The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting golden rays through the thin slits of Renjiro's window. The chirping of birds outside signaled the start of another day in Konoha, but today was different. Today marked the beginning of one of the most important missions of his life.
Renjiro's eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the light. He lay in bed for a moment, staring at the ceiling, his mind still sluggish from sleep. Then, with a sigh, he pushed himself up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, stretching his arms. His muscles, though well-trained, ached slightly from the previous day's exercises.
"Ugh, today's the day, huh?" he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Standing up, he made his way to the washroom. The cold water sensation jolted him awake, and he stared at his reflection in the mirror—his Sharingan deactivated but the weight of his thoughts still evident in his dark eyes.
His morning routine was mundane. He brushed his teeth, ran a wet hand through his hair to tame its natural messiness, and changed into his combat gear. His green flak jacket sat snugly over a dark undershirt, and he tightened the wraps around his forearms and calves with practised ease. Strapping his weapon pouch to his thigh, he turned to the staff propped against the wall.
As he packed the final essentials into his travel bag, his mind wandered back to the past month—a chaotic mess of events that had turned his life upside down.
First, there was Daichi's interrogation.
Renjiro clenched his fists at the memory. It had been intense, exhausting, and invasive. Then, there was his training with Kushina—a more pleasant but equally gruelling experience. She had been relentless, forcing him to refine his Blood Fuinjutsu techniques until she deemed them battle-ready. And then... there was his betrothal to Nakada.
Renjiro's expression darkened slightly. It wasn't that Nakada was unpleasant. If anything, she was intelligent, competent, and carried herself with a quiet confidence that was almost admirable. But the fact remained that he hadn't spent enough time with her to form a concrete judgment of her personality. And yet, here he was—engaged.
"What a wild collection of events," Renjiro mused aloud as he secured his bag.
Then, as if grounding himself in reality, he took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.
"But all of that was just a prelude. The next month… that's what really matters."
Renjiro glanced at his packed belongings and then at his forehead protector resting on the table. He picked it up, staring at the engraved Konoha symbol for a moment before tying it securely around his head.
"It's time for the Kage Summit."
=====
[One month ago]
On a warm afternoon, Renjiro and Minato had been summoned to the Hokage's office. The walk through the village had been uneventful, though Renjiro had felt an odd tension in the air—an anticipation of something big.
The moment they stepped into the office, Hiruzen Sarutobi regarded them with his ever-calm expression, his pipe resting on the desk beside him. Jiraiya was also present lounging by the bookshelf, idly flipping through a scroll titled The Art of Subtle Seduction.
"I have an important mission for the both of you," Hiruzen began, his voice steady.
Renjiro and Minato exchanged a quick glance before focusing back on the Hokage.
"I will be attending the upcoming Kage Summit, and I have chosen you two as my escorts."
For a moment, there was silence.
Then—
"What?" Minato's voice cut through the office's still air, tinged with a mix of surprise and concern. His blue eyes flickered toward Jiraiya, as if seeking confirmation that this wasn't some elaborate joke.
Renjiro's stomach lurched as his thoughts raced.
'The Kage Summit?'
His first thought was one of relief—if Hiruzen was taking him along, then that meant Konoha had no intention of handing him over to Kumo as a bargaining chip. That paranoia had gnawed at him for weeks, ever since Kumogakure's accusations had first reached Konoha's ears.
But relief was quickly followed by dread.
But then came the second realization.
"Wait…" Renjiro frowned, narrowing his eyes. "Doesn't this put me at even greater risk? Kumo already wants my head, and now we're walking into a place where they'll have access to me without restrictions?"
Hiruzen remained composed, his aged face unreadable as he laced his fingers together. His sharp eyes studied Renjiro carefully before he finally spoke."That is precisely why you will accompany me. To send a message."
Renjiro inhaled sharply.
'A message.'
"Konoha will not bow to threats," the Hokage continued. "We do not cower whenever another village makes baseless accusations. By bringing you, we demonstrate our unwavering stance."
Minato, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.
"Hokage-sama, have you considered that Kumo may take this as an opportunity to assassinate Renjiro and start the war they're pushing for?"
Hiruzen exhaled through his nose. "They won't."
"And if they do?"
Jiraiya, who had been silent until now, sighed dramatically. "Then, well… let's just say Kage Summits have not always been peaceful in history., and A's got the temper of a tailed beast on a good day"
Hiruzen gave him a sidelong glance but didn't contradict him. Instead, he turned back to Minato. "Precisely why they won't act. Attacking us there would turn every village against them. Besides, I am bringing you as well, Minato, because of that risk. Should anything escalate, your presence ensures our retreat."
Minato grimaced. "Hokage-sama… The Land of Iron is three days' travel. Even with Flying Thunder God, that's a lot of ground to cover."
Hiruzen merely smiled. "But is worth the village's security. The village will spare no expense in providing you with soldier pills to replenish your chakra."
Minato let out a long sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"You really planned this out, huh?"
Jiraiya chuckled, slapping Minato on the back. "I always do."
Renjiro, meanwhile, remained silent. His mind churned with a mixture of emotions—fear, anticipation, and the ever-present sense that he was balancing on the edge of a blade.
This was dangerous. Incredibly dangerous.
But at the same time, it was an opportunity.
If this was the course the timeline had shifted toward, then he had no choice but to adapt.
And he would.
===
Renjiro exhaled as he zipped up his travel bag. He adjusted his equipment one final time, ensuring his weapons were in place and his seals were properly secured.
"Alright." He rolled his shoulders. "Time to get moving."
With a flicker of chakra, he disappeared from his apartment, reappearing on the rooftops of Konoha. The morning sun had fully risen now, bathing the village in soft hues of orange and gold. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and fresh dew.
His path was set.
In a single blur, Renjiro vanished once more, heading straight toward the Hokage's office.
As he landed outside, his keen eyes immediately spotted Minato standing near the entrance, arms crossed. The blond-haired shinobi raised an eyebrow as Renjiro approached.
"Took you long enough."
Renjiro smirked. "Had to make sure I looked good for the summit."
Minato snorted. "Let's just hope you survive it first."
And with that, they stepped inside, ready to begin their mission.
=====
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