Chapter 307: Chapter 307: The Kazekage Captured.
With Naruto's return, he once again formed Team 7 with Sakura and Sasuke, led by Kakashi. Given their current strength, Kakashi was the only one who could handle the three of them.
The next day, Team 7 gathered early at the training ground. Naruto was visibly annoyed at Kakashi's yawning demeanor, despite knowing Kakashi's personality. After all, this was Team 7's long-awaited mission together.
"Kakashi-sensei, at least try to be a little more energetic," Naruto said, squinting his eyes.
"You know what Kakashi-sensei is like," Sakura told Naruto.
Although Sasuke didn't say much, his expression showed that he was happy to have Team 7 reunited.
"Alright, let's hurry and get a mission from Hokage-sama. Hopefully, it will be an easy one."
However, as Kakashi said this, he suddenly noticed an eagle flying overhead.
"Is that symbol from Sunagakure Ninja?"
As Naruto and the others walked down the corridor to receive their mission, someone rushed past them so quickly that Naruto would have been knocked down if Sasuke hadn't promptly pulled him aside.
"Who was that, really?"
Naruto immediately turned and shouted at the now unseen figure.
"Has the Anbu team been called over? Something big must have happened."
Kakashi thought to himself.
However, Naruto and the others didn't take it to heart and continued eagerly towards the mission reception area.
But when Naruto learned about the mission they were to undertake, he immediately objected.
"Ah? A gold bar transport escort mission?"
Naruto exclaimed incredulously. He couldn't believe that his first mission after two years of training was such a simple one; escort missions were basically C-rank.
Considering that their team consisted of two Jonin, one Chunin, and one Genin, it seemed like an underutilization of their abilities. In terms of actual combat power, they were equivalent to three Jonin and one Kage.
Such a task was indeed a waste of their talents; it would be more appropriate for newly graduated ninjas.
"Are you dissatisfied?"
Minato asked with a smile.
Naruto, who was about to express his dissatisfaction, swallowed his words upon seeing Minato's smile.
Others might see Minato's smile as sunny and understanding, but Naruto knew the mischievous intent behind it.
If he voiced his objections now, Minato might not do anything at the moment, but he would certainly settle scores later.
Just then, the Anbu team member who had almost run into Naruto hurried over.
"It's serious, Fourth Hokage."
"What's the rush?"
Minato's smile disappeared, replaced by a serious expression. The code team wouldn't be in such a hurry unless something important had happened.
"We've just received an urgent message from Sunagakure Ninja."
"Sunagakure?"
Minato's brow furrowed slightly. After all, Sunagakure_Village was one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, and matters involving another village were always complicated.
"This is the deciphered content."
The members of the code-breaking team handed over the deciphered content to Namikaze Minato.
"What?"
After reading the content on the paper, Minato's face immediately showed a shocked expression. If this matter were to spread widely in the ninja world, it would surely cause turmoil.
"Father, what happened?"
Seeing the expression on Minato's face, Naruto immediately asked.
"The Kazekage of Sunagakure Ninja has been captured by a member of the Akatsuki organization."
Minato digested the news and then spoke calmly. However, from the tone of Minato's words, it was clear that this was an unexpected and serious matter that needed to be handled with caution.
The Fifth Kazekage of Sunagakure Village, Gaara, was also known to him. Despite his young age, he already possessed Kage-level strength, and within him was the massive chakra of the One-Tail. It was virtually impossible for an ordinary person to subdue Gaara.
Even for him, facing Gaara would likely require considerable effort.
Upon hearing Minato's words, the expressions of Kakashi, Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura all changed at once.
Although they knew something significant had happened, Kakashi had not expected such a terrible event as the Kazekage being captured.
And in the minds of Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura, the image of Gaara from two years ago surfaced.
At that time, Gaara had left a deep impression on them, exuding a terrifying aura of killing intent.
Although they had all made significant progress over the past two years, no one dared to be confident that they could now be a match for Gaara, not even the proud Sasuke.
After all, he was no longer the child he once was and knew many secret things, including the reason why Gaara and Naruto were called Jinchuriki.
"Because we have more understanding of the Akatsuki, the Sunagakure Ninja have sought our help."
Hearing this, the image of the person he hated appeared in Sasuke's mind again.
"This is an emergency situation, so this mission is entrusted to you."
Minato said gravely. Although he did not know which member of the Akatsuki organization had acted against the Kazekage this time, based on the information about the Akatsuki members currently held by Konohagakure, each one was not easy to deal with, especially since they had the strength to defeat the Kazekage.
But at present, apart from Kakashi's team, Minato could not find a second suitable team in Konohagakure Village.
"Now, the mission is given to Kakashi's team: proceed to Sunagakure Village, gather intelligence, report back to Konohagakure, and then follow the instructions of the Sunagakure Ninja to assist them."
"Yes."
The members of Kakashi's team answered simultaneously.
Although they were now faced with a more challenging mission, Naruto's mood was far from happy, as Gaara was also his friend and shared a similarly tragic past.
He had managed to rescue Gaara from the shadows of his childhood, only to have such an incident occur again.
"Wait for me, Gaara, I will definitely rescue you."
Naruto thought firmly to himself.
"At the same time, to avoid any accidents during this mission, I will have Satoru assist you."
Although the relationship between Kakashi and Satoru had not yet been restored, he did not prevent this decision from being made. After all, when facing the members of the Akatsuki, Kakashi did not have a hundred percent certainty of success.
(End of Chapter)
----
You can read 30 advanced chapters at my patreon.com/YeyeQiu
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone