145- Instigators

Renjiro studied the special kunai Minato was handing out to each member of the squad. The intricate markings on the kunai signified the matrix of the seal required to operate the Flying Thunder God technique. It was not like Renjiro had seen the seal, he just pieced facts together.

'So he has already mastered it?' Renjiro thought, carefully examining the kunai. 

'But that is expected, considering he is to become a jounin sensei in the next few months. But why did we have to waste time moving around for our B-rank missions? Chakra shouldn't have been an issue because he would have just used a day like this to regenerate it. 

Or was it because we were many? No, that shouldn't be the case since he has, or will, transport a whole tailed beast bomb using the Flying Thunder God. But maybe that's because he was at Kage level and had gotten better at using the technique. Or maybe I am just overthinking and Minato was just saving it for these types of missions.' 

Interrupting Renjiro's thoughts, Hiro asked, "What is this?" He looked at the kunai with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

Sama gave Hiro a knowing glance, but before she could respond, Minato said, "I will get to that in a minute."

Turning to address the entire group, Minato explained, "Our first A-rank mission is to destabilize the region."

Renjiro frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean by region?"

"I mean exactly that," Minato replied. "We will attack specific points in both the Land of Wind and the Land of Earth."

Renjiro thought. 'Both the Land of Wind and Earth? Wouldn't that be too much work?'

Hiro voiced Renjiro's concerns as he said, "Wait, wouldn't that need us to travel around both countries? It will definitely take us more than two weeks to complete this one mission."

"That's where the kunai come in," Sama said.

Hiro, still confused and slightly irritated, asked, "How will a kunai help, Sama?" 

Although Minato had not yet explained the significance of the kunai, Hiro did not think it would play a huge role in the completion of their mission. 

Yes, Minato was a widely known Talented Shinobi in Konoha, but a part of being a shinobi required them not to expose most of their mission details in a bid to curb information leakage. So most of the civilians and other Konoha shinobi were not aware of his strengths and weaknesses.

"Minato-sama has a movement technique, so don't worry about getting to the destination," Renjiro said, glancing at Minato with a reassuring look. He hoped his statement would quell Hiro's incessant questions and put his worries to rest.

Minato's brow furrowed slightly 'How did he know about it? Did Kushina tell him?' he wondered. Brushing the thought aside, Minato addressed the team.

Minato nodded, "Yes, that's correct. These kunai are marked with seals that allow me to teleport to their location instantly using the Flying Thunder God technique. You will be carrying them, and in case of an emergency or if you need immediate assistance."

He then reached into his pouch. The pouch was more symbolic than functional, as it was filled with storage seals that held his belongings as well as his kunais. After retrieving a seal, he flicked his wrist, bringing out a map and laying it in front of the group.

Renjiro looked at the map, noting the marked points. 'It's probably a map of the Land of Wind and Earth.'

"The marked points you see are strategic places we need to attack," Minato began. Before he could continue, Renjiro interrupted, 

"How will attacking the marked points destabilize the region? These are major powers in the world, wouldn't they just quickly shift their focus to recovery?"

Yamo, who mostly kept to himself, explained. "We will be attacking the marked points in both countries at the same time, acting as the other country's shinobi. By doing so, we will be planting and watering the seeds of distrust between the two."

Minato nodded, adding, "Yes, if these two major countries distrust each other, they will start probing each other using the surrounding weaker nations, which will eventually destabilize the whole region."

'Ooh, so we are just instigators?' Renjiro thought but then asked aloud, 

"But how will this help the village?"

Minato and Yamo exchanged glances before Minato responded, "You saw all the skirmishes happening at our borders. To deal with them, the village has to issue missions, which they pay for. Eventually, it will eat into the budget the Fire Daimyo gives the Hokage. Shifting their focus would allow us and other Konoha shinobi some space to breathe."

While he didn't show it outwardly, Yamo was a bit displeased. 'Minato did not have to tell them all that,' he thought. 

'They are still chunins; they shouldn't have the privilege to have this type of information. I am starting to see why the Clan Head rejected his admittance to the ANBU.'

Hiro, trying to process the information, asked, "So, we'll be disguised as shinobi from the Land of Wind when we attack the Land of Earth, and vice versa?"

"Exactly," Minato confirmed. "This will create confusion and make each country suspect the other of plotting against them."

After the briefing, Minato continued explaining the mission details to the squad, answering any questions they raised. The team listened attentively, absorbing every bit of information.

"Okay, so is everything understood?" Minato asked. He received various cues from his team: nods from Hiro and Renjiro, a salute from Sama, and a grunt from Yano.

"Good," Minato said, satisfied with their responses. "Now we need to decide on our positions. Sama and Hiro, I'll send you to the Land of Wind since Sama is proficient in Earth Nature, which is also Hiro's inherent chakra nature. 

Renjiro and Yano, both of you are proficient in Wind Nature, so I'll send you to the Land of Earth. Remember, we have to be discrete and act as shinobi from Iwa and Suna, so use the chakra natures agreed upon."

The team members nodded, understanding the importance of maintaining their cover.

Minato continued, "I didn't get the opportunity to place some of my seals in the capital cities of both countries, just close to the borders. I will hand you guys the map of the capital cities. 

Once you reach there, place the kunais in a discrete place. This is more so for Renjiro and Yano since I will be joining Sama and Hiro as I believe Yano is more than enough to keep you safe."

Renjiro's thoughts raced as he listened. 

'What a terrifying ability! I always knew this was OP, but now being here puts it into perspective. I am starting to believe that Minato was only killed at the start of the story because he was too powerful for the plot. 

He could go anywhere as he pleased as long as he placed a seal there. Imagine him during the Konoha Crush. First of all, I don't think Orochimaru would attack Konoha if Minato was still the Hokage, but that's beside the point. 

Minato would deal with everything in a couple of minutes and even appear in Suna and exact revenge if he wanted to. But that's not his style. Regardless, I need to learn this jutsu once I get the chance.'

Minato looked at the group, ensuring they understood the plan. "I will first transport Yano and Renjiro since the Land of Wind is actually closer," he said, placing his hands on Yano and Renjiro's backs.

Before activating his technique, Minato did not forget to place a seal on Renjiro as he already had one on Yano. The intricate seal glowed faintly on Renjiro's shoulder, a mark of Minato's mastery over space-time ninjutsu.

"Ready?" Minato asked. Both Yano and Renjiro nodded.

With a swift movement, Minato activated the Flying Thunder God technique. 

=====

Bless me with your powerful Power Stones.

Your Reviews and Comments about my work are welcomed

If you can, then please support me on Patreon. 

Link - www.patreon.com/SideCharacter

You Can read more chapters ahead on Patreon