Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

With the support of the Third Hokage, both Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hizashi had successfully become Raiden Uzumaki's subordinates, and there was no issue in assigning a shinobi like Might Duy. After the four of them assembled in the Hokage's office, they returned home to pack and prepared to head to Rouran.

As for Hatake Sakumo, who was part of Raiden Uzumaki's team, he had not yet returned from the frontlines and would not be joining this mission. Namikaze Minato, however, had already been notified by the Third Hokage and was expected to catch up with the group as they departed.

Raiden and his team completed their preparations swiftly. That evening, Raiden arrived at the village gate, waiting for the team to gather.

Raiden's attire was simple: a black outfit, two knife pouches at his waist, and two weapons—one long and one short—secured on his left hip. His storage seals allowed him to carry travel essentials compactly, stored in scrolls.

The first to arrive was Minato, who appeared as though he were setting out on a leisurely trip, carrying a small bag. Beside him stood a white-haired boy.

"Minato, I don't recall needing to bring a kid along for this mission," Raiden remarked, his tone amused.

The white-haired boy was Hatake Kakashi, carrying a short blade on his back and wearing a black mask that obscured the lower half of his face. He looked slightly embarrassed as Raiden's gaze fell on him.

"I've reported this to Hokage-sama. He approved Kakashi joining us," Minato explained with a warm smile. "Don't worry, Kakashi is strong and won't hold us back."

Raiden shrugged. "If you say so, bring him along. It doesn't matter to me."

The mission to Rouran didn't seem particularly dangerous to Raiden. His primary interest lay in exploring its mysteries and meeting the enigmatic figure who had traveled through time and space. The team's composition was also an opportunity for bonding and preparation for future missions.

As Raiden chatted with Minato, Kakashi grew bored and sat at the village entrance, lost in thought. By sunset, Hyuga Hizashi, Uchiha Fugaku, and Might Duy arrived.

Fugaku and Duy, experienced with missions alongside Raiden, carried minimal supplies—just a few ninja tools. In contrast, Hizashi, like Minato, carried a small bag, giving the impression of a casual outing.

"Everyone's here. Let's move out," Raiden ordered. "This is a covert mission, so wear your masks on the way."

The group quickly entered the forest, traveling at a moderate pace to accommodate Kakashi.

The ancient kingdom of Rouran was located in the Land of Wind, nestled in an oasis amid the desert. The unusual chakra fluctuations in Rouran had drawn the Third Hokage's attention due to its strategic location. With Sand Village in the Land of Wind officially at war with Konoha, any anomaly in Rouran demanded caution.

However, Raiden, already aware of the truth behind the situation, didn't view the mission as overly critical. Once inside the Land of Wind, the team donned masks and proceeded cautiously.

"Captain Raiden, that should be Rouran," Hizashi reported from atop a sand dune, his Byakugan veins receding as he pointed to the towering structures in the oasis.

"And there's something unusual," Hizashi added. "The buildings have intricate chakra networks."

"I see. That's precisely what we're here to investigate," Raiden replied. He formed hand seals, summoning four shadow clones to scout the oasis.

"What's the plan?" Fugaku asked, puzzled by Raiden's actions.

"Precautionary measures," Raiden explained. "We're in the Land of Wind. If Sand shinobi detect us and surround us, it'll be trouble. Minato and I can escape, but I'm not sure about the rest of you."

With that, Raiden activated the clones, patted Kakashi on the shoulder, and disappeared.

The team crossed the desert and infiltrated Rouran City. Using his Mind's Eye of Kagura, Raiden scanned the entire city but detected no individuals with immense chakra. However, he identified the dragon vein and discovered the imprisoned citizens of Rouran beneath the city.

"Naruto Uzumaki and his team haven't arrived yet," Raiden thought. "I'll let Minato and the others investigate first."

Raiden's memories of the Naruto world diverged slightly from reality. For example, Ichiraku Ramen should have already opened, and Kakashi, who should've been promoted to Chunin at six, was still a Genin despite completing missions with Minato. These discrepancies intrigued him.

"Spread out and investigate the chakra anomaly. We'll regroup here tomorrow," Raiden instructed.

Drawing the Totsuka Blade, he stabbed it into the ground, channeling chakra. Then, he placed seals on each team member's hands.

"This mark will guide you back here. Inject chakra into it, and it'll direct you. Don't worry about getting lost."

Raiden disappeared before anyone could respond.

"Does he think we're kids on our first mission?" Kakashi muttered, frowning at the mark.

Minato smiled. "Perhaps. Let's go, Kakashi." He led the boy away, while Fugaku and Hizashi paired up for their investigation.

By noon the next day, Minato had gathered vital information. Fugaku and Hizashi, using their respective abilities, had located the chakra anomaly's source and discovered the imprisoned citizens underground. Neither group acted, preferring to await Raiden's guidance.

At the designated meeting point, the team reconvened to report their findings.

"Find this centipede and eliminate it," Raiden instructed. "I'll handle sealing the dragon vein's power."

Just then, two new chakra signatures appeared within Raiden's detection range. One was immense and bright, like the sun; the other, though smaller, shone with an unmistakable intensity.

"This chakra..." Raiden muttered, his gaze turning toward the city.

(End of this chapter)