ANBU BLACK op Officer

The Next Day...

I got up early, ready to see what Granny Tsunade had for me—missions, news about the Akatsuki, or whatever.

Leaving my apartment, I strolled down the same street where I fought with the Pain members yesterday. Lots of village people waved at me, some even invited me to their shops. I just told them I was busy, which, let's be real, I am right now.

With the Akatsuki lurking around, I can't afford to slack off. And honestly...

I strolled over to the Hokage's office and made my way up to see Granny Tsunade.

When I got to the door, I gave it a knock.

"Yes, come in," Granny Tsunade said as I walked in.

First thing I noticed? Her desk was drowning in paperwork. Seriously, I could barely see her behind all those files.

"Whoa, Granny, that's a ton of work. You sure you can handle all that on your own?" I asked, smirking a bit.

She sighed, "I don't know."

"Man, if being Hokage means drowning in paperwork, count me out. What's the point of being strong if all you do is push papers?" I joked. "Anyway, got any missions for me today?"

"Right now, there's nothing crucial for you, but the Akatsuki threat is serious. Because of that, all the villages have called for a Kage Summit soon to figure out our strategy," she said.

"Kage Summit? When's that happening?" I asked.

"In nine days," she replied. "There's something important I need to discuss with you about the summit."

"What is it?" I asked.

"The summit is in nine days, and I want you to come with me," she said.

"Come with you? Sure, why not!" I replied. It's interesting she asked me; I was already curious about joining the summit myself. Meeting the strongest from every village sounds pretty cool.

"So, you're in?" she asked.

"Yeah, I mean, why not?" I replied with a grin.

"Good, that's what I wanted to hear. Get ready, Naruto. We're up against a much bigger threat this time, and everyone needs to be prepared, especially you," she said seriously.

"I know, I know... After all, I'm the strongest. You can always count on me," I said with a confident smirk.

"Good. According to Kakashi, we've learned that Madara Uchiha—or at least someone claiming to be him—is with the Akatsuki. We need to be very cautious from now on," she warned.

"I know, I've thought about that too. But honestly, I don't think there's anything to worry about. I can handle him or anyone else who comes our way," I said. "Alright, I've got some things to take care of. See you soon, Granny," I added, walking out of the room.

After a while...

"Madara Uchiha?!" Choji exclaimed as I sat with Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji at the training ground.

"Yep! At least that's what he told Kakashi-sensei," I replied casually.

"Isn't he one of the founders of the Leaf Village?" Ino asked, clearly puzzled.

"Right, and he's one of the strongest ninjas ever. Not just in our village, but in the whole Shinobi world," Shikamaru added, sounding his usual bored self. "It's such a drag. I don't get why he'd want revenge on the Leaf or how he's even alive."

"Yeah, if he really is Madara Uchiha, we need to be on our toes," I said with a smirk.

"So, Naruto! Who do you think would win if you fought him?" Ino asked, her curiosity piqued.

"What a troublesome question," Shikamaru muttered with a yawn.

"Shut up, Shikamaru. So, what do you think, Naruto?" Ino pressed.

"Yeah, I'd love to see that fight. We all know how strong you are, and if he's as powerful as they say, it would be epic," Choji chimed in.

"Yeah, it would be something. He's a tough opponent, no doubt," I said, adding a hint of sarcasm for fun.

"So, are you saying you'd lose?" Ino teased.

"Nope. I'd win," I replied confidently.

After that, we got ready to head home. We had met for some team training this afternoon, and now that it was over, we said our goodbyes and left the training ground.

I walked home alone, mulling over the day's events. Tonight seemed like the perfect time to settle things once and for all.

I quickly took a turn and teleported to a nearby spot. Suddenly, I noticed an Anbu officer standing behind a tree, watching the road.

"What are you watching?" I said, quickly grabbing the Anbu's hands and pushing her in front of me.

"What!? How..."

Wait a second! Is she a woman?!

"Who are you? And why were you following me?" I demanded, but she stayed silent.

"Come on, speak up and answer my questions," I said again, but still no response. She tried to break free, but I tightened my grip.

"You're not going anywhere until you answer me," I insisted.

"Kill me if you want, but I won't answer your questions," she said defiantly.

"Alright, let's get specific. Did Danzo send you?" I asked.

"What... How?!" she murmured, almost giving something away before stopping herself when she realized I was listening closely.

"So, I was right," I said, letting go of her. "You can go. Just leave."

"What?" she exclaimed, attempting to attack, but I effortlessly blocked her strike. "I said, just leave."

She quickly retreated as I commanded. "Now, let's see where you're headed."

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[A.N: Thanks for reading! Drop Powerstones if you enjoyed it, leave a review, and don't forget to add this story to your library!]