Anya couldn't care less if those three managed to survive—their fate was obvious from the start, considering they were still alive when the anime began. Right now, her own life was the top priority.
White Fang's task was to ensure rearline security, a precaution against other nations exploiting the chaos. Fortunately, there probably wouldn't be much fighting here—especially compared to the intense frontline battles involving thousands of ninja. What a relief—she'd picked the right teacher, and it truly made all the difference, Anya thought smugly.
However, once the war truly began, Anya felt real pressure and realized how mistaken she had been. Wounded soldiers returned to the village every day—many missing limbs or suffering grievous wounds. Some didn't even make it home before dying along the way.
From the outset, the war escalated rapidly. The two sides clashed head-on, neither side yielding an inch, determined to fight until the last person fell.
At times like these, logistical support became absolutely critical. Anya worked frantically every day, constantly on edge, never daring to relax—just as White Fang had predicted. With such a large-scale battle underway, various hidden forces grew interested. Although these intrusions usually only involved small bands of enemy ninja, their mere presence forced her to remain on high alert for sudden attacks at any time.
This was exactly what frustrated Anya the most—these ninja were trouble no matter whether she engaged them or not.
Luckily, White Fang soon took swift action, killing several outright, which finally calmed things down—for now. But Anya knew better; deep inside, she understood these enemies had simply gone underground like venomous snakes hiding in shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike again.
Thinking this through, Anya immediately requested permission from White Fang to go into hiding as well, aiming to completely eliminate these lurking threats.
After hearing Anya's request, White Fang paused thoughtfully before replying, "I've already reported this situation to the three commanders at the front. They say they'll specially assign someone to deal with this. Since you're interested too, you can work together with the person they send."
Anya nodded at this. Naturally, getting help would be good—but there was something important she needed to make clear. Having witnessed death day after day, Anya's heart had turned to iron.
She said coldly, with the hardened detachment of someone who'd seen too much death, "If whoever comes turns into a liability, I won't hesitate to leave him behind."
White Fang fell silent upon hearing that, but after a pause, he replied, "I believe the one they're sending won't disappoint."
Without further discussion, Anya simply waited quietly.
Before long, a familiar figure approached them both—a golden-haired silhouette immediately revealing his identity. It was indeed Minato Namikaze, Jiraiya's outstanding student.
Minato greeted White Fang first thing, then waved cheerfully at Anya.
Anya was genuinely pleased to see Minato too—partly because of their friendship, but more importantly due to his impressive abilities. She had no worries about working alongside him. By the time Minato graduated, he had already reached the peak of Chunin-level ability. After nearly half a year of training under Jiraiya, he must have become a full-fledged Jonin by now. Add in his [Flying Thunder God Technique], and he was practically tailor-made for dealing with these shadowy foes.
These long-lost classmates barely had time to catch up before setting out together immediately.
On their journey, the two worked in perfect harmony, leaving practically no foe standing. Across Konoha's territory, any foreign ninja—whether chūnin or jōnin—could only meet one fate: death.
They also got to see each other's growth. Minato spoke first, "Anya, your swordsmanship is terrifying."
Smiling, Anya replied, "Your speed has improved too. Without your help, this mission wouldn't have been so easy."
Minato's expression hardened. "The battle ahead is getting brutal. I want to finish this mission quickly before heading to the front lines."
Hearing that, Anya asked, "Is Sanshou'o Hanzo really that powerful?"
Minato analyzed carefully, "Mainly because he fights cautiously, never launching a direct attack. He uses his knowledge of the terrain and [Fire Release: Exploding Flame Formation] to wear down our momentum. After this period of fighting, both sides are pushing themselves to the limit. I sense the final showdown is coming soon."
After listening, Anya nodded thoughtfully. No wonder he dared to go to war with three factions at once—he truly had serious skills.
"Hmm." Minato seemed to notice something and picked up a scroll.
Anya asked, frowning slightly, "What is this?"
"It's intelligence I retrieved after killing a Kumo ninja from the Land of Lightning," Minato said. His face paled after reading it. "Damn it, we're too late."
This was the first time Anya had ever seen Minato lose his cool. He quickly asked, "What happened?"
Minato's face darkened. "The Land of Lightning wants the Uzumaki Sealing Technique. They've sent three jōnin to capture Kushina Uzumaki."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Anya said, grabbing Minato without waiting for a reply and dashing toward Konoha.
Both were extremely fast ninja, and soon they returned to the village at dusk. Konoha ninja were patrolling the streets when Anya directly confronted one and asked, "Did something happen?"
The ninja answered, "Foreign ninja infiltrated our village and took Kushina Uzumaki away. We're searching for her now."
Anya and Minato exchanged a glance before dashing off instantly.
Anya spoke first, "That Kumo ninja we defeated earlier was obviously a backup force. That means their retreat path isn't back to Kumogakure, but rather going around our battlefield to return home."
"Let's go." Naturally understanding too, Minato chased off without hesitation.
Sure enough, under the cover of darkness, they soon spotted a strand of red hair on the ground. One glance told them it could only belong to Kushina Uzumaki.
Anya also sensed figures ahead and started, "Three jōnin, need..."
Before Anya finished speaking, Minato charged forward first.
"That guy... What a hopeless romantic..." Anya muttered sarcastically before choosing to hide and cut off the three Kumo ninja's escape route.
However, Anya's action proved unnecessary. Under Minato's incredible speed, the three jōnin couldn't even react before being knocked down. Clearly, when fully committed, Minato's strength had firmly reached the elite jōnin level. Ordinary jōnin without special abilities couldn't last even a second against him.
Minato, who had just rescued Kushina Uzumaki, comforted her gently. Then, with a graceful princess carry beneath the moonlight, he practically bewitched the girl in his arms.
Anya, observing the scene from below as if watching a drama unfold, couldn't help but murmur in admiration, "No wonder they call him the eternal prince charming. He never moves unless he has to, but when he does — instant success every time."
After saying this, Anya mercilessly swung the tanto in his hand, killing the three ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village without hesitation.
That's strange… Kushina was captured, but why didn't the Third Hokage's Crystal Ball work? Could it be that...
A chill ran through Anya's heart. Could it be… he's not in the village at all? If that's true… then this might be the chance everyone's been waiting for.
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