Hiruzen began explaining the mission details.
This was classified as a tentative B-rank intelligence mission, but it had the potential to escalate to A-rank.
Konoha had received intelligence that Kirigakure had sent spies to a Town, located at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rivers.
Their objectives remained unknown.
The mission directive was to capture the target alive and return them to Konoha for interrogation by the village's intelligence unit.
The reason this mission was initially classified as B-rank was that intelligence operatives typically lacked combat prowess, some weren't even shinobi, just trained civilians.
With one Jōnin and three Chūnin, this team was deemed more than capable of handling the mission, even allowing room for unexpected complications.
After listening to the details, Hizashi agreed without hesitation.
A satisfied smile returned to Hiruzen's face.
The main reason he had specifically chosen Hizashi's team for this mission was because of Yami.
He wanted to observe Yami's capabilities and potential during an actual mission.
If Yami's performance met his expectations, Hiruzen might intensify his efforts to lure him away from Danzō.
While the Uchiha clan's geniuses were valuable assets to the village, their unique status required careful control.
Even though Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi had emerged as rising stars, no other clans in Konoha could currently match them.
The only hope for balance was Yami.
However, his background was complicated and Danzō was an even greater obstacle than the Uchiha clan.
—
"Old man."
Yami frowned.
"We already accepted another mission. Why didn't you tell us earlier?"
"That mission isn't important."
Hizashi quickly interjected on behalf of the Hokage.
"It's just assassinating a merchant. There are plenty of teams in Konoha who can handle it."
"Capturing Kirigakure's spy is the priority."
"Then what about my extra money?"
Yami sighed.
"Ever since I became a ninja, my old man doesn't even give me pocket money anymore."
"Meanwhile, I'm carrying thousands of explosive tags on me."
"I don't feel safe at all…"
"…"
Hiruzen lifted his pipe to his lips but paused.
For a long moment, his eyes were filled with confusion.
Thousands of explosive tags…?
What are you trying to do? Start a small war?
—
"Can we take two missions at the same time?"
Yami asked, "The mission we accepted is in Tanshō Street, which happens to be on the way."
"What mission did you take?"
Hiruzen asked.
Hizashi quickly explained the details.
The Hokage hesitated.
"There's no precedent for carrying out two missions at once…"
"It's just a matter of approval," Yami said dismissively.
"Sensei writes the mission report, you sign off on it, and that's it."
"Hiruzen," Utatane Koharu added, "It's a matter of convenience. It won't take much extra time, and it also saves manpower. I think it's a good idea."
"You should have more confidence in Hizashi.
"Even though he's from the branch family, his strength is undeniable."
"I agree."
Mitokado Homura nodded seriously.
"Their team composition is exceptionally strong. It would be wasteful to limit them, especially when the village is short on manpower."
"…Fine."
Under the persuasion of his advisors, Hiruzen had no choice but to approve it.
However, he still gave one warning:
"If you fail the mission…"
"I'll have Danzō spank you when you return."
Hizashi's mouth twitched.
If you fail a mission, all you get is a spanking…?
As expected, connections rule everything.
—
With two authorization letters in hand, Hizashi's team left the Hokage Building and headed straight for Konoha's gates.
Since they had already packed their gear, they wasted no time and prepared to leave the village.
At the gates, the two gatekeepers—Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu—stood guard.
Technically speaking, these two were Yami's classmates, having graduated just a few months ago.
Normally, Genin weren't qualified to be gate guards, but today, they were on duty as part of their assigned missions.
After completing the departure registration, Hizashi turned to the others.
"Fujimoto Keisuke, the smuggler, is currently residing in Tanshō Street.
"It's not far from Konoha. If we move at full speed, we should arrive by afternoon."
The group nodded without objection.
They disappeared into the forest, swiftly leaping through the treetops.
When Hizashi said "full speed," he didn't mean burning out their stamina.
Instead, he meant maintaining a balance between speed and endurance, ensuring their condition remained above 80% in case of emergencies.
Thus, their travel pace was dictated by the slowest team member.
That person was Kurenai.
She had the weakest endurance in the squad.
Realizing this, Kurenai remained silent throughout the journey, carefully managing her stamina.
She secretly resolved to train her taijutsu and endurance when she returned, at the very least, she needed to improve her travel speed.
Meanwhile, Yami and Yugao seemed completely unaffected.
In fact, Yugao even took the opportunity to ask Yami about kenjutsu techniques along the way.
By the time they arrived at Tanshō Street, Yugao still seemed unsatisfied.
Danzō had provided Yami with numerous swordsmanship instructors and swordsmanship scrolls, so his theoretical foundation far exceeded Yugao's.
Their conversation had been highly beneficial for her, helping her recognize many weaknesses in her technique.
If it were up to her, she would have found a secluded area to train with Yami immediately.
But this was a mission.
Now that they had arrived, their priority was the task at hand.
—
The team booked a hotel, checked in, and gathered in Hizashi's room for a final briefing.
"Fujimoto Keisuke lives in the luxury district of Tanshō Street," Hizashi explained.
"Many wealthy merchants and nobles reside there.
"Our mission must be conducted discreetly, causing a scene would damage Konoha's reputation."
Though Tanshō Street was called a 'street,' it was actually a bustling commercial town.
Casinos, pleasure houses, and taverns lined the streets.
At night, the town was alive with activity, making stealth operations more difficult.
"We'll rest for now," Hizashi concluded.
"We move after midnight."
—
After leaving Hizashi's room, Yami suddenly called out to Yugao.
"Yugao."
She turned to him, curious.
"What is it?"
"Do you know someone named Uzuki Shinji?"
Yugao's expression immediately darkened.
(To be continued.)