ACT TWO

The moonlight bathed the training ground in a ghostly silver light. The quiet of the night was punctuated by the soft thrum of bowstrings and the muted thud of arrows striking their targets. In the heart of the ANBU black ops training ground, Hinata Hyuuga stood alone, her eyes focused, her stance steady.

Hinata nocked an arrow and drew back the bowstring, her Byakugan activated, allowing her to see with unparalleled clarity. Her fingers released, and the arrow flew true, embedding itself in the center of the distant target with a satisfying thunk. She lowered her bow and took a deep breath, her mind racing.

The past few years had been a whirlwind. Her estrangement from her clan had grown, a wedge driven deeper since Neji was named the heir. Hinata harbored no ill will towards him—she admired his strength and determination. But the distance from her family weighed heavily on her, even as she dedicated herself to her training. Her former teammates, Sakura and Sasuke, were now full-fledged Chunin, preparing for the looming war with Kumo.

The Lightning nation had grown more confident over the years, daring to stand up to Konoha's dominance. The Raikage's actions had led Konoha to lose face in front of the other great nations, and it was looking more like another struggle to crush the leaf would arise very soon. The tension in Konoha was an ever-present reminder of the fragile peace that could shatter at any moment.

Hinata drew another arrow, her mind drifting to Naruto. His sudden abduction four years ago had been a turning point in her life. The boy who had given her the courage to believe in herself was gone, taken by the enemy. The memory of his bright blue eyes and infectious smile was a constant companion, driving her to push beyond her limits. It was this determination that had caught the attention of Shimura Danzo, leading to her induction into the ANBU.

The path to becoming an ANBU operative had been grueling, but Hinata's resolve never wavered. She trained relentlessly, honing her skills as a tracker and an archer. Each arrow she loosed was a step closer to bringing Naruto back, each target she hit a testament to her unwavering focus.

She released another arrow, watching it fly straight and true. As it struck the target, a voice broke the silence.

"Impressive as always, Hinata."

Hinata turned to see Kakashi Hatake emerging from the shadows, his presence a familiar comfort. He had been her sensei in Team 7 and now found himself called back into the ANBU to train new recruits, including Hinata.

"Kakashi-sensei," Hinata greeted, bowing slightly. "I didn't hear you approach."

Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in a smile. "That's the point, isn't it?" He studied the targets she'd been practicing on. "You've come a long way, Hinata. Your skills as a tracker and an archer are exceptional."

Hinata felt a flush of pride at his words but remained focused. "Thank you, Kakashi-sensei... but I clearly still have much to learn."

Kakashi nodded, his expression turning serious. "I have a message for you. We're needed in the Hokage's office."

Hinata's heart skipped a beat. "The Hokage? Now?"

"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "Minato-sama has called for a meeting. It's urgent."

Hinata set down her bow and quiver, her mind racing. The prospect of an imminent mission sent a thrill of anticipation through her. She followed Kakashi as they made their way through the dimly lit training ground, her thoughts returning to Naruto. Every step she took, every arrow she shot, was for him. She had to believe that he was still out there, waiting to be brought home.

In the Hokage's office, Minato Namikaze stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the village below. The years had not been kind to him, and the weight of his son's disappearance had etched lines of worry into his face. His golden hair, once vibrant, now carried streaks of gray, and his blue eyes bore the signs of stress that no amount of time could erase.

Minato turned away from the window and faced the room, where his most trusted advisors and shinobi had gathered. Tsunade Senju, stood by his side, her arms crossed and her expression stern. Shikaku Nara, the head of the Nara clan and Konoha's strategic genius, was there as well, deep in thought.

"We've tried diplomacy, covert operations, and negotiations," Minato began, his voice steady but laced with frustration. "But Kumo refuses to return Naruto. They see him as a valuable weapon, just as they see their own jinchuriki. We can't wait any longer. We need to bring him back."

