"My name is Fūta Shirakumo, and I am the person in charge of this outpost."
Fūta Shirakumo looked at the three of them with curiosity. Although in his opinion, the probability of the Third Hokage going crazy was higher than the probability of Minato being very strong, there was no problem with the document's anti-counterfeiting, so he could only follow the rules.
"Come inside first. I'll take you to understand the affairs of the outpost."
Following Fūta Shirakumo into the outpost, the structure was a wooden tower.
The lower floors were living areas. After assigning rooms for Minato's squad, Fūta Shirakumo took the three to the top floor.
The top floor was a circular room. More than a dozen falcons rested in their respective cages. There was a circular table around the room with paper and pens on it.
"Listen up. There isn't much work at the outpost usually, but it's all very important."
Fūta Shirakumo exhorted: "First is the border patrol once in the morning and once in the evening. Although you are only responsible for intelligence transmission, you still need to understand the relevant procedures. I will take you on a patrol tomorrow morning."
"Second is the feeding of ninja hawks and the transmission of intelligence. The ninja hawks transmitting messages from the front line will first arrive at our outpost, and then be passed back to the village by us—"
"In that case, why not transmit directly from the front line back to the village?" Nawaki asked puzzledly.
"Considering the speed of intelligence transmission, most of the birds in the outpost are peregrine falcons. Although large ninja hawks have stronger endurance, their speed is somewhat inferior."
Fūta Shirakumo shook his head and explained: "In addition, the domestication cost of large ninja hawks is very high, and they are not suitable for places like outposts to raise. After all, there is no way to guarantee sufficient food supply. These little guys eat better than us."
"So that's it. Humans are inferior to hawks—" Nawaki nodded knowingly.
"Haha, you could say that."
Fūta Shirakumo introduced them one by one: "This row is for connecting with the front-line stronghold, this row is responsible for connecting with the village, and the remaining row is responsible for connecting with the western and northern outposts."
"After ninja hawks deliver messages, they will stay temporarily for a day and leave after resting well."
"Actually, there isn't much work. With the standard of your three-person squad, one person taking care of ninja hawks, one transmitting intelligence, and one keeping watch, you can handle it completely. I will teach you the specific procedures and matters tomorrow."
"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance." Minato nodded politely.
Nawaki sighed heavily: "What the heck, running all the way here just to raise birds—"
Fūta Shirakumo shook his head: "No, I'm just explaining based on the size of your squad to help you get familiar with the workflow of the outpost. Your job isn't this."
Nawaki pointed to the birdcage beside him in confusion: "Isn't that what this is?"
"No, the intelligence here only conveys enemy movements, which are not highly classified."
Fūta Shirakumo explained: "You are responsible for classified intelligence and emergency support, as well as the transmission of confidential documents such as Hokage's orders. You need to shuttle between the battlefield and the village."
"That's why I find it incredible. This kind of mission is usually led by a Jonin, accompanied by at least three Chunin."
"This is related to the ninjutsu I practice. My mobility is very strong."
Minato explained simply. He was young and didn't need to forcefully pretend to be a pig to eat a tiger against other people's doubts. One sentence could save a lot of trouble.
"I see. No wonder Lord Hokage sent you here."
Fūta Shirakumo understood immediately and didn't ask presumptuously. Ninjutsu was still very private.
"You have traveled all day. Rest tonight first."
"Is there anyone on night watch?" Minato asked.
Fūta Shirakumo smiled: "Of course there is. This is a border outpost after all."
Minato nodded, and the three returned to their room.
The room wasn't very big, but the internal facilities were basically complete.
"Speaking of which, is Sister Mikoto also sharing a room with us?" Nawaki asked.
"We are on a mission. It's good enough to have a place to stay, let alone separate beds."
Mikoto didn't feel there was any problem. As a Chunin, this was not her first mission.
Sometimes the mission environment was harsh, not bathing for several days in a row, smelling bad all over, she had experienced all of these, let alone just sleeping in one room.
Because of traveling all day, Nawaki fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow.
Mikoto also felt a little tired. Seeing Minato leaning by the window with no intention of sleeping, she asked: "Minato-kun isn't sleeping yet?"
"This is my first time leaving the village. I can't sleep a bit. You sleep first. After all, it's the border, I'll keep watch for a while."
Minato shook his head. His energy was very vigorous, and not sleeping for three to five days had no effect.
Plus, he had been traveling all day today without the fatigue accumulated by clones, which made him a little unaccustomed.
