Hokage Office
The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Hokage's office, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. The room carried the quiet intensity that had become characteristic of Minato's leadership—papers organized with military precision, tactical maps marked with careful annotations, and the ever-present crystal ball that served as his window into the village's daily operations.
Jiraiya entered through the window with his customary disregard for conventional protocol, his white hair catching the light as he settled against the windowsill with practiced ease. His arms folded across his chest in a gesture that spoke of both familiarity and respect for the man who had once been his student.
"I have already communicated with Lord Fukasaku," Jiraiya began, his voice carrying the measured tone he reserved for serious matters. "He has agreed to let Naruto come to Mount Myōboku to practice Sage techniques."
The implications of this arrangement extended far beyond simple training. Minato understood immediately what his former sensei was offering—not just advanced instruction for his son, but a solution to the growing tension that had become apparent in the aftermath of the training ground incident.
"In this case, Naruto will not be able to return to the village, at least for a short period of time," Jiraiya continued, his weathered features reflecting the weight of recent events. "This way, we can avoid a repeat of the previous situation."
The unspoken reference hung heavy in the air between them. Sasuke's violent reaction to Naruto's transformation technique had revealed fractures in their relationship that could have far-reaching consequences. The Uchiha clan's position within Konoha was delicate enough without adding the complication of their most promising young member developing genuine hostility toward the Hokage's son.
Minato looked up from the documents he had been reviewing, his blue eyes reflecting both gratitude and the burden of parental responsibility. "Thank you for your hard work, Sensei."
The words carried deeper meaning than their simple phrasing might suggest. Over the past three years, Jiraiya had filled a role that Minato's duties as Hokage had prevented him from fulfilling personally. While he had been managing the complex political landscape of the ninja world, his former teacher had been providing his son with the guidance, training, and emotional support that every growing shinobi needed.
As a father, Minato was acutely aware that he had contributed far less to Naruto's development than the man standing before him. The knowledge was a constant source of both guilt and profound gratitude.
"There's no need for such polite words between you and me," Jiraiya replied with a faint smile that spoke of decades of shared history and mutual respect. He had long since ceased to think of Minato as merely a former student. The relationship had evolved into something deeper—Minato was like a son to him, which made Naruto feel like a cherished grandson.
Minato nodded slightly, acknowledging both the sentiment and the generosity behind it. His thoughts turned to the challenges that lay ahead, and a question that had been weighing on his mind emerged.
"I wonder if Naruto can master perfect Sage Mode."
As he spoke the words, Jiraiya's expression shifted slightly, and he rubbed his face with what might have been embarrassment. The gesture was telling—despite his legendary status and decades of experience, the Sage Mode he had mastered remained imperfect. The toad features that appeared when he entered the state were evidence of his incomplete control over the natural energy that powered the technique.
It was a humbling reminder that even among the most accomplished shinobi, true mastery remained elusive. The perfect Sage Mode was not simply a matter of chakra control or training intensity—it required a fundamental understanding of the balance between human energy and the natural forces that surrounded all living things.
"It will definitely work," Minato replied with absolute conviction, his voice carrying the kind of certainty that came from knowledge rather than hope.
Seeing such unwavering confidence, Jiraiya's earlier embarrassment faded, replaced by a knowing smile. "That's right. Although he can be a little green and naive at times, he is still your child after all."
The observation carried weight beyond mere familial pride. Minato had required less than a month to fully master Sage Mode when he had undertaken the training years earlier. His natural aptitude for the technique had been extraordinary even by the standards of Mount Myōboku, where such abilities were considered the highest form of ninja art.
Minato returned his teacher's smile, his confidence in Naruto's potential growing stronger with each passing moment. But his certainty wasn't based on blind paternal faith or simple genetic inheritance. It was grounded in something far more concrete—direct observation of his son's future capabilities.
More than twenty years ago, during the mission to the lost city of Rōran, he had encountered a version of Naruto from several years in the future. That older Naruto had already achieved perfect mastery of Sage Mode, wielding natural energy with the same casual efficiency that most shinobi applied to basic chakra techniques. The memory of that encounter had remained vivid despite the passage of time, serving as both reassurance and anticipation for what was to come.
When his thoughts turned to Rōran, however, Minato's expression grew more serious. The mission that had given him a glimpse of his son's future had also revealed threats that continued to cast shadows over the present.
The Next Morning: Departure
The morning mist hung low over the Namikaze family compound, creating an ethereal atmosphere that seemed appropriate for farewells and new beginnings. The front courtyard had been cleared of its usual training equipment, replaced instead by a gathering of family members and mentors who had come to see Naruto off on his journey.
Minato stood with his characteristic composed dignity, his Hokage robes replaced by more casual clothing that emphasized his role as a father rather than a village leader. Beside him, Kushina fidgeted with nervous energy that she was struggling to contain, her red hair catching the early light as she checked and rechecked the supplies that Naruto would be taking with him.
Chiharu maintained her usual quiet presence, though the slight tension in her posture revealed her emotional investment in her brother's departure. Jiraiya lounged against a nearby post with studied casualness, his experienced eyes taking in every detail of the scene with the observational skills that had made him legendary throughout the ninja world.
