Bab 117: Bad News
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A hush fell over the room as the weight of her words settled in. It seemed there was no rest for the weary.
"What happened?" Naruto asked, breaking the silence, his voice laden with concern.
Tsunade looked up at the group, her gaze filled with resolve. "The Cloud has requested assistance, but...I don't have anyone to send," she confessed, the frustration in her voice evident.
Before anyone could respond, Koushin's voice echoed in the room, "I can go, Lady Tsunade." He straightened up, his voice steady. "I hardly spent any chakra."
The room fell silent as everyone turned to Koushin. His statement was true. Despite the long battle they had just fought, he seemed the least fatigued amongst them. Even his usual joking demeanor was set aside, replaced with determination.
Tsunade shook her head, "I can't send you alone, Koushin."
Ino, who was still nestled in Koushin's arms, stiffened at his words. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with worry. Koushin squeezed her gently in reassurance but didn't take his gaze off Tsunade.
"Just send an ANBU with me, and I'll be fine," Koushin responded, his tone level but assertive.
The tension in the room was palpable. Tsunade was silent for a moment, studying Koushin's face, her eyes narrowing slightly. She could see the determination in his eyes, the willingness to step up where others couldn't.
"Hokage-sama," Shikaku spoke up, his voice cutting through the tension, "Koushin is right. If he says he's good to go, then he's good to go. His abilities make him a formidable asset."
Tsunade glanced at Shikaku, her gaze thoughtful. After a moment, she sighed and looked back at Koushin. "If I send you, it would be under one condition," she started, her gaze stern, "You don't engage directly with Akatsuki. Your primary mission is to aid Cloud, ensure the Jinchuriki's safety and get back home. Do you understand?"
Koushin nodded, a small grin playing on his lips, "Understood. Rescue mission, not looking for trouble, got it.."
Tsunade nodded, "Good. I'll arrange for an ANBU to accompany you. Leave as soon as you're ready."
The room was silent for a moment after Tsunade's announcement, the air thick with worry and uncertainty. Ino, nestled in Koushin's arms, stiffened at his words, a worried look flashing across her face. Koushin glanced down at her, his grip tightening comfortingly around her. Despite the circumstances, Ino managed to muster a smile, her fingers curling tighter around his arm. She trusted him, and his confidence bolstered her own.
"Alright, here's the situation," Tsunade began, unfolding a map across her desk. The map detailed the Land of Fire's proximity to the Land of Lightning, and the location of the Two Tails' Jinchuriki. "The Jinchuriki is located closer to Konoha than to Kumo. Cloud has requested our assistance to secure the Jinchuriki's safety before Akatsuki gets to her."
Koushin leaned forward, studying the map. His mind began to formulate potential routes and strategies. As he focused, Tsunade looked at the others, "You're dismissed for now. Rest, and be ready for anything."
As the room cleared, Tsunade turned her attention back to Koushin, her face a mask of seriousness. "Tenzo," she called out, There was a sudden gust of wind and an Anbu appeared before them, garbed in the standard attire of the elite shinobi force: a black, sleeveless jumper under a grey flack jacket, strapped-up shinobi sandals, and arm-length gloves with guards over them. He carried a sword strapped to his back. His face was concealed behind a mask that resembled a cat's face, covered in green and red intricate markings. His black eyes were sharp and alert, reflecting an innate ability to perceive his surroundings in fine detail. His short brown hair was neatly combed, and the Anbu tattoo was visible on his left shoulder.
"Koushin," Tsunade said, nodding towards the Anbu, "this is Tenzo, but in this mission his name will be Yamato. He's one of our best. He'll accompany you on this mission."
Yamato dipped his head in acknowledgment, his gaze locking onto Koushin's with a serious and focused intensity.
Koushin took in the Anbu's appearance, making note of the stern look in Yamato's eyes, the mask hiding his features, the sword strapped to his back, and the confident stance. "A pleasure," he returned, inclining his head slightly in respect. His voice was light, but his eyes mirrored the same seriousness.
Tsunade's stern gaze swept over Koushin and Yamato, a tightness set in her jaw as she stressed the gravity of their mission. "I'm going to repeat this, because it's crucial to your survival. Do not engage Akatsuki directly unless absolutely necessary. Your mission is to assist Cloud, secure the Jinchuriki, and get out safely. That's it."
The Hokage's voice echoed through the silent room, as unyielding as the stone face carved into the mountain outside.
Yamato met Tsunade's gaze with an unwavering expression, his fingers tapping against the hilt of his sword in acknowledgement. He then reached for his Anbu mask, pulling it off to reveal his calm, sharp features. His short brown hair was neatly combed, and his black almond-shaped eyes held an alert, vigilant look.
"Understood, Hokage-sama," Yamato responded, his voice steady. His eyes shifted towards Koushin, extending a silent commitment to the upcoming mission.
Koushin's usual humor was shelved, his face a picture of seriousness as he mirrored Yamato's words, "Crystal clear, Lady Tsunade."
"Good," Tsunade nodded, her gaze unwavering as it bore into both of them, "You should depart immediately. The sooner you reach the Jinchuriki, the better."
Koushin rose from his seat, his muscles flexing subtly beneath the fabric of his outfit, a testament to his physical strength and agility. His eyes sparkled with an intensity, a sure sign of his mental readiness. "Then we'll be on our way," he declared, his voice carrying an undertone of determination.
Their destination was the Land of Lightning, a journey that would demand both speed and stealth. As they stepped out into the crisp air of Konoha, the village hidden in the leaves, the weight of their task felt tangible.
A.N: How many of you thought I am dropping this novel when you see the title? Let me know please.
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