The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. The wind whistled through the narrow gaps in the rock, its cold touch sending a shiver through their spines as they prepared for the task ahead. The air was dry, carrying the mingled scents of earth and stone, while dust and small pebbles, loosened by the gusts, tumbled down the cliff face.
The trio stood at the base of the towering cliff: Mai, Mina, and Tomaru. Hours passed as they ascended, their muscles straining against the unforgiving rock. The wall of stone stretched endlessly into the sky, daunting and unyielding. Here, the wind was stronger, tugging at their hair and sending it flying into their faces.
This climb was different. No chakra. Just the raw strength of their bodies, their wills, and their determination. It was a test of endurance, one that Kakashi often imposed on himself—an exercise meant to forge the mind and body in ways that chakra alone could never accomplish. It was about pushing the limits of what was physically possible. When chakra was unavailable or depleted, when there was no room for the comfort of jutsu, these basic, primal skills could make all the difference.
Mai led the way, her fingers searching for solid holds among the uneven rocks. Her muscles strained as she hoisted herself upward, her feet scrambling to find purchase on the vertical wall. The wind tugged at her like an invisible adversary, threatening to destabilize her every move. She pressed her body closer to the rock, her jaw clenched in determination.
Behind her, Mina moved with calculated slowness, her pale fingers curling tightly around the rough handholds. Her breathing was steady, her focus unyielding despite the strain building in her arms and legs.
Below them, Tomaru maintained a steady pace, keeping a careful distance. His eyes flicked between Mai and Mina, monitoring their progress. He had positioned himself deliberately as the rear guard, ready to act if something went wrong.
The wind picked up, slamming into the climbers like an unrelenting force. Mai froze momentarily, her fingers tightening instinctively around the narrow ledge she clung to. The gust tore at her damp clothes, pressing them uncomfortably against her skin. Sweat had soaked through her shirt, the moisture chilling her whenever the wind struck. Her breathing came in sharp bursts as she fought to steady herself, her legs trembling slightly from the effort.
Mina was worse off. The wind seemed to single her out, slamming into her smaller frame and making her grip falter. Her hands were trembling now, the strain of holding her own weight without chakra quickly catching up to her. The jagged rock bit into her fingers, scraping the skin raw, but she didn't loosen her grip. She couldn't. The muscles in her arms screamed in protest, her body begging her to stop, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself onward.
Her foot slipped.
A gasp tore from her lips as she dangled momentarily by one hand, the other desperately clawing for a new hold. Her legs scrambled against the rock for support, the smooth surface offering little assistance. Panic threatened to overtake her, but then she heard Tomaru's voice from below, calm and steady.
"You're fine. Find your balance and keep moving."
His words cut through the rising tide of fear, anchoring her thoughts. She exhaled shakily and reached up, her trembling fingers grasping the next ledge. Inch by inch, she began to climb again, her muscles quaking with the effort.
Mai glanced down briefly, catching sight of Mina's struggle. Her own hands were slick with sweat, the rock beneath her fingers warm from the heat of her palms. Her shirt clung to her back, soaked through as her muscles begged for relief. The climb stretched on, the minutes feeling like hours.
Mina's hands shook uncontrollably now, her grip growing weaker with every passing second. Tomaru remained vigilant, ready to intervene if needed, but he trusted them to find their strength. This was their test as much as his.
Finally, the summit came into view.
With a final burst of effort, Mai pulled herself over the edge, collapsing onto the rough ground at the top. She lay there for a moment, chest heaving, her arms limp at her sides. Sweat dripped from her face, her hair plastered to her forehead, but a triumphant smile tugged at her lips. She had done it.
Mina reached the top moments later, dragging herself over the edge with sheer willpower. She collapsed next to Mai, her hands trembling violently, the skin on her palms raw and reddened. Her face was pale, her breaths shallow, but there was a quiet pride in her eyes. She had pushed through her limits, and she had made it.
Tomaru ascended last, his movements deliberate and efficient. Pulling himself up with ease, he surveyed the two exhausted girls with a hint of amusement. "Not bad," he said simply, brushing dust off his hands.
Sayuri stood at the summit, her arms crossed and her signature confident smile in place. "Well, well," she said lightly, her sharp gaze moving between them. "This is unexpected." She paused, her tone growing reflective. "It's rare to see this kind of dedication." Her eyes lingered briefly on each of them, as though measuring their growth. "I have to admit, I didn't expect you guys to train so hard."
Mina and Mai both gawked at her, still trying to catch their breaths. Mai was the first to speak. "Wait—Sensei? What are you doing here?"
"Yeah," Mina chimed in, her face scrunched in confusion. "When did you even get here?"
Sayuri's smile widened. "Just now," she replied, stepping closer. Her boots crunched on the uneven ground as she surveyed them. "Looks like you've found your limits." she added, her tone softening. "But I'm afraid your training will have to wait. There's a mission that needs your attention."
"A mission?!" Mai exclaimed, throwing up her hands in disbelief. "We just climbed a mountain! Who plans these things?"
