Naruto: The new beginning

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The peaceful days wouldn't last long soon, the Five Kage Summit was approaching.

For this trip, Minato's escort consisted of Team 7's four members and six Anbu from the Hokage's personal guard.

Naruto and Shisui were the official bodyguards, while Kakashi led the others in covert protection.

A village's Kage travelling abroad couldn't seriously just bring two guards like Danzo did, right?

Even Tobirama had taken six escorts back in the day though they ended up being more of a liability.

As for Hashirama? When he attended the original Five Kage Summit, he had only brought Tobirama along. But that was because he and his brother were literally unmatched in the world.

Kakashi and the advance team had already departed to scout the route and ensure security.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Shisui stood behind Minato, watching as people gathered to see them off.

Izumo and Kotetsu stood stiffly at the village gates. Although they had previously considered transferring posts, they definitely weren't about to bring it up while their beloved Fourth Hokage was personally seeing them off.

Asking such a kind Hokage to personally handle their replacement would feel like a crime.

"The Hokage is already so busy, and we're some of his most trusted guards! How could we burden him with our selfish whims, right, Kotetsu?"

"Exactly, Izumo! We should work even harder and be more responsible!"

And so, with renewed determination, they continued to guard Konoha's sacred entrance.

The Five Kage Summit was no secret, so even ordinary villagers knew about it.

Anyone with free time had come to see Minato off, and given his popularity, the turnout could only be described as a city-wide event.

At the front of the crowd stood his closest friends and allies, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kushina, and Kimimaro, along with Fugaku and Hiashi, representing their clans.

Minato turned to Jiraiya and Tsunade with a solemn expression.

"Jiraiya-sensei, Tsunade-senpai… I'm leaving the village in your hands. Please take care of Kushina and everyone else."

Jiraiya thumped his chest. "Don't worry! As long as the Great Toad Sage is here, nothing bad will happen!"

Tsunade nodded confidently. "You can count on us."

Kushina, however, pouted. "Hey, don't talk like I'm some kind of burden!" She flexed an arm, showing off barely visible muscle. "I am strong, you know!"

"Yes, yes, my mistake." Minato chuckled, giving her a gentle hug.

Naruto, blinking at them, decided to copy his father. He ran up and hugged Hinata then quickly dashed back to his spot with a cheeky grin, waving at his friends.

Hinata sneaked a glance at Hiashi, worried about his reaction. Seeing that his expression remained unchanged, she let out a breath of relief only to turn back and meet the teasing gazes of her friends.

Kushina, having watched Naruto's antics, turned back to Minato.

"You know how reckless Naruto is. Make sure to protect him."

Minato smiled. "I will."

Naruto couldn't take it anymore. "Mom! You've got it backwards! I'm the bodyguard here!"

Kushina grinned. "Oh, is that so? Then, Naruto, you better protect your dad!"

Naruto tilted his head back, staring at the sky. How am I even supposed to respond to that?

Minato, meanwhile, took a step forward, raising his voice so the crowd could hear.

"Well then, everyone… We'll be off!"

A mix of voices rang out from the crowd.

"Take care, Hokage-sama!"

"Hokage-sama, don't be too nice to the other villages! They'll take advantage of you!"

"Hokage-sama is so cool!"

As the villagers cheered, Minato donned his Hokage hat and turned around gracefully, his white-and-red cloak billowing behind him. The bold letters "Fourth Hokage" fluttered majestically in the wind.

Naruto swore he heard the screams of several women grow even louder at that moment.

Konoha's No.1 "back-view killer" strikes again! And the best part? His front view was just as lethal.

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Among the crowd, an old man dressed as an ordinary civilian quietly watched Minato's departure.

Beside him, Biwako gave him a knowing look. "Are you sure you don't want to say goodbye to him in person?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head with a small smile. "Haha, an old relic like me shouldn't steal the spotlight from the younger generation."

Biwako smirked. "With the way you're dressed, I doubt you could steal the spotlight."

Hiruzen chuckled. "Even in my prime, no one could outshine him. Anyone standing next to Minato would pale in comparison."

Biwako thought for a moment and said, "Well, if you ask me, you were quite handsome in your younger days."

"Is that so?" Hiruzen laughed heartily. "Well then, let's go. I have a class to teach."

And just for fun, he mimicked Minato's dramatic turn, flicking the hem of his robe as he walked away.

Biwako burst out laughing. "You shameless old man! You're way too old to be trying to look cool."

As Minato, Naruto, and Shisui disappeared from sight, the crowd gradually dispersed except for two people.

Izumo and Kotetsu remained, standing firm.

Before leaving, Jiraiya patted them both on the shoulder. "Minato has entrusted the village to us. While he's gone, we need to stay sharp!"

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama!" they replied in unison.

After watching Jiraiya leave, the two guards turned to each other, clasping hands dramatically.

"Izumo, with the Hokage gone, our duty is more important than ever."

"That's right, Kotetsu! We must uphold the faith Hokage-sama and Jiraiya-sama have placed in us!"

Smack! Izumo crushed a fly with his palm.

Determined, he declared, "As long as I am here, not even a single fly will enter Konoha without permission!"

Kotetsu's eyes burned with passion. "Oh! Let me help!"

And so, for the rest of the day, every visitor at Konoha's gate witnessed two grown men jumping around, slapping at imaginary threats.

"…Hey, do you think they caught whatever Gai-sensei and Lee have?"

"Shhh! Walk faster, or we might catch it too!"

---

The Land of Iron was located north of the Land of Fire. On foot, it would take about two to three days to reach.

Kakashi and his group remained in the shadows, leaving only Minato, Naruto, and Shisui to travel openly.

"Dad, have you been to the Land of Iron before?"

"A few times, during missions."

"What about you, Shisui-nii?"

"Yeah, I've been there a couple of times."

"So, what do you guys think of their samurai?"

Minato thought for a moment. "Samurai are a lot like shinobi who specialize in taijutsu like Might Gai. They use chakra, but they mainly focus on swordsmanship."

Shisui nodded. "It really depends on the individual. Some are honourable and humble; others are rigid and stubborn. But overall, I don't have any complaints about them."

Minato smiled. "That's just our perspective. You should see for yourself and form your own opinion."

Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Ooh! Do they have any three-sword-wielding, perpetually lost, meat-loving female samurai?"

Minato and Shisui: "?"

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