reborn as Sakumo Hatake

The training grounds were quiet, bathed in the soft orange glow of the setting sun. Sakumo stood at the edge of the field, his tanto sheathed at his side, watching the last of the genin leave for the evening. Their laughter and chatter faded as they walked toward the village, leaving him alone with his thoughts. 

He had spent weeks nurturing this new generation, molding them into something greater than what the timeline had originally allowed. Minato, with his unyielding spirit and strategic brilliance, was already shining brighter than Sakumo remembered from the distant future he had once witnessed. 

But tonight, there was an unsettling weight in the air. 

"Sakumo." 

The voice was familiar, firm but kind. Sakumo turned to find Hiruzen Sarutobi standing behind him, his expression serious. The Third Hokage carried a scroll tucked under his arm, the kanji for "urgent" clearly visible. 

"Hokage-sama," Sakumo said, bowing slightly. "What brings you here?" 

Hiruzen handed him the scroll without preamble. "A mission, one that requires your unique skills." 

Sakumo took the scroll, unrolling it to read the contents. As his eyes scanned the page, his stomach tightened. 

An elite squad of Hidden Stone shinobi had been spotted infiltrating the Land of Fire. Their objective was unclear, but their presence so deep into Konoha's territory was alarming. The mission required immediate action to intercept and neutralize the threat before it could escalate. 

"This is delicate," Hiruzen said. "We can't afford to deploy a large force and risk provoking a larger conflict. You'll lead a small team. Your discretion and experience make you the ideal choice." 

Sakumo nodded. "Understood. Who will accompany me?" 

"I've already selected them," Hiruzen said. "Minato Namikaze, Daisuke, and Rin Uchiha." 

Sakumo's brow furrowed slightly. "Minato is skilled, but he's still young. And Rin—she's talented, but inexperienced for a mission like this." 

Hiruzen's expression softened. "True, but they're both capable of learning from you. Consider this an opportunity to guide them. Besides, this mission is a chance to evaluate their potential in high-stakes situations." 

Sakumo sighed inwardly but nodded. "I'll prepare them. We'll leave at dawn." 

---

The team gathered at the gates of Konoha early the next morning. Minato arrived first, his calm demeanor masking the excitement in his eyes. Daisuke, a seasoned chunin with wind-style expertise, followed soon after, his confidence evident in his posture. 

Rin was last to arrive, her nervousness betrayed by the way she fidgeted with her kunai pouch. Despite her unease, her eyes held a spark of determination that Sakumo couldn't ignore. 

"Good," Sakumo said, addressing the group. "This mission will test all of you. Stick to the plan, trust each other, and we'll return safely. Understood?" 

"Yes, Sakumo-san!" they answered in unison. 

Satisfied, Sakumo led the way into the forest, his senses on high alert as they moved swiftly through the trees. 

---

By midday, they had crossed into the outskirts of the Land of Fire's western border. The dense forest gave way to rocky terrain, and the air grew colder as they ascended a narrow mountain pass. 

Sakumo signaled for the team to halt, raising his hand for silence. He crouched low, scanning the area with sharp eyes. 

"There's movement up ahead," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Three targets, moving north. They're using the terrain to stay hidden." 

Minato knelt beside him, his gaze following Sakumo's line of sight. "What's the plan?" 

"We'll split into two teams," Sakumo said. "Minato and Rin, circle around and block their escape route. Daisuke and I will engage them head-on. Remember, our goal is to gather information before we act. Avoid unnecessary risks." 

The team nodded, and they moved into position with practiced precision. 

---

Sakumo and Daisuke approached the enemy shinobi cautiously, staying low among the jagged rocks. As they closed in, Sakumo's heightened senses picked up the faint sound of voices—Stone shinobi discussing their next move. 

"Hold," Sakumo whispered, signaling Daisuke to stop. 

He activated his ability, focusing on the chakra signatures of the enemy shinobi. The power he had gained from the god allowed him to analyze not just their techniques but their intent. 

*Earth-style specialists,* he noted. *Defensive jutsu and area control. This won't be easy.* 

Suddenly, one of the Stone shinobi stopped mid-conversation, his head snapping toward their hiding spot. 

"We've been spotted," Sakumo said, springing into action. 

The Stone shinobi launched a barrage of earth-based projectiles, forcing Sakumo and Daisuke to scatter. Daisuke retaliated with a slicing gust of wind, creating an opening for Sakumo to close the distance. 

In a blur of motion, Sakumo engaged the first enemy, his tanto clashing against a stone blade. The enemy shinobi's eyes widened as Sakumo mimicked his movements, countering with the same precision he had just witnessed. 

"Who is this guy?" the shinobi muttered, retreating under the pressure of Sakumo's attacks. 

---

Meanwhile, Minato and Rin successfully flanked the enemy from behind. Minato's speed was unmatched, his kunai striking true as he disarmed one of the shinobi. 

"Rin, now!" Minato shouted. 

Rin formed a series of hand seals, her fireball jutsu erupting from her mouth and forcing the remaining shinobi into a defensive stance. 

With their enemies cornered, Sakumo signaled for the team to regroup. The Stone shinobi, realizing they were outmatched, surrendered reluctantly. 

---

The team secured their captives and began the journey back to Konoha. Though the mission was a success, Sakumo's mind was already racing with the implications of the intel they had gathered. 

The Stone's infiltration was more than a random act—it was a calculated move, a precursor to something far larger. 

As they reached the safety of Konoha's walls, Sakumo glanced at his team. Minato's confidence had grown, Daisuke's resolve was stronger, and Rin's determination had solidified into quiet strength. 

They were becoming the shinobi Konoha would need in the coming storm. 

But as Sakumo looked at them, he couldn't ignore the weight of the future bearing down on him. 

*I've changed so much already,* he thought. *But is it enough?*