Konoha's Genius is a bit Ordinary?

"That's quite the coincidence," Shikaku Nara mused after some thought. "Even for skilled ninja, it's nearly impossible to keep pace with the Sky Ninja's flying speed. For him to arrive at Konoha at the same time as the Sky Ninja... it's suspicious."

"Hmm. Let's go take a look," Natsuro replied, standing and fastening his Hokage hat to his waist as he headed toward the hospital.

"Yes," Shikaku said, following closely behind.

Soon, they arrived at the hospital.

"Hokage-sama, this way, please," a medical ninja greeted Natsuro and led them further inside.

"What's the condition of the injured boy?" Natsuro asked.

"He's not seriously injured and is currently being treated by Shinnō," the medic replied.

"Shinnō?" Natsuro raised an eyebrow. Why was he in Konoha's hospital?

"Yes, Shinnō. He's an exceptional physician," the medic said with some admiration.

"He's not a Konoha ninja, is he? Why is he in the hospital, and why is he treating patients?" Natsuro asked, his brow furrowing.

The medic explained, "Hokage-sama, Shinnō arrived after the boy was brought in. He claims to be the boy's teacher. When he saw the boy, he volunteered to help. Given his reputation as a skilled doctor and their teacher-student relationship, we allowed him to assist in the treatment."

"I see." Natsuro nodded, choosing not to comment further.

They soon entered a room where Natsuro noticed a few individuals.

On the bed lay the 'boy' Shinnō had mentioned, Amaru, still unconscious. Beside him stood a middle-aged man wearing a hat, presumably Shinnō.

Seeing that the treatment was still underway, Natsuro and Shikaku refrained from interrupting.

After a while, the treatment was complete. The surrounding medics marveled at Shinnō's impressive skill.

"Hokage-sama, apologies for not greeting you earlier, I was preoccupied with the treatment," Shinnō said, turning to Natsuro with a courteous bow.

"No need to apologize. The patient comes first," Natsuro replied, his eyes studying Shinnō carefully. "I've been informed that this boy came to Konoha because his village was attacked by the Sky Ninja. Many of the villagers were injured, and he's seeking both your help and ours to assist his village."

"Such a tragedy..." Shinnō said, his tone heavy with sorrow.

"Indeed. But may I ask, why are you in Konoha?" Natsuro pressed, watching Shinnō closely.

"I've long admired the legendary medical prowess of Lady Tsunade and hoped to learn from her to further improve my own skills. Unfortunately, it seems my visit must be cut short," Shinnō explained, glancing at the unconscious boy. "I need to accompany my student back to his village."

"There will be other opportunities," Natsuro said with a faint smile.

He then instructed the medics, "When the boy wakes up, bring them both to the Hokage's office."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," the medics replied.

With that, Natsuro and Shikaku left the hospital.

Shinnō watched them leave, his body trembling slightly as he wiped cold sweat from his brow.

The way Natsuro had scrutinized him felt like a blade slicing through his entire being, leaving him convinced that the Hokage could kill him at any moment.

Shinnō cursed inwardly. Why had he chosen this time to act?

The Sky Ninja he'd carefully cultivated over the years had been obliterated so effortlessly. He hadn't expected Natsuro to be this powerful. The rumors from the Hokage's succession ceremony about his immense strength had seemed exaggerated, but now he knew they were true.

He had grossly underestimated Natsuro, and paid the price.

Shinnō clenched his fists. He had chosen this timing because of reports that Natsuro had executed Danzō during the succession ceremony. Although Shinnō didn't know much about Danzō, he had heard that the man's authority rivaled that of the Hokage's advisors.

To Shinnō, Danzō's execution signaled potential turmoil in Konoha, making it an opportune moment to strike.

Yet upon arriving in Konoha, he found the village not only undisturbed but more peaceful and united than ever.

Something felt off.

His unease deepened, but by then, the gears of his plan were already in motion. He had no choice but to proceed.

As much as he feared Natsuro, Shinnō couldn't suppress his excitement.

The Hokage had shown him what true power looked like, a strength beyond his wildest imagination.

When my plan succeeds, when I awaken "Reibi" (Zero-Tails), I will have power just as overwhelming!

