Ace and Kaza headed to the Hokage Tower to meet with their father, Ryota, to report on the success of their mission. They both knew their father was already aware of the outcome, especially since he had played a role in ensuring its success by convincing Sasuke not to defect to Orochimaru.

As they walked into the office, they noticed two unfamiliar figures. One was a dark-haired woman, likely three or four years older than them. She stood tall and powerful, with long hair tied up in a high ponytail. Her figure was curvaceous, and she wore a uniform that was mostly white with gold trim, a katana resting in a fancy sheath at her side.

The male next to her appeared to be about a year older, with spiky green hair tipped with orange. He was lean and tough-looking, exuding strength and confidence. His outfit made it clear he was from Kirigakure.

Sasuke stood near the desk, having taken it upon himself to become the bodyguard and assistant to the Hokage. He wanted to be present in case there was time to train, which happened frequently. Ryota had taken a personal interest in Sasuke, seeing him as someone he could work with, help, and mentor.

"It's good to see you both here," Ryota said with a smile. "You did a wonderful job on your mission, and I believe I have an even bigger task for you now. These two young folks are important. They're from Kirigakure, which is on the brink of a civil war over who will lead the village. They've come seeking our help. The two here are Yoshi and Ayeka. They support the more moderate side of the conflict against the remnants of what's known as the Blood Mist. I want you to join a team to assist them in this war. Support them and help them win this conflict with as few losses as possible."

Ace crossed his arms, a thoughtful look on his face as he processed the information. "A civil war, huh? Sounds like things are pretty bad over there." He glanced at Yoshi and Ayeka, sizing them up. "If they're fighting against the Blood Mist, they must be tough. I'm all for helping out, but we should know what we're getting into."

Kaza nodded in agreement, his expression more serious. "Yeah, especially if it's about preventing more bloodshed. We'll need to be smart about this. If there's anything we should know about the situation, now's the time to tell us." He looked to Ryota, trusting his father to provide any necessary details.

Ace then grinned, the spark of adventure lighting up in his eyes. "Well, we didn't sign up for an easy life, did we, Kaza? Let's do this. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can help end this mess."

Kaza smirked, sharing his brother's enthusiasm. "Right. We'll handle it, Dad. You can count on us."

"Kaza, Ace, we are sending a combination team without ninja as well as Sunakagure ninja," Ryota said as he looked at them. "Team Miraju will receive support from Suna. Then Sakura, Ino, Neji and Aoba will join you from Konoha."

"Now Yoshi and Ayeka will be your guides. They are the ones who defeated the last member of the sound four. They are both very capable, and will be your contact in Kiri," He explained as he looked at the two Kiri ninja who nodded their heads.

"Yes, that's right, we look forward to working with you. We hope to make this move to make a better future for our village. We need all the help we can get," Yoshi said with a diplomatic tone. "The defeat of one of the sound four members was our way of showing good faith towards you all."

Ace nodded, impressed. "Taking down the last of the Sound Four? Not bad at all." He gave Yoshi and Ayeka an approving look. "Seems like we're in good hands with you two guiding us."

Kaza, ever the strategist, nodded thoughtfully. "Sunagakure and Konoha working together again, plus help from Kirigakure... that's a solid lineup. We'll need to coordinate well if we want to keep things from spiraling out of control." He looked at Yoshi and Ayeka, his expression serious. "We'll do everything we can to support you and your cause. Let's make sure we plan this out carefully."

Ace grinned, his excitement bubbling over. "Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us. But hey, that's what makes it fun, right? Let's get out there and make this happen."

Kaza smirked at his brother's enthusiasm but nodded in agreement. "Right. We'll do our best. You can count on us."

"Good, and we're counting on you boys to get this done," Ryota said. "I wish we could send more support, but we don't want to draw any more attention than necessary. Right now, this looks like a small mission. We don't want the other villages jumping into this war, and that's all."

Ace and Kaza nodded before they took their leave with the two Kiri ninjas.

As they exited, Sasuke, who had been observing quietly, turned to Ryota. "Are you sure we can trust that this is all on the up and up?" he asked, his tone cautious and skeptical.

"Yes, I do," Ryota replied confidently. "I know the other leaders well, Sasuke, and I can tell you, this man is one hell of a leader. We can trust him."

"Now, Sasuke, I have a mission for you, Kakashi, Kiba, and Naruto," Ryota said firmly, glancing toward the door. "In the Land of Stone, there's an interesting man I believe you need to meet and possibly bring back to the village. From what I've gathered, he's raising a teenage girl around your age. I want you to bring her back as well. This man possesses unusual abilities and has lived a very long time. He will help with your training to prepare you for eliminating your brother."

Ryota paused before continuing, "The girl is my niece, I believe. My older brother had a rather intense relationship with a member of your clan, Sasuke, before his death. I suspect that relationship produced a daughter, which means this teenage girl is not only related to me but is also a member of your clan."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed the information. "So, you want me to bring back someone who might be related to me," he said, his voice calm but with an edge of skepticism. "If this girl really is part of my clan, then I'll do it. But if this is some kind of distraction or waste of time, I won't hesitate to walk away."

