Naruto: Flash Reborn — Minato’s Second Life

"Indeed, in today's Hidden Leaf Village, the only person capable of keeping those two unruly brats in line is you."

The Third Hokage smiled. Minato Namikaze wouldn't be a problem, but Yan Uchiha was naturally proud—he'd never respect an average Jonin.

But Sakumo Hatake was different. He had become a Jonin at a very young age, and his extraordinary talent and strength won him deep respect from every clan in the village. Even the current head of the Uchiha clan held him in high regard.

"But during the recent Chakra Aptitude Test, Yan Uchiha barely lost to Minato. If we pair them up now, probably..."

Sakumo didn't finish his sentence, but the Third knew exactly what he meant. No matter how much of a prodigy Yan Uchiha was, failing the test was still a fact.

"I think you understand why the village elders decided to hold this test. That so-called qualification quota was nothing more than a ploy to push the kids forward."

The Third's tone turned serious as he continued, "I never imagined that Minato would not only protect Kushina but also bring along three children with mediocre abilities all the way to the end. Even Rina Takeuchi somehow managed to get a bye in the selection..."

"Are you suggesting we should revoke her qualification?" Sakumo asked.

"No, luck is also part of one's capability," the Third shook his head. "However, you and I both know this qualification is just the beginning of their evaluation. While I want to identify the elites among them through this method, I definitely don't want to throw them to the wolves. Rina Takeuchi's abilities are far too lacking."

Sakumo nodded. A flicker of reluctant compassion appeared in his eyes as he hesitated before speaking. "Lord Third, I'm not questioning the decision made by the leadership, but isn't this too harsh for Minato and the others? Nawaki Sarutobi Ao and Kushina are relatively fine, but those other children aren't even ninja yet..."

"Still, you and I both know they'll soon graduate from the Ninja Academy anyway. What awaits them then is an even harsher reality. Compared to letting them walk into death unprepared later on, it's better to prepare them with a lesson ahead of time. They must go through this stage eventually."

There was also reluctance in the Third's voice, but what could he do?

In the end, it came down to his own lack of ability. The peace bought with the previous Hokages' lives hadn't lasted long before being broken again.

Forgive me, First Hokage… Second Hokage… the Third silently sighed.

Upon hearing this, Sakumo gave a heavy nod. "Understood, Lord Third. Please assign the mission."

So saying, he lifted his head to look at the Third. The latter offered a faint smile. "If my calculations are correct, your teammates should be arriving shortly."

"Teammates?" Sakumo murmured.

Knock knock!

Just as he spoke, a knocking sound came from outside, and the door to the Hokage Office opened. A tall, slender figure entered.

Sakumo turned his head slightly and, upon seeing the newcomer, exclaimed in surprise, "Junko Watanabe?"

This was a beautiful woman with long, straight jet-black hair. Her eyes were as bright and lustrous as black gemstones, and her fair skin made her an absolute beauty.

However, this gorgeous beauty was dressed in a standard-issue ninja uniform and wore a Konoha forehead protector. Even so, it didn't diminish her beauty in the slightest.

"Hokage-sama," Junko first bowed respectfully to the Third before turning her head toward Sakumo and offering him a gentle smile.

"Sakumo-senpai," she said with a smile, "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"Mm, indeed. It's been years."

Sakumo replied curtly. He hadn't seen this woman in quite some time—she had been his junior at the Ninja Academy back in those days.

Back then, he had naturally been the standout star of the academy—the number one student in the school. Junko Watanabe had also been a prodigy, though he hadn't seen her again after graduating ahead of her schedule.

Although both had grown up, hints of their childhood features still lingered. That was how Sakumo recognized her.

"I actually didn't think you'd recognize me at all," Junko seemed genuinely happy that Sakumo remembered her.

Sakumo gave a faint smile and fell silent. Junko knew better than to engage in idle chatter here.

Both of them turned toward the Third, whose face darkened like storm clouds, and his voice grew heavy: "Three hours ago we received intelligence—a tip reported that Tachiyama Shinsaburo has appeared within the Land of Lightning."

At the mention of that name, Sakumo's demeanor shifted instantly. His voice became filled with anger: "This traitor dares show his face again!"

Though not nearly as furious as Sakumo, the Third's expression was clearly grim. "I've heard that guy is now being treated as an honored guest by Kumogakure of the Land of Lightning. As for the reason, you two probably already know."

At this point, Junko spoke up: "After all, that man used to be one of our village's Tokubetsu Jonin and an important figure responsible for intelligence gathering. With rising tensions between all the great shinobi nations, a rogue ninja like him would naturally seek protection—otherwise, if he encountered our people, he wouldn't survive!"

"Yes," the Third continued, "the information he possesses becomes his lifeline in the Land of Lightning. But even so, what audacity—he doesn't seem to fear the Land of Lightning's Intelligence Division taking action against him either."

The two before him didn't doubt that if Tachiyama Shinsaburo stood here right now, the Hokage would immediately kill him on sight.

Despite appearing amiable on the surface, when it came to threats endangering the village, this leader never showed mercy.

"There were members from the Yamanaka clan among the comrades he slaughtered before defecting. I believe he must have obtained secret techniques from the Yamanaka family, which is why he isn't afraid of getting caught by Lightning Country's Intelligence Division—they could simply extract information directly from his mind otherwise."

Sakumo's eyes flickered while speaking, his tone carrying chilling killing intent.

"No matter what, his continued existence remains a threat to our village," the Third continued darkly, his voice heavy, "and the Anbu who've been tracking him were recently eliminated by ninja from Kumogakure..."

Sakumo and Junko exchanged shocked glances. The latter spoke urgently: "Kumo dares attack Konoha's ninja openly—are they declaring war?"

"Although there hasn't been large-scale warfare erupting from Amegakure yet," continued The Third, "because of the involvement of Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, we've already gained an absolute advantage through covert confrontations. Under these circumstances, the emergence of Tachiyama Shinsaburo is unquestionably advantageous for Kumogakure."

Both nodded.

The Third's gaze turned sharp as he declared, "No matter what, we cannot allow this kind of threat to our village to remain at large any longer. Therefore, I've decided to appoint Hatake Sakumo as team leader, forming a four-man squad consisting of Junko Watanabe, Minato Namikaze, and Yan Uchiha to infiltrate Kumogakure and eliminate the rogue ninja Tachiyama Shinsaburo!"

Junko Watanabe wasn't especially surprised—she was just quietly considering the two unfamiliar names. Still, when he heard this, Sakumo's expression changed abruptly.

"Lord Third, you're really sending two children to carry out a mission of this magnitude?"

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