Chapter 49: Disguise?!
The first few weeks at the border outpost passed in a steady, uneventful rhythm. The squad quickly adjusted to their assigned roles, each settling into the routine that would define their long-term mission. The outpost itself was a modest but well-fortified structure, situated between dense woodland and a rugged path leading toward the border. Despite the isolation, the soldiers stationed there carried an air of diligence, their discipline reflecting years of experience.
Commander Hideo, a seasoned shinobi with a sharp gaze and a practical approach to leadership, wasted no time integrating them into the unit. His orders were clear: follow the schedule, observe keenly, and report anything unusual.
Commander Hideo had split their team's duties into a rotating schedule:
Day patrols covered the outer perimeter, checking for disturbances in the terrain, potential infiltrations, and signs of tampering with boundary markers. These shifts were often uneventful, but they instilled a strong sense of observation and discipline.
Night shifts focused on monitoring movement along the nearby trade routes, watching for suspicious activity from merchants or travelers. Smugglers were known to use the region to bypass official checkpoints, making vigilance essential.
Periodic training drills ensured everyone stayed sharp. These included mock infiltration scenarios, emergency response exercises, and combat sparring sessions.
Each shift lasted four to six hours, followed by brief debriefings where teams reported any findings. They alternated between different squads to learn from experienced border guards, gradually understanding the subtle nuances of detecting and preventing threats.
Kiyoshi quickly proved invaluable in detecting irregularities. While others relied on physical tracking, Kiyoshi focused on chakra disturbances in the area. His ability to sense residual traces left by previous travelers—shinobi or otherwise—offered insights that others missed.
One afternoon, while scanning the landscape during his shift, he noticed faint traces of chakra along the treetops—subtle but inconsistent with the regular patrol routes. When he reported it to Kenshiro, their sensei nodded thoughtfully.
"Good catch. Keep monitoring it, but don't jump to conclusions yet."
Kiyoshi continued refining his detection skills, sometimes staying out a few extra minutes after patrols to analyze lingering chakra signatures. His findings suggested that something—or someone—had been moving undetected through the area, though there was no tangible proof yet.
In these few weeks, Kiyoshi had understood the applications of Chakra Flow Analysis perfectly.
Beyond simple tracking, Kiyoshi's abilities granted him a deeper layer of perception:
Predicts Jutsu Before Activation – By detecting the formation of chakra in real-time, Kiyoshi could anticipate attacks before they were unleashed. This skill proved useful in drills, where he often countered sparring partners before they even completed their techniques.
Reads Chakra Intentions – He could determine whether someone was lying, bluffing, or preparing a counterattack based on subtle fluctuations in their chakra flow. This became particularly useful when questioning suspicious travelers at the border.
Counters High-Speed Opponents – Even against shinobi with extraordinary speed, Kiyoshi tracked chakra movements with precision, allowing him to react in time to avoid ambushes or counter swift assaults.
Identifies Chakra Weaknesses – By analyzing an opponent's chakra network, he could pinpoint weaknesses, ensuring that strikes were precise and effective in combat scenarios.
Counters Genjutsu & Deception – His acute chakra sensitivity let him recognize disturbances caused by illusions or clones, making him an essential asset against deception tactics.
Mikoto, despite initial skepticism about the assignment, adapted quickly to the outpost's structure and discipline. She became one of the fastest responders when an alert was raised and earned the respect of senior guards. Her natural combat reflexes made her particularly effective in simulated intruder drills, and she was often paired with veteran shinobi to refine her tactical thinking.
Ryota, on the other hand, struggled with the monotony. Unlike fast-paced missions, border patrol was a long, slow game of patience. He frequently voiced his boredom, though Kenshiro kept him in check.
"Boredom is good," Kenshiro reminded him one evening after training. "The moment things stop being boring, it means we're in danger."
Still, Ryota found ways to keep himself entertained, occasionally challenging the other guards to sparring matches or engaging in bets about how many travelers they'd see in a given shift.
---
The night was cold and unusually quiet. The usual chirping of insects had faded into an eerie stillness, and the heavy mist rolling in from the forest made visibility difficult.
Mikoto and Ryota stood near the outpost's eastern checkpoint, their post for the late-night patrol. Kiyoshi was stationed further back, observing chakra fluctuations in the area. Along with them was another shinobi, Daichi, a composed and tactical fighter known for his ability to remain calm under pressure. His keen instincts made him a reliable asset during patrols.
Then, from the distance, the faint creak of wagon wheels disrupted the silence. A small caravan approached—a merchant and his assistants, their figures barely visible in the dim lantern glow.
"Odd time to be traveling," Ryota muttered, gripping the hilt of his weapon.
Mikoto signaled for them to halt. "State your business."
The merchant, a middle-aged man with a calm yet unsettlingly controlled demeanor, raised his hands slightly in compliance. He was draped in a long cloak, his face shadowed by the lantern's flickering light. His assistants—hooded figures—remained silent behind him.
"Just passing through," the merchant said smoothly. "I have goods to deliver to the next town before sunrise."
Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "Border patrol regulations require us to inspect your cargo. Open the crates."
The merchant hesitated for a fraction of a second. A pause too brief for most to notice—but Kiyoshi did.
Standing a few paces back, Kiyoshi closed his eyes, expanding his chakra perception. Something was off. The merchant's chakra flow was too steady, too refined, like someone skilled in masking their intent. His heartbeat didn't fluctuate—he wasn't even nervous.
That was abnormal. Even experienced travelers usually showed some sign of anxiety when stopped by border patrol.
One of the assistants moved to unfasten a crate, but before he could—
BOOM!
A distant explosion rocked the inner section of the outpost, causing Mikoto, Ryota, and Daichi to snap their heads toward the disturbance.
"What the hell was that?!" Ryota cursed.
The merchant used the distraction to subtly shift his stance, but Kiyoshi caught the movement immediately.
"Don't move," Kiyoshi warned, stepping forward. His voice was calm, but his hand rested firmly on his kunai pouch.
Mikoto was already barking into her communicator, alerting the guards. "We need backup—now."
The merchant sighed—not in fear, but in mild disappointment, as if he'd hoped they wouldn't press further.
Then—Mikoto caught the flicker of motion.
One of the assistants rushed forward, hands forming seals. A jutsu!
Mikoto reacted instantly, her blade flashing—clashing against a kunai! Sparks erupted as she forced the attacker back.
"Kiyoshi, scan them!" she ordered.
Kiyoshi's focus sharpened. As the merchant took a single step back, his chakra signature flickered—then changed.
A disguise jutsu?!
No—a chakra suppression technique.
The man standing before them was not a merchant at all. His chakra flow was shifting, reforming itself into something far more potent.
The warmth of human expression drained from his face, his features hardening into something cold and mechanical. His assistants followed suit, their eyes dull and emotionless, moving with eerie synchronicity.
A chill ran down Mikoto's spine.
"They're like machines..." Ryota whispered in shock.
Kiyoshi's eyes widened as he realized—this entire trade deal was a front.
And now they were under attack.