Like for more chapters!???

  ---

  "Mr. Kakashi, what's our mission this time?" Naruto asked curiously, his gaze fixed on the scroll in Kakashi's hand.

  Sasuke and Sakura also turned their attention to Kakashi, eager to learn about their first mission as special Jōnin.

  After reading the contents of the scroll, Kakashi handed it to Naruto and expined, "We're tasked with escorting an envoy safely to Konoha."

  "An envoy?" Naruto asked, scanning the scroll. His eyes widened in surprise. "Wait… Zabuza?!"

  "Zabuza Momochi?" Sasuke and Sakura echoed in astonishment. They knew about Haku's origins and the connection to Zabuza but hadn't seen either since their return to Konoha.

  "That's right," Kakashi confirmed. "This time, Zabuza is coming to Konoha as an envoy from the Hidden Mist Vilge in the Land of Water. His mission is to establish diplomatic retions between Konoha and the Mist. If all goes well, this could mark the beginning of an alliance."

  "How did he become a representative of the Hidden Mist? Didn't he try to assassinate the Mizukage before?" Naruto asked, bewildered. The sudden assignment had reminded him of Zabuza, someone he'd nearly forgotten.

  "The st time I saw Zabuza, he was wielding the Kubikiribōchō, a bde more trouble than it's worth. At least the Samehada could recharge chakra; the Kubikiribōchō's regeneration ability is far less practical," Naruto muttered.

  Kakashi shared his disbelief. "It is surprising. You'd think someone who attempted to assassinate the Mizukage would be executed. Instead, not only was he spared, but he's managed to regain the Mizukage's trust. Now, he's representing the Mist Vilge. It's truly remarkable."

  Naruto tilted his head. "Did Dad have something to do with that?"

  Kakashi nodded. "Minato-sensei did provide Zabuza with some assistance, which helped him return to the Land of Water. As for the details, we'll find out more when we meet him. For now, our job is to meet them at the coast, escort them to Konoha, and ensure security at the negotiation venue."

  He added with a grave expression, "While doing so, we'll need to assess whether their intentions are genuine or if they have ulterior motives."

  Sakura sighed. "This sounds more complicated than our usual missions. Before, we just had to follow clear instructions. Now, we have to think several steps ahead."

  "That's the life of a Jōnin," Kakashi expined, his tone unusually serious. "The difficulty of a mission isn't always about the strength of the enemy. Often, it's about managing complex situations and making critical judgments."

  As they travelled, Kakashi continued to share his experiences, offering insights on how to handle interactions with foreign shinobi and the nuances of diplomatic missions.

  The next morning, the team arrived at the eastern coast of the Land of Fire. Although they anticipated the ship's arrival by noon, it wasn't until the afternoon that a rge vessel appeared on the horizon.

  Naruto used his sensory abilities to scan the incoming group and frowned. "Something's off… Big Fox?"

  Kurama stirred within him. "It's Isobu, the Three-Tails. No doubt about it," the Nine-Tails growled, slightly puzzled. "What's with all these jinchūriki showing up around you tely? It's like they're drawn to you."

  Naruto reyed the information. "Everyone, be on alert. The Three-Tails' jinchūriki is on that ship."

  Kakashi's brow furrowed. "Yagura…? If the Fourth Mizukage is here, that's a significant development. This might even be a provocation."

  Naruto confirmed, "There are thirty-two people onboard. Twelve have notable chakra signatures probably shinobi. The rest seem like civilians, likely sailors."

  Kakashi nodded. "Stay sharp. Sasuke, stow your Kiba bdes for now."

  Sasuke reluctantly sealed the swords into a scroll. "Fine," he muttered, though he didn't see the necessity.

  When the ship finally docked, eight individuals disembarked, led by a cloaked figure who carried a massive sword on his back.

  "Welcome to the Land of Fire," Kakashi greeted, his tone cordial yet cautious.

  The cloaked man stepped forward and spoke in a gruff voice. "It's been a while, Kakashi."

  Removing his hood, the figure revealed himself to be Zabuza Momochi. The team immediately noticed the unmistakable Kubikiribōchō on his back.

  Sakura, however, couldn't help but blurt out, "Why is there a child here?"

  The shorter cloaked figure stepped forward, removing his hood to reveal a middle-aged man with grey hair, pink eyes, and a scar running from his left eye to his jawline.

  Despite his small stature, his commanding presence was undeniable. "I am not a child!" he snapped. "I am Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Vilge."

  Sakura froze in embarrassment, quickly bowing. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to offend you!"

  Kakashi, maintaining composure, stepped in. "Our apologies, Mizukage-sama. We didn't expect your presence here. The communication from the Mist Vilge stated that Zabuza would lead the envoy. Why are the Mizukage and the Three-Tails' jinchūriki present as well?"

  Yagura crossed his arms and replied, "You'll learn soon enough. For now, we have much to discuss."

  Kakashi exchanged a wary gnce with his team. The mission was proving to be far more complex than anticipated.

  ---

  For early access to advanced chapters and exclusive illustrations made by me, visit my P@treon:

  P@treon/iamxeno

  Thank you so much for your support and for reading!