Naruto: You Call This A Medical Ninja?

For a moment, Kakuzu halted in his tracks.

"Iron Tower, let me tell you one last time," he said firmly. "If it weren't for the fact that you are a member of the organization, I wouldn't even bother saying this."

"Remember, our mission this time is to focus on our own objectives and avoid provoking Uchiha Madara."

"He's far more terrifying than you can imagine."

Kakuzu's tone grew grave as he recalled his experience. "Back then, he alone suppressed the shadows of Iwagakure, Amegakure, and Kumogakure. A legendary ninja who stood alongside Senju Hashirama—do you think he's getting weaker as he ages?"

Kakuzu paused, his mind drifting back to his youth. "I was reckless once. I accepted a mission to assassinate Senju Hashirama, believing my skills were enough. But when I encountered his aura, as ferocious as a wild beast, I froze. I couldn't move a muscle."

He clenched his fists. "The sheer presence of Hashirama overwhelmed me. I barely escaped by throwing kunai wildly, buying myself a moment to regain mobility. Running was my only option, and I don't regret it. If I hadn't fled, I'd be dead."

Kakuzu's voice carried weight as he continued, "As for Uchiha Madara, even with a bounty on him, I wouldn't dare take the mission."

"I understand," Iron Tower replied nonchalantly. "No need to look so serious."

"Good," Kakuzu said. "Let's prepare." With that, Kakuzu disappeared in an instant, followed by the others, leaving only afterimages.

---

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Namikaze Minato stood before Sarutobi Hiruzen, holding a scroll.

"Lord Hokage, I have information that requires your immediate attention," Minato said, handing over the scroll.

Hiruzen glanced at it before looking back at Minato. "Minato, you've been working tirelessly for the village lately. Even ninjas are still human—you need to balance work and rest. Otherwise, you'll wear yourself out."

Just as he finished speaking, his gaze landed on the contents of the scroll. The name "Uchiha Madara" caught his eye, and his expression shifted drastically.

"Madara...?" Hiruzen muttered, standing abruptly. "Is this true? Is that man still alive?"

Minato nodded. "His actions are unmasked and deliberate. We even observed him interacting with ninjas from Kumogakure."

"Kumogakure?!" Hiruzen's brow furrowed deeply. "Just Uchiha Madara alone poses a monumental threat. If Kumogakure is allying with him, this could lead to disaster. Amegakure has long coveted Konoha's resources, and Kumogakure has been seeking opportunities to attack."

"If we're forced to confront an alliance between Madara and Kumogakure, the cost would be enormous. Even if we fend them off, Konoha's strength will be depleted," Hiruzen said gravely.

"How many people know about this?" he asked.

"I reported it immediately upon return," Minato replied. "Tsunade-sama, my three disciples, and my sister, Namikaze Nozuki, are aware. Shisui was on an Anbu mission and did not join us."

Hiruzen sighed. "Tsunade returns to the village and faces such a situation on her first mission back. We'll keep this quiet for now—Danzo and Orochimaru must not hear of this yet. I'll make the necessary arrangements."

Hiruzen took a long drag from his cigarette pipe, his face clouded with concern. At that moment, an Anbu member appeared, kneeling.

"Lord Hokage, Orochimaru-sama and Danzo-sama have returned from missions outside the village. Both went to their respective residences immediately upon arrival. Do you wish to summon them?"

Minato's eyes narrowed slightly. The simultaneous absence and return of Danzo and Orochimaru seemed suspicious, especially given the news of Uchiha Madara's resurgence.

Hiruzen pondered for a moment before issuing his orders. "Continue to monitor them closely. Minato, you stay—there's more you need to do."

The Anbu vanished, and Minato turned to Hiruzen. "Lord Hokage, could it be that Danzo and Orochimaru...?"

Hiruzen's face hardened. "It's very likely. Their ambitions are no secret—they likely want the Hokage's seat for themselves."

He took a deep breath. "Minato, I've long considered you my successor, but recent events have made this decision urgent. With Danzo and Orochimaru's actions, there's no more time for deliberation. I must move forward with naming you as Hokage."

Minato's expression was calm, but his heart raced. "Lord Hokage, your wisdom is unparalleled. I'll follow your guidance and act in Konoha's best interests."

Hiruzen smiled faintly, pleased with Minato's response. "Good. Now, contact Tsunade and relay these instructions to her…"

As Hiruzen spoke, outlining his plan, Minato's eyes widened slightly. His surprise grew as he realized Hiruzen's strategy aligned perfectly with what Reiki had predicted before they returned.