During wartime, Konoha's security remained tight. After going through several layers of inspection, Uchiha Yuan and his team finally entered the village.
"Yuan, are you heading to report your mission to the Hokage?" asked Namikaze Minato.
"Yes. Is Minato-senpai going as well?"
"Of course. I have something to report to Lord Hokage too. Kakashi, Obito, Rin—you're dismissed for now."
Minato and Uchiha Yuan's team headed to the Hokage's office together.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had already heard the report from the ANBU and knew Minato was returning with Yuan's team, so he wasn't surprised to see them.
"Hokage-sama, this is the scroll containing all the Water Release techniques collected since the outbreak of war in the Land of Bears," Uchiha Yuan respectfully presented the sealed scroll.
An ANBU ninja took the scroll and handed it to Hiruzen.
After quickly skimming its contents, Hiruzen smiled, "Not bad. You've done well."
"Yuan, this should be your team's seventh A-rank mission, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"In just a year since graduation, your team has completed one S-rank, seven A-rank, and thirty-three B-rank missions. Outstanding. I hereby promote all members of your squad to Chūnin."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen chuckled and turned to Hyuga Asana, "Asana, has that fellow Orochimaru been teaching you well?"
"Yes, Orochimaru-sensei is very diligent in guiding me."
"That's good. I was worried he might mislead you."
"Not at all, Hokage-sama. He's been very serious about my training."
"Good to hear. Jiraiya has Minato, Tsunade has Shizune, and Orochimaru now has you. That puts my heart at ease," Hiruzen said, clearly pleased.
Truthfully, Hiruzen was quite satisfied with Asana's progress.
To reach Jōnin-level ability within a year of graduation clearly marked her as a genius. It also validated Orochimaru's choice of disciple.
The only minor flaw was that Asana was from the Hyuga branch family and bore the Caged Bird seal.
Though the Hyuga Clan had always supported the Hokage faction, clans could have their own agendas. As a branch member, Asana would inevitably be subject to the main family's control.
If conflict ever arose between the village and the Hyuga clan, Asana's loyalty could be compromised.
But that was not an immediate concern. For now, the Hyuga were solid allies of the Hokage.
With that in mind, Hiruzen became even more satisfied with Asana. He also decided to send someone to "remind" the Hyuga main family of their place.
Orochimaru had already reached out to them, but since he wasn't the Hokage, there were things he couldn't say directly. Hiruzen would fill in the gaps.
"Minato, I assume you've got something to report too?" Hiruzen shifted the conversation.
"Yes, Hokage-sama. The matter you assigned me to investigate has made progress. There's a small nation in the Land of Wind called Rōran. Its royal family has the ability to control a massive underground chakra vein—Dragon Vein."
"Six years ago, a man named Anrokuzan became a minister there. He's been using the Dragon Vein's power to produce a vast number of puppets. I believe he's trying to control the Dragon Vein for questionable purposes."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen frowned. He had long known of the Dragon Vein's existence. If it truly fell into the wrong hands, it could impact the war.
Uchiha Yuan remained calm on the surface, but inside he was thrilled. He hadn't expected to walk into the "Lost Tower" arc. Was there a chance for him to get involved?
"Minato, looks like I'll have to trouble you again," said Hiruzen after a long silence.
"Will I be going alone?"
"Shibi is in the village right now. Yuan, I heard you once faced off against Kuriarare Raiga from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. Is that true?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"Then you'll accompany Minato this time."
Yuan was momentarily stunned. In the original story, didn't Akimichi Chōza go with Minato on this mission?
Was his team replacing Chōza's in this version?
"You don't want to go?" Hiruzen noticed his hesitation.
"No, I do. It's just... hearing I'd be on a mission again with Shibi-sensei brought back memories."
"You three have grown rapidly. The village is in dire need of capable shinobi, so I reassigned Shibi earlier than expected. I hope you understand."
"Of course, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen nodded, then continued, "It's settled. Minato, Shibi, and Yuan will carry out this mission. Minato will lead. Let's not rush—depart in three days. Rest up in the meantime."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," they all replied.
"Good. You may go."
"Um, Hokage-sama—may I bring Kakashi as well? He needs some real-world experience."
"That's your call."
Minato nodded and left. Yuan and the others followed him out of the Hokage's office.
"Minato-senpai, I'll be counting on you for this mission," Yuan bowed slightly.
"No need to be so formal. I'll go find Shibi-senpai and inform him. See you." Minato vanished.
"Finally back home, and we already have another mission. Can't we get a break?" Yamanaka Kagetsu muttered as they exited the Hokage Tower.
"Kagetsu, you should watch what you say," Hyuga Asana warned.
"Yeah. Talking about the Hokage like that isn't wise inside the village," Yuan added. "Anyway, we've been away for a while. Kagetsu, your mom is probably waiting for you. Asana, your father and brother too. Shouldn't you go see them?"
"What about you?" Asana asked.
"I've got some friends in the Uchiha clan I want to visit. We head out tomorrow, after all, so I'd better make the most of today," Yuan replied with a smile.
(To Be Continued...)