At the same time, Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression grew serious.
"But the crisis facing Konoha hasn't truly passed yet!
Although Third Raikage A was besieged by tens of thousands of Iwagakure ninja and fought to the death, the Fourth Raikage, who inherited A's name, is no force to be reckoned with.
And the Fourth Raikage's partner, Eight-Tails Jinchuriki Killer Bee, is also incredibly powerful.
The two of them have caused Sunagakure and Iwagakure plenty of trouble with their Double Lariat.
Now they've led their forces in an invasion, and few on our side can stand against them.
So..."
Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his gaze to Namikaze Minato.
"Minato, I'm putting you in charge of leading reinforcements to that front."
"Lord Third, I won't fail you!"
Namikaze Minato stepped forward with a serious expression and bowed slightly as he accepted the mission.
Then Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Hatake Kakashi, standing beside Namikaze Minato.
"Hatake Kakashi, you'll go with him."
"Yes!"
Hatake Kakashi raised his head slightly, his voice still sounding dejected.
Seeing Kakashi like this, Minato sighed quietly, his guilt growing heavier.
If only I'd finished the mission a little faster. Maybe... Rin could have...
As Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally noticed that something was wrong with Minato and Kakashi. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, said nothing.
After all... death was an all-too-common thing on the battlefield.
And he didn't have much time to dwell on it.
"Jiraiya, and Uchiha Chen, it's good that you're here too. We're short on people right now.
You two will be responsible for scouting Sunagakure's movements!"
After glancing at Jiraiya and Uchiha Chen, Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi considered it briefly before giving the order.
"Fine, I'll take the mission. Consider it repayment for helping rebuild Chen's house last time."
When Jiraiya actually accepted the mission, not only Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi but also Minato and Kakashi were surprised.
After all, ever since the Second Shinobi World War, Jiraiya had been traveling all over for reasons of his own.
This was the first time Jiraiya had appeared in Konoha since the Third Shinobi World War began.
But everyone there was sharp, Kakashi included. They could all hear what mattered in Jiraiya's words.
Just as Minato and the others turned to look at Uchiha Chen, they saw him wearing a conflicted expression, as if he couldn't decide whether to accept the mission.
"Uchiha Chen, I know you were forced to leave the battlefield because of your serious injuries. Asking you to take on another mission now may be difficult, but the village is desperately short-handed. Still, I can promise you this: if you complete the mission, it'll count as an A-rank mission, and I'll give you the maximum reward of one million ryō!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was shrewd enough to think of a solution immediately. He didn't believe someone Chen's age could resist the temptation of one million ryō.
Sure enough, when he heard "one million ryō," Chen was clearly tempted. But soon, hesitation returned to his face.
"But... scouting a large Sunagakure force is dangerous. If I'm discovered, I might not make it back..."
Just as everyone thought Uchiha Chen was going to refuse the mission, he lifted his head and changed tack.
"Then I want more money..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: ...
Namikaze Minato: ...
Hatake Kakashi: ...
As for Jiraiya, he simply folded his arms, looking entirely unsurprised. After spending the past few months with Uchiha Chen, he'd long since guessed this would happen.
Actually, Uchiha Chen really didn't want to take this mission, even though his strength had improved considerably.
Compared with going on missions, he'd rather lie low and grow stronger. Unfortunately, this was an order from Lord Third Hiruzen Sarutobi himself, so refusing wasn't an option. Since he couldn't refuse, all he could do was get the best deal possible under the circumstances.
"How much do you want?"
Though surprised, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly composed himself and asked.
"I'm not asking for much. Count it as one S-rank mission, and give me two million ryō."
Without the slightest hesitation, Uchiha Chen held up two fingers and stated his price.
Two million ryō. One S-rank mission...
Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated.
"Old man, what's there to hesitate about? Chen may be young, but this mission will definitely surprise you."
Jiraiya had somehow wandered over to the window. He leaned against the wall and spoke nonchalantly.
"Fine, I agree. Set out immediately!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Jiraiya in surprise, then nodded and gave the order.
Since Jiraiya thought so highly of this kid, he might as well trust him this once!
"Chen, I haven't had a chance to introduce you properly until now. This is my student, Namikaze Minato."
"Minato, this is my good friend, Uchiha Chen. You two should get acquainted."
Jiraiya and the others had left the Hokage's office building and were now heading toward the battlefield, having just passed through Konoha's gates. Jiraiya watched Minato and Uchiha Chen with an excited expression.
"Uchiha Chen, I've wanted to meet you for a long time. You've managed to earn the favor of both Jiraiya-sensei and Lady Tsunade."
Minato grinned, showing two rows of bright white teeth. He looked sunny and handsome as he extended his right hand.
"Not at all! Your reputation as the Yondaime is the one that's truly renowned!"
Uchiha Chen's eyes lit up, and he cheerfully stepped forward to shake Minato's hand.
"Yondaime?"
Minato was clearly taken aback.
Jiraiya and Hatake Kakashi were also stunned. The Lord Third was still around, so where had this Fourth Hokage come from?
Damn it, I got so used to calling Minato the Fourth Hokage in my previous life that I blurted it out without thinking. He isn't the Fourth Hokage yet!
But a simple slip of the tongue wasn't enough to stump Uchiha Chen. He smoothly turned it into a compliment for Minato.
"Ah, ahem. What I meant was, in this war, your reputation as the Yellow Flash has spread throughout the Ninja World. You're sure to be the future Fourth Hokage. I just left out a few words when I said it earlier."
"Haha, little Chen, I've got to say, you're an interesting guy. If this mission weren't so urgent, I'd love to have a proper chat with you."
Minato laughed cheerfully.
Just then, Jiraiya suddenly slung an arm around Minato's shoulders.