At the center of attention stood Fukasaku Sage, his diminutive form dignified by the ancient wisdom that seemed to radiate from his every gesture. The gray robe he wore was simple but somehow conveyed the weight of centuries of accumulated knowledge. Beside him, Naruto shifted restlessly under the weight of his travel pack, his excitement barely contained despite the solemnity of the occasion.
Fukasaku had made the journey from Mount Myōboku specifically to escort Naruto personally, a gesture of respect that spoke to both the young shinobi's potential and the importance of his training. If Naruto had been forced to travel to the sacred mountain on foot, the journey alone would have consumed at least a month of precious time.
"Remember to eat properly," Kushina instructed for what must have been the tenth time that morning, her voice carrying the kind of maternal authority that brooked no argument. "The toads might have different ideas about nutrition than we do, but you still need to maintain your strength."
"And don't forget to practice your basic exercises even while you're focusing on Sage techniques," she continued, her hands moving unconsciously as if she wanted to adjust his pack one more time. "Your father always said that fundamentals are the foundation of everything else."
"Make sure you listen carefully to everything Lord Fukasaku tells you," she added, her tone softening slightly. "This is an incredible opportunity, and I want you to make the most of it."
As mothers do when their children embark on journeys that will take them far from home, Kushina seemed to have an endless supply of advice and reminders. Each instruction was delivered with the kind of loving concern that had characterized her relationship with both her children since the day they were born.
Chiharu watched her brother with a mixture of worry and barely concealed envy. While she was proud of Naruto's selection for such prestigious training, part of her couldn't help wondering when her own opportunities for advanced instruction would arise. From childhood through their early ninja careers, she and Naruto had been virtually inseparable, sharing experiences and challenges in ways that had strengthened their sibling bond.
"Okay, Mom, I'll remember everything," Naruto replied with uncharacteristic patience, his usual impulsiveness tempered by genuine appreciation for his family's concern.
His gaze shifted to Jiraiya, and some of his familiar energy returned. "Pervy Sage, aren't you coming with me this time?"
"I have already taught you almost everything I can," Jiraiya replied, raising his eyelids with a gesture that managed to convey both pride and a certain relief. "As for the practice of Sage techniques, that's something you'll need to complete on your own. The toads of Mount Myōboku have knowledge that even I haven't fully mastered."
The statement was both encouragement and farewell. Jiraiya had spent three years providing Naruto with foundation training that would serve him well in virtually any situation he might encounter. But Sage Mode represented a level of advancement that required individual commitment and understanding that no teacher could simply impart to a student.
There was also, though he didn't mention it aloud, his desire to avoid spending several months subjected to Fukasaku's notoriously challenging cuisine. The memory of previous extended stays at Mount Myōboku had left him with a healthy respect for the toads' nutritional philosophy, even if he didn't share their enthusiasm for insects and other unconventional protein sources.
"Oh," Naruto responded, though his expression suggested he didn't fully understand the nuances behind his teacher's decision.
His attention turned to his father, and something deeper stirred in his bright blue eyes. The look that settled there spoke of determination that went beyond simple training goals—it was the expression of someone preparing to test himself against a standard that had been set years before his birth.
Naruto had learned from Jiraiya that his father had completed Sage Mode training with astonishing speed, mastering techniques that typically required months or even years of dedicated practice. That knowledge had transformed what might have been simple advanced training into something more significant—a direct challenge to measure himself against Minato's legendary capabilities.
During this period at Mount Myōboku, Naruto was determined not just to learn Sage techniques, but to prove that he could excel at the same level as the man who had earned the title of Yellow Flash. The training would be intense, demanding, and possibly dangerous, but he was ready to give everything he had to the pursuit of that goal.
"Nice look," Fukasaku observed with a knowing smile that suggested he had seen similar expressions of determination countless times over his long life.
The ancient toad reached into his robes and produced a scroll that seemed to radiate subtle chakra signatures. When unrolled, it revealed a list of names written in elegant calligraphy—Jiraiya, Minato, and now Naruto, joining a roster of individuals who had been deemed worthy of Mount Myōboku's most advanced instruction.
"I'm leaving," Naruto announced to the assembled group, his voice carrying both excitement and the weight of understanding what lay ahead.
"Be careful on your journey," Kushina and Chiharu said in perfect unison, their synchronized response drawing small smiles from both Minato and Jiraiya.
The moment hung in the air for a heartbeat, filled with all the love, hope, and concern that family members carry for each other during times of separation.
Bang!
The summoning smoke that rose around Fukasaku and Naruto was thick and white, obscuring them from view for several seconds before clearing to reveal empty space where they had been standing moments before. The transportation technique was instantaneous and efficient, carrying them across vast distances in the blink of an eye.
After their departure, the family compound seemed strangely quiet. Each member of the group had responsibilities and obligations that demanded their attention, but the absence of Naruto's energetic presence was immediately noticeable.
Swish!
Minato employed his signature technique to transport himself directly to the Hokage's office, where the daily responsibilities of leadership awaited his attention. He had barely settled into his chair when a member of the communications team materialized in front of his desk with the urgent efficiency that characterized all interactions within the village's intelligence network.
