"Asuma, you've been suggesting we send people to the South Sage Continent to gradually get involved in its management and oversee its nations. Was this all for today?" Sarutobi Shinya asked in surprise.
The South Sage Continent was where Konoha first infiltrated and gained control of the Land of Origins. The previous king had now become entirely a figurehead. Konoha had taken control of all aspects, including politics, economy, military, civil affairs, and healthcare. This process had taken nearly ten years, starting with military, economic, and medical aspects, until full control was achieved. During this period, many local talents from the South Sage Continent were absorbed and "Konoha-fied." Sarutobi Asuma had also intentionally used this infiltration to cultivate a large number of managerial talents. Kakashi, who worked diligently without complaint, was one of them. Even Uzumaki Kushina, Yūhi Kurenai, and Shizune had experience training in the South Sage Continent, such as managing the entire medical system of the Land of Origins.
"You could say that!" Sarutobi Asuma replied with a smile.
However, Namikaze Minato knew clearly that this wasn't prepared for the present, but for the future.
"Then let's proceed as Asuma suggested. We don't have any better solutions right now," Namikaze Minato made the final decision.
At that moment, a knock sounded, and Yamato, wearing a mask, entered the office. "Fourth Hokage-sama, it has been confirmed that Uchiha Sasuke has been kidnapped!"
"What?" Uchiha Fugaku stood up abruptly.
Everyone else was also startled. What a joke! Kidnapping someone from within Konoha?
Namikaze Minato looked at Sarutobi Asuma. This was not part of the plan. Sarutobi Asuma's voice reached Namikaze Minato's ears: "It must have been Orochimaru, disguised as the Fourth Kazekage."
He must have set his sights on Uchiha Sasuke's Sharingan, Namikaze Minato realized. Just as he was about to issue orders, another Anbu ninja appeared. "Fourth Hokage-sama, the Anbu squad protecting the Daimyo has sent a message: the Sunagakure's One-Tail Jinchuriki has been kidnapped!"
"Furthermore, the Fourth Kazekage has been impersonated by the rogue ninja Orochimaru!" This news shocked everyone again. In this office, only Sarutobi Asuma and Namikaze Minato actually knew that the Fourth Kazekage had been killed.
However, even with the unexpected incident involving Uchiha Sasuke, Namikaze Minato did not change his plan. They were all the same group, after all. Before, it was to rescue the One-Tail Jinchuriki; now, they were adding Uchiha Sasuke.
Orders were issued one by one by Namikaze Minato, recorded by Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Miri, and relayed by Anbu ninjas. Uchiha Fugaku was responsible for the pursuit team. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, along with Uchiha Fugaku, would lead two elite squads, including Uchiha Yashiro, to intercept Orochimaru and the possible reinforcements from the Akatsuki Organization. Hatake Sakumo would lead a team to strengthen the protection of the Daimyo. As for the rescue operation, it would be handled by Kakashi's team, Might Guy's team, Shizune's team, and Sarutobi Shinya's team. They would also serve as support for Sarutobi Hiruzen and Uchiha Fugaku's group.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others departed, Uzumaki Kushina expressed her concern. "Minato, Naruto and the others have only just been promoted to Chunin. Isn't it too dangerous for them to participate in such a mission?"
Namikaze Minato smiled. "Kushina, don't worry. We have to trust Naruto and the others." He continued, "Besides, Sasuke is Naruto's comrade. We wouldn't be able to stop him anyway."
Uzumaki Kushina sighed. She knew her son best; what Minato said was absolutely true.
Sarutobi Asuma comforted her with a smile. "Don't worry, Kushina-nee, they'll be fine!"
Uzumaki Kushina placed her hands on her hips and let out a soft scoff. "Asuma, you knew all along that Orochimaru was impersonating the Fourth Kazekage, didn't you?" She added, "If you had intervened, you could have easily captured them!"
Sarutobi Asuma cast a helpless glance at Namikaze Minato, who gave an embarrassed smile. He spread his hands and said, "If I resolved everything, Naruto and the others would never have a chance to grow. This is a very good opportunity."
"However..."
A turn of phrase made Uzumaki Kushina's heart leap. "However what?"
Sarutobi Asuma looked at Namikaze Minato. "Brother Minato, you might also need to prepare to go to the battlefield!"
Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina, Uzumaki Miri, and Nara Shikaku were all startled.
Nara Shikaku couldn't help but ask, "Could someone with the Rinnegan be making a move?"
In his opinion, the lineup sent out earlier was already extremely powerful.
Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Yashiro both possessed the Mangekyo.
Not to mention the Third Hokage and Sarutobi Shinya, all of whom had mastered Kekkei Genkai.
And that was without even mentioning elite Jonin like Kakashi, Might Guy, and Shizune.
Namikaze Minato thought for a moment and said, "Asuma, you're talking about Orochimaru, right?"
Sarutobi Asuma nodded and said mysteriously, "We'll know soon enough."
...
Senju Ancestral Home.
Yūhi Kurenai handed her daughter, Sarutobi Mirai, to Tsunade before changing her clothes.
Tsunade held the child and frowned. "There are already so many people, you don't need to go, do you?"
Yūhi Kurenai replied, "This time, Sasori of the Red Sand is with Orochimaru. If Asuma isn't going, I'll go with Kakashi and the others to take down Sasori of the Red Sand."
This wasn't just about the previous surprise attack by Sasori of the Red Sand on Hatake Sakumo; it was also about following Sarutobi Asuma's plan to eliminate Akatsuki Organization members while simultaneously separating the One-Tail.
After changing, she kissed her daughter and smiled, "Don't worry, I'll be back soon!"
Tsunade waved her hand, not saying anything more.
She wasn't worried about anything.
In this situation, everything was completely under Asuma's control, and the possibility of an accident was very small.
Even if an uncontrollable accident occurred, she believed that Yūhi Kurenai and Shizune would be fine.
Konoha Village Entrance.
Naruto's face was filled with anxiety as he leaped forward, sprinting at full speed.
Kakashi, following behind, shouted helplessly, "Naruto, you have to manage your stamina properly to track them better! If you act recklessly like this, you'll lose Sasuke!"
Sakura, who was beside Kakashi, also looked anxious. "But Teacher Kakashi, if we don't pursue them with all our might, won't the person who took Sasuke use the opportunity to escape?"
"It's possible, but unlikely!"
The one who spoke wasn't Kakashi.
It was Nara Shikamaru, who had caught up from behind. He calmly analyzed, "Unless they have Space-Time Ninjutsu and disappear from a specific point, they won't be able to completely shake us off."
"With the Byakugan, summoned beasts, Shino's insects, and Chakra perception, they can't shake us off."
"Moreover, they need to expend more stamina than us carrying someone."
Sarutobi Shinya, along with Yamanaka Ino and Choji, also caught up. "Shikamaru's analysis is correct."
"However, that guy Naruto, when he's really anxious, probably won't listen to advice."
Yamanaka Ino couldn't help but complain, "That guy is always so rash."
Nara Shikamaru smiled helplessly, "But having a teammate like that is sometimes quite good."
Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, and the others were all stunned when they heard this. Looking at Naruto, who had rushed far ahead of them, their feelings became complicated.
Even though this guy was rash, sometimes unreliable, bragged about himself, and even used some vicious Ninjutsu, he was indeed a comrade worth trusting and relying on.
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