Konoha’s Five-Element Ninja

Chapter 28: A Fire in the Night

The following day, Namikaze Minato was summoned to the staff headquarters to receive a new mission.

Unlike standard teams, certain elite squads were required to report to higher-level command centers for their orders. These missions often weren't recorded, classified as confidential. Minato's team, as a high-profile unit, consistently faced dangerous assignments. Yet, due to their exceptional skill, their casualty rate remained low.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi launched his reforms, clan shinobi became the primary force assigned to high-risk missions. Hayama attributed this to two key reasons.

First, the prolonged war had drastically reduced the number of civilian shinobi. Over the past six years, those lacking skill or luck had long been eliminated, leaving only the most capable. The grueling attrition rate discouraged families from sending their children to the academy, forcing them to seek other paths. During wartime, the academy had essentially turned into a training ground for cannon fodder—graduates were handed a forehead protector after learning a few basic techniques and immediately sent into battle. As the war dragged on, even the loudest cries of "Will of Fire" couldn't draw enough new recruits. Over time, the proportion of civilian shinobi in Konoha's ranks dwindled, weakening their once-significant presence. This decline, Hayama noted, conveniently fulfilled Hiruzen's pre-war objectives. With the Senju clan retreating, the Uchiha occupied with border skirmishes, and internal dissent crushed under the weight of relentless battles, Hiruzen's administration had silenced multiple threats in one fell swoop.

Second, Hiruzen's policies forced every clan to commit fully to the war effort. Unlike Hashirama's inclusive leadership style, which fostered a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, and Tobirama's institutional innovations, which turned Konoha into an efficient war machine, Hiruzen's approach was a hybrid model—one that demanded loyalty while suppressing dissent. Under new regulations, clans were required to contribute a set number of fighters. This high-pressure governance style left many clans with no choice but to comply, furthering Hiruzen's centralized control.

As a result, times were tough for everyone. But compared to the total retreat of the Senju clan, the remaining shinobi had little choice but to accept their lot.

In the Wind Country's staff headquarters, a Nara clan strategist—known for his sharp intellect and serving under Sakumo Hatake—briefed the team. When Hayama and his teammates entered, the Nara commander glanced briefly at Hayama before laying out their objective.

"Reliable intelligence indicates that Sunagakure has a medicine depot in Akihabara. Your mission is to destroy it."

Hayama, initially curious about what type of "star mission" they'd receive, lost interest upon hearing the assignment. It seemed straightforward: low risk unless they happened to encounter an elite enemy. Given the team's skills, retreating unscathed was well within their capability.

After receiving their orders, the team didn't head out immediately. Instead, they gathered in a secluded spot for a brief strategy meeting.

Crouching in a circle around a map, they confirmed the depot's location. Once everyone was clear on the objective, Minato stashed the map and addressed the group.

"Hayama, why don't you introduce yourself briefly?"

Hayama stood, glanced at his teammates, and quietly said, "Hayama Hakumo, age 17. I specialize in Earth, Fire, and Lightning Release."

Then he resumed his crouch, waiting for the next introduction.

"Akimichi Tōto, Jōnin. I specialize in my clan's secret techniques."

"Inuzuka E, Jōnin. I specialize in my clan's secret techniques."

Good grief, Hayama thought, are they a comedy duo? Though slightly irked by the curt introductions, he kept his irritation to himself. Clan shinobi looking down on civilian shinobi was an old tradition. In the ninja world, strength commanded respect. If he wanted to make an impression, it wouldn't be through words—it would be through action.

Hayama wasn't being cocky. He knew that both clans had limitations. While formidable in tracking or close combat, their expertise rarely extended beyond those specialties. In the end, comprehensive strength—versatility across multiple disciplines—defined true greatness. By that measure, neither clan currently had any standout elites.

Minato, observing the tension, gave Hayama a brief, apologetic smile. Then he introduced himself.

"Namikaze Minato, age 15. Jōnin. I specialize in Wind Release and space-time ninjutsu. My favorite person is Kushina Uzumaki, and my dream is to become Hokage and bring peace to the ninja world."

Hayama raised an eyebrow. So the guy's a true heir to the establishment, huh? No wonder Jiraiya saw potential in him. A civilian ninja dreaming of the Hokage's mantle? That was a tall order. Even if Minato could pull it off, it would likely be as the Sixth Hokage, given the long line of contenders ahead of him.

After Minato's introduction, he turned to Hayama with a warm smile. "I think we'll make a great team. I'm counting on you, Hayama."

"Of course, Captain Minato." Hayama nodded.

"Well then, everyone—let's move out!"

...

Akihabara was a rare fertile plain in the Wind Country. Flat and temperate, it was a critical agricultural hub for Sunagakure. The region's western edge bordered a vast desert. To combat encroaching desertification, Sunagakure had erected several earthen hills planted with trees, shielding the fertile fields from arid winds and preserving vital soil.

Hayama had visited the area a few times. Each visit left him marveling at chakra's potential. With enough chakra and effort, one could transform even a barren desert into farmland. If the ninja world had fully harnessed chakra for agriculture rather than warfare, countless lives could have been sustained. Instead, chakra had been wielded as a weapon, its vast potential directed toward destruction rather than cultivation.

The team knew that the medicine depot was hidden somewhere within these hills, but they'd have to locate it themselves. Fortunately, Inuzuka's clan techniques made this straightforward. Medicine had a distinct scent, and their specialized ninken could easily track it.

That night, the team silently approached a large, dark cave entrance. This was the suspected depot.

Two Sunagakure shinobi, fully armed, stood watch at the entrance. Hayama scrutinized the area. Uncertain if there were hidden guards, he glanced at Inuzuka's ninken—a massive, eyepatch-wearing canine. The dog sniffed the air and gave a low whimper, which Inuzuka translated through hand signs.

"Four enemies: two at the entrance, one on the left, one on the right."

Minato nodded. His usually gentle face hardened with resolve. After a moment's thought, he issued hand signals.

Hayama narrowed his eyes. Reading Minato's signals, he let his presence fade and sank into the ground, stealthily approaching the entrance. Meanwhile, Minato vanished without a trace.

Moments later, the entire team had positioned themselves just outside the cave. Hayama signaled them to step back. Drawing on his abundant chakra, he began weaving hand seals.

"Fire Release: Dragon Flame Bullet!"

A roaring flame, shaped like a dragon, surged into the cave, consuming everything in its path. From within, anguished screams echoed.

Once satisfied that the depot had been thoroughly scorched, Hayama cut off the chakra flow. The team turned and ran without hesitation.

There was no point in staying. They weren't here for a prolonged battle.

As the team disappeared into the darkness, warning cries erupted from the hills. Sunagakure forces, roused from their slumber, scrambled to defend the depot. In the Wind Country, medicine was a precious commodity, akin to gold. Losing it wasn't an option.

But by the time the Sunagakure squad realized what had happened, the attackers had vanished.

Under cover of night, Hayama and his team had set a blaze that left their enemies fuming. They retreated, leaving nothing but scorched earth and furious shinobi in their wake.

It was a perfect demonstration of the power of space-time ninjutsu: an essential tool for any shinobi who wanted to wreak havoc without leaving a trace. Everything else—Fire Release, Lightning Release—was just for show. Space-time ninjutsu made it all look effortless.

For Hayama, this stealthy assault was a resounding success. Privately, he dubbed the operation "Silent Strike, Fatal Flair."