Naruto: Flash Reborn — Minato’s Second Life

Infiltrating a foreign country and eliminating a rogue ninja—this level of mission was already stressful even for a ninja of Sakumo's caliber. One moment of carelessness could even cost him his life.

After all, it was Kumogakure—a village equally powerful as Konoha, one of the Five Great Ninja Villages—and swarming with elite fighters.

Not to mention its leader, the Third Raikage, who claimed to possess both the Strongest Spear and the Strongest Shield...

This mission was undoubtedly ranked S-class. Based on the personnel allocation decided by the Third Hokage, even if they managed to infiltrate Kumogakure successfully and kill Tachiyama Shinsaburo, there would be practically no chance of survival.

However, Sakumo believed that the Third would never make such an absurd decision.

Before the Third had finished speaking, Sakumo continued, "According to intelligence reports, recently, Tachiyama Shinsaburo will enter the Land of Hot Springs under the escort of Kumogakure ninja. It seems he's here to retrieve something..."

"The Land of Hot Springs? That guy sure has guts."

Sakumo remarked. The Land of Hot Springs was a small country bordering the Land of Fire, rich in natural resources and home to its own ninja village. Though not comparable to the Five Great Ninja Villages, the Hidden Hot Spring Village harbored many outstanding and fiercely loyal ninja, with no record of desertion or betrayal whatsoever.

The people of the Land of Hot Springs also deeply cherished peace, so much so that their ninja village was famously known as "the Village That Forgot War" [a nickname meaning it had long abandoned conflict].

"You won't actually be going into the Land of Lightning," the Third explained. "Your mission location is the Land of Hot Springs. I wouldn't be foolish enough to send my subordinates to certain death by infiltrating Kumogakure itself." Even he himself probably couldn't pull off such a hit without getting caught.

"I roughly understand now. Still, this mission is too dangerous. Minato Namikaze and Yan Uchiha might not be up to the task." Sakumo stated. He'd rather complete the mission alone than bring two kids along—it would be far safer that way.

"Who exactly are those two anyway?"

Junko Watanabe frowned beside them, clearly baffled—she had no idea who Minato Namikaze and Yan Uchiha were.

"Just two students from the Ninja Academy," Sakumo replied casually over his shoulder.

"Eh?" Junko was startled. Her beautiful eyes widened as she looked sharply at the Third. "Third Lord, this is going too far! This kind of mission isn't even open to Genin. Sending two children on it—that's just reckless!"

Although the Third was the Hokage, he usually acted more like a wise old patriarch. Therefore, core members of the village like Hatake Sakumo and Junko Watanabe felt quite comfortable debating missions with him directly.

Upon hearing her words, the Third only smiled gently. "Yes, they're still young. But their strength shouldn't be underestimated. You, especially, Sakumo, should know this better than anyone."

Still confused, Junko watched as Sakumo found himself unable to refute the Third's statement. Indeed, ignoring their youth, both Minato and Yan Uchiha clearly had the strength of a Chunin.

"But they have absolutely no combat experience. Starting off with a mission like this doesn't seem appropriate..."

"Sakumo remained hesitant. After all, this mission required infiltrating another country and assassinating a rogue ninja whose strength was no laughing matter.

The guards surrounding Tachiyama Shinsaburo were certainly no ordinary men either.

When assigning a mission, one must consider not just the ninja's strength, but also their experience—which is an equally crucial factor."

"So I want you to pass your experience on to them. Of course, completing the mission comes first; that man poses too great a threat," said the Third solemnly.

"But I can't guarantee their safety..." Sakumo said. The dangers ahead were unknown—even he couldn't promise to complete the mission and bring those two back alive.

At this moment, the Third smiled lightly and said, "You don't need to deliberately worry about whether they live or die. Whether they survive will depend entirely on their own abilities!"

Even Genin knew that survival in this world depended on oneself alone.

Such was the unyielding law of survival in the Ninja World.

"You..."

Looking into the Third's eyes, Sakumo understood immediately—he intended for these two to grow under such harsh conditions. Only like this could they quickly become capable ninjas who could stand on their own.

Even though they were still children, the Ninja World, this world, wouldn't give them much time to grow up.

There was never a lack of geniuses; yet whether they would perish before blooming or shine in the Ninja World remained uncertain.

Many of those so-called prodigies died before they could even blossom.

"I understand. I'll go prepare right away," Sakumo said.

Beside him, Junko Watanabe stared blankly. As soon as Sakumo finished speaking, she slightly regained her composure and asked, "Senior Sakumo, you haven't told me anything specific about those two kids yet."

Sakumo had just realized he'd completely ignored her, but first asked, "It's been a while since I've heard news from you. What level are you now?"

Asked by him, Junko responded softly, "I've become a Jonin already."

Sakumo didn't show much surprise at her words. Back at the academy, this girl had shown exceptional talent, so it wasn't strange at all for her to have become a Jonin by now. However, given that she was now a Jonin, how come he hadn't heard anything about her at all?

"Then where have you been all this time?"

Upon hearing this question, Junko suddenly fell silent. Sakumo caught a glimpse of the Third out of the corner of his eye; the latter said nothing, but... seeing her hesitant demeanor, Sakumo could roughly guess the answer.

If she'd become a Jonin under the direct command of the Third Hokage without Sakumo knowing, then aside from Anbu, there was no other explanation.

"Alright, then you come with me. I also need to assess your current capabilities. Along the way, I'll tell you about Minato Namikaze and Yan Uchiha too. I'll set the departure time for the mission and inform you afterward."

Assassination missions like this were always kept strictly secret—the Hokage was usually only informed moments before execution.

"Okay." Junko agreed simply and obediently followed behind Sakumo as both bid farewell to the Third and left the place.

After they left, The Third was still somewhat taken aback. Tamaki, known within Anbu as the "Witch," had long been renowned among her peers, yet in front of Sakumo, she had acted as docile as a kitten.

Shortly afterward, The Third settled back into his chair, hands locked together, elbows propped on the pile of documents before him. He looked up slightly and murmured, "Jiraiya, Minato... don't blame me for being ruthless — I have no choice but to do this. And if you survive this mission, granting your wish wouldn't be the worst thing in the world."

His voice carried a trace of gloominess. At that moment, only he himself truly understood what churned within his heart...

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