Naruto: Lost to Hinata on Purpose, and Now Everything's a Mess Chapter 51 51 : Not Necessarily Impossible

After Riku agreed, Yugao went to the Hokage's Office to report the situation to the Third Hokage.

This matter left the Third Hokage visibly concerned. After confirming with the director of Konoha Hospital that such a form of dical ninjutsu truly existed, he began treating the issue with great seriousness.

What truly shocked him was the director's assessnt: that this technique could potentially produce eight Jōnin-level shinobi.

Without delay, the Third Hokage summoned Kakashi, Yamato, and Guy.

All three happened to be free of missions at the mont.

With Yugao included, the Third Hokage faced the four of them and said solemnly, "As Yugao explained, these rogue shinobi pose a serious threat to the Land of Fire. They must be eliminated."

"However, this mission will be extrely dangerous. I want each of you to consider this carefully."

Kakashi and Yamato possessed the strength of Elite Jōnin. Guy, though typically considered a standard Jōnin, had formidable physical prowess. While not proficient in genjutsu or ninjutsu, his taijutsu was unmatched.

As for Yugao, she had personally requested to join the mission—because Riku had already healed her injuries.

After Kakashi heard the full context, he nodded. "Shinobi like this must be dealt with. I'm in."

Yamato followed suit. "This falls under ANBU's jurisdiction anyway. You can count on , Lord Hokage."

Guy grinned confidently. "Such darkness cannot be allowed to spread! I'll overwhelm them with the power of Konoha's Noble Green Beast!"

Yugao added coldly, "My forr teammates gave their lives to protect . This ti, I'll be the one to avenge them."

With only four shinobi—three Jōnin and one Special Jōnin—the Third Hokage felt uneasy. He couldn't afford a major loss to Konoha's strength.

These were so of the village's top-tier shinobi—pillars of Konoha. Their absence would be deeply felt.

Yet most of the other elite shinobi were currently on missions. And a number had to remain behind to guard the village.

Then, the Third Hokage turned to Kakashi and asked, "Kakashi, would you be willing to take Riku with you?"

Before Kakashi could respond, Yugao stepped forward. "Lord Hokage, Riku is only a Genin. This mission is too dangerous for him."

Kakashi, Guy, and Yamato all nodded in agreent with her.

But the Third Hokage gave a small smile. "Even so, I believe his strength already exceeds that of Yugao. Besides, we need a fifth mber. It would strengthen the squad and improve our odds of success."

Both Yugao and Kakashi were adamantly opposed.

They tried to reason with the Third Hokage for several minutes. In the end, the Hokage invoked his authority.

"Enough. I understand your concerns. But Riku has already reached the level of a Special Jōnin. What he lacks now is experience. And this mission is the perfect opportunity."

"If he performs well, his promotion to Chūnin will be guaranteed this year."

Kakashi and Yugao still wanted to argue, but the Third Hokage had made up his mind.

Even Yamato and Guy looked helpless—they, too, were reluctant to bring Riku on such a dangerous mission.

After receiving their orders, the four exited the Hokage's Office and made their way to the forest behind Konoha.

There, they found Riku training.

When he heard what they'd co to say, Riku could hardly believe it.

Looking at Kakashi with disbelief, he blurted out, "What? I'm just a Genin! You want to go on an S-rank mission? Has the Hokage lost his mind?"

Now that the Third Hokage wasn't around, Riku spoke his mind without restraint.

Kakashi sighed. "I tried to talk him out of it too. But he said your strength is already on par with a Chūnin or even a Special Jōnin. He thinks you're ready. He wants you to gain real-world experience. And to be honest... we weren't given a choice."

"If we complete this mission successfully, you'll be promoted to Chūnin. That's the Hokage's offer."

Riku's eye twitched. "I don't need that. If I want to beco a Chūnin, I can take the exam like everyone else."

Both Kakashi and Yugao looked a little embarrassed.

At that mont, Yamato interjected. "I understand your frustration, Riku. I didn't want you involved either. It's too soon. But the Hokage said that if this mission is a success, not only will you be promoted—"

"You'll also gain access to the Forbidden Jutsu Scroll, and be allowed to select one S-rank ninjutsu to study."

Though Yamato was part of the ANBU and loyal to the Third Hokage, he also cared about Riku. His words were ant to ease the tension—hoping to prevent Riku from resenting the Hokage.

After Kakashi left ANBU, Yamato had taken his place as captain. That ant he ultimately sided with the Hokage—but this situation placed him in a difficult position.

Then Yugao spoke. "Riku, weren't you the one who first analyzed this threat? Do you have a better plan to defeat them?"

Kakashi, Guy, and Yamato all turned to Yugao in surprise. "Wait—Riku told you about this?"

Yugao nodded. "Yes. I spoke with him earlier. I wasn't in a good state of mind and needed to talk. After I told him everything, he analyzed the situation and ca up with the idea that these rogue shinobi might be using so form of dical ninjutsu."

"Don't forget—Riku's dical ninjutsu surpasses even the hospital director's."

The other three looked at Riku with new understanding. "So, Riku... you must know their weaknesses, right?"

Riku shook his head. "Don't get your hopes up. They don't have any obvious weaknesses. If you want to kill them, you'll have to overpower them. Looking for a soft spot won't work."

Kakashi frowned and asked, "Is it true, what the hospital director said? That if these enhanced Jōnin unleash their full power, they'll reach Kage-level?"

Riku nodded. "Yes. When they push themselves to the limit, they can surpass their current level. Realistically, we're looking at a force made up of three Kage-level shinobi and five Jōnin."

Yamato and Kakashi looked stunned.

"That's... insane," Yamato said.

Kakashi agreed grimly. "Among us, only Guy might be able to match a Kage-level opponent."

The difference between an Elite Jōnin and a Kage-level shinobi was vast—and Kakashi knew this better than anyone.

If Guy activated the Eight Inner Gates, he could probably fight on that level. But Kakashi, Yamato, Yugao, and Riku were all closer to Elite Jōnin.

And no one knew if Guy was capable of opening the Seventh Gate right now.

Even Kakashi wasn't sure. All he knew was that when Guy opened all Eight Gates, he could unleash Kage-level power—but at great personal cost.

For a mont, the whole group stood in uneasy silence.

This mission might be impossible.