Minato's team was strong. Minato himself had skills far beyond a jonin. He graduated at age five and became a chunin at six. Rumors said he created an A-rank ninjutsu on his own. Kakashi, a genius ninja, was stronger than most chunin and could even challenge some jonin in certain areas.
Even Obito and Rin, the other team members, were skilled. As graduates of Konoha's ninja academy, their strength matched some wandering ninjas.
A captain stronger than a jonin and teammates as good as special jonin made this team powerful. Their setup was even better than Dosuke's squad for scouting missions.
If the team did not include Sannin disciples, an Uchiha clan member, and the son of Konoha hero Sakumo, they would handle the most dangerous missions. Instead, they were assigned a standard A-rank escort task.
Jiraiya, Minato's teacher, believed few in the ninja world could defeat Minato. Almost none could catch him. His Flying Thunder God Technique made him nearly unbeatable.
This mission, however, troubled Minato, even with his Flying Thunder God. Jiraiya took notice.
"That is right, teacher. Have you seen this child?" Minato pointed to Fu, who slept soundly nearby.
"This child's name is Fu. He is the new Seven-Tails Jinchuriki," Minato said before Jiraiya could ask.
"The A-rank escort mission we took was to protect a caravan from Taki. The manor's owner, Mr. Nagaike, gave us the task."
"On the way to Taki, I spotted Sand Village's torture squad in Fire Country. Since Kakashi was with us, I had him lead the team to continue the escort. I followed the squad. That was when I met Dosuke and his retreating team."
"Thanks to Minato-san, our team survived," Dosuke said, confirming Minato's words.
Minato continued. "After I sent Dosuke's team back to the village, I rejoined my team. We fought off two groups of wandering ninjas. Then we met this child."
"A chunin from Taki fled with Fu. When we found them, the chunin was nearly dead, kept alive by something called Hero Water." Minato pulled a gourd from his ninja pouch and placed a map on the table.
"This is the Hero Water the chunin gave me, along with a map to Takigakure. He asked me to take Fu to Takigakure."
"On the journey, ninjas chased Fu."
"They wore no headbands, but their actions screamed Anbu from a major village. They used Earth Release often. I drove them off, but I got hurt protecting Fu." Minato lifted his arm. Bandages peeked through his torn sleeve.
"I think a ninja that strong is not unknown. They might be from Tsuchikage's Shadow Guard."
"Why is the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki outside a ninja village?" Jiraiya frowned. Jinchuriki, as village weapons, rarely left their homes.
"The chunin said they escaped secretly but were hunted by ninjas. If the hunters wanted Fu dead, they would be dead already."
"Is their target the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki?" Jiraiya glanced at Fu.
"Yes, teacher. I planned for Kakashi to take Rin and Obito to return Fu to Takigakure first. Since this involves a tailed beast, I want to find out who those ninjas are."
"During the fight, I marked their leader with Tomahara's gland fluid."
"I will track those ninjas," Jiraiya said, eyeing Minato's injured arm. "You are hurt. Take the kids and return Fu. A village's weapon like a Jinchuriki should go back to its home to avoid trouble."
Minato started to speak, but Jiraiya waved him off. "My sneaking skills are better than yours. Whether they are from Iwagakure or not, I will find out. Do not worry."
"Thank you, teacher," Minato said, seeing Jiraiya's resolve.
"No problem. I leave this kid to you too." Jiraiya pointed at Dosuke.
"I will look after Dosuke," Minato said, nodding at Dosuke.
Minato and Jiraiya's talk ended.
Obito and Rin, sitting nearby, hurried to Dosuke's side. Kakashi stayed calm but glanced over.
"Dosuke, listen. When you see me, call me senior, got it?" Obito stood, hands on hips, leaning toward Dosuke.
Kakashi snorted. Obito glared at him.
Dosuke looked up at Obito and said calmly, "By rank, Minato and I are both Sannin disciples. We are the same generation. You should call me uncle."
Obito froze. * Did I just get outsmarted? * he thought.
Rin sat beside Dosuke. "Dosuke, welcome to our team! Don't worry about injuries. I've got you!" She smiled.
"I hope I never need your medical ninjutsu," Dosuke said.
"Minato-san, please guide me," Dosuke said to Minato.
"With you here, our team is safer," Minato said, smiling. A medical ninja boosted their survival odds.
As Jiraiya opened his mouth to speak, an old voice came from outside. "Minato-sama, my master has prepared dinner. Please come."
"Thank you, Kitamura," Minato said, opening the paper door to thank the old butler.
"Teacher, let's go. We have troubled Mr. Nagaike for two days. Rin, wake Fu for dinner," Minato said to Jiraiya and the others.
Dinner was a grand feast in the manor's main house. The Nagaike family prepared a rich spread. Dancers performed during the meal.
Obito watched Jiraiya, who drank happily between two dancers. "Dosuke, are you sure this guy, who came with you, is Minato's teacher, Jiraiya, one of Konoha's Sannin?"
"He came with me, so that should be Jiraiya-sama, one of the Sannin," Dosuke said, eyeing Jiraiya's behavior. * Has he been replaced? * he thought.
But then Dosuke remembered his own teacher, Tsunade, who could turn into a child to dodge gambling debts. * Maybe it is not so strange * , he thought.