The Savior: Uzumaki Naruto

Chapter 14: Master of Espionage

"I'd like to run a reconnaissance mission on Amegakure." The bulk of a man announced. It was Jiraiya the Gallant, a man of many awards.

He was the most accomplished shinobi in the history of Konoha, and quite possibly the world. With a whopping 1,839 missions complete, 138 S-rank missions included, Jiraiya was no pushover. In fact, he was just about as stubborn as they come. Which was why his previous statement was no question or request, but a true announcement of what he was going to do.

The room stood in silence. Naruto, who had been easing into the job of Hokage by becoming comfortable with every task required of him, sat in the defined chair behind his desk. Tsunade stood to his diagonally right rear, and Hiruzen was sitting in a fetched chair from another room, just off to the side.

Tsunade was the first visibly react. "No! Do you realize how dangerous that place is currently? We've heard it's nothing short of hell with that civil war that broke out. And you want to go in there!? No way."

The Toad Sage nodded once at her words, contemplating them. "Yes, but three things for you. One: I don't think you're currently making that decision for me, you're not the one behind the desk. Two: I wouldn't let you make that decision for me anyway. Three: It's because I have reason to believe the Akatsuki's leader resides there."

Next to act up was Hiruzen. "You want to take on the leader of a group of S-rank nuke-nin, by yourself? Much less in their territory? I know you're no fool, Jiraiya, so why make such a rash decision?" he barked.

"If I can take him on, I will. But all I intend to do, as it stands currently, is gather information and retreat." Jiraiya reasoned.

Tsunade became furious. "You fool!! You and I both know the Akatsuki won't just sit around while you poke around their home turf! You're staying here, on order of the Godai-"

"You're free to go."

Tsunade and Hiruzen both froze. "What did you say, Naruto-kun?" The old man asked.

"I said, he's free to go. Not only is he a man and a shinobi of high caliber, capable of making his own decision, but from a strategic point of view, we cannot let this opportunity go to waste." The blonde explained.

'He thinks both like his father and like a true Kage. Impressive.' Jiraiya thought, digesting what his student said. "Alright then, it's settled. I'll be making my leave no later than dawn tomorrow."

Tsunade became like a tea kettle ready to burst. "No! This is unacceptable. Under no circumstance should he be-"

"Who is active Hokage right now, Tsunade? We said whoever is in the chair makes the decision, and I don't see you sitting where I am. Have you no understanding of the situation?" Naruto said coldly. His killer intent rapidly began to rise, not forgetting to spare a glare of death in the direction of the Slug Sannin.

She went quiet instantly, beads of sweat not hesitating to form on the nape of her neck. It was true, that was the agreement they made, and she knew Naruto would not forget that like she had. Not only that, but the teenager had a point. Strategically, making a move on the Akatsuki before they make a move on Konoha was the correct course of action. All the woman was left to do is nod and look away.

'Harsh, like his mother. It seems the eyes are not all he got from you, Kushina.' The Toad Sannin noticed.

"Leave whenever you see fit. Take what supplies you need, and if necessary, take a team for reinforcements. Just to keep on hand. Other than that, you have full clearance on behalf of the Rokudaime Hokage to perform this mission. Dismissed." Naruto said, harsh tone and tense air around him not shifting for a second.