NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter:8
Chapter 8: The Real Mission
When one imagines a ninja, the image often involves a stealthy figure clad in black, their sharp eyes hidden behind a mask, carrying a sword and darting across rooftops under the moonlight. These mythical warriors move like shadows, their precision and agility unmatched. But reality often differs from fantasy.
After six grueling months of hellish training, Renji had expected to be sent to the battlefield or take on high-stakes missions. Instead, he and his teammates had been relegated to mundane tasks within Konoha—catching stray chickens, walking dogs, and retrieving lost pets. It was a frustrating experience for someone who had endured such rigorous preparation.
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"Naoki, can Kanemaru find the target?" Marina asked, concern evident in her voice.
Naoki grinned confidently. "Of course! Finding a cat is nothing for Kanemaru. He's a trained ninja dog. This is child's play!"
Renji glanced at Kanemaru, the once small and adorable puppy who, in six months, had grown into a large, imposing dog. Weighing dozens of kilograms, Kanemaru had become an essential part of their team, with his heightened senses invaluable for tracking, detecting danger, and locking onto targets.
"There, on the bridge—the tabby cat!" Naoki shouted, leading Kanemaru toward their quarry.
As Naoki lunged after the cat, Marina sighed and turned to Renji. "When do you think the teacher will come back? People have started calling us the 'chores team.' It's really getting on my nerves!"
Renji, watching Naoki's chaotic chase, replied, "Who knows? Until Kagami-sensei finishes his mission, we're stuck with these low-level tasks. But I wouldn't complain too much. I've been working on my ninjutsu lately, and I'm not eager for another round of Kagami's brutal training just yet."
Marina groaned. "I don't mind the ninjutsu, but Naoki always drags us down. We wouldn't suffer so much if he didn't fail as often as he does!"
"Oh, come on!" Naoki shouted from the bridge. "You think I like getting knocked around? I'm the one who gets hit the hardest every time we mess up!"
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The trio eventually made their way to the Hokage Building, where they were surprised to find Uchiha Kagami waiting for them. His expression was calm but serious. "This time, we'll be completing a mission together," he announced. "It's a high-risk assignment, so be prepared. Also, when we meet the Hokage and the client, I expect you to follow proper decorum. Remember, you represent Konoha."
Renji's lips curved into a subtle smile. Finally, they were moving beyond menial tasks. Meanwhile, Naoki, uncharacteristically quiet, looked unusually composed. Renji quickly realized why—Naoki was visibly starstruck. He really idolizes the Hokage, Renji thought, amused.
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In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, put aside his paperwork, his demeanor somber. "This mission is delicate, Kagami. I'm entrusting it to you."
Kagami bowed respectfully. "I'll do my best, Hokage-sama. What's the situation?"
Hiruzen explained, "We received a distress request from a guard of the Daimyo of the Land of Fields. He claims that the Daimyo has been overthrown by his retainers, who've allied with rogue ninjas. The guard seeks the Fire Nation's help in resolving the matter. However, we've yet to verify the accuracy of this information. Your team will infiltrate as messengers to confirm its validity. Once you have clarity, you'll decide on the next course of action."
Kagami nodded. "Understood. We'll handle it."
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The next morning, the team regrouped at Konoha's gates. For Renji, Marina, and Naoki, it was their first time stepping beyond the village's borders, and their excitement was palpable. Though the mission was classified as B-rank, none of them seemed particularly worried.
Kagami, however, observed them with a hint of concern. "Do you know much about the Land of Fields?" he asked as they traveled.
Marina answered confidently, "The Land of Fields borders Konoha. It's an inland nation with fertile land and a strong economy, but it doesn't have its own ninja village. Its security depends on the Amamiya clan, known for their Crystal Release kekkei genkai, as well as bounty hunters they employ. If the information is accurate, our target would be the retainer Hojo Yuji."
Kagami nodded, impressed. "Good. But remember, we're here to confirm the intel, not to engage. Avoid conflict with Others unless absolutely necessary."
Naoki suddenly chimed in. "What's so special about a Daimyo, anyway? Are they really that powerful?" His question earned him incredulous stares from the group.
Marina sighed. "The Daimyo isn't a fighter like the Hokage, but they're the most important figure in a country. Even the Hokage's appointment requires the Daimyo's approval."
Naoki's eyes widened, and he grinned. "So, we're here to save the big boss? Nice! I didn't know I was already so awesome!"
Their journey led them to Fuji Castle, one of the Land of Fields' most renowned landmarks. The castle, surrounded by two moats and towering stone walls, was a testament to the region's prosperity. Inside, the Watchtower Pavilion stood tall, its architecture blending traditional beauty with military fortification.
The castle had been built decades ago under the orders of a previous Daimyo, who had enlisted the nation's princes and even ninja clans to contribute to its construction. The effort had left behind a stunning legacy, with-lined paths and colossal stone walls that spoke of unity and strength.
As the team crossed the castle's stone bridge, Kagami addressed his students one last time. "Remember, this mission is about gathering intelligence. Do not engage unless absolutely necessary. Our priority is to confirm the Daimyo's situation and report back."
End of the Chapter.