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It was all thanks to the incredible jutsu, the Flying Thunder God, that the Konoha ninjas were able to make a quick escape, leaving Kumogakure to clean up the mess.
For Minato, it was impossible to catch him without extensive preparations beforehand, unless he didn't want to leave. In fact, even with preparations, it wouldn't be very useful. Basically, all barriers and seals are ineffective against the Flying Thunder God. When he needs to run, he can still run.
In that brief but deadly encounter, Haori also tried his best, but unfortunately, he failed. And the consequences of his failure were quite severe.
This was probably the worst injury he had ever sustained in his two lifetimes. According to a renowned medical expert with the surname Yakushi, Haori's injuries would take about three months to fully heal. He was expected to be immobile for a month or two, and it was best not to move around too much.
Haori had originally planned to resign from his duty as Minato's bodyguard, but now it seemed unnecessary. He wouldn't be able to carry out missions lying down, that would be too dedicated… Although, in a way, this situation could also be considered Haori's "voluntary" resignation.
Frontline Hospital.
In a ward, Haori was leaning against the bed.
Considering his strength, connections, and other factors, he belonged to the kind of privileged class that should be despised. So, he could enjoy a private room.
Haori looked out the window at the monotonous and uninteresting scenery. It was truly boring. He had been in this semi-disabled state for a week.
Considering the overall medical environment and basic conditions at the front line, and Haori's own injuries, he would probably be sent back to Konoha soon.
This was the first time in his life that he had experienced being escorted. Although he wouldn't be the only patient returning to Konoha.
Just as Haori was lost in thought, someone knocked on the door a few times. Then, without waiting for Haori's response, they walked in.
"Minato-sensei, have you been very free these past few days? By the way, do I still have any privacy?" Haori said, rather speechless.
Because of his injuries, Haori's voice sounded different than usual. It felt a bit strange.
But Minato had been visiting him a little too often these past few days.
However, with his current state of being semi-bedridden, what privacy did he need?
"If you're talking about being free, I have been free these past few days. I've handed over a lot of my work to other ninjas."
Minato, a ninja like this, shouldn't be able to be free at all. He's even handing over work. He wouldn't be skipping work just to visit Haori, would he?
But Minato didn't explain this point first. Instead, he continued, "I just received a letter from Kushina. I told her about your injury, so I got a good scolding."
"It's not your fault, sensei. It was my own carelessness that got me injured. I'll explain it to Kushina-sensei when I get back." Haori said. He felt a little bad for making Minato get scolded.
"…But Kushina-sensei can be a bit overprotective sometimes."
"You said that. I didn't say anything like that."
Huh? What's with this quick attempt to draw a line? Maybe Minato won't betray me?
Haori suddenly realized that he might have said something he shouldn't have.
But it's only been a few days. The news traveled back and forth so quickly. Did Kushina use an express delivery?
"Let's not talk about that. I'm here today to tell you that I'll be returning to Konoha with you in a few days." Minato brought the topic back to the main point.
"Together?" Haori immediately understood. So, Minato was really handing over his frontline work?
"Did something happen at the front line or in Konoha?"
That was probably the only reason Minato would leave the battlefield and return to Konoha.
"If you're talking about something happening, then it's definitely something that happened. We just confirmed some very important intelligence. I think I'll be staying in Konoha long-term from now on."
"Staying in Konoha? Returning to Konoha? But what about the war?"
"After verification from various sources, we've received confirmed news. The Kumogakure Jōnin, A, who we encountered a few days ago, has officially become the Fourth Raikage…"
"When we encountered each other, it was probably his last routine patrol. After all, with his status as 'Kage,' he wouldn't be able to move around freely on the front line anymore."
"And his brother, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, was also seriously injured. So, the major threat that Kumogakure poses to Konoha in terms of high-level combat power has been greatly reduced. So…"
"So, the front line doesn't need you anymore." Haori said for Minato.
"That's probably the meaning. Jiraiya-sensei is here, so there shouldn't be any problems. And from what the Third Hokage means… Anyway, I still have a lot to learn. My main work will be in Konoha from now on."
Actually, if Orochimaru had been willing to stay here, it's likely that Minato would have stayed in Konoha with the Third Hokage after the Iwagakure war ended and focused on village administration.
