The sea breeze was still fresh in their lungs when Naruto and Haku finally stepped onto the land leading back to Konoha. Their journey had been grueling—days spent navigating treacherous waters and traveling nonstop. But despite the exhaustion creeping into their muscles, there was no time to rest.
Naruto's fingers instinctively gripped the hilt of Uzushio's Fang, the tanto bestowed upon him by the spirits of his ancestors. The blade hummed with latent storm chakra, as if sensing the turmoil ahead. Beside him, Haku's normally composed face was taut with concern.
Their hurried pace brought them closer to the village gates when suddenly—
Woosh!
A figure materialized in front of them in a blur of silver and dark fabric.
Kakashi Hatake.
His lone eye observed them with an intensity Naruto hadn't seen in a long time. The atmosphere was thick with urgency.
"Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked, confused by the masked jonin's abrupt arrival.
"We don't have time for greetings." Kakashi's voice was grave. "You need to come with me. Now."
Naruto's expression darkened, but he nodded. Haku fell into step behind them as Kakashi led them through a different path, avoiding the main roads.
Konoha was different than when they had left. There was a tension in the air—ANBU darted across rooftops, their movements swift and calculated. Civilians remained indoors, sensing the weight of an impending storm.
Naruto clenched his fists. He could feel it. Something was wrong.
Upon reaching the Hokage Tower, they were led into Tsunade's office, where a group of high-ranking shinobi had already gathered. Minato stood near the window, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Shikaku Nara was beside him, quietly analyzing a set of documents.
Tsunade looked up as they entered. Her normally fierce demeanor was tinged with frustration.
"You took your time, brat," she muttered before gesturing for Naruto to sit.
"No time for jokes, Baa-chan," Naruto responded, his tone matching hers. "What's going on?"
Tsunade's eyes flickered toward Minato before she finally spoke.
"Orochimaru has made his move."
Silence fell over the room.
Naruto's body tensed. "Explain."
Tsunade exhaled. "The Sound Four attacked the Uchiha District last night. They critically wounded Mikoto and Izumi before taking Sasuke."
Naruto's breath hitched. "Sasuke... was taken?"
Minato turned to face him. "And that's not all." His voice was calm, but the underlying anger was evident. "Danzo has betrayed the village. He was in contact with Menma, manipulating him with promises of power. When we raided Root, Danzo fled."
Naruto's world tilted. His brother... Menma sided with Danzo?
Kakashi stepped forward. "We have reason to believe that Orochimaru and Danzo's forces may be converging."
The weight of the situation settled on Naruto's shoulders. His fists trembled.
"Tch... Damn it!" He punched the table, the wood cracking under his force. "First Sasuke, and now Menma? What the hell is happening?"
Tsunade leaned forward. "This is where you come in, Naruto. We need to act fast. If Orochimaru and Danzo truly intend to join forces, we could be looking at a war."
Minato took the lead. "We're splitting into two squads. I will personally lead the team to retrieve Menma and deal with Danzo."
Naruto's gaze snapped to his father. "Then I'll go with you—"
"No," Minato said firmly. "Your task is just as important."
He placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "You're leading the team to rescue Sasuke."
Naruto stiffened. "Me?"
Minato nodded. "Tsunade, Kakashi, and I agree that this is your mission. You're one of the only people Sasuke truly acknowledges. If he's being kidnapped by Orochimaru, you need to be the one to bring him back."
Naruto swallowed. This wasn't just about Sasuke anymore.
This was a battle for their bonds.
Minato's orders were precise.
"Naruto, your team will consist of Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, Choji Akimichi, and Shikamaru Nara. Kakashi will be your backup if things go south."
Naruto nodded, looking at his assembled comrades. Each of them was strong in their own right.
Minato continued. "My team will include ANBU captains, Kushina, and myself. Our priority is capturing Danzo and bringing Menma home—by force, if necessary."
Kushina's expression darkened. She had remained silent until now, but her hands trembled. "If Menma... if he raises a hand against you..."
Minato met her gaze. "I'll bring him back."
She looked away, her heart warring between a mother's love and a shinobi's duty.
Naruto exhaled. "Alright. When do we move?"
Tsunade's eyes hardened. "Immediately."
At the border of the Land of Fire, in a secluded forest clearing, the remnants of Root gathered.
Danzo stood beneath the moonlight, his bandaged face unreadable. Beside him, Menma stared ahead, arms crossed.
The air shimmered, and suddenly, four figures appeared from the trees.
The Sound Four.
Jirobo smirked. "Looks like you've seen better days, old man."
Danzo ignored the comment. His gaze focused on the white-haired boy at the front.
Kimimaro Kaguya.
Orochimaru's most devoted follower, his cold gray eyes held no emotion.
"Lord Orochimaru is expecting results," Kimimaro said. "Sasuke is with us as a prisoner. But if you truly wish to ally with us, we require proof of your worth."
Danzo's expression didn't change. "I have no need to prove anything."
Kimimaro's fingers twitched, bones protruding from his knuckles. "Then I will decide."
Menma stepped forward, the curse mark on his body pulsing. "You want a fight?" he sneered. "I'll give you one."
Kimimaro tilted his head. "Show me, then."
The tension was suffocating. Chakra flared. The battle was moments away from igniting.
And as Naruto and Minato's teams closed in from separate directions—
The war had begun.