When Minato Namikaze asked about the name of the technique, Ren already had a bad feeling about it.
He didn't know why.
But something deep in his instincts was screaming at him.
Sure enough—
Minato's eyes lit up as if inspiration had struck him like lightning.
"Based on your explanation, this technique uses layered misdirection with the Substitution Jutsu, combined with multi-stage positioning and assassination timing…" Minato nodded to himself, clearly impressed. "Then how about we call it—"
He paused dramatically.
"Substitution Whirling Super Phantom Multi-Stage Assassination Jutsu!"
"..."
Ren's expression froze.
For a brief moment, even the wind seemed to stop.
"…I'll name it myself," Ren said flatly, his lips twitching slightly. "There's really no need to trouble yourself, Minato-sensei."
"Eh?" Minato scratched his head, genuinely confused. "You don't like it? I think it sounds pretty cool."
Nearby, Kakashi Hatake, who had originally planned to discuss improvements to a new Lightning Release technique, quietly closed his mouth.
He suddenly felt that naming techniques was a serious matter.
And something he needed to handle… very carefully.
---
A Smooth Journey… For Now
The rest of the escort mission passed without major trouble.
They encountered a small group of shinobi from another village once. The two sides observed each other cautiously across the distance, but neither made a move. After a brief standoff, the opposing group chose to retreat.
Minato didn't pursue.
There was no need to invite unnecessary conflict.
As for the occasional bandits they encountered—
They were hardly worth mentioning.
Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara handled them easily, barely breaking a sweat.
For them, it was almost like practice.
Soon, the group arrived at the beautiful Land of Tea.
It was a place unlike anything Obito and Rin had ever seen.
A coastal nation, rich in greenery and surrounded by the endless blue of the ocean. Gentle waves crashed against the shoreline, and the scent of salt mixed with fresh tea leaves carried through the air.
For two ninja who had grown up inland, it felt like stepping into another world.
Obito stood at the coast, staring wide-eyed at the sea.
"…So big…" he muttered.
Rin smiled softly beside him.
Even Kakashi paused for a moment longer than usual.
And Ren—
Ren simply watched.
Calm. Observant.
Memorizing everything.
---
Farewell Gifts
When it was time to part ways, Masamune Tachibana's family prepared a generous gift.
Two large boxes of rare tea.
"These are our finest varieties," Masamune said with a respectful bow. "Please take them back to Konoha. You may even offer one to Lord Hiruzen Sarutobi."
Minato smiled warmly. "Thank you. We'll treasure them."
Meanwhile, Obito was saying an emotional goodbye to the two children—Chisei and Chime.
"Don't forget us, okay?" Obito said, waving dramatically.
Rin giggled.
Kakashi looked away.
Ren said nothing.
---
The Calm Before the Storm
The return journey was far more relaxed.
Without the burden of escorting civilians, the team moved more freely.
But—
As they passed through a forest near the southwestern border of the Land of Fire—
Everything changed.
"Stop."
Kakashi's voice cut through the silence.
His body had already tensed, his sharp eyes scanning ahead.
"There's someone up front."
Minato instantly raised his hand.
The team halted.
No one spoke.
Moments later—
A group of three figures emerged along a narrow path.
They were injured.
Heavily.
Their movements were sluggish, unsteady, as if they had barely escaped death.
"They're Konoha allies!" Obito said immediately, recognizing their headbands.
He stepped forward—
"Wait."
Minato stopped him with a firm hand.
"Observe first. Stay alert."
His gaze sharpened.
"Ren, Rin—prepare medical supplies. Kakashi—watch both flanks. If there's an ambush, signal immediately."
"Got it."
Just then, the injured group noticed them.
One of them raised his voice urgently.
"Konoha ninja ahead! Which squad are you? We're from the Third Frontier Patrol Team! We were ambushed—barely escaped! We have intelligence that must reach Suzaku Town immediately!"
The desperation in his voice was real.
Or at least—
It sounded real.
Minato observed them for a few seconds longer.
Then finally stepped forward.
