45 Chapter 45 : The Last Chance (2/2)

”What?”

”Yeah. Rei asked me to send a letter to you about a year ago. I got out of her that it was a love letter. Hahaha. I basically told her how bad you were. But then she came back right away with every great thing you've done. Like she memorized it. It wasn't that many, really, but I was surprised. That's when she told me what you said in the mine.” He faced Kenji again.

”I told her I was sorry for that. I didn't-”

”Youwere right.” Minato grabbed his shoulder. ”But it wasn't the time or place for that. And you were definitely not the right person for it in that moment. But it did keep her alive, so I want to give you my sales pitch for her sake.”

Minato smiled. ”I know you like her, and I know she loves you, so I'll give you one last chance. Protect her, make her happy, and never cross her because she gets like her mother when she's mad.”

Kenji thought about it. Before he could say anything, ”Lord Hokage!” A jonin flashed in front of him. ”What is it?”

”We found one of the camps, sir. We are ready for your mark.”

Minato's eyes filled with determination. ”Alright, send word to all remaining jonin in this camp, meet outside me tent in five.”

”sir.” He flashed away.

”Kenji.” Minato stood up and in front of him. Kenji got up also.

”This is long overdue, but with my authority of Hokage, I hereby promote you to Jonin rank.”

”Thank you sir.”

”Of course. That means you have to meet me in five too though.” Minato turned. ”Oh and just give it some thought. She can't seem to focus on anything without worrying about you.” He chuckled and teleported away. Kenji could tell, just talking about his daughter acted as some sort of therapy, sine she still hasn't been located yet. He still had not asked why Minato let him learn his signature move. He was neglecting the conversation.

Especially since he got back, Minato was on the top of Kenji's 'I dont want to make you mad' list. And it was subconsciously. He didn't plan it of course. Maybe he really did love Rei, so he did that. But they had known each other for such a little time. It's not like they grew up together.

Kenji couldn't help but hide a smile on his face, thinking of her. He scratched his head furiously. He didn't have time to think. He had to find her first. Kenji placed a marker on Minato when he grabbed his shoulder, just in case, so he just used that to get there. All the jonin were mildly conversing, everyone knew Minato's style. Sort of lax and carefree, but when it came down to business...balls to the wall.

Minato stood around with his arms crossed. When Kenji suddenly appeared at his side, he smirked and ruffled his eyebrows. This kid had the balls to mark him. All the jonin went silent and stared at him. By now, he had removed his bandages. He knew his eyes could still strike fear into his enemies. Might as well take advantage. Minato broke the awkwardness.

”Everyone, fall in.”

Minato looked around. The leaf was seriously understaffed. Only twelve jonin. Not to mention the dwindling number of chunin and genin.

”I want this operation to be quick and clean. So everyone will participate.” Minato named off two teams first. ”Next the lead team will be Kurenai, Asuma, Guy, and Kenji. Kenji, you will be the team leader and leader of the operation. Any questions?” Everyone had to let the info sink in for a minute.

Kurenai spoke up. ”Lord Hokage, are you sure, he's still a kid.”

”Kenji has probably experienced more than all of you combined. He has Anbu training in every category you could think of. He knows the way the Mist operates, and He worked with Itachi in the akatsuki for two years, so if you run into one, he will know how to beat them, and I flat out trust him. Any objections with that?”

Kenji angled his eyes to the ground the whole time. He didn't like to be the leader, but he knew he could do it.

No one said anything. ”Good. Gear up. Everyone will move out at midnight. Kenji will give the rundown at ten till. Dismissed.”

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Kind of a short one, but I wanted to give a little more development and it felt like a good stopping point. YERRR!