41 Change of Scenery

(Just an update for y'all. I'm starting to lose steam with this novel. I am going to start a new one but do not fret, I will still release chapters for this occasionally. I will probably swap between the two as I get bored just to keep the whole writing thing fresh and exciting. Hope you guys check out the new book!)

Minato smirked and said, "Ah, our favorite housewife is cooking breakfast!"

Nawaki took the cooking knife and threw it at Minato. Minato ducked and a few strands of hair got cut off by the knife.

Minato made one of those shocked anime faces and said, "I was joking! Sheesh!" Nawaki rolled his eyes and said, "This is the last time I'm cooking for you buddy."

Minato coughed and said, "Whoa there. No need to make threats like that. Aren't we friends?" Nawaki scoffed and said, "Maybe, maybe not. Seems like you see me as more of a housewife than a friend."

Everyone laughed as Nawaki passed out some plates and utensils before placing the bowl of eggs and plate of bacon in the middle of the table. "ITADAKIMASU!" Like starving, wild animals, they all dug in.

The entire time everyone was eating, no one said a word. Aside from being hungover, they were all starving and hadn't had a proper meal in too long. The only noises were some chewing and Duy's obnoxious eating noises.

Duy reclined back into his chair, "Ahhhhhh, so good. Nawaki, the power of youth is strong with you. Your cooking is perfect for a good day of training!"

Everyone laughed and Duys antics. Shunsui then said, "So Duy, tell me a bit about yourself. Before this mission, the only thing I've heard about you is your nickname: the Eternal Genin."

Duy sighed and said, "Well, I guess that is kind of true. Although I am still in the springtime of my youth, I always mess up when it comes to getting promoted. People call me clumsy and irresponsible. I can't figure it out. But anyways, I don't let that bother me. Every day I work to improve my body since I can only use taijutsu. I also have a son who is also cursed with the same ailments as myself. But he is strong. I believe he will far surpass me one day."

Shunsui's jaw dropped. He was joined by everyone except Nawaki who was chuckling instead. Shunsui then said, "My friend, if you can only use taijutsu, then what the hell were you doing out there that allowed you to keep up with Unruly A? He was strong enough to take down Koryu so clearly you are stronger than him and myself."

Duy did the trademark Might family smile and made a thumbs up before saying, "That is a special technique that I came across and learned. It is known as the Eight Inner Gates. Within our bodies, there are eight gates that regulate chakra flow and restrict our bodies. They do this to protect us from overexertion. However, one can open these gates to gain EXTREMELY YOUTHFUL POWER. However, it is very dangerous because opening the gates puts extreme stress on the body and leaves you crippled until you recover."

Shunsui laughed and said, "HAHA, that is just great! No wonder Nawaki wanted to include you in this mission. You did quite the splendid job out there. It is a shame that you are just a mere genin. In fact, I have an idea. I'll talk to Lord Third when I get back and get your promotion in order. It is truly a waste for someone with your power to be kept at genin rank. You're practically as strong as a jinchuriki!"

Nawaki was surprised. Duy won't be a genin forever? What have I done? Duy was in tears, "Oh Shunsui sama, you are truly the epitome of youth. Thank you for your support!" He stood up from his chair and dropped into a deep bow.

Shunsui laughed again and said, "Raise your head my friend. I should be the one thanking you! Without you keeping A at bay, we might have not been able to force Kumo into negotiations!"

They all laughed again but were interrupted by a messenger from the Intelligence corps. "Good news Taichou."

Shikaramu closed his eyes and said, "What a drag." He shook his head, gesturing towards Shunsui for him to handle it. Shunsui got serious and said, "Well, spill the beans! Enlighten us how this morning could get any better!"

The messenger smiled and said, "Kumo has committed to a full surrender. We have orders to retreat off of this front and return to Konoha. After a short rest, we will receive further orders."

Shunsui smiled, "That is great news! Tell everyone to pack up. We're headed home!"

Four days later, everyone, barring a few scouts, walked through the village gates. Shikaramu stopped and turned to the group. "Great work out there everyone. Get some rest while you can because we'll be shipping out again before you know it. You are dismissed!"