"Hokage-sama, this is an emergency document from Kirigakure," the ninja announced, extending a scroll marked with the seals and security measures that indicated information of the highest classification level.
Minato accepted the document immediately, his experienced hands quickly breaking the seals and unrolling the parchment. His eyes moved rapidly across the text, absorbing details and implications with the speed that had made him legendary as both a strategist and a combat operative.
As he read, his expression gradually shifted from routine attention to something approaching shock. The information contained within the scroll was both significant and deeply troubling, carrying implications that would affect not just Konoha's security planning, but the stability of the entire ninja world.
"Could it be that the Three-Tails has already been captured?" he murmured, the words escaping his lips as the full magnitude of the situation became clear.
According to the intelligence report, all the monitoring posts and security checkpoints that Kirigakure had established on a remote island in the Land of Water had been completely eliminated. The attack had been swift and thorough, leaving no survivors to provide firsthand accounts of what had transpired.
When Kirigakure forces had arrived to investigate, they had discovered extensive evidence of a massive battle on the ocean surrounding the island. The remnants of powerful jutsu were scattered across the area—scorched water, displaced seafloor sediment, and lingering chakra signatures that spoke of conflict on an extraordinary scale.
Most significantly, perceptive ninja among the investigation team had detected traces of Three-Tails chakra in the atmosphere around the battle site. This was particularly alarming because the Three-Tails was supposed to have died along with the Fourth Mizukage during the liberation of Kirigakure from the masked man's control.
Based on this evidence, Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi had reached a conclusion that sent chills through anyone who understood its implications: the Three-Tails had somehow been resurrected, and shortly after its return to the physical world, it had been captured by the Akatsuki organization.
The speed and efficiency of the operation was genuinely frightening. Minato had long suspected that the Akatsuki's ultimate goals were connected to the tailed beasts, but he had underestimated the sophistication of their intelligence network. The organization had not only detected the Three-Tails' resurrection but had moved to capture it so quickly that Kirigakure's forces had barely had time to register what was happening.
"Are we finally going to take action?" Minato's voice carried the weight of recognition—the knowledge that a conflict he had been preparing for was finally beginning to unfold.
His response was immediate and decisive. Years of leadership had taught him that in situations involving threats to multiple villages, coordination and information sharing were essential for survival.
"Notify all allied nations immediately," he commanded the communications ninja. "Issue strict orders that all jinchūriki are to remain within their respective villages until further notice. They have been targeted by a hostile organization with demonstrated capability to capture tailed beasts."
"Yes, sir!" The ninja's response was crisp and professional, reflecting the urgency that had suddenly infused the situation.
As the messenger departed to carry out his orders, Minato was already considering the broader strategic implications. The allied nations would likely cooperate with his warning, understanding that mutual defense was in everyone's interest when facing a threat of this magnitude.
However, both the Cloud and Stone villages viewed Konoha with suspicion at best and outright hostility at worst. Convincing their leadership to take protective measures for their own jinchūriki would be significantly more challenging, particularly since the warning was coming from someone they considered a potential enemy.
Moreover, given the speed with which the Akatsuki had moved against the Three-Tails, it was entirely possible that the warning was already too late. If the organization had multiple teams operating simultaneously, other tailed beasts might already be under attack or captured while these messages were still being transmitted.
The thought was deeply unsettling, but Minato pushed aside his concerns in favor of immediate action. Whatever the ultimate outcome, he had done everything within his power to alert the other villages to the danger they all faced.
Land of Earth
Miles away from the urgent conferences and strategic planning taking place in Konoha, an entirely different kind of preparation was underway in the harsh landscape of the Land of Earth.
Whoosh!
The sound of powerful wings cutting through the dry air echoed across the barren expanse of rock and desert that characterized this region. Far below, the terrain stretched endlessly in all directions—a maze of stone formations, wind-carved canyons, and sandy valleys that had been shaped by centuries of elemental forces.
Suddenly, a large white bird appeared against the pale sky, its massive wingspan and graceful flight patterns marking it as something far more sophisticated than any natural creature. The construct was clearly the product of advanced ninjutsu, its form and function perfectly adapted for reconnaissance and transportation across vast distances.
As the bird circled over a particular area of open ground, two figures could be seen on its back. The pilot was a young man with long blonde hair that streamed behind him in the wind, his visible eye gleaming with the kind of artistic appreciation that found beauty in destruction and chaos.
Deidara peered down at the rocky clearing below, his trained gaze scanning the area until he located the specific individual they had come to find. A satisfied expression crossed his features as he confirmed that their intelligence had been accurate—their target was indeed present and apparently unaware of the danger approaching from above.
He turned his head to address his companion, a figure whose youthful appearance concealed depths of experience and capability that few could match.
"Sasori, the person we are looking for is down there," Deidara reported, his voice carrying both excitement and professional focus.
The hunt for another tailed beast was about to begin, and this time the Akatsuki would demonstrate that their success with the Three-Tails had been no mere stroke of luck. The organization was methodical, patient, and utterly ruthless in pursuit of their goals—qualities that would serve them well in the conflicts to come.