Tsunade nodded. "Agreed. The situation is getting worse. Kumo's refusal has only heightened tensions, and with Iwa backing them, we're facing a potential all-out war. We need to act now."

Shikaku looked up, his eyes narrowing in thought. "A direct assault on Kumo would be suicide. Their defenses are too strong, especially with the Raikage and their jinchuriki. We need a different approach."

Minato's eyes shifted to Shikaku. "What do you suggest?"

Shikaku's fingers traced an invisible map on the table. "ANBU black ops. A small, elite team with the skills to infiltrate Kumo undetected, locate Naruto, and extract him. Speed and stealth are our best options. We can't afford to alert the Raikage until it's too late."

Tsunade uncrossed her arms, leaning forward. "Do we have such a team ready?"

Shikaku nodded. "We do. I've been assembling them for this very purpose. They've been training for months, honing their skills for a mission like this. We just need to give the order."

A soft knock on the door interrupted the meeting. It opened to reveal Kakashi Hatake, his masked face revealing little of his thoughts. Behind him stood Hinata Hyuuga, her ANBU mask tucked under her arm.

"You called for us, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi's voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of urgency.

Minato stepped forward. "Yes, Kakashi. It's time. We're sending in the ANBU to retrieve Naruto. You'll lead the team."

Kakashi glanced at Hinata, then back to Minato. "Understood. Who will be accompanying me?"

Minato's gaze softened as it rested on Hinata. "Hinata Hyuuga will be your second-in-command. Her tracking skills and Byakugan are crucial for this mission. The rest of the team will be selected from our best operatives."

Hinata stepped forward, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions she felt. "I'm ready, Hokage-sama. I won't fail you or Naruto."

Tsunade's eyes softened briefly as she looked at Hinata. "We know you won't, Hinata. This mission is of utmost importance. Bring your target back, no matter what."

Kakashi nodded. "We'll do everything we can."

Minato turned to the rest of the room. "Shikaku, I need you to coordinate with Suna and keep them informed. We can't afford any misunderstandings during this operation. Tsunade, you'll oversee the village's defenses while the ANBU are away. We can't leave ourselves vulnerable."

Shikaku gave a short nod. "Understood. I'll handle the logistics and make sure Suna is ready to support us if needed."

Tsunade placed a reassuring hand on Minato's shoulder. "They will bring him back, Minato."

Minato took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Kakashi, Hinata, prepare your team. You leave at dawn."

As Kakashi and Hinata exited the room, Minato felt a renewed sense of hope. They had a plan, and the best shinobi Konoha had to offer. They would bring his son back, no matter the cost.

In the ANBU headquarters, Kakashi and Hinata moved swiftly through the corridors, gathering their team.

"Kakashi-sensei," Hinata began, her voice a mixture of resolve and worry, "Do you think... do you think Naruto will be alright? It's been so long."

Kakashi paused, looking at her. "Naruto is strong. He's survived this long, and he'll continue to fight. We just need to give him the chance to come home."

Hinata nodded, determination filling her heart. "I won't let him down. Not again."

Kakashi's hand rested briefly on her shoulder, a gesture of reassurance. "None of us will, Hinata. We're all in this together."

The team was assembled in the training room, a group of elite shinobi who had trained relentlessly for this mission. Each one was handpicked for their skills and loyalty.

Kakashi addressed them, his voice carrying the weight of their task. "This mission is classified as S-rank. Our objective is to infiltrate Kumo, locate Naruto, and extract him without alerting the entire village. Stealth and precision are our priorities. We move at dawn."

One of the ANBU members, a tall, masked figure, stepped forward. "What about the Raikage and their security forces? They won't let Naruto go easily."

Hinata's voice was firm as she spoke. "We'll deal with them if we have to. Our primary goal is Naruto. Everything else is secondary."

Kakashi nodded in agreement. "Hinata is right. We have to be prepared for anything. But remember, this mission's success depends on our ability to remain undetected. We strike fast and we strike hard. Any questions?"

