Chapter Two: Aftermath

Two weeks had passed since the attempted assassination of the Namikaze family. The village of Konohagakure was still

coming to terms with the event. Although there was no structural damage to the village, the loss of twenty ANBU operatives had shaken everyone. It was a casualty number unseen since the Third Shinobi War. The devastation had been prevented from escalating further thanks to the intervention of two of the legendary Densetsu no Sannin, who had managed to stop any additional loss of life and seal the beast before it could wreak havoc.

Hokage Office – Council Chamber

Minato entered the council chamber, his short-sleeved haori fluttering slightly as he moved. The white fabric was decorated with red flame-like motifs along the edges, and the kanji for "Fourth Hokage" was written vertically down the back. Beneath the haori, his Jounin attire stood as a reminder of his days in the field. As he took his place at the front of the long table, all eyes fell on him. Seated around the table were the noble heads of Konohagakure's most important clans, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the two remaining Sannin, Orochimaru and Tsunade. Unlike the usual council meetings, the elders were absent, with Tsunade representing the Senju Clan.

Minato spoke first. "Let's begin with a report on reconstruction." Orochimaru, who wore the standard Konoha Jounin uniform, stood up, holding a stack of papers. His voice was measured, yet carried a certain sharpness as he detailed the aftermath of the battle. "Reconstruction has been completed. The remote chamber has been buried, and construction on a secondary off-site location has already begun, should it be necessary in the future. The Sealing Team has checked the village's multi-layered defensive array, and there are no anomalies. However, the array protecting the birthing site shows evidence of tampering. A reverse array was placed over it, briefly disrupting the protection, which allowed the rogue-nin to infiltrate."

Orochimaru sat back down, leaving a moment of silence for Minato to absorb the information. The arrays, crafted by the Uzumaki, were designed to withstand even the most devastating of attacks—including the Bijūdama and the former Tsuchikage's signature technique. Yet they had been compromised. After a few seconds of rhythmic tapping, Minato gestured toward Tsunade. Standing, Tsunade gave her report. "It's not good. The poisons and Fūinjutsu used on Kushina are unlike anything I've ever seen. We were too late; the damage to her chakra system is irreversible. Kyuubi's chakra was severed for too long, and now, it can no longer assist in her healing. It's only a matter of time, and the use of chakra will worsen her condition."

Minato's tapping ceased for a moment. His gaze darkened. "Dragon." In a swirl of leaves, Dragon, the ANBU Commander, appeared beside Minato. His identity was unknown to all but four shinobi present in the room, and all of them were there now. "All current ANBU have been cleared by T ," he said. "None of them are traitors." Minato turned his eyes toward Uchiha Fugaku, his expression sharp, almost cutting. The two were close friends, but now was not the time for camaraderie. "Fugaku, I want the Department of Investigation to work alongside the ANBU on this.

Investigate all notable domestic threats. Broad daylight or not, I want every stone overturned. Ibiki," he shifted his gaze, "I want our top spies looking into possible foreign threats that could have orchestrated this." As the orders were given, silence fell over the room until Hiashi Hyuuga spoke. "What of the Kyuubi?" All eyes turned to Minato. His response was measured. "There's nothing to worry about. Everything is under control." He turned to Tsunade next. "I want Akira Senju on standby in case of further threats." Then, to Inoichi Yamanaka, he added, "I want Fumiko in my office within the hour."

One Hour Later – Hokage Office

Fumiko Yamanaka stood in front of the Hokage, her calm demeanor betraying the intensity of her sharp, ice-blue eyes. A prodigy in mind techniques, Fumiko was instrumental during the Third Shinobi War, quietly leading Konoha's intelligence efforts to victory. Few knew the extent of her talents, but it was her unique skills that had saved countless shinobi lives. As she stood before Minato, her light lavender kimono-style outfit, adorned with intricate patterns, swayed slightly. Her blonde hair, typical of the Yamanaka clan, framed her composed face. Obito Uchiha, standing beside Minato in his ANBU mask, seemed entranced by her presence. Minato couldn't help but notice, stifling a chuckle.

"Thank you for coming, Fumiko," Minato greeted. "It's always good to see you." "The pleasure is mine, Hokage-sama," she replied, her voice formal but kind. "How may I assist you today?" With a nod from Minato, Obito stepped forward, his Mangekyou Sharingan flaring as he opened a swirling vortex. A body dropped onto the desk between the two. The body of the rogue-nin captured during the assault. "I captured him during the attack," Obito explained. "He was different from the others. I believe he holds the key to understanding what happened. However, there was a strange seal on his tongue that took time to decipher. I suspect it points to someone significant, but the final proof lies deep within his mind." Minato's eyes sharpened. "Fumiko, only the three of us know this man exists. This is an S-Rank secret. Speak of this to anyone, and you will die. Obito will be your protection detail until you uncover the truth."

