I, The New Hokage of Konoha

Boom!

A thick black smoke rose rapidly with a fierce explosion within Konoha Village. This was just the beginning. In the following moments, a series of explosions continued to erupt at the scene, intensifying the rising black smoke. This wasn't an accidental incident. It was a premeditated attack specifically aimed at Konoha. Realizing this instantly, Maki grabbed the bewildered Ino and glanced at the accident site, swiftly assessing the situation in her mind.

"Looking at the location of the black smoke, it seems to be the Konoha Train Station."

Maki, who enjoyed strolls around the village and was practically a living map, quickly identified the accident site and realized the severity of the situation. Though she was only four years old, being part of the ninja world made children mature early, especially with influential parents. She knew the significance of the station and the railways in the current conflict.

"Have enemies infiltrated here to deliberately sabotage the train station? The Rock and Sand ninjas, perhaps?"

At this moment, when Maki voiced these thoughts, she didn't feel an ounce of panic. Instead, she became determined. While previously mocking Naruto's foolish idea of heading to the front lines to fight for Konoha, deep down, she harbored similar thoughts. She'd just buried them deep within herself, knowing it was impossible.

But now, the enemies had actively come to Konoha, giving her an opportunity. For Konoha's sake and to prove herself, the fearless Maki decided to go and help. Born with a considerable advantage over regular children due to her formal ninja training, despite not having attended the ninja academy yet, in terms of strength, most ordinary genins and chains wouldn't match her, especially with her mastery of Wood Release.

However, before heading out, she needed to deal with the situation at hand.

"Naruto! Sasuke! You two, hurry and take Ino home." Patting the slightly panicked friend's head in front of her, Maki immediately called out to the duo who hadn't left yet.

"Lord Maki, you have nothing to worry about. You should take Ino and leave. Sasuke and I will go support everyone!" Similar to Maki, noticing Konoha under attack, Naruto and Sasuke not only felt no fear but were eager to confront the enemies and contribute to Konoha's defense.

So, faced with Maki's request, the Naruto, whose mind was filled with determination, refused without hesitation.

Then, looking at the two still young and inexperienced girls, he patted his chest, saying, "Lord Maki, you and Ino should hurry home. Leave the war to us, adults like Sasuke and me."

"Adults?" Maki scoffed. "Handing over to 'adults' who can't even beat a four-year-old? Can I trust you?"

Naruto blushed instantly, about to say something when Maki interrupted, "Enough! Ino is entrusted to you."

Giving a reassuring look to the worried Ino, Maki didn't hesitate anymore. With a swift movement, she leaped across rooftops towards the scene without looking back.

"Don't... Lord Maki! What are you going to do? Come back!" Seeing the responsibility thrown back to him, Naruto was about to say something, but suddenly noticed Maki's direction. His face turned anxious, hastily shouting.

Naruto hadn't expected that Maki, in entrusting Ino to him, also had thoughts similar to his own. Although he knew her strength was formidable, she was still just a four-year-old girl. How could he be at ease?

Meanwhile, witnessing this, Sasuke's expression also changed drastically. Given Maki's special status, if something happened to her, it would be catastrophic!

As Sasuke contemplated what to do, Naruto hurriedly went after Maki, shouting back to Sasuke, "I'll go get Maki back! You take care of Ino!"

About to say something, Sasuke then stopped as he saw Naruto already far away.

Glancing back at his five-year-old sister, who, compared to the extraordinary Maki, showed normal childlike reactions, he sighed and stopped in his tracks.

"Ino, I'll take you home first."

With Konoha under attack, unsure of where the turmoil might spread, Sasuke, who was powerless, decided to take his sister home first before considering other actions.

"Big brother Sasuke, I can go home by myself."

Although her small face still held traces of panic, Ino gathered courage and said firmly, "Big brother Sasuke, you should go help Maki. She's in more danger."

"Also, Naruto will follow Maki. If they engage with the enemy, given Naruto's impulsive nature, things might get worse. Big brother Sasuke, you need to be there to remind them."

After saying this, as Ino willingly jumped off Sasuke's back, she earnestly said, "So, big brother Sasuke, please go."

Born into the prestigious Uchiha clan, sheltered by her parents and older brother since childhood, Ino hadn't experienced what her brother Itachi had at the age of four—being taken to a battlefield by their father and personally taking a ninja's life.

Now, she was merely beginning to practice Chakra manipulation, with negligible strength.

But even so, she wanted to support in her way without being a burden.

With a determined attitude on the surface, after bidding farewell to Sasuke, Ino ran home, her small legs moving swiftly through the chaotic crowd.

Watching his little sister's petite figure running amidst the turmoil and glancing back at the disappearing Maki and Naruto, Sasuke sighed, quickly forming hand seals:

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Bang!

A white smoke arose beside Sasuke.

His Shadow Clone, without a word, rushed toward Ino, scooping her up, and swiftly headed home.

Feeling a moment of weightlessness as Sasuke's Clone picked her up, Ino was about to speak when the Clone quickly explained, "I'm Sasuke's Clone."

"Oh, okay!"

Understanding what a Shadow Clone was, Ino nodded, then glanced back. Seeing the other Sasuke Clone running in the opposite direction, relieved to see her brother taking care of Maki, she finally smiled.

Observing Ino's actions, the Sasuke Clone couldn't help but smile. After a knowing smile, he inwardly cursed, "Naruto, you idiot!"

If Naruto hadn't rushed off in a hurry, with his astonishing Chakra, he could have left a Clone to look after Ino without compromising their strength in battle.

Now, he, with lesser Chakra reserves, had to use a Clone for this fight, weakening his own strength.

However, for the sake of caution, they had no other choice.

Thinking this, both the real Sasuke and his Clone cursed Naruto as an "idiot."

Meanwhile, as Maki and Naruto bantered on their way to the destination, not too far away, they soon arrived.

Instantly!

Upon seeing the devastated Konoha Train Station, Naruto was wide-eyed with shock, then abruptly turned to look at Maki.

Likewise, Maki's cute little mouth couldn't help but drop open at the sight.