"I am Jonin Minato Namikaze. Our route overlaps partially with Suzaku Town. We'll escort you."
He turned slightly.
"Ren. Rin. Treat them."
"Yes."
Ren moved quickly.
Efficient.
Precise.
As his hands worked, the injured ninja visibly relaxed under the relief of treatment.
"Thank you… but we should move quickly," one of them said. "They may still be chasing us."
Minato nodded.
"Then we move."
---
Shadows in Pursuit
The group pressed forward.
Their pace slowed due to the wounded.
The forest grew quieter.
Darker.
After several kilometers—
Minato subtly shifted his position, moving closer to Kakashi and Ren.
His voice dropped low.
"We're being followed."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed instantly.
"How many?"
"Six. Maybe seven. Skilled. Not ordinary rogue ninja."
Kakashi's hand rested on his blade.
"Do we eliminate them?"
Minato glanced at Ren.
"Your thoughts?"
Ren's eyes flickered slightly as he scanned the forest.
"The enemy is hidden. We're exposed," he said calmly. "If we turn back blindly, we risk walking into a trap."
He paused.
Then continued:
"Better to pretend we haven't noticed. Let them make the first move. Then counterattack."
Minato nodded slowly.
"…Agreed."
He raised his voice slightly.
"Formation change. Kakashi—left flank. Obito—right. Rin and the wounded—center. Ren and I will take the rear."
Everyone responded instantly.
The formation tightened.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
The enemy—
Didn't attack.
But they didn't leave either.
They were waiting.
---
Nightfall
As the sun dipped below the horizon, darkness crept into the forest.
Minato finally signaled a halt.
They stopped at a small clearing near a stream.
"Rest. Refill water."
"Kakashi, Obito—get water. Stay alert."
"Understood."
The two moved toward the stream.
Ren leaned against a tree.
Eyes closed.
Body relaxed.
But—
His mind remained sharp.
Watching.
Listening.
Then—
A faint scent drifted through the air.
Sweet.
Unnatural.
Ren's eyes snapped open.
At the same time—
Minato looked at him.
Their gazes met.
A silent understanding passed between them.
Minato made a subtle hand signal.
Ren gave the smallest nod.
Moments later—
Two of the "wounded" ninja rubbed their noses.
"…Sleepy…"
Ren slowly shifted his posture—
Then suddenly slumped.
As if overcome by exhaustion.
His body went limp.
Unconscious.
Moments later—
Rin collapsed.
Then Minato.
The clearing fell silent.
Only the crackling fire remained.
And the distant sound of water.
---
The Assassins Strike
Suddenly—
WHOOSH!
Kunai shot out of nowhere.
Three aimed at Minato.
Two at Ren.
THUD!
The blades struck.
Blood splattered.
But—
Neither moved.
"…Heh."
A cold, mocking voice echoed.
"So these are Konoha ninja?"
Figures emerged from the shadows.
Dark gray uniforms.
Masked faces.
Only their eyes visible.
Cold.
Calculating.
The leader—a tall, thin man—raised his hand.
Attack.
The others moved instantly.
Like arrows released from a bow.
Their kunai gleamed in the firelight—
Aimed straight for the throats of Ren and the others.
They intended to finish it in one strike.
Clean.
Efficient.
The leader stayed back.
Watching.
Waiting.
Suspicious.
Then—
Just as the blades were about to strike—
BANG!
Minato's body exploded into smoke.
A substitution.
At the same moment—
Ren's "unconscious" body dissolved into water, splashing onto the ground.
"?!"
The attackers froze.
Shock flashed through their eyes.
"When did they—?!"
---
The Counterattack Begins
A whisper echoed behind them.
Too close.
Too late.
"Looking for us?"
Minato Namikaze appeared behind them in a flash—his eyes sharp, killing intent fully unleashed.
And in that instant—
The hunt reversed.
The prey—
Had become the hunters.
And somewhere in the shadows—
Ren's calm voice echoed faintly.
"Let's begin."
The true assassination… had only just started.
--------------------------------
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