The room was silent, the gravity of the mission sinking in. Each member knew the risks, but their loyalty to Konoha and their determination to bring Naruto back drove them forward.

"Good," Kakashi said, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Get some rest. We leave at first light."

At first light, the team gathered, ready to embark on their perilous mission. Minato and Tsunade were there to see them off, their faces a mixture of hope and worry.

"Good luck," Minato said, his voice filled with resolve. "You may proceed with your mission."

Tsunade's eyes met Hinata's, a silent message of trust and encouragement passing between them. "Come back safe, all of you."

Kakashi gave a final nod. "We will."

With that, the ANBU team set out, their figures disappearing into the dawn, each step bringing them closer to Kumo and the rescue of Naruto.

The sea was restless as a flotilla of merchant ships sailed out of Fūka's harbor, the large port town in the Land of Wind. The vessels, six in total, rode the choppy waters, laden with shipments of gold freshly mined from the arid deserts of Wind Country. Their destination was foreign ports across the ocean, where the wealth of Suna would be traded for much-needed supplies and goods. The wind howled across the deck, rattling the masts and whipping at the sails. It was going to be a long journey.

Captain Daigo stood at the bow of the lead merchant vessel, his eyes narrowed against the choppy waves that tossed the flotilla. The sky to the west was a bruise of dark clouds, a storm roiling in the distance. His jaw tightened as he judged the storm's path, the growing dread in his gut telling him it was no ordinary squall.

"Sir," his first mate, a wiry man named Renji, called out as he approached, his voice strained over the gusting wind. "We should turn the fleet around the storm, head east. We can avoid it if we sail a bit into Water Country's waters."

Daigo frowned, his gaze flicking from the storm to the horizon. "That'll take us close to Kiri's territory. We don't want to provoke them."

Renji shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the dark clouds. "But if we don't, we'll sail straight into it. I'd rather face a Kiri patrol than that monster."

The captain hesitated. He knew Renji was right. The storm looked vicious, a swirling mass of fury that could easily tear their fleet apart. But he also knew the tension simmering between Suna and the nations of the east. With Konoha and Suna preparing for a potential confrontation against Kumo and Iwa, every move was being watched.

Kiri, under its new Mizukage, Mei Terumi, had so far stayed out of the conflict, focused instead on strengthening its naval presence. No one was sure if Kiri's unusual military build-up was a defensive measure or a prelude to picking sides in the impending war. A sea-going nation reliant on exports and trade, the water country was an economic rival of the Wind country, but they had always been neutral at worst diplomatically.

The last thing Daigo wanted was to give Mei an excuse to take action. Even so, the thought of braving the storm made his mouth dry with fear.

"We'll skirt it," he decided finally, clapping Renji on the shoulder. "We'll sail near Kiri's waters but stay outside their line. It's a risk, but we have no choice."

Renji nodded, relief and apprehension warring on his face. "Aye, Captain. I'll relay the orders."

The ships veered eastward, the flotilla altering its course to avoid the storm. Hours passed as they sailed, the vessels cutting through the restless waves, their wooden hulls groaning under the strain.

"Captain!" The lookout's voice rang out from above. "Vessel on the horizon!"

Daigo raised his binoculars and peered through them, his breath fogging the glass. He spotted it immediately: a sleek, metallic silhouette against the gray backdrop of the sea, several flags fluttering from its mast. His heart sank as he recognized the colors of Kirigakure.

"Damn," he muttered under his breath. "Kiri's navy."

Renji joined him, squinting at the distant ship. "Do you think they're shadowing us?"

"Could be," Daigo replied, his voice tight. "Or just a routine patrol. Either way, we keep our course. We're not trespassing."

The fleet continued its journey, the merchant vessels swaying in the rough sea. But the presence of the Kiri warship weighed heavily on everyone's minds. The crew watched it warily. The warship didn't alter its course, simply sailing parallel to them, keeping its distance. For now.