Mina groaned, her voice hoarse but laced with exasperation. Every muscle in her body screamed in protest as she lay sprawled on the ground, her fingers twitched uselessly at her sides, cramped from the relentless strain. "Sensei... can we take a break first?" she asked, her arms sprawled awkwardly on the ground. "I can't feel my hands. Or my feet." She wiggled her fingers, only to grimace as they cramped mid-motion. "This is cruel."
Sayuri raised an eyebrow, clearly suppressing a laugh."Though I have to say, watching you all push yourselves this hard isn't something I take lightly." "Well, I guess the mission can wait a few minutes."
Tomaru smirked faintly, glancing at Mina's awkward position. "You look like a turtle flipped on its back," he quipped. "Need me to roll you over?"
Mai and Mina exchanged a look, then simultaneously reached over and smacked him on the arm. "Shut it, Tomaru," Mai said, though she couldn't hide her grin.
Tomaru shrugged, feigning innocence. "Hey, I'm just trying to be helpful."
Mai snorted. "Helpful, huh? Is that why you stood there smirking while we dragged ourselves up the cliff?"
Mina shot him a glare, though it lacked any real heat. "How about you be helpful by carrying me back down the mountain?"
"I'd love to," Tomaru replied smoothly, "but if I carry you now, I'll end up carrying both of you next time. And knowing you two, you'd make it a habit." He flexed his hand dramatically, adding with a smirk, "Besides, my arms are still recovering from all the... inspirational climbing." Sayuri chuckled at his comment, clearly amused by his logic.
"Alright, enough theatrics," Sayuri said, clapping her hands lightly to get their attention. "The mission isn't urgent, but it's important. I suggest you rest for a moment, hydrate, and gather your strength. We'll leave in half an hour."
As Mai chugged water from her canteen, she leaned toward Mina and whispered loudly enough for Tomaru to hear, "Do you think he secretly enjoys watching us suffer?"
"No question," Mina replied dryly. "Sadistic teammate. Just my luck."
Tomaru chuckled, letting their banter roll off him. His gaze flicked toward the horizon as a cool breeze swept past.
---
Team 2 stood in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk, who was smoking his trademark tobacco pipe calmly. The air was filled with a faint aroma of spices, giving the place a distinctive atmosphere.
Hiruzen looked at them one by one, his old eyes full of experience. His gaze lingered a moment longer on Tomaru, then shifted to Sayuri. He took a deep breath, moving the small scroll in his hand to the table.
"You've been assigned your first C-rank mission," Hiruzen announced, his voice firm but measured.
Mai's reaction was immediate. Her face lit up, and she clapped her hands together. "A C-rank mission? Really? Finally!" she exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "I knew we were ready for something bigger!"
Mina smiled faintly but chose to remain silent, while Tomaru tilted his head slightly, appearing curious but reserved. Sayuri shot Mai a brief glance, silently urging her to control herself.
Hiruzen allowed himself the barest hint of a smile at Mai's enthusiasm before continuing. "You will escort a prisoner being handed over to us by Kusagakure. He is to be safely transported to their detention facility near the eastern border. It's straightforward, but there are challenges you should be aware of." His voice grew slightly sterner, commanding the team's full attention.
"Challenges?" Mina asked, breaking her silence. Her brow furrowed slightly, her tone cautious.
"The area you'll be traveling through is rugged, with unpredictable weather patterns. There's also the possibility of interference," Hiruzen explained. "While the prisoner is not especially dangerous, some may seek to free him. Your task is to ensure his safe delivery to Kusagakure's representatives."
Mai's excitement dimmed only slightly as her mind churned through the possibilities. "Does that mean we might fight enemy ninja?" she asked, a mixture of thrill and nerves in her voice.
"That remains a possibility," Hiruzen replied evenly. "This mission will test your ability to work as a team and adapt to unexpected situations. Sayuri will provide guidance, but it is up to you three to handle the bulk of the responsibilities."
Mai grinned, unable to suppress her excitement. "This is so much better than catching stray animals!" she whispered to Mina, who nodded slightly, though her focus remained on the Hokage.
Sayuri inclined her head respectfully. "We understand, Hokage-sama. Team 2 will handle this mission with care."
Still fidgeting slightly, Mai leaned closer to Mina and whispered, "Borders? A prisoner? This feels more like a B-rank. What do you think?" Mina gave a small shrug but didn't respond, focusing instead on Hiruzen's every word.
Hiruzen turned his attention fully to Tomaru, who had been silent throughout the exchange. His sharp gaze lingered on the boy, as if appraising him. Tomaru met the Hokage's stare evenly, standing calm and composed.
"Tomaru," Hiruzen said at last, his voice dropping slightly. "You will remain here after the others leave. I have matters to discuss with you."
Sayuri bowed lightly before gesturing to Mina and Mai to follow her. Mai hesitated, shooting Tomaru a quick, questioning glance, but Mina gently pulled her along. The doors closed behind them, leaving the office silent but for the soft crackle of Hiruzen's pipe.
Tomaru waited patiently, his face an unreadable mask, as Hiruzen reclined slightly in his chair, taking a deep draw from his pipe.
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