Fumiko stepped forward, placing a hand on the man's forehead. As she delved into his mind, she felt a labyrinth of mental blocks—constantly shifting and morphing, more advanced than anything she had encountered during the war. After a moment, she stepped back, her expression grave. "These blocks are far more intricate than anything I've seen. It will take time to separate fact from fiction, but I'll begin immediately."

"Thank you, Fumiko," Minato said softly, dismissing her as she nodded and left.

Later – Uchiha Clan District

Itachi Uchiha lay alone on the roof of his clan's house, gazing at the stars. Since his battle with the genjutsu master, Shiro, he had spent more time in quiet contemplation. Though the illusions had been broken, the psychological damage lingered. Sensing a shift in the air, Itachi sprang into action, drawing a kunai as he moved. He felt a foreign chakra trying to invade his system and immediately dispelled it. His kunai clashed with another as sparks flew in the night. The two figures exchanged attacks, their movements fluid, each attempting to land a critical blow. After a backflip from his opponent, they both paused and sheathed their weapons, smiles forming on their faces.

"It's good to see you, Shisui," Itachi said, lowering his guard. "You as well, Itachi," Shisui replied. The two dropped down to the ground, enjoying a moment of silence. "I read your mission report," Shisui said after a while. "Facing Shiro the Illusionist and surviving… that's no small feat." "I lost," Itachi admitted softly. "He used a genjutsu so complex that even my Sharingan couldn't break it. In the illusion, I killed all of our clansmen. I even killed you, Shisui… in cold blood. My perception of reality was shattered, but in the midst of it all, I unlocked my Mangekyou Sharingan." Shisui looked at him, silent for a moment. A technique that powerful, one that forced the evolution of the Sharingan—it was unheard of.

"Time heals wounds like these," Shisui finally said. They sat in silence once more, allowing the weight of Itachi's words to settle. After a few minutes, Shisui changed the subject. "I heard your brother, Sasuke, was born recently."

Forest of Hi no Kuni – Unknown Location

The Border Patrol was one of the most crucial duties assigned to ANBU Black Ops. Their task: to prevent any threat from crossing into the borders of Konohagakure. For many, it was an honor to be entrusted with such a responsibility. Yet even their protocols couldn't stop a single man. He moved like a shadow, his movements seamless as he wove seals none of the ANBU could read. Their shadows betrayed them, turning against them as they were taken out, one by one, until only a single ANBU member remained.

The figure was tall and lean, his black hair tied back into a messy ponytail. Silver eyes glimmered in the darkness, cold and piercing. His face bore a long scar that ran from his left cheek to his jawline, giving him an eerie, dangerous appearance. Dressed in a high-collared, sleeveless black cloak, his attire blended into the night. Konoha was renowned for processing the most exceptional of Shinobi, some like the Sannin believed capable of taking on entire hidden villages by themselves under the right conditions. In that there are few that the ANBU are ordered to look after. One with the strength of the Sannin and Mind processes and Nerve endings of the Nara Clan. Kaito Tsukino. "Tell your Hokage this is my official registration, this pathetic village has done nothing for me." And with a swirl of shadows, Kaito Tsukino was gone.

Later That Night – Namikaze Residence

There were few moments that Minato truly got to enjoy the quiet of his home, cradling his newborn son in his arms while his wife, Kushina, lay beside him. Night had become one of the only times they could be together in peace. Or at least, it would've been. Lying in bed, Minato held Naruto close as Kushina's breathing filled the room, but a sudden spike in chakra made him sit up. His heart clenched as he glanced down at his wife, still resting peacefully. Carefully, he slipped out of bed and reached for his cloak, a sorrowful expression clouding his normally bright features. In a swirl of leaves, Kakashi knelt before the Hokage, ANBU mask in hand. His appearance was unexpected, and Minato raised a questioning brow. "I thought you were off duty tonight?" "Dragon has called back all non-active ANBU members," Kakashi replied evenly. "You are needed in the council chambers."

Minato's gaze briefly flickered to Kushina and Naruto. "I'll be there shortly," he murmured. But before he could send Kakashi off, a sense of urgency settled over him, and in a yellow flash, both he and Kakashi vanished from the room.

