"What? Shirohata Tayfu was kidnapped by a mysterious person?"
In the Hokage's office, a white-haired ANBU ninja was reporting the situation at the Ninja Academy.
"Based on the information gathered so far, it seems other students are involved," said Kakashi, the white-haired ANBU.
"The specifics?" Minato Namikaze frowned. A kidnapping in Konoha, especially at the Ninja Academy, was a blatant provocation and a direct insult to him as Hokage.
Had his long absence from the battlefield made the ninja world forget the Yellow Flash?
"Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji, Inuzuka Kiba, Uchiha Sasuke, and your son, Naruto, seem to have gone missing after school."
"Naruto... missing again?"
Minato Namikaze rubbed his forehead, utterly exasperated by Naruto's troublemaking. The boy was constantly finding ways to cause him trouble.
Almost every foolish incident in Konoha involved Naruto. Minato truly didn't know what to do.
He admitted that his duties as Hokage had led him to neglect Naruto's guidance and care, but Naruto was still someone he'd shared hardships with. Why did that brat keep making his job harder!
Kakashi paused, then said grimly, "This is different from before. It seems there's real danger!"
Kakashi had a premonition that this kidnapping was serious. Their primary target was Shirohata Tayfu, and Naruto and the others were merely caught in the crossfire.
"Shirohata Tayfu, could it be an old enemy of the Shirohata clan?"
Kakashi replied, "ANBU investigations reveal that the Shirohata clan has countless enemies. Nearly a hundred are within Konoha, and countless more are outside the village."
"..."
Minato Namikaze was genuinely surprised. He hadn't realized that the Shirohata clan, which seemed to have such a low profile in Konoha, harbored so many enemies. It was more than the Uchiha.
"So, we can't determine who the kidnappers are?"
Minato Namikaze pondered for a moment, then said, "Kakashi, take your squad and track the enemy's movements, and attempt to rescue the hostages."
"Yes."
"Prioritize tracking. If the enemy is too strong, send a message back immediately."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kakashi went to the ANBU base. After a short wait, three masked ANBU ninjas landed beside him.
"Captain!"
Kakashi looked at his teammates, his gaze falling on a smaller figure. "We have a mission."
...
In a certain cave outside Konoha Village, a scene of hostages fighting each other was unfolding!
"You're getting out of hand just because I'm being nice!"
"Beat him up!"
Shirohata Tayfu lay on the ground, his hands tied behind his back. He could only press his face against the floor, and since he couldn't feel anything, it didn't matter if he was face-down.
*Wham! Bang! Thump!*
All five of them kicked Shirohata Tayfu. He was too arrogant. They were all hostages, so why was he acting so high and mighty.
"Kick him to death!"
Kisame Hoshigaki's mouth twitched as he watched the brat who didn't see him as a hostage at all. Was he too kind-looking?
Why did he have no intimidating presence?
Just then, a sense of danger suddenly struck. Kisame Hoshigaki felt a chill on his forehead as a voice echoed in his ear.
"Water Cannon Jutsu!"
Mangetsu Hozuki instantly appeared beside Kisame Hoshigaki, his hand formed into a gun shape, pointing at Kisame's temple as bullet-like liquid shot out from his fingertip.
*Bang!*
Kisame Hoshigaki's head dissolved like water, and his body turned into a puddle on the ground.
"Water Clone? As expected of senior Kisame, so cautious."
Mangetsu Hozuki looked towards the rock beside the cave, where Kisame Hoshigaki was holding Samehada with an annoyed expression.
"Mangetsu, you've gone a bit too far with your jokes."
What was this kid Mangetsu doing? Why did he suddenly attack him?
"Senior Kisame, I'm sorry, but I'm your enemy this time!"
The muscles on Mangetsu Hozuki's arm bulged, and in an instant, his stance became exaggerated.
Great Waterfall Technique!
Kisame Hoshigaki's expression shifted slightly. "Are you serious? How can you think you're my opponent?"
Mangetsu Hozuki answered honestly, "Indeed, I'm no match for senior Kisame alone."
*Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!*
"Little shark, do you remember me?"
Mei Terumi walked out from the forest with a light laugh, her deep blue dress accentuating her perfect figure, and her fiery red lips captivating.
But Kisame Hoshigaki showed no admiration. This woman was dangerous and very powerful.
"What? Such a grand display. Are you planning to kill me here?"
Kisame Hoshigaki looked at Ao and Kimimaro who emerged from the forest, a cold smile playing on his lips. They were all old acquaintances.
"We're short on cash. Your head will do!" Mei Terumi said coldly, her beautiful face devoid of any expression.
Kisame Hoshigaki chuckled and shook his head. "I forgot, your organization apparently doesn't have salaries. Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Kisame Hoshigaki remembered Obito complaining about the Eternal Organization's system and felt fortunate that his own organization was better!
Layer by layer, the bandages were unwrapped, revealing Samehada's true form. Kisame Hoshigaki let out a cruel smile.
"Then let's see who stands until the end!"
"Water Style: Great River Dam Jutsu!"
Facing so many skilled ninjas, Kisame Hoshigaki could only immediately create an environment favorable to him, otherwise, he would have to flee in disgrace.
That's right, even against Mei Terumi and the other three, Kisame Hoshigaki was confident he could escape. He definitely couldn't win, but he was an expert at running.
Countless oval water spheres appeared in the forest, spreading towards Mei Terumi and the other three. Shark-like gills began to appear on Kisame Hoshigaki's body.
While the battle raged outside, the fight inside the cave had also reached a new stage.
Suigetsu Hozuki, taking advantage of the confrontation outside, stealthily slipped into the cave. Kisame Hoshigaki noticed Suigetsu but didn't have the time to stop him.
As soon as Suigetsu Hozuki entered the cave, he saw five boys with their hands tied behind their backs beating up a "fat guy." Especially the latter's head, which was swollen as round as a water ball.
Did the guy master the "Great Head Water Jutsu?"
"Hey, what are you guys doing? I'm here to save you."
Hearing Suigetsu's voice, the five boys turned their heads in unison. Naruto asked curiously, "Who are you?"
"My name is Suigetsu Hozuki, you can call me boss Suigetsu!"
Suigetsu Hozuki had always harbored a grievance. At his age, he was practically a junior in the organization, with no respect at all.
Now, encountering a group of kids slightly younger than him, perhaps he could finally be the boss.
"Boss? I don't think you even qualify to be my subordinate."
Sasuke said coldly to Suigetsu, stepping forward. Although he was slightly shorter than Suigetsu, his aura already overpowered Suigetsu.
Suigetsu Hozuki said angrily, "Brat, do you want a beating?!"
Sasuke's expression was calm as he replied, "Want to spar?"
"Hmph!"