Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

After the air raid, most of Sanfang City lay in ruins. In areas directly struck by clay bombs, even the wreckage of buildings was gone, replaced by massive craters.

The surviving citizens of the Land of Rain organized themselves into search-and-rescue teams. Scattered across the city in groups, they searched tirelessly for signs of life.

Uzumaki Raiden, Uchiha Fugaku, and Hyuga Hiashi had not joined Shinki on the hunting mission. Like most Konoha ninjas, they were assigned to aid the people of the Land of Rain in finding survivors.

Meanwhile, outside Sanfang City, the Iwa Special Forces regrouped after their air raid. Their commander-in-chief, upon receiving the latest reports, began mobilizing troops to launch a follow-up attack on Sanfang City. The massive coalition forces broke camp and marched toward the city. However, the movement was detected by Konoha's reconnaissance team, whose communication ninja hawks promptly relayed the information. Soon, the city was filled with the piercing cries of the birds overhead.

"Raiden, something's happening!" Hyuga Hiashi, who had activated his Byakugan to search for survivors, said grimly as he gazed at the hawks circling above.

"It's Iwa. They're making their move," Raiden replied. "After causing such devastation, they wouldn't just let us recover."

"Let's go!" Uchiha Fugaku said, emerging from the rubble with a bloodied survivor slung over his back. Handing the injured civilian to a nearby team, Fugaku joined Raiden and Hiashi, and together they hurried toward the city's headquarters.

Around the same time, all the ninjas in Sanfang City began converging on the headquarters. Many teams of Jonin and Chunin had already received their orders and departed quickly. Raiden's team, however, lacked a leader since Uchiha Shinki had gone on a solo mission.

Upon entering the headquarters, they approached Mitokado Homura, who was deep in conversation with Nara Shikashin. Homura didn't pause his discussion but briefly glanced at Raiden, his expression betraying a hint of admiration.

"Minato, what's going on?" Raiden asked Namikaze Minato, who had already arrived and stood nearby.

"The coalition forces of Iwa and Rain are advancing toward Sanfang City. After last night's attack, our forces are depleted. We're stretched thin," Minato explained.

"So, we're going to move?" Raiden murmured.

Before Minato could respond, Homura called out, "Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Uzumaki Raiden, Namikaze Minato, and Might Duy—come here."

The group approached Homura, who began to explain, "I'm sure you've all noticed the ninja hawks. You may have heard from others what's happening. I have an important mission for you."

He pulled out a scroll and handed it to Minato. As Minato unfurled the scroll, the others gathered around to read it. Homura continued, "With your abilities, assigning you to the frontlines would be a waste. Instead, I'm sending you behind enemy lines. Your task is to disrupt the enemy's supply lines, attack their reserves, and sabotage roads and bridges to prevent reinforcements."

Homura's words carried weight, and the team fell silent as they absorbed the details of the mission.

"This mission is high-risk," Raiden said after a moment. "Why not assign it to more experienced Jonin? While we're capable, it seems like a task better suited for senior ninjas."

Raiden's concern was valid. Missions behind enemy lines were inherently dangerous, with a high chance of being cut off or abandoned if the situation changed.

Fugaku and Hiashi shared Raiden's unease. Both were heirs to prominent clans, and this mission seemed disproportionately risky for them. Minato and Duy, however, remained unfazed, ready to follow orders without question.

Homura sighed, his expression grim. "I understand your concerns. If I had the choice, I wouldn't send you. But we're short on frontline strength. Every Jonin is critical to our defenses. If we lose on the frontlines, the Fire Nation will lose this battle."

Fugaku, moved by Homura's visible distress, stepped forward. "Don't worry, Lord Homura. We'll complete the mission."

Homura smiled appreciatively. "What about the rest of you? If anyone feels unable to take on this mission, I can assign others."

"Oh, oh, oh!" Might Duy exclaimed, clenching his fists. "Leave it to us, Lord Homura! We'll get it done!"

Raiden sighed, glancing at Duy's overly enthusiastic expression. "If this mission can truly change the course of the battle, I'll do it. At least I know I can trust these teammates."

Hiashi and Minato nodded silently, their resolve evident.

Homura's expression turned serious. "Very well. Namikaze Minato, as of today, you're promoted to Jonin and designated team leader. You'll lead this mission."

Minato blinked in surprise. "Me? Thank you, Lord Homura," he said, bowing slightly.

Homura patted Minato on the shoulder. "I trust you to lead this team. Good luck."

"Congratulations, Minato!" Duy said, slapping Minato on the back. "A Jonin at such a young age! Unlike me, already eighteen and still a Genin! Hahaha!"

Fugaku and Hiashi briefly frowned at the announcement but quickly masked their emotions, offering Minato their congratulations.

"Congratulations, Minato," Raiden said with a knowing smile. "Looks like we're in good hands."

"Let's work together," Minato replied humbly, waving off their praise.

"The situation waits for no one. You need to leave immediately," Homura said, dismissing them.

The team quickly departed, scaling the city wall instead of using the gate to avoid detection. Their route took them northeast toward the Land of Grass, bypassing the frontlines. The journey was long but necessary to ensure their safety.

The five moved swiftly through the forest, rain dripping from the leaves above. The sound of their footsteps splashing through puddles was the only noise.

"We need to pick up the pace," Minato said, estimating their progress. "We're still in range of Iwa's reconnaissance teams."

"Are your injuries okay?" Duy asked.

Minato nodded. "I'm fine. The medical ninjas healed me completely." To prove his point, he increased his pace, prompting the others to follow.

Minutes later, Hiashi, trailing at the rear, suddenly called out, "Alert! Enemies in the southwest!"

The group immediately scattered, taking cover among the trees. All except Raiden, who stood on a branch, looking baffled.

"Hide? From what?" Raiden muttered, staring at the others who had vanished into the woods.

(End of this chapter)

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