c25: Mission
Ten minutes later, Chiba, Kakashi, Uchiha Mina, Moonlight Neri, and Yamanaka Kuruma gathered in the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind his desk, setting aside a mission dossier. His expression was solemn as he looked at the assembled ANBU team.
"This mission wasn't originally intended for your unit, but due to increasing tension among the Five Great Nations, many of our elite shinobi are tied up with critical assignments. For now, the village lacks spare manpower, so I'm assigning it to you instead," Hiruzen explained.
"Hokage-sama, please entrust us with the task. With our strength, we'll complete it without fail," Kuruma said confidently, clearly eager to prove himself.
"Recently, along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, there's been a surge of rogue activity. Bandits have been attacking border settlements—looting, burning, and causing chaos. Your mission is to eliminate this threat," Hiruzen continued, his voice unwavering.
"The current political situation is unstable. I suspect these rogues may be supported by Iwagakure to test our borders. Therefore, you're not to hold back. Use overwhelming force to send a message," he added.
Konohagakure, proud and powerful, wasn't afraid of a potential war. If another village dared to challenge them, they were prepared to respond with equal force.
"Please rest assured, Hokage-sama. We'll wipe them out completely," Kuruma vowed.
With the orders delivered, Hiruzen dismissed them. Kuruma, now assigned as team leader, was visibly ambitious—seeking results quickly to win favor with the upper ranks. He urged the team to prepare immediately and move out for the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth, hoping to complete the mission swiftly and prove his leadership.
In Kuruma's mind, successful missions meant promotion, and he was determined to rise.
After two days of travel through forests and mountain paths, the team finally reached the borderlands. But rather than rushing into combat, they first gathered intel from the locals.
The villagers described the rogue gang's raids in detail—pillaging and destroying everything in their path. The gang had been active for over two weeks, causing great suffering in the border communities.
Angered by the devastation, Uchiha Mina clenched her fists. Her Sharingan flared slightly, a reflection of the rage within her. "We should crush them now. The villagers deserve justice."
The team learned from informants that the rogue group had taken over a mountain about ten miles northwest of the last attacked village. The mountain itself was on the edge of the Land of Earth—just beyond Fire Country's jurisdiction. Whether by accident or design, it gave the rogues strategic cover.
"We can't just rush in without knowing their numbers or strength," Kakashi said coolly. "They've fortified a mountain. That gives them terrain advantage. We need a solid plan."
"You're not scared, are you?" Kuruma said mockingly, glancing at Kakashi with thinly veiled disdain.
Kuruma still bore a grudge from his previous humiliating defeat by Chiba and had little love for either Hatake brother. Every chance he got, he took subtle jabs.
"That's enough," Uchiha Mina interrupted firmly. "Kakashi's right. Rushing in recklessly can get us killed. We're shinobi, not thugs."
She didn't want the team falling into disarray due to personal grudges. A divided squad in enemy territory was a recipe for disaster.
"I just want to finish the mission quickly," Kuruma said. "Hokage-sama didn't specify a deadline, but dragging it out could make us look weak."
"If you're so eager to get started, let's go now," Chiba finally spoke. His voice was calm, his expression unreadable behind the mask. Even in moments like this, he projected unshakable composure—like someone immune to pressure.
"If even your brother's ready to move, I assume you're onboard too, Kakashi?" said Moonlight Neri, a trace of arrogance in his tone.
"Let's do it," Kakashi replied simply. With his and Chiba's strength, they could adapt even if things didn't go as planned. Both were elite for their age—Kakashi already a jonin, and Chiba not far behind in skill.
Ironically, of the five, Moonlight Neri was the weakest link—less experienced and more likely to get hurt if the fight turned chaotic.
With no time wasted, the team headed for the enemy's stronghold. Half an hour later, they crouched at the base of the rogue-occupied mountain. The makeshift camp was visible above—a collection of tents, watchfires, and armed patrols.
"These guys are just bandits," Kuruma said, scanning the summit. "When we go in, show no mercy. Eliminate them all. Got it?"
"We know what to do. We don't need your orders," Chiba replied flatly from his perch in a tree. His tone was calm but dismissive, showing no intention of following Kuruma's lead blindly.
In Chiba's eyes, Kuruma was more concerned with personal glory than proper strategy. Allowing such a person to lead could compromise the mission. Chiba had far more composure and insight, and his combat power already rivaled veteran ANBU.
"You're defying my command? I'm the squad leader. What's your problem?" Kuruma snapped, narrowing his eyes at Chiba.
Chiba didn't answer right away, but his silent defiance made his point. He had no intention of being led by someone driven by ego over logic.
---