Following this, everyone dispersed and headed home. Shikaramu led the team that dealt the finishing blow to Kumo's forces to the Hokage Mansion.

They arrived at the building and navigated through to Hiruzen's office. Shikaramu knocked and a voice called out, "Come in."

They opened the doors. Inside, Toka was standing next to Hiruzen, who was sitting at his desk. Toka's eyes lit up when she saw the group. She dashed forward and hugged Nawaki. "I'm so proud of you. I was so worried but I guess it was for naught."

"Okaa san, I'm fine. I told you I'd kick some Kumo ass!" Everyone laughed and Toka released Nawaki from the hug.

Hiruzen then asked, "So guys, to what do I owe this pleasure?"'

Shunsui then said, "Well aside from informing you of the personnel that took part in the concluding operation, I would like to request that Duy be promoted to Chunin for his contributions to the war. I don't know how, but no one has noticed his taijutsu prowess aside from Nawaki. Believe it or not, he was able to go toe to toe with Unruly A. I'm sure you understand the magnitude of such a feat."

Hiruzen's eyes widened. He was shocked to say the least. He was amazed that someone such as Duy could do such a thing. However, he was embarrassed even more so that he never uncovered Duy's true strength. "If what you say is true, I have no objections. I'll put it through immediately."

Hiruzen took out a piece of paper and quickly wrote on it before stamping it to make it an official document. He then waved his hand and an ANBU agent appeared from the shadows, kneeling before Hiruzen. "Take Duy down to the armory and get him a flak jacket. This missive should get it done quickly. I'll handle the paperwork."

"Hai hokage sama." The ANBU agent received the missive and then escorted Duy out of the room. Once the door closed, Hiruzen turned to Shikaramu and said, "So, now that only you guys are here, what else is there to report?"

Shikaramu sighed and said, "Well, we just arrived back in the village today. I told our ninja that they can get some rest before we redeploy to other fronts. How is the war looking?"

Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe and let out a cloud of smoke. He took a deep breath, "Well, the good news is that we aren't losing the war. However, we are not winning either. The Iwa front is at a bitter stalemate. That old bastard Ohnoki is so damn stubborn. He refuses to let up on the small skirmishes. He seemingly wants to exhaust our troops."

"The same goes for the Kiri front. The Blood Mist village really lives up to its name. They are using guerilla tactics to gain small victories. However, we have won most of the larger battles. Unfortunately, the odds are still even. However, there are rumors that internal strife is taking place among Kiri's forces. Supposedly, there is a faction that has split off from the Mizukage that is trying to stage a coup and take over the village. I have contacted the Daimyo about this and he said that the Land of Water's Daimyo has always avoided interfering with the village. I plan on continuing to monitor the situation for now."

"On the other hand, Suna is not looking great. That devil Chiyo, their jinchuriki, and that boy Rasa are giving us major problems. There are also reports that there is another puppet master that is causing major problems. On top of that, there are rumors that the Third Kazekage is going to join the battle. Aside from those problems, the poisons that they are using are giving out medical ninja a huge headache. They are churning out new poisons faster than we can concoct antidotes."

Nawaki grinned. It was his time to shine. Due to his education in his previous life, he is probably the most knowledgeable of chemistry and biology in this world. Perhaps the time has come for him to invent something useful. Many ideas came to mind but there is one piece of technology which could prove indispensable in the development of antidotes.

Hiruzen noticed Nawaki's expression and said, "Nawaki, do you have something to say?" Nawaki nodded and said, "I have an idea for a tool that can be used to help identify poisons. I will spend the next few days putting together a prototype."

Hiruzen was ecstatic hearing this. This boy was a gift that would just keep on giving. "I look forward to seeing what you can do. Tell the hospital that they are to give you their full support in this endeavor. If we can identify poisons faster and more accurately, countless lives can be saved."

"Thank you Hokage sama." Hiruzen laughed and said, "Anytime kid. I'm always happy to help if it is for the sake of the village."

Nawaki smiled and said, "I'll be going now. Minato, Fugaku, let's get some food."