area51novel Chapter 409 The Daimyo's Test
Chapter 409 The Daimyo's Test
Chapter 409 The Daimyo's Test
"Is Daming alright?"
This is Naruto's heartfelt question after reading the mission scroll.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki used to be someone whose very existence made it difficult to even leave the village, but things changed somewhat in his generation. However, he never expected that this change would actually lead the daimyo to include him in his guard.
“It’s normal. You’ve been making too much of a splash lately, so he has to consider your potential to become Hokage.” Tsunade wasn’t too surprised, but the timing of the mission announcement was just too coincidental, making her a little suspicious. “The Daimyo will meet with each Hokage candidate in advance to judge your worth with his own eyes. But… knowing that Akatsuki is starting to cause trouble, he still specifically asked you to protect them… isn’t that guy supposed to be the most risk-averse?”
Is this a decision that doesn't fit his personality? Could it be that Black Zetsu has started again...?
"Since it's the Daimyo's request, we can't refuse, so let's go." Naruto decided to discuss it with his seniors later; things had been really messy lately.
Tsunade sighed, a rare occurrence. Ninjas, though powerful, were still ultimately only entitled to obey the daimyo's orders. If her grandfather were still alive, those people wouldn't dare issue such an order, no matter how bold they were. Since the mission couldn't be avoided, at least a few smart and experienced people needed to help block it.
"Don't worry, I'll send Asuma and Shikamaru to assist you. As for the rest... go and bring Jiraiya over. Tell him not to just wander around in those few places after returning to Konoha, but to get down to business!"
To this, Naruto could only disappear with a smile, and then reappear with the same smile. At least, the perverted sage who was on the mission with him was safe, and he had no objection to this arrangement.
The Hokage's direct assignments are mandatory, and Jiraiya himself wouldn't refuse Tsunade, so the team members were finalized. Although Konoha sent few ninjas, they were all elites. With one of the Legendary Sannin at the front, a strategist-level commander in the middle, the Flying Thunder God Technique assisting from behind, and a former member of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas acting as a mediator, they were practically invincible.
"Guarding a daimyo... that sounds like a lot of trouble." Shikamaru remarked as expected.
"I should have saved that for myself. I just came back from a mission." Naruto had indeed just returned from the Tenchi Bridge. He had thought that since he wasn't the captain, he didn't have to write a report, but as soon as he entered the door, Shizune pulled him to the Hokage's office.
Good news, the report is indeed no longer needed. Bad news, "Big Name" has issued a new task that mentions his name...
"Speaking of which, did you actually see Orochimaru this time?"
"Yes, he ran away."
Jiraiya's expression was indescribable. Was his junior catching up a little too fast? He used to chase after Orochimaru everywhere, enjoying the scenery along the way. But in recent years, he'd been either chasing Akatsuki or circling around Hikaru. And Orochimaru had actually retreated to the Land of Rice Fields, remaining completely silent, seemingly focused on raising his child.
"Didn't you get any information out of him?" Shikamaru didn't believe that Naruto had really just beaten up Orochimaru.
"That was a trap set for Sasori from the start. Can you really believe what he says?" Naruto's mood improved at the mention of Orochimaru. Fighting that guy meant he didn't need to hold back at all; he could beat him to a pulp without worrying about him dying. If only his body didn't hurt!
Asuma finished his cigarette, cleared his throat, and said, "Alright, now we should talk about the daimyo of the Land of Fire."
Several pairs of eyes immediately turned to them, and people sat up straighter. The true ruler of the Land of Fire was certainly not a simple person. To control a ninja village like Konoha required extremely long-term planning and wisdom, using a slow and steady approach to keep the ninjas under control. Although Naruto spoke casually during the meeting, he would never underestimate anyone when it came to a real confrontation.
"Overall, the daimyo's personality is quite approachable, and there is basically no sense of oppression from a superior."
...Huh? The daimyo of the Land of Fire is approachable? Oh, I forgot, this one is Enichi's father, a master of feigning ignorance.
"However, this does not mean you can do whatever you want; you still need to maintain etiquette."
That doesn't really matter. Ninjas usually don't openly protect daimyo; they prefer to be surrounded by samurai and retainers.
"Hmm... This mission is to escort the daimyo to the Fire Temple for blessings. The journey isn't too long, and there's a group of ninja monks guarding the Fire Temple, so we don't really need to worry about it."
The Temple of Fire... why does that name sound so familiar? Not because the place name is familiar, but because I feel like I've heard it recently...
"Naruto, the Daimyo's purpose in coming here is probably to test you. You mustn't embarrass Konoha."
"Of course," Naruto replied with considerable confidence. He could handle the most temperamental and domineering daimyo in history; how could he possibly be unable to deal with the current one? However... Asuma's words were essentially meaningless. Should one remark on his skill at feigning ignorance?
The four were formulating a battle plan when Naruto, who was habitually using his normal senses to monitor the Hidden Sound Village, suddenly froze, and his mask, which was passable, almost gave way.
Most of Orochimaru's chakra had disappeared!
Sasuke, no way! You acted so quickly? You really struck while he was down! Now all our plans are in chaos. Once that news reaches Konoha, the pursuit of Itachi Uchiha will probably begin very soon, and he... he's probably still at the Fire Temple!
Right, he was saying that the Fire Temple sounded so familiar! Kakuzu and Hidan, who returned empty-handed, are currently traversing the Land of Fire, and the Fire Temple is right in their path! Could this be Akatsuki targeting him?
"Naruto, Naruto? Are you listening?"
"Huh?" Naruto wanted to use an innocent expression to get away with it, but he probably didn't look too good right now.
"Have you been on missions one after another without getting enough rest? Sakura said she wanted to drag you to a medical check-up last time, but we haven't had the chance yet." Shikamaru said he was afraid of trouble, but he softened when he saw his friend's condition. "If you're too tired, you should go back first. I'll tell you the results of our discussion tomorrow."
"Having completed such a super-level mission as 'Reclaiming the Kazekage,' you definitely deserve a long vacation. Go and rest. I'm here for you, aren't I?" Jiraiya naturally placed his hand on Naruto's head and ruffled the hair he had been longing for.
"Dealing with the Daimyo is supposed to be an adult's job, Naruto, you've really worked hard. Go and rest." Asuma, of course, had no objections. His students, his wife's students, and his little nephew all liked Naruto, and he himself liked him very much too.
That's the orphan of the Fourth Hokage.
Naruto smiled, said goodbye to them, and then disappeared.