Chapter 285: Taking on the task in times of crisis, S-level rescue mission!
"Hokage-sama is looking for me?"
The Anbu members didn't find Fujiwara Tetsuya at the Fujiwara, Tanaka, or Uesugi clan grounds.
Instead, after much searching and spending a lot of time, they finally found Fujiwara Tetsuya enjoying a picnic by a river on the outskirts of the Village with Uchiha Mikoto and Torune Ryoui.
"Yes."
"Lord Yoru… No, Tetsuya-sama! Unknown forces have attacked the Village. The ANBU Squad guarding the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has been completely wiped out, and the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was abducted an hour ago."
Perhaps it was due to Fujiwara Tetsuya's current reputation, or his past role as a Squad Leader in Anbu.
The Anbu member in the cat-mask standing before him felt an inexplicable sense of apprehension when facing Fujiwara Tetsuya.
"Alright, I understand. You go back and report. I'll be there shortly."
"Ryoui, Mikoto, it seems our leisure time today is over."
Watching the Anbu disappear, Fujiwara Tetsuya slowly stood up and looked at Torune Ryoui and Uchiha Mikoto on either side.
This day had finally arrived.
However, there were still some deviations from what was recorded by the Hokage.
For example, the strength displayed by the elite squad dispatched by the Hidden Cloud Village.
Given how the plot is developing now… Minato Namikaze, with his current strength, most likely won't be able to defeat them.
"Tetsuya-kun, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki matter is not trivial. I'm coming with you this time."
"Then… I'll go too! With my current Medical Ninjutsu, if Kushina happens to be seriously injured, I can at least be of some help."
"Hoo~ Alright! I understand. I'll speak to Hokage-sama about it."
"You two go change your clothes. In twenty minutes, wait for me below the high tower on the west side of the Village."
Facing the insistence of Uchiha Mikoto and Torune Ryoui, Fujiwara Tetsuya could only shake his head and reluctantly agree.
"West side of the Village? Why the west side of the Village?"
"Tetsuya-kun, have you already guessed something?"
Hearing Fujiwara Tetsuya's instructions, Uchiha Mikoto and Torune Ryoui's eyes lit up, looking somewhat surprised.
"Sort of? After all, just now, only the western area of the Village didn't have fireworks rising, so… those guys most likely left from the west."
"As for their identities… since you're going after them, you'd best be prepared for constant battle."
"Ninja combat techniques like that are quite a headache!"
...Hokage Office.
After the Anbu member left.
In less than ten minutes, Utatane Koharu, Homura Mitokado, Hyuga Hizashi, and others appeared before Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi informed everyone of what had happened, Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado's faces also turned extremely grim.
Such a thing had happened in the Village in broad daylight.
As high-ranking officials… in charge of real power, they were largely to blame. Even if they wanted to shift responsibility… they couldn't find a suitable candidate for a while.
Moreover, the Shinobi Clans and Villagers wouldn't easily believe it.
"Ahem~ Hiruzen, the situation is urgent; we can't wait any longer."
"Since that brat from the Fujiwara Family hasn't arrived yet, why not let Hizashi and his ANBU Squad depart first."
"If those people truly escape the Land of Fire… everything will be too late."
"Hiruzen, Koharu is right!"
"At this moment, we cannot delay any further, otherwise… we will all become sinners of the Village."
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi remain unmoved by Utatane Koharu's urging, Homura Mitokado, after a moment of silence, had no choice but to stand up and continue to press him.
"Sinners?"
"Advisor Mito's words are quite serious, aren't they?"
"If I didn't show up, would that label also be placed on my head?"
With a light chuckle, Fujiwara Tetsuya, in his ninja attire, pushed open the door and walked in.
Although he didn't deliberately release his aura, as Fujiwara Tetsuya's figure approached, Hyuga Hizashi, Aburame Kana, and others still felt an unknown pressure.
Has this scoundrel… grown stronger again?
"Apologies, Hokage-sama, I changed my clothes, which delayed me a bit…"
"There's no need for such pleasantries, Tetsuya brat… I presume you've already learned everything from the Anbu, so I won't repeat it."
"This mission is S-rank! There is only one objective: successfully and safely rescue Kushina… Hmm, if Minato isn't dead before you arrive, bring him back to me as well."
"Ahem~ Hokage-sama, it's best not to say such things carelessly. If Minato really dies, Kushina will most likely go berserk."
Looking at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was already setting them up for failure before they even departed, Fujiwara Tetsuya's forehead couldn't help but furrow with black lines.
Although, for now, Minato Namikaze's value did not compare to Uzumaki Kushina's.
But that… was still your grand-disciple, the one who would inherit your mantle in the future.
"Uh~ In any case, I'm counting on you. After you depart, I'll have the Barrier Team follow you as soon as possible."
Facing Fujiwara Tetsuya's complaint, Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat embarrassed.
Fortunately… his three disciples weren't present, otherwise… it would be truly difficult to smooth things over.
"I understand!"
"However, there's one more thing… I need to ask for your opinion beforehand."
"Since those people dared to target Kushina? And successfully abducted her, it shows that these people… or this force, are not simple."
"I mean, if it comes to a critical moment, can I represent Konoha… and decide how to handle this matter?"
This wasn't Fujiwara Tetsuya asking Hiruzen Sarutobi for power.
Rather, it was to avoid being slandered by certain individuals for not considering the bigger picture, should a conflict with the Hidden Cloud Village erupt afterwards. At most… it was just a precaution.
"It seems you've already guessed some clues!"
"Tetsuya brat! The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki must not be lost!"
"If it truly reaches that point, your decision is my decision!"
"No one shall gainsay it!"
With a flicker in his eyes, Hiruzen Sarutobi clearly detected some hints from Fujiwara Tetsuya's calm expression.
Immediately, after glancing at everyone, he made a solemn promise.
"With your words, I am relieved."
"No matter what, even if it costs me my life, I will bring Kushina and Minato back safely."
"Oh, and! For this mission, if possible, I hope to bring Ryoui and Mikoto with us."
"You know… it's really hard to refuse such things."
Although Fujiwara Tetsuya didn't deliberately pay attention.
His peripheral vision still clearly saw… the moment his words fell.
Utatane Koharu's face seemed to have turned even darker, clearly quite angered.
However, this was understandable!
As Torune Ryoui's strength and Medical Ninjutsu continuously improved, she had already secured a place in the Medical Division.
The increase in strength and status gradually gave Torune Ryoui more say in the Torifu Clan.
She had grown from a small ant, manipulated by Utatane Koharu, into a kitten that would fight back at any time.
This contrast, for the extremely controlling Utatane Koharu, was undoubtedly extremely difficult to bear.