[Konohagakure, Hokage's Office]
All members of Minato's team stood before the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage spoke solemnly, "Recently, friction has been occurring across the Shinobi World. The Third Kazekage has been missing for a long time. Kumogakure is mobilizing a large number of troops toward Sunagakure, likely planning to take advantage of Sunagakure's leaderless state to raid them."
"The Land of Earth has also seized the opportunity, mobilizing at least twenty thousand troops toward Kumogakure's direction. It seems they intend to invade while Kumogakure is busy fighting Sunagakure."
"Kirigakure has also stationed a large number of shinobi after landing. They are too close to the Land of Fire, and we must remain vigilant."
"In short, perhaps this year, at the latest, next year, the Third Great Shinobi War will break out in full."
Hearing this news, Team 7 was not surprised. Over the past six months, they had carried out multiple intelligence-gathering missions and had their own understanding of the current situation in the shinobi world.
Minato asked, "Third Hokage, is this mission related to the war?"
The Third Hokage slowly shook his head, "No. Although Konoha may ultimately be unable to avoid being drawn into this war, the current chaos in the shinobi world actually presents an opportunity for Konoha. I plan to take advantage of this period to expand the scope of Konoha's mission commissions."
Minato pondered for a moment, then seemed to understand, "Third Hokage, Konoha has already taken on all the missions within the Land of Fire and even from the surrounding smaller nations. If we are to expand further… are you suggesting we compete for missions from the other great nations?"
The Third Hokage nodded, "That's right. Especially from the Land of Wind. With the Kazekage's disappearance, the people of the Land of Wind have lost faith in Sunagakure. This is a golden opportunity."
"So I negotiated for a long time and finally managed to secure an S-rank mission from the Land of Wind."
"If we successfully complete this mission, Konoha will gain even more trust from the Land of Wind's people, leading to a continuous flow of commissions from them."
Off to the side, Obito listened to the Third Hokage's plan and couldn't help but be impressed.
The Third Hokage was indeed a master of politics. He had seized the moment when Sunagakure was in turmoil and on the brink of war to exploit the Land of Wind citizens' insecurity, taking missions away from Sunagakure.
'And giving this mission to Minato-sensei practically guarantees success. So this is why, in my past life, Minato and Kakashi had been absent for a time, they were carrying out this mission.'
'This must have been when Konoha started receiving a large influx of missions from the Land of Wind.'
'No wonder Sunagakure later collaborated with Orochimaru on the "Konoha Crush" plan. After all, if you dig up someone's roots, they're bound to retaliate.'
Minato's expression grew more serious, "Then, Third Hokage, what are the specific details of this S-rank mission?"
The Third Hokage took out a map and pointed to a location, "In the desert, there is a city called Rōran. The previous Queen of Rōran was assassinated. Her most loyal subordinate noticed something was wrong, managed to escape, and issued a mission to protect the current queen."
"This mission also involves a minister of Rōran named Anrokuzan. This person is very likely the mastermind behind the previous queen's assassination. Moreover…", The Third Hokage frowned deeply, "This Anrokuzan appeared suddenly in Rōran six years ago. After the mission was issued, Konoha conducted an investigation but found no records of his identity. It was as if he had suddenly emerged from nowhere."
"I suspect he might have used some kind of space-time ninjutsu, though we're not certain yet. Minato, since this is your expertise, you will lead this mission."
"This mission must be kept confidential. I originally planned to have Aburame Shibi and Akimichi Chōza assist you, but considering Team 7's current strength, I have decided to entrust the mission entirely to your team."
Kakashi and Rin became excited. Their squad was outstanding, and they had already completed A-rank missions, but this was their first S-rank mission.
Minato nodded, "Rest assured, Third Hokage, Team 7 will complete this mission perfectly."
The Third Hokage nodded in approval and then looked at Kakashi, "Kakashi, you're doing well. I heard that you've developed an A-rank jutsu and mastered the nature transformation of Lightning Release. I have high hopes for your future."
Then, his gaze shifted to Obito, and his tone became even more serious, "Obito, you've become quite proficient in Flying Thunder God, haven't you?"
Obito replied humbly, "Not as much as Minato-sensei."
The Third Hokage chuckled, "Just being able to learn that technique is already impressive. When I first heard you had mastered it, I was quite shocked."
"In any case, you are all capable shinobi now. After this mission, Kakashi, you will be eligible to take the Jōnin exam that I've specifically arranged for you. Obito and Rin, you should also take the Chūnin exams as soon as possible. It's time for you all to advance in rank."
Rin was thrilled. The Chūnin exams were one thing, but Kakashi advancing to Jōnin this early?
As expected, thanks to Obito's reminders, Kakashi had maintained his physical training after becoming a shinobi, increasing his chakra reserves beyond his past life. That was probably why he had reached the Jōnin level so early.
As Rin pondered, the Third Hokage provided further details about the mission before finally saying, "That's all for now. The Queen of Rōran is likely in danger. Set off as soon as possible."
Team 7 nodded and left the Hokage's building.
———
Once outside, Rin cheered, "An S-rank mission! We actually get to do an S-rank mission! This is amazing!"
Kakashi remained silent but felt a sense of pride.
Only Minato and Obito remained calm.
Obito said, "Alright, it's just an S-rank mission. Let's finish it quickly and return. The preparations for transplanting Hashirama's cells are almost complete, it's about time to proceed."
Kakashi was a bit surprised, "So soon?"
Truthfully, he felt a little uneasy. Once Obito transplanted Hashirama's cells, he would become even stronger, widening the gap between them.
Obito smirked, "What's wrong, Kakashi? Are you scared?"
Kakashi rolled his eyes, "You've just lived a few decades longer than me. I'll catch up eventually."
Minato smiled and took out a few masks, "Everyone, put these on. Since this is a confidential mission in the Land of Wind, our identities must remain hidden. We can't let Sunagakure discover us."
The team nodded, took the masks, put them on, and quickly headed toward the Land of Wind…
———
In the desert, a towering city loomed in the distance.
Minato's team stopped.
Looking at the distant city, Rin couldn't help but exclaim, "It's so beautiful, so magnificent."
Obito, on the other hand, felt a bit regretful, "It's a shame that, for some unknown reason, this city becomes a ruin in the future."
Rin asked curiously, "When did that happen?"
Obito shook his head, "I didn't pay much attention in my past life, so I'm not sure when it was destroyed."
"I only learned about it because Naruto once came here on a mission. Since he was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, White Zetsu's forces were always monitoring him, and I received some intelligence from them."
"At that time, White Zetsu reported that Naruto had gone near the Rōran ruins to track down a rogue ninja. So at the very least, by then, Rōran was already gone."
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