Chapter 217: Gojo Takes Flight—Hokage's Amazement

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"Hokage-sama! We have an urgent report! There's something unusual in the sky!"

A Hyūga clan ninja burst into the Hokage's office, his face etched with concern. "Our reconnaissance team has repeatedly observed a massive chakra signature gathering above the clouds, on the scale of a Tailed Beast!"

He continued, his voice urgent, "This is unprecedented. We've never detected chakra gathering in the sky before. Based on current intelligence and the sheer size of the chakra, our team suspects it might be the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki of Iwagakure! We request permission to dispatch Root's Ink Style ninjas for immediate investigation!"

In the sky?

Minato stepped out of his office, placing his hands on the railing and squinting upwards. A small smile played on his lips as he shook his head. "There's no need for alarm. Stand down the alert."

"But... Hokage-sama?"

"It's the shinobi squad dispatched this morning. They're returning."

————

Gojo Kaigetsu was the first to land. After a brief exchange with Minato, he led Konoha's senior officials to a large, pre-arranged clearing in the Konoha Forest.

There, Gojo Kaigetsu demonstrated to the Konoha higher-ups what it meant to truly take to the skies.

With a powerful thrust of his legs, he launched himself skyward like a Tailed Beast Bomb. Chakra surged into the conversion devices on his wrists and ankles, leaving four distinct white contrails in his wake.

The Konoha officials, witnessing this unprecedented display, were visibly stunned.

Then, a multitude of small, dark figures, resembling a swarm of dumplings, pierced through the thick clouds, descending rapidly.

Leading the formation was Gojo Kaigetsu.

Although it was his first time experiencing flight, Gojo Kaigetsu, utilizing the attraction and repulsion abilities of his Six Eyes, appeared remarkably skilled and in control. He held Terumi Mei's waist – she also wore a portable flight device – and directed the movements of the Konoha airborne ninjas. He even used his Six Eyes to subtly assist any clumsy individuals who were in danger of a disastrous fall, adjusting their posture mid-air.

Within moments, dozens of Konoha shinobi, equipped with wing-style flying ninja tools, landed safely at the designated location, under the watchful eyes of the village higher-ups.

The landings, however, weren't all graceful.

Aside from Terumi Mei, Uchiha Fugaku, Aburame Shibi, and a few other ninjas with substantial chakra reserves who landed with relative ease, the other airborne ninjas had somewhat more… embarrassing arrivals.

It took some time for the Konoha higher-ups to recover from the shock of witnessing the high-altitude airdrop.

Representatives from the various ninja clans gathered around, seeking out their own clan members. Any students found were showered with praise, and it was clear that promotions from outer-sect to direct-line students were imminent.

Uchiha Fugaku, removing his wing-style flying gear, reported, "That single trip consumed roughly the chakra of an average Genin. And that was just a descent. Flying upwards… would likely require at least Chunin-level chakra reserves."

Fugaku gave Gojo Kaigetsu a long, considering look.

The portable flying ninja tools worn by Gojo Kaigetsu clearly demanded a much higher chakra output. An ordinary Chunin would be incapable of multiple flights. The Elder Advisor is certainly holding back more than one ace...

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"So, this is the flying ninja tool…"

Minato, also holding the two different types of flying devices, examined them with undisguised curiosity. He clearly yearned to try them himself.

No ninja could resist the allure of flight.

Gojo Kaigetsu explained, "Minato, I've already inserted one of the Flying Thunder God Kunai you gave me into the main control room of the aerial fortress. You should be able to sense it. Why don't you… go up and see for yourself?"

"In the sky… Alright!"

Minato squinted, gazing upwards.

His Flying Thunder God Technique had always been used for horizontal movement. This vertical traverse would be a completely new experience.

After concentrating for a moment, confirming the location of the Flying Thunder God seal in the sky, Minato clapped his hands together. A few fallen leaves scattered, and he vanished in an instant.

The world around him shifted dramatically.

The extreme distance of the teleportation, even for someone of Minato's physical prowess, left him momentarily unsteady.

He found himself not in the main control room, as Gojo Kaigetsu had mentioned, but on the observation deck of the aerial fortress, offering the most expansive view.

Minato steadied himself, then instinctively looked down. Below him were thick layers of clouds. Through gaps in the cloud cover, he could just make out the usually towering form of Konoha, now reduced to tiny, almost indistinguishable specks.

Despite his typically introverted nature, Minato couldn't help but display an expression of utter amazement. Even the seasoned Hokage, accustomed to extraordinary events, was awestruck by this unprecedented sight.

Standing at the edge of the sky, Minato's Hokage cloak billowed in the whistling wind.

Observing the landscape below, Minato realized, If this sky fortress can maintain this altitude, it can effectively prevent espionage and infiltration from other ninja villages.

At this height, even the ink birds used for long-range communication would struggle.

As for Ōnoki – reaching this altitude was possible, but as a village Kage, and advancing in age, it was highly unlikely he would undertake such a risky intelligence-gathering mission and personally infiltrate the fortress.

Furthermore, the fortress would undoubtedly be staffed with patrolling ninjas, further enhancing security.

All these factors combined meant one thing:

The aerial fortress – Anchor Vantian – was Konoha's ultimate line of defense! It was Konoha's most secure stronghold. Even if Konoha's ground forces were ever defeated, this fortress would provide the village with the opportunity to relocate or stage a comeback!

As long as this altitude is maintained…

In the future, secret laboratories, critical documents, and even… Kushina's delivery room could be situated within the fortress.

This realization filled Minato Namikaze with a surge of excitement.

He only wished he had a Pepsi to pour over his head, allowing him to shout his innermost feelings:

"Stable! Everything is stable!"

————

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Hokage Tower Conference Room.

"The remnants of the Sky Ninja have been completely eradicated."

"During this operation, the aerial fortress, Anchor Vantian, was captured. Konoha now has complete control of the fortress. It is currently docked at high altitude above the Konoha Forest, a fact that has been verified by those present during the demonstration."

"Additionally, a total of 109 flying ninja tools were seized: 101 Wing-style and 8 Portable. The Konoha Ninja Tool Research Institute will receive one of each type for analysis and replication. This leaves 106 flying ninja tools… It is preliminarily estimated that independent production of these tools by Konoha will take at least six months."

Gojo Kaigetsu's voice hardened. "With the existing flying ninja tools, I propose the formation of a covert airborne ninja unit, directly under Konoha's command!"

"This unit will be on par with the Anbu, Root, and the Military Police Force. Based on the number of available tools, we can form five squads."

"Each airborne ninja squad will be led by a captain of Special Jonin rank or higher, equipped with portable flying ninja tools."

"Squad members will consist of experienced Genin and above, utilizing wing-style flying ninja tools."

"Each squad will comprise twenty-one individuals."

"The remaining two portable flying ninja tools will be held by myself and the Hokage."

"As for the recruitment of ninjas for this airborne unit…" Gojo Kaigetsu leaned forward aggressively, placing his hands flat on the table, his gaze sharp and unwavering as he scanned the faces of the clan representatives. "The Hokage Tower will provide the funding. I ask for your cooperation. From your respective clans, select shinobi who are willing to walk in the shadows and serve the light."

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