How Kurama Leads Naruto Astray

Three days later, in Roran. 

Suna's Chiyo, Ebizō, the puppet corps, and some Anbu had arrived. That night, Konoha's Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kushina, Uchiha clan representative Fugaku, Hyuga clan representatives Hiashi and Hizashi, as well as the Ino-Shika-Cho trio—Shikaku Nara and Inoichi Yamanaka—also arrived. 

Konoha didn't send any Anbu since their presence would carry a different kind of message. Most of the remaining forces stayed behind to guard the village. 

"Here's the list of the shinobi assigned for this mission." Shikaku scratched the back of his head and handed a scroll to Minato. 

Minato took it and asked, "Did the Third Hokage assign a commander for this mission?" 

Shikaku nodded. "The Third Hokage put me in charge. Tsunade-sama will oversee the battlefield. You and the bugs will continue operating separately to protect the Queen in secret. Chōza will be removed from Anbu duty and report to me." 

"Got it." Minato nodded in understanding. 

Command structure was critical on the battlefield. Even though Jiraiya and Tsunade outranked Shikaku in seniority, they had to follow his orders for the mission. Of course, as the battlefield overseer, Tsunade had the authority to question his decisions. However, if Shikaku insisted, they would have no choice but to comply, even if it meant marching to their deaths. 

That being said, Shikaku wouldn't make reckless decisions. And if Tsunade found any signs that he was acting with ill intent, she had the right to take him down or even kill him on the spot.

She usually had to follow Shikaku's orders. 

Shikaku asked, "What about those two ninjas from the future?" 

Behind his mask, Minato smiled slightly and said, "Naruto and Sasuke are protecting the princess. That's the order I gave them. If necessary, we can call them over." 

Shikaku thought for a moment. "From your mission report, it's clear that those two kids aren't just regular genin. Can you tell how strong they are?" 

"I can't say for sure." Minato let out a small sigh. "Their chakra feels normal. One has the chakra of the Uchiha clan, and the other…" 

He paused briefly before continuing, "The other has the chakra of the Uzumaki clan. 

But I feel like they both have an incredibly strong power inside them. According to them, it's the power of the Sage of Six Paths—something others can't sense." 

"Oh?" Shikaku smirked, his expression teasing. "Uzumaki chakra? Don't tell me he's your and Kushina's kid? I remember your report mentioned that one of them has hair the same color as yours." 

Minato sighed. "Shikaku, this isn't the time for jokes." 

Shikaku chuckled but didn't push further. He returned to the main topic. "The Sand Village isn't happy with our lineup this time. They seem wary. Even though they know we brought our Jinchuriki, they only sent Chiyo and Ebizō." 

Minato nodded. "I expected them to at least send their Jinchuriki or the Kazekage. But neither came." 

"They're obviously scared we'll take out their main fighters." Shikaku sneered. "Chiyo and Ebizō are old. If they die, it's no big deal. Their puppet troops look strong, but the ones they sent are disposable. Their real forces are still in the Sand Village, ready for battle. If we make even one suspicious move, they'll attack without hesitation." 

The Sand Village had always been like that—quick to sell out their own allies. 

Chiyo and Ebizō were already old. Since the Kazekage was still alive, it made sense to send them as sacrifices. 

"The enemy is already at our doorstep, and they're still playing games." Minato sighed. He had never understood the Sand Village's way of doing things, and this time was no different. "Well, whatever. We weren't planning to attack them anyway." 

Rōran was too close to the Land of Fire's border. If a full-scale battle broke out, it would drag the Land of Fire into the conflict. Plus, the Sand Village had agreed to this operation beforehand. But now, at the last second, they suddenly backed out. 

"Anyway, we should stay on guard. For now, you should check on Kushina. Ever since she heard that blonde kid's name, she's been insisting on coming here. You know why, right?" Shikaku suddenly changed the subject,

 grinning as he winked at Minato before walking away. 

Minato stood there, feeling a bit helpless. But honestly, he wasn't clueless. From Naruto's Uzumaki chakra and his name, Minato had already figured out who he was. 

He scratched the back of his head. He and Kushina weren't even married yet, and now their kid had suddenly appeared. This was a lot to take in. 

Thinking of that, he couldn't help but miss Kushina a little. 

"I should go see Kushina." Minato quickly made up his mind. He took off his mask, changed into his usual clothes, and used the Flying Thunder God to disappear. 

And then he saw Kushina clinging to Naruto, refusing to let go. 

She looked like a zombie gnawing on a fresh meal. 

Minato: "..." 

Sasuke, standing nearby, twitched slightly. Kushina's enthusiasm reminded him of those overly friendly villagers from the Sage of Six Paths' era. 

Sasuke glanced at Minato, then at Kushina, who was excitedly rubbing her face against Naruto's. After hesitating for a moment, he quietly stepped back and hid behind Minato. 

"Minato-uncle, I'll leave Aunt Kushina to you." 

Minato: "..." 

Minato scratched the back of his head, momentarily forgetting what he wanted to say. Then, with a helpless sigh, he said, "Since you know who I am, then you should also know that when it comes to Kushina, I don't stand a chance, right?" 

Sasuke: "..." 

I didn't know that before, but now I do. 

On the other side, Naruto was tightly hugged by Kushina, squeezed so hard that he couldn't even speak. All he could do was lightly tap her back, desperately signaling that he was about to suffocate. 

Thankfully, Kushina still had some sense. After calming down a little, she noticed Naruto's struggle and let go, her face slightly flushed. 

"Ha~ Huff~" Naruto took a deep breath the moment he was freed, patting his chest in relief. 

Kushina looked at Naruto with satisfaction before breaking into a smile. "Hmm, very handsome—way more handsome than Minato." 

"Of course!" Naruto instantly perked up at the praise, puffing out his chest with pride. "I mean, just look at whose son I am." 

Minato: "..." 

Yeah, definitely my kid. 

Seriously, what did I even do to deserve this? 

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