Uchiha Naruto: The Strongest

Chapter 12: Uchiha Naori

The Hokage office was a spacious room, filled with the aura of authority. The walls were lined with portraits of previous Hokages, their stern faces watching over the room. A large wooden desk stood at the center, cluttered with scrolls, mission reports, and maps. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow on the paperwork scattered about. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, sat behind the desk, his expression serious as he reviewed the documents.

Kakashi stood before Minato, his face serious and eyes sharp beneath his forehead protector. "Sensei, I request individual solo missions for Sasuke and Naori," he said, his voice steady.

Minato raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "That's a lot of paperwork for two Genin. What's the reason?"

Kakashi sighed, his gaze dropping momentarily. "Sasuke dedicated three years of his life to rigorous training, all to catch up to two people," he began, a hint of sadness in his tone. "And when he finally faced them, he realized he wasn't even close."

Minato's expression softened slightly as he started preparing the paperwork for Sasuke. "And Naori?"

"Naori has been training intensely to keep up with Madara and to avenge her parents," Kakashi explained, his voice tinged with concern. "With Madara gone and this recent defeat, she's teetering on the edge. If she spirals into vengeance, it'll consume her completely, leaving her empty afterward."

Minato nodded thoughtfully, finishing the paperwork for Sasuke. "What rank missions would be appropriate for them?"

"A-Rank," Kakashi replied without hesitation.

Minato nodded again, handing Kakashi a scroll. "Sasuke will head to a place called Taki no Gawa. There's a small village there, Takigakure no Sato, under attack by a renowned general. Sasuke will get the rest of the details from the village head."

Kakashi accepted the scroll, then looked at Minato expectantly. "And Naori?"

Minato handed him another scroll. "Naori will go to Hana no Kuni. There are reports of a 'spirit' that can control nature, using it to kill those it deems intruders. It's believed to be behind the many disappearances of people entering Hana no Kuni."

Kakashi nodded, taking both scrolls and tucking them into his vest. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll make sure they're prepared."

As he turned to leave, Minato's voice stopped him. "Kakashi, make sure they know they're not alone. They're part of a team, and we all care about them."

Kakashi looked back, a small, grateful smile on his lips. "I will, Sensei. Thank you." With that, he exited the room, the weight of his responsibility heavy on his shoulders but his resolve unwavering.

-Uchiha Compound-

Naori sat on a weathered wooden bench, her fingers gently caressing the worn cover of a book titled "The History Of The Ninja World." She was deeply engrossed, her eyes scanning the pages that detailed the lives of legendary figures like Senju Tsunade, Senju Hashirama, and Namikaze Minato. The rustle of leaves filled the air, but Naori was lost in the world of historical battles and heroics.

Despite her admiration for many of these figures, there was one she despised more than any other: Madara Uchiha. The thought of his obsession with power made her blood boil, overshadowing even the most heinous crimes committed by others.

"What're you reading?" Kakashi's voice came from behind her, breaking her concentration.

Naori jumped, letting out a small yelp. "Sensei?!"

"Yo!" Kakashi greeted with his signature eye-smile, his lone visible eye curving into a crescent.

Naori sighed, closing the book as she settled back down. "It's a book on important historical figures. It used to be my favorite."