He paused, his expression hardening. "And as for this man helping with my training, he better be worth it. I'm not interested in anything that doesn't bring me closer to my goal."

"This man will definitely help you with your goal. This man fought against Madara, and for him to standstill," Ryota Sasuke with a smile. "Is watching my niece because he owes my clan a lot. That's my guess anyway."

Sasuke's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Madara, but he quickly regained his composure. "If he fought Madara and lived, then he might be worth my time," Sasuke replied, his tone now more serious. "I'll find this man and your niece. But remember, if this turns out to be anything less than what you're promising, I'll deal with it my way."

He turned slightly, already mentally preparing for the mission. "Let's hope this man is as strong as you say."

"Let us because I think something very dark is happening in the background right now," Ryota reasoned. "Once the others are done in Kiri, I think we'll be able to get more information on just where your brother is hiding at, and who his allies are. Then with the times right we're going to strike."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes, his thoughts turning inward. "Fine. I don't care what's happening in the background as long as it gets me closer to Itachi." His voice was cold and determined. "I'll go to the Land of Stone, find this man, and bring back your niece. But remember, Ryota, my only focus is Itachi. Don't expect me to be distracted by anything else."

He then turned to leave, ready to set out on his mission without any further delay. "When the time comes to strike, make sure you're ready. I won't wait."

"Good, then when you get back we will continue your training to make sure you are ready for this fight," Ryota said as he knew that Sasuke needed his guidance as much as possible. He knew that he had to do this as he was the only one strong enough to handle the Uchiha kid.

Sasuke gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable. "I'll be ready," he said, his voice firm but distant. He knew Ryota's training was necessary, but his thoughts were already ahead focused on Itachi and the revenge he sought.

Without another word, he turned and walked out, his mind set on the mission ahead and the promise of becoming stronger.

Now that the two groups had been sent off, Ryota took a deep breath, trying to relax. He wished he could have gone out on either mission, but as the leader of the village, he had to stay back in Konohagakure. He needed to lead, ensure everything ran smoothly, and make sure the village prospered. He wasn't much of a field ninja anymore and couldn't afford to focus on the small details like he used to. He had to see the forest for the trees.

As he finished his duties for the day, he walked home. His lovely wife was wrapping up her work at the shrine. He knew how much she had taken on, and he was grateful. She had been in charge of the shrine for a while now, managing everything with grace and kindness. Ryota knew he was a blessed man to have someone as sweet as her by his side.

As Ryota approached the shrine, he saw Tia sweeping up. She was as beautiful as he remembered from the day he saved her as a teenager. Her long black hair was still just as lustrous, and her slender, attractive form had aged like fine wine. To Ryota, she was even more beautiful than the first day he saw her, and more so with each passing day. He loved her completely and utterly, knowing he would until his final breath.

Walking up quietly, Ryota decided to surprise her. He knew her well—though she had mostly outgrown her occasional clumsiness, he was aware it still lingered. He smiled quietly moving up and hugging his wife. His arms slipping around her slender waist before his lips pressed against her own as she turned towards him.

Tia was taken aback but she returned the kiss as her fingers moved around his neck as she tilted her neck up to better kiss her beloved husband, her fingers finding their way to her long brown hair as she deepened the kiss for a moment before she pulled back a bit. Her arms still loosely around his neck while his hands were loosely around her waist.

"Oh, Ryota," she said softly, her voice filled with affection. "You always manage to surprise me." She turned her head to catch a glimpse of him, her eyes sparkling with love. "I'm doing well, just finishing up here. How was your day?"

"It was better my dear, a lot of work, but I have been able to handle it, but it is always good to be here with you," he said, his tone as affectionate as ever.

Tia gave him a warm look in return. The love that was between them was something that had only grown over the years. The happy couple were as in love with each other if not more so now than ever. Tia reached up and brushed her fingers against his cheek looking up into his brown eyes, her smile and the look in her blue eyes soft. "Love, I am glad you are home."

"It seems we have an empty place, mom is out working with the Daimyo's gardens, Ace and Kaza are out on mission. So is my newest student Sasuke, and that means we have a lot of time ahead of you, do you want me to cook for you tonight," he said pulling her close with a playful smile on his lips.

Tia chuckled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest as she gazed up at Ryota. "You cooking for me? That sounds like a wonderful idea," she replied, her smile growing. She nestled closer to him, enjoying the playful side he rarely showed to others.

"And you're going to let me help, you know it is always more fun when we work together," Tia said letting go of his waist and taking his arm into her own, her hand finding his as she held it firmly in her grasp. "Us together, a good dinner and maybe a way to work off the food, I think that sound perfect," she declared with a playful affection to her tone.