Danzo's voice cut through the silence, sharp and accusatory. "It's because you've given him too much liberty that he's growing increasingly lawless."
Tsunade met his glare without flinching. "Then tell me—aside from this incident, what has he done wrong?" Her tone was cool but firm. "Yes, Inoiki can be stubborn. I won't deny that. But that stubbornness is also part of what makes him effective. He has the strength to back his convictions. You're not holding him accountable—you're targeting him without reason."
Danzo's mouth opened as if to respond, but no words came. His glare remained, yet Tsunade's reasoning had left him momentarily speechless.
Koharu stepped in to fill the silence, her expression drawn. "Even so, we can't allow this matter to be brushed aside. There must be consequences."
Tsunade gave a slow nod. "Which is why I've already made a decision." She straightened in her seat, her tone final. "I'll cancel Inoiki's leave and order his immediate return to active duty. He'll be sent as backup for Team Kakashi on their mission to Sunagakure."
The room tensed at her words, but she wasn't finished.
"Before he departs the Land of Iron, I'll instruct him to personally visit the Daimyō and issue an apology. Formal, respectful, and face-to-face. That should be more than enough to soothe their pride and satisfy protocol."
Koharu opened her mouth again. "But that punishment—"
Tsunade raised a hand, cutting her off sharply. "This discussion is over. My decision is final."
Her voice rang with authority, leaving no room for argument. Even the elders, hardened as they were, knew when to back down. For now.
With the discussion concluded, the elders exited the office, their footsteps heavy with unresolved tension. The result wasn't satisfying for them. Team Kakashi followed soon after, knowing they had little time to prepare for their urgent mission.
Inoichi and Ino left as well. Their presence in the meeting had felt more like a formality than anything else—they hadn't been given a chance to speak, only to listen to the storm that had gathered around Inoiki.
Outside the Hokage building, as the spring breeze rustled the trees lining the courtyard, Team Kakashi crossed paths with Inoichi and Ino.
Naruto grinned when he saw her. "Hey, Ino! It's been a long time."
Ino returned the smile. "Yeah, it has. Ever since you left to train with Lord Jiraiya, this is the first time we've actually seen each other. Two and a half years, huh?"
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Brother used to talk about you sometimes. Said that when you came back, you'd be stronger than ever. Looks like he wasn't wrong, was he?"
Naruto puffed up proudly. "Absolutely! I've gotten a lot stronger. I could even challenge him now!"
Sakura gave a smirk from the side. "Oh? And how long do you think you'd last? Five seconds? He'd flatten you in an instant."
Ino didn't say a word, but the small smirk tugging at her lips said she agreed. Naruto caught it and scratched his head sheepishly.
He had gotten stronger. That much was true. But deep down, he knew the gap between him and Inoiki was still massive. Especially without using the Nine-Tails' chakra. Inoiki had faced an army of a thousand and won. Naruto wasn't there—not yet.
Kakashi glanced at the team, his tone turning firm. "We all know how strong Inoiki is—but right now, we've got a mission to focus on. Let's move."
Naruto and Sakura straightened up, nodding in unison. "Yes!"
Before they departed, Naruto and Sakura turned back toward Ino and Inoichi. Naruto gave a quick grin. "We'll see you again after we return."
Naruto's grin widened. "And if everything goes right, we might even run into Inoiki during the mission."
Ino smiled faintly, and Inoichi gave a respectful nod. "Take care," he said.
With that, Team Kakashi vanished down the path, quickly fading from sight as they headed out to prepare for their journey. Ino and Inoichi turned in the opposite direction, walking toward home in thoughtful silence.
After a while, Inoichi broke the quiet. "We always knew he was heading to the Land of Iron to do something bold—he said he'd make sure to get the materials he needed for the chakra weapon no matter what. But I never imagined he'd go this far."
Ino gave a small laugh, though her voice was laced with disbelief. "Yeah… I wasn't expecting him to actually threaten the Daimyō and General Mifune. But at the same time, it kind of fits his personality, doesn't it?"
Inoichi chuckled and nodded. "It does."
As they walked, a quiet smile played on Inoichi's face—one of pride, not just concern.
-----
Two days had passed since Team Kakashi departed for their mission to rescue the Kazekage.
Far away, in the capital of the Iron Country, the scent of sizzling meat and spiced broth wafted through the crisp mountain air. Inoiki stood at a busy street vendor's stall, casually enjoying a skewer of grilled beef when his sharp eyes caught sight of a messenger hawk circling above.
His expression shifted—instinctively alert. He extended his arm, and with practiced ease, the hawk swooped down and perched on his forearm.
Inoiki unsealed the scroll from its leg, then turned back to the vendor. "One more piece—small," he said.
The vendor quickly skewered a chunk of meat and handed it over. Inoiki fed it to the hawk, which chirped once before spreading its wings and vanishing into the sky.
Unfolding the scroll, Inoiki scanned the contents. His eyes narrowed slightly.
Notice:
You are hereby reprimanded for your unauthorized actions within the Iron Country.
Your leave has been revoked, effective immediately.
You are to report to Sunagakure and act as reinforcements for Team Kakashi in the Kazekage retrieval operation.
Additionally, you are to offer a formal apology to both General Mifune and the Daimyō before departing.
Inoiki exhaled slowly. Without a word, he crumpled the message in one hand, then ignited it with a flick of chakra. The ash scattered in the wind.
He stared into the flames as they vanished, then muttered under his breath, "Figures."
Sliding his hands into his pockets, he walked away from the stall, his steps unhurried.
It'll take another two days for the weapon to be finished. I'm not leaving before it's ready, he thought to himself.
If everything goes well, Gaara should be safe by then anyway. And even if he dies… he will be resurrected.
...
(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)
====
You can read 20 chapters ahead of everyone on patreon.Link:https://www.p@treon.com/Hkj822
Discord: https://discord.gg/HSHVxvdY
====