"Hui, during the frontline deployment, I'll leave those three to you."
Namikaze Minato entrusted Team 7 to Hui with great confidence. Hui wasn't just strong—he also had a deep reservoir of knowledge and a powerful ability to teach. With Hui looking after them, Minato had no concerns that the three members would fall behind in their training.
This "looking after" didn't refer to overseeing their missions on the battlefield, but rather guiding their cultivation and development during the warfront lulls.
Team 7 was directly under Minato's command, and he would personally take them on missions. What he worried about was that with all the responsibilities piling up when not in battle, he wouldn't have enough time to guide them properly. That's why he requested Hui's help.
Why Hui and not another jonin? Because in the past two years, he had built a good rapport with the three. They were more likely to trust him and listen to his instructions.
Also, among the elite jonin, Hui was the most unoccupied.
Normally, elite jonin were at the top of the hierarchy within the village. On the front lines, they were crucial—especially in high-risk zones or when acting as deterrents. With their level of skill, their involvement in battle was expected. However, they were also highly protected assets. They were often stationed in command posts to stabilize the front and used sparingly to minimize risk.
Elite jonin served more as a stabilizing force and psychological deterrent than direct frontline participants.
Still, to maintain fairness and to reward their power, the village gave them priority when it came to mission rewards and positions. Their reputation alone deterred most complaints or jealousy.
Hui was an anomaly. He had no assigned position.
That's right—none. It seemed that through Orochimaru's influence, Hui had dismissed any official roles and passed them off to others. Likewise, he avoided the time-consuming missions by deflecting them toward Ma Jia and other shinobi under his loose oversight.
Compared to holding administrative positions, the time required for the few tasks he did take on was minimal. This gave Hui considerable freedom.
Interestingly, the other elite jonin didn't object. It benefited them, after all.
This was a warfront. Deaths were inevitable. Even elite shinobi could die if intelligence failed or they were overwhelmed in an ambush. So if Hui willingly took on extra missions—especially dangerous or time-consuming ones—others were happy to comply. Fewer missions meant fewer risks for them.
And because Hui's actions seemed pragmatic rather than suspicious, even the Hokage didn't pay much attention.
After Minato left, Hui turned to Team 7.
"Alright, we're now on the frontline. Minato-sensei will be buried in responsibilities and might not even have time to see you. Since you're directly under his command, you'll have fewer tasks while he's occupied. That means you'll have ample time to train.
But that's only for now. Once the situation stabilizes and Minato becomes more available, you'll be performing missions again. Even if he's still busy, the time will come when you're called upon regularly. So make good use of this time."
He paused, then added, with the seriousness of a teacher before an important exam:
"This isn't like back in the village. Missions can be assigned anytime. Always maintain enough chakra and stamina for sudden combat. Don't overtrain. I'll be teaching you new techniques, refining your ninjutsu, and helping you polish your combat proficiency."
With that, Hui began a new round of training with the three Genin.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Earth—
Tsuchi and his unit had finally arrived at their designated post.
"There are so many of us... I didn't think the village would send this many. Looks like we really are preparing to face off against Sunagakure," one of Tsuchi's companions muttered.
Tsuchi didn't reply. His eyes scanned the surroundings.
Towering cliffs framed both sides of the valley. The terrain only offered two narrow exits—perfect for an ambush.
Ten thousand Iwa-nin stationed here… they were waiting.
Waiting for the Third Raikage.
"Hide your chakra signatures. Stay concealed!"
To the south, the Third Raikage was leading over six hundred elite Kumo-nin through the valley en route to Iwagakure—unaware that tens of thousands of enemies were lying in ambush.
"Lord Raikage," one shinobi whispered, "Reports from the front say that Ai and Killer Bee have already clashed several times with Iwagakure's forces. Their names are spreading across the battlefield."
The Raikage nodded. He was already aware. Both his son and Bee had reached Kage-level strength. Ai's mastery of Lightning Release was close to his own, and Bee had gained preliminary control over the Eight-Tails. Together, their coordination since childhood made them nearly unstoppable.
"Yeah," murmured one shinobi, admiration thick in his tone. "Those two are monsters."
"Enough talk. Focus on the mission," the Raikage growled, snapping the troops to attention. "We strike Iwagakure from the rear while Ai and Bee attack head-on. This must go perfectly."
This mission wasn't just tactical—it was symbolic. It was the foundation of Ai's succession as the Fourth Raikage.
Hours later, as they moved deeper into the valley, the Third Raikage's instincts flared.
"…Something's wrong. I sense chakra—massive amounts."
Despite Iwagakure's best efforts, concealing tens of thousands of chakra signatures was impossible. Most weren't elite. The cumulative aura was like a heavy fog—undeniable.
"We've been discovered. You, evacuate immediately. I'll hold them."
The Raikage's reaction was instant. Their ambush was exposed—he had to act. The six hundred elites could still carry out their mission.
He, however, would stay behind.
"Lord Raikage!"
Though reluctant, his troops obeyed. Discipline came before emotion. They vanished into the cliffs while their leader remained.
On the cliffs, the Iwa commander realized their cover was blown. With no point in hiding anymore, he ordered the troops forward.
"Encircle and suppress the Raikage!"
Elsewhere, still within the Land of Earth—
"Bro… something feels off lately. Real off," muttered Killer Bee, his rap absent for once.
"With both of us holding the front, the line won't collapse," Ai reassured. "Even if something did happen to Father, he wasn't injured. Don't let fear mess with your head."
Though Ai also sensed something brewing, he didn't let it show.
Just then, a Kumo-nin entered their tent.
"Lord Ai, Lord Bee—Yanyin forces are mobilizing. They're constructing fortifications ahead, in massive numbers."
"I see. You're dismissed."
Ai didn't seem worried. He didn't expect a full-on war yet. Their current goal was to strike hard and retreat. A long-term battle wasn't in their plan.
Let them build. Fortifications were meaningless when crushed beneath superior strength.
Back in Konoha, within the Foundation—
Danzo stared at fresh intelligence from his spies.
"Ten thousand?" he muttered, stunned. "So many Iwa-nin gathered in the south again? That's in addition to the force they sent against Kumo!"
Shock ran through him. Konoha's military strength was already stretched. Iwagakure's numbers were far greater than previously believed—possibly double.
In the past, they'd assumed Iwagakure only had a modest edge. Now it looked like they were wrong by thousands.
What Danzo didn't realize was that the full strength of Iwa was still restrained due to ongoing instability caused by Tōshi and Majia. Otherwise, their total might would've been even greater—another five to ten thousand strong.
"They're serious about this war with Suna… and they're keeping Tōshi and Majia hidden in reserve. This could be our moment!"
Danzo's eyes gleamed.
Now was the time.
He stormed into the Hokage office to speak with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Their meeting erupted in an argument.
"Sarutobi! Sunagakure's reeling from Kumo's raid and now they're clashing with Iwa. They're vulnerable! Are we seriously going to sit back and wait?"
"Danzo," Sarutobi replied coldly. "Konoha is a village of peace. We do not strike first."
"And yet, Kumo launched a surprise attack and was forced to retreat," Danzo snapped. "We all have our hidden cards. If we let them settle, Konoha might be the one crushed."
The memory of Kumo's failed ambush was still raw. Danzo had no good counter.
"Enough."
Hiruzen stood up, his expression hardened.
"And the Foundation… is not authorized to act unilaterally."