The clang of steel rang sharply through the morning air at Training Ground 8. Sunlight spilled in through the trees, casting patches of gold and shadow over the hard dirt beneath their feet. Naruto moved with deliberate precision, his crimson Uzumaki sword—crafted in the family style—strapped securely at his waist like a true swordsman's blade. Each swing cut the air in a smooth arc, sharper than before, as ice misted briefly along the edge before dissipating into the cool breeze.
Iruka stood a few feet away, his Enma sword resting calmly at his hip. Unlike Naruto's fiery blade, Enma carried a quiet weight, humming softly as if sensing the tension in the air. Nearby, Team 8 trained under Kurenai's watchful gaze—Shino stoic and silent, Hinata focused with gentle determination, and Kiba relentlessly sparring with Akamaru at his side. Kurenai's calm voice offered precise corrections, her laughter breaking through the quiet more often when Iruka was close. Their growing closeness was no secret to those who trained alongside them.
In the quiet of Naruto's mindscape, Kushina's voice rang out, playful and teasing."You better not flirt too much in front of the kids, Iruka. Don't hurt my future daughter-in-law!"
Iruka's face flushed in his mind. He mentally yelled, "Mom!!!"
The sound of Minato's gentle laughter and Kurama's low chuckle echoed softly alongside hers. This hidden world was their refuge, a place where guidance came even when the physical presence was absent.
A sudden flicker of chakra disturbed the morning calm. An ANBU operative appeared at the edge of the field, eyes sharp beneath his mask."Orders from the Hokage. Iruka, Naruto—urgent summons."
Iruka's brow furrowed. "What's the situation?"
"No details here—go to the Hokage's office immediately."
Naruto sheathed his sword and nodded, his usual grin replaced by a serious focus. Team 8 paused their drills, watching as their teacher and naruto disappeared toward the village center.
Before leaving, Iruka caught Kurenai's eye and nodded briefly. She responded with a soft, "Be safe."
Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was thick with worry. Hiruzen's lined face was grave, his hands folded tightly on his desk."Team 7 was sent on a C-rank mission to the Land of Waves," he said slowly. "The client lied. It's escalated into an A-rank crisis. Kakashi is injured and depleted of chakra. Kenji Saito and Sasuke have sustained injuries—Kenji's may be permanent."
Iruka's gaze hardened. "How severe?"
"Kenji's wounds are critical. Sasuke's not as bad but still needs care. Kakashi pushed himself too hard protecting them. Sakura has been doing what she can with first aid, but it's not enough."
Naruto's eyes darkened, the playful spark gone."We'll leave immediately."
Hiruzen nodded gravely. "Time is short. Move quickly."
They left the Hokage's tower with no wasted motion. Back at their homes, they grabbed only what was essential. Naruto strapped his crimson Uzumaki sword at his waist with practiced ease, the blade humming faintly with his chakra. Iruka fitted Enma across his hip, the weapon responding almost eagerly, like an old companion ready for battle. Their packs were light but well-prepared, for this was no simple mission—it was rescue.
The journey was swift. They ran through the thick forests that marked the edge of the Land of Waves, the sky darkening to dusk and then night, moonlight guiding their path. The salty tang of the sea grew stronger, mixing with the tension in the air.
A modest house perched on a hill came into view, its windows dark except for the faint glow inside. Iruka knocked sharply, blade ready but held low.
Tsunami opened the door, eyes wide with surprise and relief."Who—"
"We're backup from the Leaf," Iruka said firmly. "You can relax now."
She stepped aside, and the small group entered.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of blood and sweat. Sasuke sat against the far wall, bandaged and bruised but steady. Kenji Saito lay pale on a makeshift cot, his breathing shallow. Sakura tended to them both, wiping sweat from her brow.
"Sensei!" Sakura's voice cracked as she saw Iruka and Naruto enter.
Naruto immediately knelt beside Kenji, his eyes scanning the injuries with a trained precision."Dislocated shoulder…possible nerve damage. Sakura, a clean cloth and bandages, please."
Sakura hesitated, glancing at Iruka."He's trained under Lady Tsunade for a month now," Iruka said calmly. "Trust him."
Sakura nodded, her skepticism melting in the weight of Iruka's confidence.
Naruto's hands glowed with soft green chakra as he began working. Kenji winced sharply but slowly relaxed as the tension eased. Naruto's touch was steady, methodical—not yet Tsunade's level, but growing every day.
Sakura's eyes widened. "You're really doing it…"
Sasuke stirred, groaning."Dobe's full of surprises," he muttered.
Iruka's lips twitched in a small smile. "He's earned them."
Nearby, Kakashi groaned faintly. Sakura rushed to his side with a chakra pill. Naruto laid a steadying hand on Kakashi's chest, channeling healing chakra carefully. Slowly, the jonin's one visible eye fluttered open.
"Iruka… Naruto…" Kakashi's voice was hoarse.
"We're sent by hokage-sama" Naruto said quietly.
Kakashi nodded faintly. "It's getting worse. Zabuza is here… and he's not alone."
Iruka's voice was calm but resolute. "Let's talk outside."
Kakashi agreed, leaning on Iruka's steadying arm as they stepped into the cool night.
Under the pale moonlight, the ocean breeze whispered softly. Kakashi detailed the mission: the ambush near the bridge, the brutal fight with Zabuza, and the mysterious hunter-nin who accompanied him. They knew little about this hunter-nin—only that he was deadly and skilled in tracking and trapping. The full extent of his abilities remained a mystery.
Kakashi's one eye locked with Iruka's."You're stronger than before."
Iruka nodded. "We've been preparing. We won't lose anyone—not this time."
Back inside the house, Tsunami served warm tea while Sakura finally rested. Naruto remained by Kenji's side, eyes vigilant. Kushina's voice rang in his mindscape again, firm as ever.
"Good work earlier, but don't get careless. Keep your guard high."
Naruto sighed. "Yes, Mom…"
Sakura looked at him curiously, but he only smiled softly.
The night settled deeper over the small house, quiet except for the gentle sounds of the sea beyond. Iruka looked around at the weary faces, feeling the weight of what lay ahead.
"Rest now," he said firmly. "You'll need your strength. Tomorrow, we make a plan—and train properly before facing them again."
Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Kenji exchanged tired but determined glances. Tsunami stepped forward gently, her voice calm but caring.
"The guys can sleep together in the guest room nearby," she said. "Sakura, you should stay with me."
Sakura gave a grateful nod, relieved to have a moment's peace. The men moved silently toward the guest room, muscles aching but minds racing.
Iruka remained near the doorway a moment longer, glancing once more at Naruto's crimson sword, strapped firmly at his waist. The boy was growing into his role—stronger, sharper—but the road ahead was still long.
Inside Naruto's mindscape, Kushina's voice echoed softly, a final reminder. "Good work today. But remember, the real test begins tomorrow."
Iruka smiled quietly and turned away. Tomorrow, they would face the storm. Together—and ready.
Chapter end....
this chapter might have flaws i didnt write much this month because of al the shit i went through oh hey. Also forgot too mention my cousin sister got married (she is also one of the reason I didn't post any chapters XD)