At this moment, Sora wanted to facepalm internally.
Looking at the utterly self-confident Third Mizukage, he simply couldn't understand why this man, who is so ordinary, could be so self-assured!
'One person suppress Konoha's Jiraiya + the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki?'
'Do you truly understand the combat power of an Uzumaki + Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki?'
'A bankrupt version of Uzumaki Kushina, Karin, could directly defeat Spiral Zetsu's Wooden Buddha.'
'Are you sure you can handle the promax version of Karin, which is Uzumaki Kushina?'
Of course, while complaining internally, Sora still kept a straight face and accepted the mission to deal with Namikaze Minato. This was his ultimate target anyway.
Moreover, even with the Flying Thunder God Technique, Sora believed Konoha's Yellow Flash might not necessarily be able to avoid the fatal killing move he had long since prepared.
"By the way..."
The Third Mizukage seemed to remember something else. He pulled a shoulder emblem from a drawer and tossed it onto the table. "Your current identity is no longer suitable for working within the Anbu. I've prepared a new position for you. Prepare yourself in advance. Once you return from this mission, we'll proceed with the formalities for the Jonin role!"
After speaking, the Third Mizukage looked at Sora with an appreciative expression and smiled, "Many people in the village are optimistic about your future, and I'm no exception. I hope you won't disappoint our Kirigakure."
Sora looked down and glanced at the shoulder emblem on the table.
Jonin Commander.
The position formerly held by one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Akebino Jinin. It held status equal to that of the Anbu Commander and was a true high-ranking position with voting rights in the Mizukage election.
Its counterpart would probably be Konoha's Nara Shikaku, Iwagakure's Tsuchi, and other formidable figures.
"Alright."
Sora nodded.
This wasn't a bad thing. With the death of the former Jonin Commander, Akebino Jinin, the vacant position needed to be filled. It was a natural and right matter, not particularly surprising.
As for whether he could hold this position firmly...
Well, his Zanpakuto would probably provide the answer.
…
After leaving the Mizukage Building, Sora headed towards the Anbu's base.
Just as he entered the base, an unexpected figure appeared.
"Sir!"
"My dear Sora-sama!"
The slender Yuzuki emerged from who knows where. He made a fierce pounce, hugging Sora's leg, and let out a convulsive lament: "I can't leave you in this lifetime! You are like a lighthouse on the sea, guiding the forward path of my life! If there is only one person in this world who follows you, that person must be me! If no one else follows behind you..."
"It must be that I, Matsunaga Yuzuki, your most loyal follower, have died!"
With tears and mucus flowing freely, Yuzuki cried so grievously, as if he were even sadder than if his own father had died.
"Yuzuki..."
"Your grief surpasses mine."
Toden, standing nearby, also had a gloomy expression, clearly unable to accept Sora's sudden departure.
"Shameless!"
The black-haired girl Kurumi said with a cold face, 'That shameless scoundrel Matsunaga actually said Sora-sama would have no followers? Wasn't he indirectly cursing me to die young?'
"..."
Sora's eyebrow twitched.
He patted Yuzuki's shoulder and said slowly, "I feel your loyalty. But..."
"My haori is expensive."
As soon as the words fell, Yuzuki's crying stopped abruptly. He knew Sora had a slight cleanliness obsession. If he really got tears on Sora's clothes, his political career would probably end right there.
"Sora-sama..."
"I will follow you forever!"
The esteemed Jonin wiped away his tears, his face instantly putting on a lackey-like smile.
In fact, Sora's departure caused quite a stir within the Anbu.
After all-
If it weren't for Sora, a lot of Kirigakure's Anbu would have been wiped out by that Mangekyo + Wood Release black-cloaked monster.
Just thinking about that terrifying ability still made many people shudder. If they hadn't been lucky enough to receive Sora's protection, they might have ended up like those unlucky comrades, dead without a complete corpse.
Therefore, during the handover, all along the way, they could see Anbu from the village spontaneously standing on both sides, respectfully bowing at a ninety-degree angle to greet Sora.
Some even overstepped boundaries, like Yuzuki, directly expressing their loyalty and their sincere, fervent desire to follow.
The debt of saving their lives was one thing… more importantly, the Anbu present weren't fools. Anyone could see that Sora was destined to have a bright future.
It wasn't betraying the village anyway. Placing a bet on a strong candidate for the Fourth Mizukage was a natural and right thing to do, right?
…
The sky was rarely clear.
After handing over his Anbu's duties, Sora left the base and headed to the previously agreed-upon location.
Meigetsu was already waiting there.
"Mizukage-sama's orders..."
"I'm responsible for escorting you to the battlefield."
From afar, Meigetsu smiled and waved.
Ever since that day under the torrential rain, when she laid all cards on the table and pledged her allegiance, the relationship between Meigetsu and Sora had felt like it was progressing by leaps and bounds.
Before, there might have been differences in stance. But this time, Meigetsu actively handed her vulnerability to Sora, demonstrating her different level of determination.
"Escort me?"
"Yes." Meigetsu nodded, "Taking a ship is too slow. Against a Ninja like Namikaze Minato, the opportunity in battle is fleeting. We need to get to the front lines quickly."
As she spoke, she bit her finger.
"Summoning Technique!"
After rapidly forming hand seals, Meigetsu slapped her palm on the ground.
Bang!
White smoke exploded.
The next moment, a brown eagle with a wingspan exceeding six meters appeared on the field.
"Uh..."
Sora found it somewhat familiar, always feeling it resembled Sasuke's summon.
"Let's go!"
"Alright."
"If it's not stable, you can hold onto me."
"Anywhere?"
"Pah... Pervert!"
Amidst the exchange of words, the brown summoning eagle soared into the sky, heading rapidly towards the Land of Fire.
…
At this moment.
In the Konoha's camp.
A pretty Medical-Nin had just left a room when she was stopped by Minato, who had been waiting outside for a long time.
"Shizune..."
"How is Kakashi?"
Minato asked with a worried expression.
Shizune shook her head and said, "The overexertion is too severe. The huge mental shock, combined with the Sharingan's Chakra Consumption, has left Kakashi's body in a very fatigued state. Moreover, his mental state is very unstable. I believe he needs to rest for a while longer."
"The current Kakashi is really not suitable for the battlefield. His body, spirit, and will all have significant issues. However, I've treated his fractures and external injuries. As long as he rests, there shouldn't be major problems."
Shizune also felt somewhat helpless. Her Medical Ninjutsu was considered second to none in Konoha, but she felt somewhat powerless when it came to mental issues.