[Note: For those wondering about the Uchiha—or asking, 'Did you forget Itachi?' and other questions—you can check out the review section! Just a heads-up: it's full of spoilers, so don't blame me if you end up spoiling yourself, okay? Bye bye~]
Hokage's Office — The Next Morning
In the main hall, more than ten elite jonin stood in neat rows. Among them, Kakashi, Kushina, and Shikaku Nara waited calmly.
Hiruzen looked over them, then unrolled a scroll in his hand.
"This scroll was delivered last night by a ninja falcon from the border. It contains… an official request for a diplomatic visit from the Land of Lightning to Konoha."
The room fell silent immediately. Everyone understood—this was a sign of trouble.
Shikaku stepped forward. "Hokage-sama, I'm afraid… this visit carries hidden intentions."
Hiruzen nodded. "I feel it too. But we cannot refuse. Diplomacy must be maintained. However, while they are in the village, all of you must remain on full alert. High-level surveillance will be implemented."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" the jonin answered in unison.
As the meeting dismissed, Hiruzen stopped Kushina. "Wait a moment."
Kushina turned back. "Is there something you need, Grandpa Third?"
Hiruzen's face was serious. "This visit… is dangerous. I want you to stay inside the village until it's over. I need you in top condition."
Kushina frowned, her eyes sharpening. "You think they would go that far?"
Hiruzen nodded slowly. "If their intentions are what I suspect… we may need you more than ever."
Kushina sighed, her gaze drifting out the window.
"If they dare cause trouble in this village... in the place where my little Naruto lives, then I swear… I'll make them regret that decision. There's no Minato in Kumogakure to save them."
A faint smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
"Alright, you're dismissed."
Outside the Hokage's Office
Kushina walked out slowly, her steps heavy.
'Hinata is still a little girl… and Hizashi is still alive.'
The timing of this visit was too suspicious.
A sudden memory flashed—Hinata's abduction scene from the anime!
"Their real target must be the Byakugan… and they think Konoha is weak enough to pressure."
She clenched her fist tightly.
"Alright, Kumogakure… let's see just how far you're willing to go under Konoha's sky!"
Evening — Konoha's Food District
The evening sky over Konoha was a warm golden-orange, sunlight bathing the village streets with a soft glow. Among the bustling villagers heading home from work and children playing by the roadside, Kushina walked calmly alongside her three students.
Their destination: the famous barbecue restaurant in the food district.
Izumo and Kotetsu chatted excitedly about the best cuts of meat, while Natsu, as usual, stayed silent but observant.
None of them knew the real reason their sensei had invited them out for dinner after the holiday break.
When they sat at a long table near the window, a server greeted them warmly. Kushina ordered the best meat platter and a large bowl of rice for each child.
Kotetsu's eyes sparkled. "Wow! This is Wagyu beef! Sensei, this place is the most expensive restaurant in the district!"
Izumo turned slowly. "Sensei… did you get a bonus from the last mission?"
Natsu simply glanced at Kushina briefly. "...Or is this an apology?"
Kushina gave a small smile. She brushed her hair back over her shoulder and leaned back in her seat.
"...You're right. I am here to apologize."
Three pairs of eyes immediately fixed on her, confused.
Kushina looked at each of them gently. "Today was supposed to be the start of our first C-rank mission. But because the village's situation is unstable… the Hokage has asked me to stay within Konoha until the Kumogakure delegation leaves."
The mood grew still. The three genin exchanged glances.
Kushina continued with a sheepish smile. "I know you've been looking forward to a real mission, but for now… we have to wait. I'm sorry."
Kotetsu raised his hand while chewing. "Sensei... can I say something?"
Kushina nodded. "As long as it's not a request for more rice."
"If every delay comes with meat like this... I'm fine waiting until we get a B-rank mission!"
Izumo nodded in agreement. "Seriously, this is the best meat I've ever eaten."
Natsu added, "Besides… if the village is in a sensitive state, it's better we stay cautious than act recklessly."
Kushina looked at the three of them, her heart warming. Mischievous or not, they were good students.
She raised her teacup. "In that case... let's treat this as a celebration before serious missions begin. You all better be ready, because training's going to get tougher after this!"
"Wait, this isn't some sneaky punishment, is it?" Izumo asked, half-joking.
Kushina grinned mischievously. "Of course not. But if you start complaining… it might turn into one."
Laughter burst among them.
As night fell, lanterns began lighting up along the streets, casting a warm, golden glow over the lively village.