Shinnō's body trembled with anticipation. When that day came, he would finally exact his revenge for the Second Shinobi War.

....

On the Way Back to the Hokage Office

"Hokage-sama, that Shinnō is suspicious," Nara Shikaku remarked.

"Indeed. He was clearly afraid when he saw me," Natsuro replied, a curious smile tugging at his lips.

"I wonder where that fear comes from. Was it because I took down all those Sky Ninja earlier?"

Shikaku nodded, noting that Natsuro had picked up on Shinnō's odd behavior. If Natsuro chose not to expose him immediately, he must have his own plans. Shikaku decided to watch and wait.

After returning to the office, Natsuro began organizing the next mission. He instructed the Anbu to summon Naruto, Hinata, and Sakura.

Glancing at Shikaku, Natsuro commented, "It's a pity Shikamaru's already been borrowed by Kakashi. He'd be the perfect leader for this mission."

While Naruto was undoubtedly powerful, his impulsive nature made him an unreliable decision-maker. Moreover, Natsuro couldn't reveal certain aspects of the mission to Naruto; the boy was simply too transparent to keep secrets.

As for Hinata and Sakura, their skills as medical ninjas made them invaluable, especially since Konoha's other medical ninjas were primarily stationed at the hospital and lacked combat abilities.

Shikaku couldn't help but smile with pride as Natsuro praised Shikamaru.

"If only you'd had more children, we wouldn't need to rush assignments so much," Natsuro teased.

Shikaku, understanding the awkwardness of such a topic, decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.

Still, he voiced a concern. "I'm a bit worried about this team composition. None of them seem suited for a leadership role."

"Don't worry. Naruto is much stronger than you might think. His raw power will make up for any strategic shortcomings. Besides, I have other arrangements," Natsuro assured him.

Shikaku nodded, surprised but convinced. If he vouched for Naruto's capabilities, they must be extraordinary.

Naruto, Sakura, and Hinata soon arrived at the Hokage office. After being briefed on the mission, none of them seemed particularly surprised. Natsuro's unusual requests had become par for the course.

"But Natsuro, I don't know any medical ninjutsu," Naruto said, scratching his head in confusion. "Why am I part of this mission?"

"Your job is to protect them and ensure they reach the village safely," Natsuro replied, shaking his head at Naruto's simplicity.

"Oh! Got it! Leave it to me!" Naruto grinned confidently.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to leave something this important to him?" Sakura muttered skeptically.

"I... I believe Naruto-kun will do just fine!" Hinata said, blushing slightly as she voiced her confidence in Naruto.

Sakura glanced at Hinata, then at Naruto, who was beaming cluelessly, and sighed. "Well, at least this mission gives them more time to bond."

Sakura then turned to Natsuro. "Hokage-sama, is the mission target still at the hospital? We'd like to meet them before setting out."

"Yes," Natsuro replied. "You should also stop by the mission registry to finalize the mission's rank before leaving."

With their task outlined, the three left for the hospital.

Once they were gone, Natsuro summoned two additional ninjas: Neji Hyūga and Jūgo.

He explained the true purpose of the mission: to monitor Shinnō from the shadows and ensure the safety of the overt team.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Neji responded, though his gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if grappling with unspoken thoughts.

Jūgo simply nodded silently.

As the two departed, Natsuro watched Neji's retreating figure with a tinge of regret. Neji was an exceptional ninja. Powerful, calm, and dependable but his resentment toward the Caged Bird Seal remained a lingering shadow.

Even after Naruto's talk-no-jutsu during the Chūnin Exams, Neji's issues with the Hyūga clan's traditions hadn't entirely dissipated.

"Caged Bird Seal..." Natsuro muttered to himself. In his previous life, he had loathed this oppressive system.

Yet addressing it would inevitably involve the powerful Hyūga clan, making it a politically delicate and complex issue.

Rubbing his temples, Natsuro decided to put this matter aside for now.

"Shikaku, schedule a meeting and notify the advisors," Natsuro instructed.

"Understood," Shikaku replied.

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Currently on Chapter 300 - Konan, You Don't Want Nagato To…