Ch-59 Iwagakure and Kusagakure.
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...
Soon, Michikatsu reached the Hokage building, and standing in front of it was Nawaki, eagerly awaiting Jiryoku's arrival.
Upon spotting Jiryoku, Nawaki couldn't help but quip, "What took you so long? I've been waiting for ages!"
Jiryoku responded, "I came here as soon as that Chunin ninja informed me. There was no delay on my part."
Nawaki teased, "You must be getting rusty, or I wouldn't have beaten you here."
With a playful smirk, Michikatsu retorted, "Don't talk nonsense. You were probably hanging around the Ninja Academy, which is why you got here so quickly."
Michikatsu then refocused their attention, saying, "Now, if we're done with this banter, we should head to the Hokage's office. The Hokage is probably waiting for us."
"Yeah, yeah," Nawaki agreed with an embarrassed smile, realizing Michikatsu had hit the mark. He had indeed been at the Ninja Academy when a Chunin had come to fetch him.
----
Michikatsu and Nawaki stepped into the Hokage's office, where they found Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, gazing out the window.
Hiruzen turned around to address them, his gaze unwavering. "As you may have surmised, I've called you here for an important mission."
In response, Michikatsu and Nawaki nodded, fully aware of the gravity of the situation.
Hiruzen slid a document across his desk toward Michikatsu, who promptly picked it up and read it, then passed it to Nawaki.
Nawaki's expression grew solemn as he perused the document. He returned his attention to Hiruzen.
The Hokage continued, "As you've read, ninja from Iwagakure are coming to Kusagakure, attempting to persuade our allies to collaborate with them."
Nawaki questioned, "But isn't Kusagakure our ally? Why should we be concerned?"
Michikatsu, his experience showing, replied, "Nawaki, as a Jonin, you must understand that while Kusagakure is our ally, they are a smaller village. If Iwagakure dangles enticing offers, Kusagakure might align with them."
Hiruzen added, "Michikatsu is correct. There's no guarantee that Kusagakure won't side with Iwagakure and offer their support. What concerns me the most is the possibility of Kusagakure allowing Iwagakure to establish a base within their territory, which would be detrimental to our interests."
Nawaki absorbed Hiruzen's words, his expression growing more serious as the implications of the situation became clear.
"I've made the decision to dispatch an elite squad of Konoha ninja to ensure that these talks between Iwagakure and Kusagakure do not take place, with Michikatsu leading the squad and Nawaki as the deputy leader," declared Hiruzen.
Michikatsu, showing unwavering determination, responded, "I'll do my utmost to prevent these negotiations between Kusagakure and Iwagakure."
Hiruzen nodded in approval and continued, "Your squad will consist of two Jonin, that's you and Nawaki, along with five Special Jonin and ten Chunin."
Hiruzen's choice of such a formidable team underscored the gravity of the situation, as this squad possessed the potential to devastate a smaller village like Kusagakure if engaged in guerrilla warfare.
After receiving their mission details, Nawaki and Michikatsu exited the Hokage's office.
Nawaki mused, "It appears our first mission won't be a walk in the park."
Michikatsu concurred, saying, "Indeed. Let's reconvene at the Konoha gate tomorrow."
With that, Michikatsu left for his home, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders.
----
Inside Sakumo's home:
Sighing, Kiyomi addressed her son, Michikatsu, who was preparing for another mission. "So, you're heading out on another mission. It's disheartening that the war hasn't ceased. You've only been back for six months, and you're off again. I wonder how long it'll be before you return," she lamented.
Michikatsu, attempting to alleviate his mother's concerns, reassured her, saying, "War is an ongoing conflict driven by differing interests among people worldwide. Don't worry about me; I'll take every precaution to stay safe."
Michikatsu then turned to his younger brother, Kakashi. "Kakashi, you've already mastered the 'Lightning Enhanced Mode' technique that I developed after studying the principles of the 'Lightning Chakra Mode' during my battle with a Kumo Jonin. This technique suits you perfectly. By enveloping your body with lightning, you can form an armor instantly, saving chakra that you'd otherwise expend activating unnecessary defenses during combat."
He continued, "My point is, practice as I've taught you. When I return from my next mission, I'll arrange for your early graduation. You'll join my team, and I'll personally oversee your training."
Kakashi nodded earnestly and replied, "Yes, brother, I'll follow your guidance diligently and make sure to demonstrate my progress when you return." The determination in his eyes reflected his commitment to Michikatsu's instruction.
During the night, Michikatsu found himself lost in thought, contemplating the forthcoming events.
He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement about the upcoming phase of the war. To him, this presented a unique opportunity to enhance his strength significantly. The reason was clear; this stage of the war would witness the participation of various ninjas with unique Kekkei Genkai abilities. With his 'Divine Reflection' skill, he'd have the means to replicate and harness all of these unique powers.
However, the anticipation was also tinged with seriousness. Michikatsu's thoughts inevitably turned to his father, Hatake Sakumo. It was around this time that Sakumo had taken his own life, a tragic event that Michikatsu was determined not to allow to happen again.
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