"Top-tier Ninjas?"
"Jiraiya-sensei's insight into battle situations has always been sharp. It seems something uncontrollable has happened on the Kirigakure front."
In the command post, the smile faded from Minato's blue eyes, his expression turning serious.
"Yes."
"You're right, Minato."
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, turned around and handed the Anbu's intelligence report to Minato. "According to Jiraiya's report, a young Kirigakure's Ninja specializing in Ice Release has suddenly appeared. His combat power is absurdly strong. In their first encounter, he killed Hizashi, causing significant losses."
"Moreover, this Kirigakure's Ninja's abilities are very strange. Besides powerful Ice Release, he has apparently mastered the ability to use seal-less Ninjutsu. Even Jiraiya couldn't subdue him in a direct confrontation. His strength is unexpectedly formidable."
Hiruzen's frown deepened. As the Hokage of Konoha, he had access to vast intelligence resources and was well-acquainted with the numbers, abilities, and power levels of Kage-level Ninjas in Kirigakure.
Yet, even with that, he had never heard of a young man in Kirigakure who specialized in Ice Release and could rival Jiraiya head-on.
"If the village needs it, I can go support Jiraiya-sensei."
At that moment, Minato offered a gentle smile. "It just so happens that Kakashi and Rin are both there. I haven't seen them for a while, and I'm a bit worried about their recent state."
After speaking, a somber look entered Minato's eyes.
Since Obito's 'death', Kakashi's mental state had deteriorated. He was worried his prized student might not be able to overcome the psychological shadow of that incident.
"That wouldn't be advisable."
Unexpectedly, Hiruzen knocked his pipe against something and shook his head in refusal. "The village expended tremendous manpower and resources to break Iwagakure's main force. We absolutely cannot afford any problems now, especially preventing Onoki from making a desperate, last-ditch attack."
"Minato, if you leave the front lines and Iwagakure seizes the opportunity, with Onoki and those two Jinchuriki leading a desperate counterattack, the significant advantage the village gained could very well be lost!"
In fact, Hiruzen's concern was quite justified.
Although the Battle of Kannabi Bridge severed Iwagakure's supply lines and dealt a heavy blow to their main force, Iwagakure still possessed substantial effective strength.
Especially the Tsuchikage Onoki, and the Four-Tails and Five-Tails Jinchuriki, who remained at full combat power. Carelessness could lead to a subversive change in the battle situation, which would be a devastating blow to Konoha.
"Indeed..."
Minato could only nod helplessly. Iwagakure's Ninjas were notoriously tenacious, something he knew well.
"Minato..."
After a long silence, Hiruzen looked at his favored subordinate and spoke in a consultative tone, "I am considering sending two Anbu Squads to escort Kushina to support Jiraiya. I'd like to know if you agree or disagree with this plan."
Having said that, Hiruzen put on a very troubled expression and sighed. "I know this is asking a lot, having both of you on the battlefield. It seems somewhat unreasonable. But Kirigakure also has a Jinchuriki. Without equivalent power to counter it, I fear Jiraiya's side truly won't be able to hold."
Once the words were spoken,
Hiruzen fell silent again, quietly smoking his pipe nearby. He too seemed to be in a difficult position, though it looked vaguely constipated.
Minato didn't answer immediately, falling into prolonged thought.
In an instant,
A long internal struggle took place in Minato's heart.
After his expression shifted unpredictably several times, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "In this war, everyone is risking their lives for the village. Kushina naturally has her own responsibilities too. I agree with this plan."
"Besides, Kushina has the Uzumaki Clan's heritage, with an extremely strong constitution. I don't think any accidents will happen."
At that moment,
Hiruzen let out a relieved breath, releasing two smoke rings, and patted Minato's shoulder. "Having a young generation with such awareness and ideals like you and Kushina is truly the village's fortune. The Will of Fire..."
"...has worthy successors!"
After that-
With the agreement of the two leaders, the matter of sending the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Kushina, to support the Kirigakure front was settled as a matter of course.
It was Minato, after all.
If it were any other Ninja, Hiruzen wouldn't have needed to go through such circles, and a direct order would have sufficed, whether they wanted to go or not!
However,
Since Minato was his chosen successor, Hiruzen's attitude towards him was relatively respectful.
On the other hand,
Minato wasn't particularly resistant to the idea of Kushina going to the front lines. After all, Kushina was Konoha's Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki and had already participated in the war.
Moreover, he himself possessed the Flying Thunder God Technique. Even if something unexpected happened, he could rush to the scene promptly, minimizing the danger.