Tengen brought Namikaze Minato back from Sunagakure to Konoha.
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, no wonder Sarutobi Hiruzen gaped in shock.
At nine, Tengen boasted Jonin strength, mastered the Rasengan in record time, and developed its variants, a prodigy beyond compare.
Outshining even Kakashi.
Now, Tengen had learned the Flying Thunder God Technique, surpassing Minato's mastery.
The technique's difficulty was steep. Only the Second Hokage and Minato had conquered it, until now.
Tengen joined them, wielding it with greater skill.
"It's really you, Tengen." Sarutobi Hiruzen said, dazed.
"It's me, Hokage-sama." Tengen chuckled.
Good thing only Tengen and Minato were here, or other ninjas might think Sarutobi Hiruzen had lost his wits.
"Unbelievable, Tengen. Your ninjutsu talent is terrifying." Sarutobi Hiruzen marveled.
"Now, Sunagakure's mustering a force against Konoha." he said, regaining composure, voice grave.
"Hokage-sama, it may not stop there. I doubt the Kazekage has the guts alone." Minato interjected.
"You think other villages are involved?" Sarutobi Hiruzen caught on quickly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. It's highly likely." Minato replied.
"Tengen, your take?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked.
"I agree." Tengen nodded, echoing Minato. Though unclear which village, or villages, aligned with Sunagakure, their bold move against Konoha hinted at strong backing.
"Hm, I'll summon Konoha's leaders. One hour, same place, this office. Konoha must enter war readiness." Sarutobi Hiruzen declared.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Tengen and Minato left the room.
An hour wasn't long, but urgency demanded it.
Gathering Konoha's key figures took time, and Sarutobi Hiruzen needed to process Minato and Tengen's report.
Leaving the office, Tengen and Minato parted. Tengen headed home, scouting Sunagakure, he hadn't bathed in days, not to mention the sandy wastes.
Luckily, Tengen wasn't fussy, unbothered by it.
After a bath, with time nearing, Tengen strolled Konoha's streets.
Modern and ancient styles blended seamlessly, stirring memories of his past world.
"Tengen! Tengen!" A familiar voice called. A girl with dango in her right hand ran up.
"Anko, huh?" Tengen turned, recognizing his teammate.
"Tengen, Orochimaru-sensei said you were on a mission." Mitarashi Anko said eagerly.
"Yeah, a secret one." Tengen smiled.
"Secret, huh? Can't talk about it then." Anko sighed. As a ninja, she knew some missions stayed classified.
"No missions with Orochimaru-sensei?" Tengen asked.
"You were gone, so they paused. Orochimaru-sensei's been scarce lately." Anko said, bored.
"Maybe a mission's coming, but it'll be dangerous." Tengen mused, thinking of Sunagakure's advance.
"What's that?" Anko's curiosity piqued.
"You'll see soon. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow." Tengen shrugged.
"Showing off again." Anko huffed, a phrase she'd picked up somewhere.
"Was gonna share my dango, but I'll eat it myself." Anko chomped down, eyeing Tengen sideways.
"Tengen." A cold voice slithered from behind.
"Orochimaru-sensei." Tengen knew without turning.
"Orochimaru-sensei!" Anko yelped, hiding the dango, cheeks puffed comically.
Orochimaru glanced at Anko, then fixed on Tengen. "Care to come along?"
Clearly, Orochimaru knew of Tengen and Minato's Sunagakure mission, or he wouldn't invite him.
"Huh? What?" Anko blinked, puzzled by her teacher and Tengen.
"Sure." Tengen smiled. "Anko, Orochimaru-sensei and I have business. See you."
"Oh, okay." Anko nodded, bewildered.
To Anko, Tengen and Orochimaru's dynamic seemed odd.
"Tengen, did this investigation yield surprises?" Orochimaru asked as they walked.
"Some gains, yes. Not sure you'd like them, sensei." Tengen said lightly.
"Nothing I'd dislike. But for Sarutobi-sensei to rally Konoha's ninjas so gravely, something bad's afoot." Orochimaru's gaze stayed calm. "Perhaps another Ninja World War."
Orochimaru's sharp mind pieced it together.
"Heard your Sannin title came from the Second Ninja World War." Tengen said. "If war breaks, I'll need your guidance, sensei?"
"As your teacher, I'll guide my student." Orochimaru said slowly.
Together, they reached the Hokage Building.
***
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