Hokage Office – Council Chambers

The yellow flash heralded Minato's arrival in the council chambers. The Clan Heads were already gathering, many still in nightclothes, their expressions dark from being roused at such an hour. Though visibly displeased, there was no denying the gravity of the situation that had prompted this midnight summons. Standing at attention were several ANBU members, their postures rigid as Dragon—the ANBU Commander—gave Minato a single nod, signaling the start of the briefing. Minato's blue eyes flickered over the room, ensuring everyone was present before turning to Dragon.

"At 24:53, ANBU Platoon Delta was conducting a routine border patrol," Dragon began. "Our sensor-nin, Owl, detected a faint, almost imperceptible chakra signature approaching from within Hi no Kuni. We immediately moved into formation, prepared for an encounter. However, before we could engage, the presence completely vanished from Owl's senses."

Minato's brow furrowed as he listened, feeling the tension in the room build. "We spread out to investigate, but it was then that the shadows themselves came to life, picking off my entire platoon. Every single one—gone, in moments. I was the only one left." Dragon's tone lowered as he delivered the final blow. "The figure emerged from the shadows… it was Kaito Tsukino." The room fell into a stunned silence. Jounin Commander Shikaku Nara's expression tightened, his usually relaxed demeanor replaced by a deep concern. His mind was racing, piecing together strategies for this new, unpredictable threat.

The head of the Hyuuga Clan, Hiashi, was not as reserved. He slammed his hand against the table, his voice filled with outrage. "Goddamn! We should have put that dog down when we had the chance! Minato, this is your doing!" The sharp accusation rang through the chamber, the tension between the clan heads palpable. But before the argument could escalate, Shikaku shot a piercing glare at Hiashi, just the faintest hint of killing intent silencing the room. "That man's existence is all of our faults," Shikaku said, his voice cold. "Too power-hungry, we allowed our ambitions to guide us."

Hiashi clenched his fists, his Byakugan briefly flaring before he took a deep breath and settled. "My apologies," he muttered, though his frustration remained clear. "But we should have done something the moment he showed signs of a psychological break." "Treating him like a weapon was exactly the problem to begin with," Minato said quietly, his gaze heavy as he addressed the room. "I won't make that mistake again." He stood, a finality in his posture that brooked no argument. "Call off all searches. I'm not using any more ANBU Platoons."

The council murmured in surprise, but Minato turned away, his attention already elsewhere. "Orochimaru," he said, his tone commanding, "my office."

Hokage Tower – Hokage Office

It was rare for Orochimaru to involve himself in the day-to-day political dealings of the village, let alone matters of foreign affairs. Many believed he simply didn't care about anything that didn't directly contribute to his research or personal goals. They were wrong. Following the Third Shinobi War, Orochimaru had taken a great interest in the war-torn lands outside of Konoha, where he encountered many who had suffered from the conflict. He had taken some of these individuals in, training them in secret. These warriors formed his elite covert team, known only to a select few as Echo Squad. Led by four handpicked members, each a master in their own right, they answered directly to Orochimaru.

Standing in the Hokage's office now, a silencing barrier surrounded the room, ensuring complete privacy. "I assume you want me to activate my Echo and track down Kaito," Orochimaru remarked, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. Minato nodded. "I doubt anyone else could locate him." Orochimaru was about to respond when Minato added, "Remove the limiters placed on Ryuko Yamashiro."

The snake Sannin's eyes widened briefly in shock, before his expression shifted to reluctant acceptance. The gravity of Minato's request wasn't lost on him. "Are you certain?" Orochimaru asked quietly, his tone lacking its usual casual curiosity. "I want Kaito back in Konoha," Minato replied, his voice firm. Before Orochimaru could respond, an ANBU appeared in the room, kneeling quickly before the duo. "Yondaime-sama, it's Kushina."

Nine Years Later

Authors Notes:

Thank you for reading the prologue to Echoes of Destiny, thinking about the title now Echo Squad has nothing to do

with the title. But that's besides the point, I introduced a lot of original characters today, some just by name and

only two made a full appearance. I felt Naruto FanFic became copy and paste at some point without new faces and

villains so expect a lot more than just the Akatsuki that has undergone changes seeing as how some events played

out differently. I don't have an upload schedule yet, maybe writing whenever I get the chance with school and all

but you can expect the story to truly kick off next chapter and chapter Three most likely tomorrow, THANK YOU ALL!