Naruto: Thousand Hands of Glory

Under the setting sun, the gate of Konoha Village cast a long shadow in the afterglow of the setting sun, as if telling the end of the day and the tranquility of the night. At this time, the ninjas Sarutobi Ichiro and Shimura Xianyulang, who had been in charge of the gate for a long time, were leaning against the door, chatting, and they didn't look nervous at all. Compared with other busy ninjas in the village, the two of them looked like they were on vacation.

"Look at those guys, they're so busy." Xianyulang curled his lips, still holding half a piece of unfinished food in his hand.

Ichiro shrugged his shoulders, looking nonchalant: "It's much easier for the two of us. At least we don't have to run around like them."

"That's true. We are just gatekeepers. We don't have to worry about anything else." Xianyulang took a big bite of the sandwich and chewed it with satisfaction.

A group of ninjas passed by them in a hurry, and their application to leave the village was nailed directly to the pillar with a kunai. Xianyu Lang looked at the large team whizzing past him, took down the application and saw that all the procedures were in place, and it was stamped by the Hokage himself, and the target was directly the Hidden Mist Village.

"I heard that the situation in the Sand Village is quite tense recently. Why is our village sending people out?" Xianyulang muttered softly, frowning.

Ichiro approached Xianyulang and said in a low and mysterious voice: "I heard something. Although the focus is on the Sand Village now, in fact, other villages are also secretly mobilizing troops. The elders of the Sarutobi clan reminded us to be more careful recently."

After hearing this, Xianyu Lang sighed and said, "So, the war is really about to break out. However, we two shouldn't worry, after all, we are just guarding the door."

"Konoha! I, Nawaki, am back again!!!" A loud shout broke the silence at the entrance of Konoha Village, frightening Sarutobi Ichiro and Shimura Hanyuro who were quietly discussing gossip. The two were about to complain, but when they saw the person coming, they stood still in fear.

Following Ichiro and Xianyulang's gaze, the first thing that caught their eyes was a large figure - a very pretty blonde, Tsunade-hime. She and Nawaki had just rushed back to Konoha from the capital of the Land of Fire. Since Tsunade received the urgent news from the village, she did not delay at all.

Tsunade quickly ended the meeting at her grandfather's mansion. There was a bit of urgency between her brows, and it was obvious that she was concerned about the safety of the village. She immediately took Naoki and rushed back to the village like a gust of wind, ready to face the challenges that might come.

Tsunade followed behind her brother, with a trace of fatigue on her face. She cast a reproachful look at Nawaki's noise: "Shut up, I'm back now, why are you making so much noise?"

"Lord Tsunade, you're back just in time. Lord Hokage has specifically instructed that you and Lord Jiraiya should go to the Hokage Building to meet him immediately after you return. Lord Hokage also asked you to bring Nawaki with you." Ichiro quickly reported the situation, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Tsunade nodded, her expression serious and calm: "Napeshu? I understand, I will go to the Hokage Building with him." A hint of worry and displeasure flashed in her eyes. It was normal to ask herself and Jiraiya to go, but it was definitely not normal to bring Napeshu with her.

"Uncle Sandaime called me! There must be an important task for me! Hahaha, the task of saving Konoha is given to..." Rope Tree laughed excitedly, as if he had already seen the scene of himself becoming a hero.

However, before he finished speaking, his passive skill was triggered again - accepting his sister's love 100%. Tsunade slapped Nawase on the head, stopping his boasting abruptly: "It hurts, sister, how can you get married in the future if you are so fierce!" Nawase touched his head and complained with a grin.

But Tsunade didn't pursue his next words this time, as she had more important things in mind. She held Nawaki tightly and strode towards the Hokage's office. From Nawaki's grinning face, it can be seen that Tsunade's heart is not at peace. Perhaps the door of the Hokage's office is constantly flashing "Danger".

At this time, the door of the Hokage's office was obviously unaware of its fate and was still firmly carrying out its task.

"Yanagi, you're here." The Third Hokage was in the office, not smoking or busy with other matters, but processing documents seriously. But when he saw Yanagi coming, he chose to put down his work.

"Uncle Sandai, Grandma Mito said you were looking for me." Liuxia walked into the office with a hint of respect in his tone.

"The village needs your strength this time, but we'll have to wait until your team arrives to discuss the details. Please sit down." The Third Hokage pointed to a chair beside him and motioned for Yanagi to sit down.

