
"Yesterday at noon, someone saw a young boy enter Minato's residence."
"A boy?" Danzo frowned.
"Yes. Here is the sketch."
The operative handed him a drawing.
Danzo glanced at it — and instantly froze.
That face…
Was none other than his so-called gold-medal undercover agent.
"…Drake?"
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