Naruto: The Green Mentalist

The morning light broke across the Hokage's tower in golden streaks, the village below slowly waking to another day of routine and duty. But Oliver's steps were anything but routine as he made his way through the halls of the mission office.

Inside his chest, his heartbeat drummed like war drums behind a calm face.

He wasn't just chasing opportunity.

He was laying claim to destiny.

The Snow Country mission—classified as a C-rank diplomatic and security assignment—had just appeared on the active roster. The daimyo of the Land of Snow had requested subtle reinforcement during a technology summit that would host both merchants and minor nobles.

To most, it was political noise.

To Oliver, it was the open gate he had been waiting for.

He stepped up to the mission clerk, wearing a calm expression.

"I'd like to take assignment #721," he said, sliding a form across the counter. "I have cold-weather experience, seal proficiency, and light diplomatic clearance."

The clerk looked him over. "We're already assigning teams for that mission. You're not a jōnin or chūnin team leader."

Oliver smiled faintly.

"I'm not asking to lead. I'm asking to contribute."

The clerk frowned, about to dismiss him—until a folder was slipped onto the desk from the side.

"Add him," came a familiar, energetic voice.

Oliver turned slightly.

Might Guy.

Konoha's taijutsu master, a man of impossible energy, moral clarity—and quiet wisdom beneath all that youthful shouting.

"He's got potential," Guy said, grinning wide. "He reminds me of me! And that means I'll keep an eye on him!"

The clerk blinked, clearly surprised.

"But you're not assigned to this mission either."

"I am now," Guy declared, slapping a mission application onto the desk. "I volunteered. These legs haven't seen snow in years!"

Oliver bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Guy-sensei."

The older shinobi leaned in close, his voice low and private.

"You've got something burning in you, Oliver. I can feel it. I don't know what it is yet—but fire like that needs direction."

Oliver met his eyes. "I have direction. I just need the right people."

Guy smiled, then whispered, "And you've found one."

Later that evening, back in his room, Oliver recorded it all:

Entry — The Snow Moves

I've secured a place on the mission.

Guy has joined me.

This was unexpected… but welcome.

He's everything the village underestimates:

Brave. Loud. Tireless. Loyal.

But beneath it all? He sees more than people think.

He's not just muscle — he's faith.

If I'm to build a kingdom… I need faith.

And now I have my first knight.

Oliver closed the book and looked out at the setting sun.

Soon, they would cross into the Land of Snow.

Soon, he would meet the princess.

And soon, the first root of the Country of Freedom would be planted beneath frozen soil.