The Sandai took out his pipe, lit it, and told Yanagi to sit down. After the previous test of the Will of Fire, he looked at Yanagi with more satisfaction. Seeing Yanagi sitting down without any hesitation, the Sandai spoke again: "How is life in the ninja school recently? Are you adapting?"

"Ninja school is pretty good. I feel younger when I face the future of the village every day." Yanagishita replied with a smile, his attitude natural and relaxed.

Liu Xia looked at the Sandai in front of him, but complained in his heart: "Isn't it good for me? Aren't you spying on me in class every day? It gives me goose bumps."

"Ahem, Xiaoxia, the village arranged for you to enter the ninja school not to suppress you, and you should not bear any resentment." The Third Hokage cleared his throat, trying to ease the atmosphere.

"Boom!"

It was still that familiar shadow flying by. Looking at the air door of the office in front of him, the face of the third generation, who was smoking a pipe, twitched, but he still spoke guiltily when he thought of something.

"Tsunade and Konosuba, why don't you stay a few more days with the Daimyo? I deliberately didn't call you back in a hurry. I wanted you to rest for a few more days." There was a hint of concern in the voice of the Third Hokage, as if he really hoped that they could have more rest time.

But Tsunade was not so easily fooled. She saw through the Sandai's tricks at a glance. She put her hands on her hips, looked directly at the Sandai, and said with a hint of ridicule: "Okay, old man, stop acting. You have arranged for the gatekeeper to notify me, but you didn't know I was coming back."

Tsunade's eyes were like torches, as if she could see through everything: "Why did you specifically ask to bring Rope Tree? Don't beat around the bush, just say it directly."

Yanagishita stood aside, watching the interaction between his sister and the Third Hokage, secretly laughing in his heart. He knew that his sister Tsunade was always straightforward and didn't like to beat around the bush.

The Third Hokage could only smile awkwardly after hearing what Tsunade said. He knew that any cover-up would be futile in front of Tsunade. He cleared his throat and said seriously, "Okay, Tsunade. Since you said so, I won't beat around the bush. You probably know the situation this time. I need Yanagishita and Nawaki to join this mission."

The Third Hokage's expression turned serious. He picked up a document from the table and handed it to Tsunade: "This is a report on the recent safety of the village. The situation is more complicated than we expected. You probably know the situation this time. In addition to you needing to go to the front line to support Orochimaru, I also need Yanagishita and Nawaki to join this mission."

Tsunade took the document but did not look at it immediately. Her eyes were like sharp swords. She first glared at Yanagi who was watching the show nearby, then turned to Nawaki who was ready to make a move, and finally fixed on the Third Hokage.

"They are just children! How can they be arranged to go to the battlefield! It is impossible for the village to not be able to find ninjas to replace them now! Is it grandpa's dream to let children who are not yet adults go to the battlefield?" Tsunade's voice was full of anger and dissatisfaction, and her worry and desire to protect were beyond words.

Before the Third Hokage could even open his mouth, Nawaki had already eagerly retorted. His dream was to become a Hokage, and he had longed to fight to protect the village, just like his grandfather and second grandfather, and become the pride of the village.

"Sister, I'm not a child anymore. I'm the village's Chunin! The village needs me!" Nawaki's voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes flashed with determination and courage.

Tsunade was a little surprised and a little angry when she saw her brother, who had always been docile and obedient since childhood, had the courage to refute her. The Third Hokage saw that the atmosphere was not right and quickly brought up the name of Mito-sama to calm the situation.

"Tsunade, don't be anxious. I have already obtained Lord Mito's consent for this matter, and we really need the strength of Yanagishita and Nawaki this time." There was a hint of seriousness in the tone of the Third Hokage. He knew the importance of this decision and understood Tsunade's concerns.

Hearing that her grandmother, Lady Mito, had agreed to this decision, Tsunade still looked unhappy, but she did not lose her temper. Nawaki and the Sandaime breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the dispute had come to an end for the time being.

"Report, Hyuga Suzuran and Uchiha En are waiting outside for a call." The Anbu ninja's voice was clear and firm, breaking the tense atmosphere in the room.

The Third Hokage nodded and signaled the Anbu ninja to let the two in: "Let them in."

