Chapter 98 98: A-Rank Mission.

Words : 976 Updated : Oct 3rd, 2025

A week later, the dust-covered group finally arrived at the gates of Konoha. Originally, Kaito had intended to use Lightning Style to create shadow clones and escort Tsunade and the others back to the village quickly. After all, he had already spent quite some time with Tsunade, and he was eager to return to the Shikkotsu Forest to continue mastering Sage Mode. But Tsunade had refused outright. She insisted on walking the rest of the way back, saying, "I'm about to become the Hokage. At least let me enjoy what little freedom I have left." With no other option, the group made the long journey on foot. "Ah! Finally back!" Naruto shouted joyfully, stretching his arms at the village gate. "Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya sama, welcome back!" Recognizing them, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki—the guards on duty—greeted them respectfully. "Yeah, thanks for holding down the fort," Tsunade said casually, patting their shoulders like a superior inspecting her subordinates. "No trouble at all!" the two replied with enthusiasm, standing straighter. By now, the news that Tsunade would be returning to take up the mantle of Fifth Hokage had already spread throughout Konoha. Her appearance only confirmed the rumors, and being acknowledged by the future Hokage left the guards visibly thrilled. As the group entered the village, it was clear the higher-ups had prepared in advance. The streets were lined with people, cheering and applauding as Tsunade passed. Leaf shinobi stood at intervals, maintaining order like guards at a parade. All the way to the Hokage building, the atmosphere was electric. Once there, Konoha's high-ranking officials, clan leaders, and senior jonin were waiting, including familiar figures like Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, Hyuga Hiashi, and Hatake Kakashi. "Lady Tsunade, welcome home!" everyone shouted in unison, led by Shikaku. ... Three days later, under Shikaku's meticulous arrangements and in the presence of villagers and foreign envoys, Tsunade was officially inaugurated as the Fifth Hokage. Her appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter for Konoha—a shift from its declining days to a future full of strength and vitality. The sleeping lion was awakening. After spending a week in the village with Tsunade and Shizune, Kaito headed to the Hokage's office. He had only one request—permission to return to the Shikkotsu Forest to continue studying Sage Mode. By now, Ayanami Kaito was Tsunade's personal disciple. With his status and strength, few dared to question his presence even in the Hokage building. It was like walking into his own home. "You want to go back to training Sage Mode?" Tsunade sat in her Hokage chair, flipping through a report with visible irritation. Clearly, she wasn't enjoying her new job. "Yes," Kaito nodded. Between Hiruzen Sarutobi's death and Tsunade's appointment, he'd lost nearly a month. With the sudden appearance of Itachi and Kisame still fresh in his memory, his sense of urgency had only grown stronger. He needed to push himself to the next level. "There's no rush," Tsunade replied, pulling out a scroll from her desk. "Finish this mission first. It's just a round trip—you're fast enough. Once it's done, head back to the Shikkotsu Forest and resume your training." Kaito took the scroll and opened it. "Fuji film crew? Filming in the Land of Snow?" He frowned. Wasn't this from one of the movies? And wasn't it Naruto's mission originally? "That's right. A request came in from a movie production crew," Tsunade replied, rubbing her temples. "They're filming in the Snow Country, and the journey can be dangerous. Your main objective is to protect this actress—Fujikaze Yukie." "What's the mission rank?" "A-rank." "Got it," Kaito said as he turned to leave. "Don't you want to know the deeper reason?" "No need. It's an A-rank mission. Nothing I can't handle. If it comes down to it, I'll just fight whoever's in the way." "Hah... with your strength, that might actually work." Tsunade chuckled, finally remembering who she was dealing with. "They're at the production site right now. Go report to them." ... At a chaotic film set, Kaito arrived and immediately frowned at the noise. He disliked crowds and preferred peace, but duty called. Just then, a beautiful girl on horseback burst out of the set, speeding past him before he could react. "That must be her... Fujikaze Yukie, or rather, Princess Koyuki Kazahana," he muttered. Shaking his head, Kaito stepped inside, intending to meet the client—Asama Sandayuu. Inside the studio, things were in disarray. People were yelling, props were flying, and several crew members sprinted out after the girl. "You must bring Miss Yukie back! No matter what!" a man's voice roared. Moments later, a middle-aged man with glasses and a ponytail stumbled out, breathing heavily. Kaito immediately recognized him—Asama Sandayuu, a loyal retainer of the Kazahana royal family, now acting as Yukie's manager. Asama looked up and saw the boy standing in front of him, a Konoha forehead protector shining on his head. His eyes widened with subtle disappointment. This was the shinobi Konoha sent? Just a kid? Still, he quickly wiped the emotion from his face. No matter how dissatisfied he was, he couldn't afford to offend a Leaf ninja. Forcing a smile, he stepped forward. "You must be the ninja the Fifth Hokage sent?" "That's right," Kaito replied with indifference. He had caught Asama's look but didn't take it personally. If he were in Asama's shoes, he might be skeptical too—paying for an A-rank mission only to be sent a seemingly ordinary twelve-year-old. Kaito may have looked young, but power wasn't always in appearance. --- Just a quick heads-up, I'll be changing the update time to 7AM–9AM (WAT). Want more chapters? Send Powerstones.

Chapter 98 98: A-Rank Mission.

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