The return trip wasn't urgent, but nobody wanted to waste time on the road. Both squads pushed at top speed. Even so, it would take three full days to reach the village.
A communication hawk moved faster. It had left the front lines a full day before them, carrying Jiraiya's urgent report straight to Konoha.
The hawk arrived in just over a day. The moment the intelligence officer saw the highest-priority seal, he nearly snapped the bird's leg in shock.
Ten minutes later, after verification, routing, and notification, the letter finally reached the Hokage's hands.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stared at the bold title—"Iwagakure and Sunagakure Ceasefire, Suspected Target: Konoha"—and felt his stomach drop. The worst-case scenario had arrived.
He read the full report: Minato and Taiichi's observations in the Land of Birds, Sunagakure's forward base, their sudden shift to defense, Iwagakure's probing attacks followed by that strange mutual restraint, and the perfectly divided patrol routes that screamed of a secret agreement.
Minato's account was clear and precise. Taiichi added the supply-line changes he had personally scouted and noted how Sunagakure's counterattack had been too clean, too coordinated—followed by that unnatural stalemate that looked less like war and more like a temporary truce.
Hiruzen set the scroll down and exhaled slowly. The fear he had been dreading had become reality.
Half an hour later, the village's top leadership gathered once more in the Hokage's office. The air was thick with tension and the usual arguments about what Konoha should do next.
Meanwhile, after three hard days of travel, Taiichi and Minato's teams finally stepped through Konoha's gates.
The familiar sight of the bustling streets hit them like a wave of relief. Home.
Minato turned to the group. "You've all done well. We'll split up here. Go rest and see your families. Taiichi and I will report to the Hokage."
The five younger shinobi answered in unison, voices bright with excitement, then scattered toward their homes.
Taiichi and Minato headed straight for the Hokage Tower. The village might look peaceful, but the heavy atmosphere inside the building made it clear—war was breathing down their necks.
Inside the office, thick smoke hung in the air. Hiruzen stood before a large map of the ninja world, flanked by Koharu and Homura. All three looked grim.
"Lord Hokage," Minato and Taiichi greeted in unison.
Hiruzen turned, the usual warm smile tempered by deep worry. "You're back. I've already read Jiraiya's report. Tell me what you saw with your own eyes."
Minato spoke first, laying out their observations in crisp, professional detail: the shifting dynamics in the Land of Birds, Sunagakure's defensive posture after their victory, Iwagakure's half-hearted probes, and the unnatural calm that had settled over both sides.
Taiichi added what he had discovered alone—the changes in supply routes and the clear sense that both villages were now watching Konoha instead of each other.
Hiruzen listened in silence. When they finished, he sighed. "Sunagakure and Iwagakure have almost certainly reached an understanding. Their real target is now the Land of Fire."
Koharu muttered, "The Third Kazekage's death has turned into a crisis aimed straight at us."
Hiruzen nodded. "Your intel couldn't have come at a better time." He looked at Minato. "You handled the analysis and reporting exceptionally well. You've never let the village down."
Minato bowed slightly. "It was my duty."
Then Hiruzen's gaze shifted to Taiichi, filled with a complicated mix of surprise, approval, and pride.
"As for you, Taiichi…" The Hokage's voice grew warm. "In the past three months you've killed multiple jonin, saved countless lives with your medical ninjutsu, recovered the Third Kazekage's body and intelligence, and performed brilliantly on this latest mission. Any one of those achievements would be enough to promote you. I wanted to make you a full jonin, but…"
He paused, a trace of regret in his eyes. "Village regulations require a certain number of high-rank missions for the jonin rank. You're still a little short on time served."
Taiichi simply nodded. He had expected as much.
"However," Hiruzen continued, voice firm, "the rank of Special Jonin is different. It recognizes exceptional ability in a specific field. Your mastery of Flying Thunder God and your medical expertise more than qualify you."
He stood straighter. "Matsushita Taiichi, effective immediately, you are promoted to Special Jonin of Konoha. I expect you to continue serving the village with everything you have."
The office fell silent for a beat. Minato smiled with genuine pride. Even Koharu and Homura exchanged approving glances.
Taiichi felt the weight of the title settle on his shoulders—not just honor, but responsibility. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. I won't let the village down."
Hiruzen's expression softened. "War is coming soon. Rest while you can. Spend time with your family. The storm may break tomorrow or next week—we need you ready when it does."
Taiichi and Minato bowed and left.
Outside, Minato helped Taiichi complete the promotion paperwork. "Congratulations. You're now the youngest Special Jonin in Konoha's history. At this rate, you might even be the youngest jonin someday."
Taiichi laughed. "Thanks for helping with the forms. I'd still be stuck there without you."
Minato clapped him on the shoulder. "That's what a senior brother is for." Then his expression turned urgent. "I need to go see Kushina. Take care, Taiichi."
Before Taiichi could reply, Minato vanished in a swirl of leaves—Flying Thunder God.
Taiichi watched the empty space and grinned. That's the technique I need to master completely. I'll mark the entire ninja world so I can go anywhere in an instant.
He headed home. The courtyard was dusty, a spiderweb in the corner. An idea struck him.
He created two shadow clones—one to buy groceries, one to check on the orphanage—while his real body walked toward Konoha Hospital.
The hospital was busier than ever. With so many skilled medics sent to the front, the remaining staff were stretched thin.
Taiichi stepped into the emergency department and spotted Nonou treating a patient with a broken arm. Four young apprentices stood behind her, watching intently.
The sight made him smile. Nonou had become the head of emergency care and was now training the next generation—exactly what the village needed.
When she finished explaining the treatment, she turned and saw him. Her face lit up.
"Taiichi!"
She hurried over, eyes bright with surprise and relief. The apprentices watched curiously as their usually composed teacher rushed toward the young man like an excited older sister.