The door slowly opened, and Hinata Suzuran and Uchiha En walked into the office.

Linglan walked into the office, her long black hair draped over her shoulders like a waterfall, swaying gently with her steps, exuding a cool and elegant temperament. Her white eyes were particularly eye-catching, revealing a calmness and determination, as if she could see through everything in the world.

Uchiha Yan followed closely behind, his aura was even colder, as if the air around him had cooled down because of his presence. Although he was still as cold and arrogant, the consecutive defeats had obviously dealt him a heavy blow.

"Hokage, Hyuga Suzuran has come to report in upon orders." Suzuran's voice was calm and clear, her attitude respectful and confident.

Uchiha Yan just nodded slightly, his voice was low and powerful: "Uchiha Yan is ready to accept the mission at any time."

The Third Hokage looked at the two young ninjas and felt relieved. "Very good, you are all the future of Konoha. Next, we may face some challenges that will require your strength."

Tsunade's gaze moved back and forth between Hinata Suzuran and Uchiha En, with a hint of scrutiny and confusion in her eyes.

"It seems that these two are teammates of Nawaki and Yanagishita. I've heard that they are quite capable and are both talented ninjas. But why would the old man organize a group of children to enter the battlefield? Although they have potential, they are still young after all. Is this decision too risky?"

In the Hokage's office, the originally tense atmosphere gradually eased with the explanation of the Third Hokage.

"This mission is very critical," the Third Hokage's voice was firm and powerful. His eyes revealed the importance he attached to this mission. Every word he said was heavy, as if carrying the hope and future of the entire village. "The Sand Village is attacking from both the River Country and the Rain Country at the same time. If it is not handled properly, the village will be passive."

Tsunade's retort was full of concern and confusion, "But this should be left to more mature ninjas."

The Third Hokage responded calmly: "Tsunade, I understand your concerns. But according to our intelligence, the Sand Village is not strong enough to support a full-scale attack on both routes. My judgment is that the Rain Country is the main attack direction," he paused and continued, "but the invasion team of the River Country must also be cleared as soon as possible, so as to stabilize other allies."

Tsunade frowned slightly when she heard this, and she was worried about the safety of these young ninjas. However, the words of the Third Hokage were like a spring breeze, melting the ice in her heart.

"I have thought it over carefully," the Third Hokage said with a hint of comfort in his voice, "This operation will be led by Hatake Sakumo, who is not only experienced but also has a unique tactical vision. The addition of young ninjas like Yanagishita and Nawaki will become the spearhead of Konoha. Although this mission is dangerous, it is not big. With Hatake Sakumo and Yanagishita's Flying Thunder God, there will be no danger. And you should also know that war is inevitable. It is best for them to learn to face war as soon as possible."

Tsunade was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. She knew Hatake Sakumo's abilities and his serious attitude towards the mission: "If it is Sakumo-senpai who leads the team, I believe these children will be well guided and protected." There was a hint of relief in her voice, and she was obviously relieved by the news that Hatake Sakumo was leading the team.

"Don't worry, they will return safely. At the same time, you must be fully prepared. Jiraiya will return soon, and you will go with him to support Orochimaru. The situation in the Hidden Rain Village is more dangerous than that in the River Country, and Orochimaru urgently needs your strength."

After calming Tsunade, the Third Hokage quickly arranged a new mission. An urgent report has come from Orochimaru that the tension between the Sand Village and the Rain Village seems to be escalating. According to the latest intelligence, the team led by Orochimaru seems to be powerless in this conflict. They have to stay at the border between the Rain Country and the Fire Country and adopt a passive defensive strategy in order to withstand the coming storm.

"Didn't the Hidden Rain Village flirt with the Hidden Sand Village before? Why did they suddenly turn against each other?" Tsunade was obviously aware of the seriousness of the situation, and there was a hint of confusion and worry in her tone.

"The current situation is still unclear, and Danzo has begun to strengthen intelligence infiltration. But no matter what, this is at least good news for us, as it avoids the situation where we face two powerful enemies at the same time." The Third Hokage explained calmly, and then turned to the ninjas next to him, "As for you, you will receive special training from the jonin Hatake Sakumo early tomorrow morning. Once the intelligence from the River Country arrives, you will rush to the battlefield. So you must learn from Sakumo how to survive on the battlefield. This is the Third Hokage's order to you!"

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"*4