"When I first left the village, it was the same. I felt very excited, a little uneasy, and a little overwhelmed."
Mikoto smiled: "If you are keeping watch, remember to wake me up before you sleep."
Minato shook his head: "No need. Wood Clones won't synchronize memories and fatigue unless actively dispelled. From now on, Wood Clones will keep watch at night."
"Is that so—"
Mikoto paused, then smiled happily: "Having a teammate like Minato-kun feels very reliable. No need to worry about preparing food, nor spending energy on night watch."
"I didn't expect that I was so versatile either."
Minato teased: "Originally I planned to go on the mission alone, but the Third didn't agree."
"I think the Third was right."
Mikoto thought for a while and said seriously: "At least I hope I can become a companion trusted by Minato-kun, instead of just dragging Minato-kun down. Nawaki should have the same idea."
"Even if used to block a blade at a critical moment, it is better than doing nothing like this."
"Wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?"
Minato couldn't help laughing: "I just want to protect the important people. Perhaps you can also understand it as the arrogance of a genius. Anyway, think whatever you want, I won't change my mind unless you can reach the strength of Tsunade-sensei."
"————So Senior Tsunade is also within your protection range? That is indeed very arrogant."
Mikoto laughed helplessly: "But I think Minato-kun doesn't need to take care of us so————umm, comprehensively?"
"No."
Minato still shook his head: "Instead of regretting afterwards, it is better to nip the threat in the bud. But I won't interfere with your growth because of this. As long as you don't accidentally step into a trap or leave the team without authorization, I have the ability to cover for you."
"I see—"
Mikoto showed a gentle smile. She didn't dislike Minato's attitude. This kind of protection that was in place but did not interfere with personal actions made her feel very at ease.
"I feel Minato-kun is the type who would blame himself if his companions got hurt."
"No, as long as they don't die, it doesn't matter."
Minato thought for a while and said slowly: "Even if there is only one breath left, I have the ability to save them, but if they die————"
"No one can do anything about that kind of thing, right?"
"Then some price has to be paid."
"?"
Mikoto froze for two seconds, her eyelids twitching wildly.
No, can you even bring back the dead?
Has Konoha's medical level developed to this extent?
Shock was shock, but she didn't doubt Minato's words. From getting along during this period, the feeling the other party gave her was very steady, not someone who would talk big.
However, she didn't ask further. Such an outrageous ability must be a forbidden jutsu without thinking, and definitely required a considerable price.
"Don't worry, I will protect you well."
Seeing Mikoto's shocked look, Minato chuckled.
The moonlight outside the window seemed to drape a layer of silver glow on his silhouette, making him look somewhat sacred, causing Mikoto's mind to sway and dazzle.
"Really————very reliable."
She suddenly remembered the conversation of the few people during the meal and asked subconsciously: "Does Minato-kun only like Kushina?"
Minato was speechless for a moment, not expecting the other party to suddenly ask this.
Just as he was thinking about how to answer, Mikoto suddenly smiled: "Sorry, I was presumptuous."
Saying that, she turned around and pulled up the quilt, having no intention of chatting further.
Because Minato's reaction had already told her the answer.
With her back to Minato, Mikoto's cheeks were slightly red, and her heartbeat accelerated.
Besides Kushina, who else would Minato like?
Although she had some inexplicable small expectations in her heart, she didn't narcissistically think that Minato would like her. After all, the two hadn't known each other for long.
The most likely possibility should be what Nawaki said, that friend common to Minato and Kushina, remembered to be called—Nonō?
Liking two people at the same time, what a fickle boy!
Secretly complaining in her heart, Mikoto couldn't help but be curious.
Liking two girls at the same time, how will Minato choose in the future?
And with his strength so strong, is he really willing to choose one out of two?
Thinking wildly in her head, Mikoto fell asleep at some point.
In the dream, Minato grew to look seventeen or eighteen years old, handsome and powerful, making secret feelings grow in her heart.
The scene changed, but she saw the other party hugging Kushina with his left hand and a girl whose face could not be seen clearly with his right hand, enjoying the blessings of having both.
Mikoto only felt lost and awkward, subconsciously wanting to escape. She said apologetically: "Sorry, I didn't come at the right time."
Who knew that Minato in the dream spoke gently: "No, you came just in time!"
The next second, the scene changed, and everyone suddenly appeared in a hot spring pool.
"Mikoto, we've been waiting for you for a long time~"
Kushina pulled Mikoto and pushed her into Minato's arms: "Tonight is our family's hot spring night! Don't you like it the most?"
