Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

In a strategic move, Sakumo called upon Muzan and assigned him the task of investigating the grain and grass transportation lines of Kumogakure.

"Remember, I'm not asking you to destroy their supplies, just investigate and report back," Sakumo instructed.

Present were not only Muzan's team but also many other teams led by chunin. Based on Sakumo's analysis, Kumogakure's supply lines were in a specific area, but their exact location needed confirmation.

The jonin were occupied with direct combat and wary of sneak attacks, so they sent the chunin to scout. Once the location was confirmed, jonin would then move in to destroy the supplies.

"Do not attack without permission. If discovered, use all your strength to eliminate the threat," Sakumo emphasized. The mission's success was crucial to Konoha's front-line strategy.

After receiving their orders, the ninjas set off in different directions, understanding the high risk involved. Kumogakure would likely have ninja guarding their supply lines.

Muzan, acting as the team leader in the absence of a higher-ranked shinobi, briefed his team. "We need to stay alert. Our military food pills will last for seven days, but we must aim to return by the fifth day."

Muzan took out a map and pointed to a river. "We'll search along the river. It's risky, but their transport teams might use it to replenish their water supply."

His team, consisting of Anko and another genin, understood the plan. Muzan's strength was comparable to an elite chunin, but direct confrontation with Kumo ninja was to be avoided. They needed to gather information and escape if necessary.

Following the map, they reached their destination, a river flowing from the mountains. The rugged terrain of the Land of Lightning was different from the Land of Fire. The river, fed by mountain snow, was a vital resource.

"It's so different from Konoha," Anko remarked, marveling at the rocky landscape.

Muzan explained, "Konoha's geographical environment is the best among the five major ninja villages, with rich vegetation and resources. Other villages, like Kumogakure, lack such fertile land, driving them to war for resources."

Anko and the other genin listened, gaining a deeper understanding of the war's underlying causes. "Remember, there's no true winner in war. It's about who loses the least."

Following the plan, they avoided the river and moved through the rocky terrain beside it. As they approached Kumogakure's territory, signs of recent activity and bloodstains became evident.

"Slow down and stay alert. Wild animals are rare here, so any sound could indicate enemy presence," Muzan warned.

The journey continued cautiously. Muzan, vigilant, noticed the increased presence of Kumo ninja, indicating they were close to the supply line. Late at night, they found shelter behind a large rock to rest.

"These military ration pills are awful. This isn't what I imagined war to be like," Anko complained.

"Be patient, Anko. I have some soft pancakes here. Eat them with water," the other genin offered, sharing their limited provisions. Field investigations were no joke, and being in enemy territory meant they had to be ready for anything.

After eating, Muzan took the night watch, his body well-suited for extended wakefulness. He climbed a higher rock to scout the area. Under the moonlight, he spotted a reflection in the river and moved to investigate.

"It's a Konoha ninja," Muzan realized, pulling the body from the water. The forehead protector glinted in the moonlight. The fatal wound, a crushed chest, indicated a strong taijutsu user from Kumogakure.

"We need to be quick," Muzan thought. With the enemy aware of their presence, the search area would soon expand. Using Earth Release, he buried the body to hide evidence.

"We're on borrowed time now. We have to move," via Muzan, knowing that any delay would mean facing a larger, more prepared enemy force. Aware of the high risk and critical nature of their mission.

"What's going on?" Anko asked as she noticed the dirt on Muzan's clothes after waking up. She assumed he had been investigating while they rested.

Muzan explained what had transpired the previous night and discussed the need to adjust their plan, especially with the presence of cloud ninja ahead.

"We're certain there are cloud ninjas in front of us, but we don't know if it's a food transport team or ninjas scouting the area. However, the enemy is strong," Muzan informed them, noting that the enemy was at least an elite chunin based on the corpse they found.

"The rest of our journey remains unchanged. Mari, you must stay alert. The enemy could appear at any time."

"Okay!" Anko responded with determination.

Unbeknownst to them, the Kumo ninja had already taken precautions. After encountering Konoha ninjas, they began searching for any hidden Konoha forces in the area, discovering many in the process.

While traversing a muddy area, Muzan noticed footprints. "Be careful, the enemy is nearby. Avoid walking in the mud to not leave tracks."

They used the protruding rocks as footholds to minimize exposure. Suddenly, Mari slowed down, pressing his ear to the ground. "Captain, I hear footsteps. Two people are approaching us slowly."

"They haven't found us yet. Let's hide and prepare for a quick attack. Avoid using explosive tags; they make too much noise," Muzan instructed.

Soon, two blood-stained Kumo ninjas arrived near the stone forest. Their conversation revealed their frustration with their current task and fear of punishment from their superiors, hinting at the involvement of powerful figures like Kirabi.

Anko and mari didn't recognize the significance of Kirabi, but Muzan knew that his presence meant serious trouble. A kage-level ninja who could control the Eight-Tails, Kirabi was a formidable opponent. Worse, he often worked with another kage-level powerhouse.

Muzan decided not to kill the two Kumo ninjas to avoid leaving a blood trail that enemy ninja dogs could follow. Unfortunately, the Kumo search team soon found the spot where Muzan's team had been resting, identifying the fresh mud as a clue.

"They're tracking us," Muzan realized. Mari confirmed that the enemy was closing in rapidly.

"Get ready for battle," Muzan commanded. They could see the Kumo ninja approaching, led by an elite chunin and four other chunin, surrounding them.

The Kumo ninja leader recognized Muzan. "Hatake Muzan! Hatake Sakumo's child!"

Realizing the potential leverage in capturing Muzan, the Kumo ninja focused their efforts on him. "Surround the boy in black! Kill the others, but take him alive!"

"Of course, it's Muzan in black who stands out," Anko muttered, frustrated by their dire situation.

Muzan's eyes glinted with determination as he drew his ninja sword. "Then let's teach them a lesson they'll never forget!"

Using the Hatake sword technique, Muzan struck with lightning speed. The Kumo ninja barely escaped with a substitution jutsu, swapping places with a nearby rock.

"The attack speed is incredible," one of the Kumo ninja muttered, suggesting they avoid direct confrontation and wear Muzan down with ninjutsu.

The five Kumo ninja formed seals simultaneously. "Water Release: Water Formation Wall!" A huge wave rolled toward Muzan's team, taking advantage of the nearby river.

"Hold on, Muzan!" Anko shouted.

"If you can't hold them off, use the explosive tags to blast them away!" Muzan instructed, readying his team for the fierce battle ahead.

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