The wind howled louder, and the waves grew choppier, slapping against the hulls. Daigo's hands gripped the railing tightly. His eyes kept drifting back to the warship, a bad feeling gnawing at his gut.

Then, suddenly, a strange sound filled the air, a high-pitched whistling that grew louder and louder.

"What the—" Daigo started, but his words were cut off as the water around the lead vessel erupted in six enormous plumes, sending a cascade of seawater raining down on the deck. Men shouted in alarm, scrambling as the ship rocked violently.

"What in the hell is going on?!" Renji yelled, his face pale with shock.

Daigo's heart pounded. "Incoming fire!" he shouted, the realization hitting him like a punch. "They're firing at us!"

"From where?" Renji demanded, eyes wide with fear. "We're not even in their waters!"

Daigo grabbed his binoculars again and scanned the horizon. There it was—the Kiri warship, its deck suddenly lit up with bright flashes. The whistling noise came again, followed by a series of booming impacts as more shells hit the water around them, each explosion sending massive geysers skyward.

"They're attacking us," Daigo whispered, his voice hoarse. "They're actually attacking us."

Renji's face went slack with disbelief. "But why? We're just a merchant fleet!"

Daigo didn't have time to answer. The ship lurched as another volley landed dangerously close, the concussive force of the blasts making his ears ring. His heart was pounding so hard it hurt.

"We need to get out of here!" he roared, turning and sprinting into the ship's quarters. He reached for the radio, frantically tuning it to the standard frequency. "This is Captain Daigo of the 3rd merchant fleet of the Kazekage's service!" he shouted into the receiver, his voice trembling. "We are a civilian convoy carrying goods! Cease fire! I repeat, cease fire!"

Silence. The only response was the crackle of static. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

"Damn it!" he cursed, slamming the radio down. He ran back to the deck just in time to see another salvo rain down, straddling the flotilla. The lead vessel was hit again, the impact sending a shudder through the entire ship. An explosion rocked the deck as the fuel tanks ignited, a fireball blooming from the ship's midsection.

The crew screamed in panic as flames licked the rigging, the smell of burning oil filling the air.

"Orders, Captain?" Renji shouted over the chaos, his face pale with terror.

"Scatter!" Daigo yelled. "Break formation and head back to Fūka! Full speed!"

The fleet moved chaotically as the merchant ships veered off, engines straining as they turned back toward the relative safety of the Land of Wind's waters. Daigo's heart pounded as he glanced through his binoculars again. The Kiri warship was turning, its massive silhouette moving to pursue them. The deck was lit up with more flashes as another barrage of shells flew toward the fleeing vessels.

Daigo's breath caught in his throat as he watched the projectiles arc through the sky, each one whistling ominously before slamming into the water around them. More plumes erupted, and one of the trailing vessels was struck, a fiery explosion tearing it apart.

"They're chasing us!" Renji shouted, his voice breaking with fear. "What do we do?"

Daigo's mind raced as he watched the warship close the distance, its engines clearly more powerful than those of their merchant vessels. He felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. There was no outrunning them. No outmaneuvering a ship like that.

"Keep going!" he shouted, desperation clawing at his voice. "We have to get back to Fūka!"

The flotilla fled, the sea around them exploding with each volley. Daigo's knuckles were white as he gripped the railing, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He could see the coastline of the Land of Wind in the distance, but it felt impossibly far away.

As they fled under fire, Daigo couldn't shake the question that gnawed at him: Why was Kiri attacking them? Was this an act of war, or something else? The implications were terrifying, and he could only pray that they would survive long enough to find out.

Another explosion rocked the ship as a shell landed dangerously close, the deck buckling under the force. Daigo stumbled, catching himself on the rail. He glanced back at the warship, now closer than ever, its guns trained on them.

"Please," he whispered, his heart hammering in his chest. "Just let us make it back."

But as the sky above darkened with the approaching storm and the Kiri warship loomed ever closer, he couldn't shake the feeling that they wouldn't be making it home.