Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 420 Let's plant Konoha's flag all over the world!

He was confused when he received this task.

The Hokage actually assigned these two taijutsu experts to a peacekeeping force that demands extremely high levels of chakra control and tactical coordination.

This unscientific.

But looking at the almost visible green energy emanating from the father and son, and how they jumped up without fatigue after completing their thousandth one-finger push-ups, striking that "Nice Guy" pose with their gleaming teeth, the ANBU ninja suddenly felt... perhaps, the Hokage's decision had its own deeper meaning.

Some forces cannot be measured by common sense and data.

……

Konoha Village, Central Martial Arts Arena.

This place was once a gathering point for those heading to war in World War II, and now it is once again filled with both solemnity and glory.

Hundreds of ninjas gathered here, their ranks perfectly aligned, and utterly silent.

Their equipment was excellent; each person's backpack was bulging, and their ninja tool pouches had been uniformly replenished. Even their Konoha vests were new designs created with the help of Tsunade's medical department, and they included simple first aid kits and bandages.

The air lacked the solemnity and grandeur of an impending great battle; instead, it was filled with a sharp and confident atmosphere.

This expeditionary force, known as the Konoha Peacekeeping Force, is a product of the new era and marks the first collective appearance of Konoha's golden generation.

At the very front of the line was Class Seven.

Obito Uchiha's cheeks flushed with excitement as he constantly adjusted the goggles on his forehead, as if that would make him look more reliable.

He had fantasized countless times about displaying his might on the battlefield, and then Lin looking at him with admiration.

"Kakashi, this is a true ninja! We're going to protect peace!"

He lowered his voice and boasted to his companion beside him.

Kakashi Hatake simply leaned against a tree, his hands in his pockets, without making a single unnecessary movement.

He was resting with his eyes closed, seemingly indifferent to everything around him.

"Shut up, you idiot."

He didn't even bother to open his eyes, only snorting out a sentence through his nose, "Save your energy, or you'll be the first one carried back."

"What did you say?!" Obito instantly bristled.

"Alright, alright, Obito, Kakashi."

Nohara Rin stood between the two, smiling helplessly as she tried to mediate.

She had checked her medical kit three times, and every roll of bandage and every bottle of ration pills inside was neatly arranged.

She wasn't as outgoing as Obito, nor as reserved as Kakashi; she simply made thorough preparations in her own way.

I was equally excited; this was the first time I had been able to carry out such an important mission with my two companions.

Not far away, there was another group of three that attracted much attention.

"Hey, Nagato, Konan, do you think our teacher will treat us to Ichiraku Ramen to celebrate our return this time?"

Yahiko adjusted the curls on his back, his orange hair standing out brightly in the sunlight.

His face was filled with undisguised excitement and anticipation. For him, this mission was the Third Hokage's recognition of him and Akatsuki, and another step they had taken to bring Konoha's peace ideals to the world.

Nagato stood quietly behind him, her long red hair tied up in a bun. He didn't answer, but simply nodded gently.

He could sense the powerful, cohesive flow of chakra throughout the entire training ground.

This force is both warm and powerful.

He wants to protect this warmth.

Konan was carefully straightening Yahiko's slightly crooked headband, her movements gentle, as if she were tidying up a precious work of art.

"Yes, it will."

She replied softly to Yahiko, "As long as we can complete the mission beautifully."

Further afield, a new generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio has also taken their place.

"what……"

Nara Shikaku yawned, looking like he could fall asleep at any moment.

"Shikaku, this is Minato's first time going into battle as the commander-in-chief. As his close-knit team, of course we have to be here."

Yamanaka Inoichi crossed his arms, his long golden hair flowing behind his head.

"Hai-ichi is right! And the special roasted meat jerky tastes quite good!"

As he spoke, Akimichi Choza pulled a large piece of jerky from his ninja tool pouch, took a big bite, and beamed with happiness.

Shikaku glanced at him helplessly and turned his head to the other side.

"..."

"Hey! Kakashi! My nemesis! Let's have a youthful showdown before we set off! Let's see who can run a hundred laps around the training ground first!"

A loud voice that could lift the roof off rang out, and two green figures, one large and one small, were seen preparing with an enthusiasm that was hard for ordinary people to comprehend.

Might Guy did a handstand, gave Kakashi a thumbs-up, and revealed a set of gleaming white teeth.

His father, Matt Day, was doing high knees in place, moving so fast that he was just a blur.

"Kai! This is youth! Let's pave the way for peace in Konoha with our passion!"

Kakashi silently moved his body further behind the tree, pretending not to hear.

On the high platform of the training ground, Hiruzen Sarutobi took it all in.

He saw the vibrant Class 7, the determined Akatsuki, the perfectly coordinated Ino-Shika-Cho trio, and the father and son burning with youthful energy.

These ninjas are the future of Konoha.

It is he, and this era, who together nurtured the most brilliant flower.

He took a step forward, and the entire training ground fell silent instantly.

All the noise and whispers fell silent the moment he appeared.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze slowly swept over the young and resolute faces below.

He did not exaggerate the cruelty of war, nor did he emphasize the strength of the enemy.

"Lift your heads and look around you."

He spoke, and his calm words clearly reached everyone's ears.

"Look at the village behind you. There are your families, the aroma of Akimichi barbecue restaurant, the fragrance of the mountain flower shop, the crops growing well in the towering wooden building, and the sound of students reading aloud coming from the ninja academy."

"That's why we're standing here."

"We are not here for revenge, nor to plunder. The Cloud Village's plea for help is merely an opportunity."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was steady and powerful.

"An opportunity for us to tell the entire ninja world what the Will of Konoha truly is!"

"Today, you will step out of the village as members of the Konoha Peacekeeping Force. Your mission is not simply to fight, but to establish rules! It is to use our strength to protect those who yearn for peace!"

"Remember, the kunai and ninjutsu in your hands can be used for both defense and construction. This time, your task is to keep the flames of war outside the Land of Fire's borders and to extend the light of peace to even more distant places!"

His words ignited the hearts of all the young ninjas present.

Yahiko clenched his fists unconsciously. This was the peace he had always sought: a peace protected by the strong!

Obito trembled with excitement, as if he could already see the day he would become Hokage and deliver the same speech.

Even the usually calm Kakashi raised his head and listened attentively.