In other words, has the Third Hokage already prepared to promote Minato? The Third is only fifty-five or fifty-six years old. Isn't he a bit hasty?
Or was it to suppress different voices while Minato's reputation was at its peak?
"And on a personal level, my wedding with Kushina is also coming up soon…"
"Returning to Konoha, that should be a good thing. For Kushina-sensei too… Fourth Hokage, that sounds much better than a title like the Yellow Flash."
The Yellow Flash is, after all, just a young prodigy, an S-rank elite monster. Theoretically, he can solo. But the Fourth Hokage is a world-boss-level monster. He owns a base and has countless minions. If you want to fight him, you have to team up.
"No, no. The Hokage position is still a long way off. And we're not sure what's going on with this matter yet. We'll have to wait until we get back to Konoha."
A long way off? It's not that far off.
Haori combined what he knew with his guesses about the future. Then, he thought about Minato and Kushina's wedding. If nothing changed, Minato becoming the Fourth Hokage should be happening soon.
"That's good. If we return to Konoha together, I won't have to worry about safety. The future Fourth Hokage as my bodyguard, that's very safe." Haori's words clearly had a joking tone.
Actually, when it comes to scaring people, the Hokage's reputation isn't as effective as the Yellow Flash. Besides, the journey from the Land of Rice Fields back to the Land of Fire should be considered a safe rear area. With the current situation around the Land of Fire, they shouldn't encounter any enemies.
Unless someone is targeting Haori.
Theoretically, a good guy like Haori… well, theoretically, this possibility can't be ruled out. Because Haori is a "notorious" person in the ninja world. Who knows if a few villages might team up to put a bounty on him. The bounty wouldn't be low. It would probably be somewhere between a Shichibukai and a Yonko.
"Will Chōji-sensei and Shizune-sensei also return to Konoha?" Haori asked after thinking for a moment.
"No, they'll stay at the front line. Konoha's situation has stabilized. Ninjas with Chōji and Shizune's strength are better off staying at the front line. With the number of ninjas we're maintaining at the front line, it's not a good idea to pull back too many high-level combat forces."
"Is this the Third Hokage's order?"
"Yes."
Since it's the Third Hokage's order, it means that the internal disputes that Haori didn't know about have subsided. The bottomless pit of the Hokage competition has finally settled. Those who should be quiet are quiet. In this situation, as long as Minato stays in Konoha, his safety is actually quite guaranteed. If he still brought Chōji and Shizune, it would be a bit overkill…
Besides, Minato is not the kind of ninja who can't live without a bodyguard.
"What about the bodyguard?"
Actually, Haori wanted to ask about his own arrangements. Although he's currently disabled and will be transported back to Konoha, what about after that?
"Including you, my three bodyguards will all be replaced. The new bodyguards are still being selected. The Third Hokage's intention is to choose from among the younger ninjas…"
Actually, Haori wasn't originally on the list to be replaced. But considering that he would be bedridden for a long time, it passively meant that the Third Hokage had to find someone to fill his spot.
"As for your arrangements, I guess we'll have to wait until your injuries heal."
"When are we returning?"
Minato didn't explain the specific arrangements, because they hadn't been made yet. After all, Haori is currently, and will be for a long time, in a seriously injured state. There's no need to rush this.
"It'll be within the next few days."
It will be within the next few days…
One day later, Haori was gently carried onto a carriage by the medical ninja sisters. Then, he returned to Konoha with the other injured ninjas.
The bodyguards for the injured were some of the ninjas who regularly returned to Konoha for rest. Minato was among them.
Haori was still being taken care of. The carriage was very smooth. After all, with his current injuries, he could put a lightbulb in his chest cavity and become Iron Man. He definitely shouldn't be jostled around.
The group set out in the morning, from when the sun was high in the sky and the flowers were smiling at him, all the way to the west, when the sun was about to set. During this time, Haori didn't pay much attention to the scenery along the way. He was lost in a certain emotion.
This journey was one that every frontline ninja had traveled back and forth many times. Haori was no exception. He was familiar with it. But this slow pace often made people think about random things.
But no one knew what he was thinking, except for Haori himself.
And no one knew what he would do next, except for himself.
In any case, Konoha was just ahead.
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