"? What?"
Mikoto was instantly frightened and panicked by Kushina's behavior: "No—this is not right! I————"
In panic, she opened her eyes abruptly. Outside the window, the sun was shining brightly, and the daylight was great.
Ah, it was a dream————
Mikoto sat up blankly, a blush on her pretty face, not knowing whether she was glad or lost in her heart.
A gentle voice suddenly came from her ear.
"Woke up?"
"Ah!"
Mikoto was startled instantly, and flickered to the corner of the room, like a cat with exploded fur, looking nervously in the direction of the voice.
Minato leaned against the head of the bed, holding a scroll in his hand, looking a little puzzled at the scene.
"Are you okay?"
"Uh——sorry, had a nightmare."
Mikoto was a little embarrassed, glancing at Nawaki who was sleeping soundly aside: "What time is it?"
"Five o'clock."
Minato put away the scroll: "It's still early, want to sleep a bit more?"
"No, no——"
Remembering the scene in the dream, Mikoto shook her head hurriedly, afraid that closing her eyes would continue the dream.
Although Minato was a little strange, he didn't ask too much. No one can guess a girl's mind.
After breakfast, the group followed Fūta Shirakumo's team and patrolled along the border line.
After confirming that the trap devices were in correct status, they returned to the outpost the same way.
On the way back, Nawaki was a little disappointed.
A new day, the young ninja still yearned to establish merit.
However, the situation in the Land of Rain was tense. Although Hanzo had the guts to confront Konoha and Hidden Sand at the same time, he was not crazy enough to send people deep into enemy territory before the war even started, let alone invading from the front.
At this stage, the Land of Rain was a powder keg that could explode at any time. Hidden Sand had a better invasion route through the Land of Rivers, and would not easily choose this route.
Back at the outpost, after learning about ninja hawk feeding, the three returned to their room.
Nawaki was a little bored: "By the way, the Third sent us here but didn't give any specific mission. He can't just let us wait here for nothing, right?"
"Border duty is like this."
As Minato spoke, he suddenly looked out the window. A ninja hawk was flying towards the outpost at extremely fast speed.
"But I think you shouldn't have to wait for nothing."
"Emergency intelligence!"
A dense sound of footsteps sounded upstairs, and a duty ninja spoke urgently.
"Hidden Sand Village ignored Hanzo's warning and launched a large-scale raid from the direction of the Land of Rain. The front-line stronghold is urgently asking for help!"
"Minato!!"
Nawaki roared, jumping up from the bed like a carp, looking like he was about to explode!
"Prepare to set off."
Minato said nothing more, got up and walked out of the room.
Slacking off is fine, but can't slack off openly.
The Third obviously wanted to use his mobility to gain an advantage in intelligence.
This kind of sudden change on the battlefield must be transmitted back immediately.
Otherwise, once the front line is torn open, they will be the ones suffering.
"Minato-kun."
Seeing Minato and the other two arrive, Fūta Shirakumo looked solemn.
"Transmit the intelligence back first." Minato said seriously.
"I have already dispatched the fastest ninja hawk of the outpost for the intelligence————"
"Ninja hawk is too slow."
Minato shook his head: "Wait for me for two minutes."
As the voice fell, his figure disappeared instantly. In just two breaths, he appeared in the village.
All the way to the Hokage Building, the Anbu on duty seemed to have received orders long ago and did not stop Minato, allowing him to rush into the Hokage's office unimpeded.
"Lord Third, front-line emergency intelligence. Hidden Sand Village ignored Hanzo's warning and launched a large-scale raid from the direction of the Land of Rain. The front-line stronghold is urgently asking for help."
Minato spoke very fast, and the Third's reaction was also very fast.
"I know. Minato, you immediately lead your squad and join Fūta Shirakumo's squad to support. At the same time, tell Sakumo Hatake that reinforcements will arrive soon! Must hold the front line and never let the battle line be pushed into the territory of the Land of Fire!"
As soon as Minato finished speaking here, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately took out a scroll, quickly wrote two documents, stamped and sealed them with anti-counterfeiting measures in one go, and handed them to Minato.
Minato took the documents, and his figure instantly appeared beside Nawaki in the outpost.
Fūta Shirakumo looked astonished: "This is——what is the situation?"
"Space-Time Ninjutsu."
Minato handed a scroll to the other party: "Third's order, our two squads immediately go to the front line for support. This one is the instruction for us."
Fūta Shirakumo: "————"
You mean, you just went back to Konoha in less than two minutes?