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The boundless, endless sea stretched into the horizon.
A massive white ship cut through the calm waters, leaving ripples in its wake. Standing at the bow, Naruto faced the wind, his arms spread wide as he laughed heartily at the vast scenery before him.
"Naruto!"
Kushina and Minato stepped out from the cabin.
"Dad! Mom!" Naruto turned around, beaming as he waved at them.
"You seem happy, Naruto," Kushina said, walking over to stand beside him.
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded vigorously. "Having both you and Dad here with me, even taking me out like this—it's something I never even dreamed of before! I'm really, really happy!"
He turned back, one hand gripping the ship's railing while the other ruffled his own hair, his grin widening.
"Oh, and thanks to Ero-sennin's jutsu, my hair's grown back too!"
"As long as you're happy," Kushina said, smiling as she patted his head. "Your father and I couldn't be there while you were growing up, so now, we just want to see you happy."
"Really?" Naruto raised his hands excitedly. "Does that mean I don't have to study sealing techniques anymore?!"
"Nope. You're still an Uzumaki," Kushina firmly shut him down.
"Aw, come on…" Naruto wilted instantly, memories of his grueling training days flooding back.
"And this trip isn't just for fun, Naruto. You need to be prepared," Minato added, placing a hand on his shoulder from behind.
"What else? Are we going on a mission as a family?" Naruto perked up again.
"Training," Minato said. "Training to become a true Jinchūriki."
Naruto blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"Right now, you still can't freely use the Nine-Tails' chakra in battle," Minato explained. "We'll be focusing on that during this trip."
"Oh! Got it!" Naruto nodded eagerly. As long as it wasn't sealing techniques, he was fine with any other kind of training.
Minato continued, "Also, we'll be borrowing a training ground from Kumogakure. Make sure to thank them properly when we get there."
"Kumogakure?" Naruto looked puzzled. "Why are we going there?"
"You'll find out soon enough," Minato replied with a smile, offering no further explanation.
---
Konohagakure, Hokage Headquarters
"Lady Hokage," Shizune entered the office, "the Daimyō of the Land of Fire has reached an agreement with the Land of Lightning. They've granted permission for Kumogakure's forces, along with samurai from the Land of Iron, to pass through our territory."
"I see." Tsunade glanced at the map hanging on the wall. "Where are Kumogakure and the Land of Iron's forces now?"
Shizune walked over and pointed at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rice. "They've already reached the border and will soon enter our territory, heading toward the Land of Rain to rendezvous with Lord Jiraiya and our Konoha shinobi."
"Good." Tsunade stood and approached the map. "Any updates today on Kirigakure's movements?"
"That's the next report," Shizune traced a curved line along the map. "Kirigakure's forces are taking a maritime route and should land on the southern coast of the Land of Rivers by this afternoon."
"Then it's time for me to set out as well." Tsunade tapped the map decisively. "The allied forces will advance into the Land of Rain from four directions—Land of Earth, Land of Wind, Land of Rivers, and Land of Fire—before converging outside Amegakure."
"Understood," Shizune confirmed. "The reinforcements set to depart with you are ready to move at any time."
"Are the village's defensive arrangements in place?" Tsunade turned to the window.
"Yes, all preparations are complete," Shizune replied. "The remaining jōnin have been assigned their duties during the war."
Tsunade nodded. "Keep a close watch on any troublemakers in the village during this period."
"Everyone is aware of the situation," Shizune assured.
"Good." Tsunade strode toward the door. "Then let's move out."
"Yes!"
---
Western Border of the Land of Fire.
A Konoha battalion had set up camp at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain.
"Lord Jiraiya!" A scout hurried into the central tent.
"Hmm?" Jiraiya looked up from his seat. "Any updates?"
"Yes." The scout handed over a scroll.
Jiraiya skimmed its contents before tossing it to Shikaku beside him. "Take a look, everyone."
The scroll quickly made its rounds among the gathered shinobi.
"Once Kumo and Kiri are in position, we'll advance into the Land of Rain," Jiraiya announced.
"Lord Jiraiya," one shinobi raised a hand, "even though this is a joint operation, splitting into four separate routes could leave one vulnerable to an ambush by Akatsuki. Reinforcements from the other three fronts wouldn't arrive in time."
Kakashi sighed. "Given the history of conflict between the villages, smooth cooperation was never going to be easy."
Chōza frowned. "Our division is supposed to work alongside Kumogakure and the Land of Iron's samurai. Let's hope there aren't any complications."
At this, the room's attention shifted to the Hyūga representative, Tokuma Hyūga.
No clan in Konoha bore deeper resentment toward Kumogakure than the Hyūga.
"Rest assured," Tokuma said calmly, eyes lowered. "I will ensure my clansmen conduct themselves appropriately."
"That aside," another shinobi interjected, "we should be more concerned about whether Akatsuki will attempt to pick us off one by one during the advance."
"There's no need for excessive worry," Shikaku reasoned. "Our enemy is unique. Even under Akatsuki's control, Amegakure lacks the military strength to pose a serious threat to any of our forces."
"True. The village has declined significantly since Hanzō's death."
"But we can't afford to let our guard down. What if the Akatsuki leader—the one with the Rinnegan—personally intervenes? Not to mention they've already captured eight tailed beasts!"
"That won't happen," Kakashi said. "Akatsuki's goal is to establish dominance over all villages. Their leader will wait for the war to come to him, just as he declared. Our scouts outside Amegakure report no movement aside from Kisame Hoshigaki's departure."
"How can you be so sure?"
"War isn't that simple. Victory is all that matters in the end."
"Lord Jiraiya," Kakashi turned to him, "what's your take? You knew their leader, didn't you?"
Jiraiya exhaled slowly. "It's been years. I can't claim to understand him anymore. But if Nagato truly seeks to fulfill his ambitions, he'll want to crush us head-on."
"Highly likely," Shikaku agreed. "We'll see soon enough."