Chương 297: 294
A week after demonstrating his claymore explosive, Haruto received a mission assignment from the hall. He and his team were to join Sakumo Hatake's squad in the Land of Rivers for a high-priority operation.
Haruto arrived early at the gathering point, his mind already focused on the mission ahead. The objective was to support Sakumo's team in locating and eliminating a group of Hidden Sand assassins responsible for the murder of a prominent Konoha-aligned merchant. Only the merchant's son had survived, and intelligence suggested that the assassins were still in the area, possibly planning another attempt on the son's life as part of a broader strategy to destabilize Konoha's influence in the Land of Rivers.
He didn't wait long before Katsume joined him. She moved with her usual confidence, though a sharpness in her eyes betrayed her readiness for anything. "Beating everyone here again, huh?" she teased, casting a sidelong look his way.
Haruto smirked. "Thought you might actually get here first for once."
"Not today, Haruto. But close." She shot him a grin before her expression sobered. "This mission sounds big. If Sakumo's calling in backup, it's going to be organized—and dangerous."
Haruto nodded thoughtfully. "The Sand wouldn't risk a move like this unless they had a specific goal. I'd bet they're trying to stay hidden and waiting to strike again when they're ready."
Katsume's focus deepened as she nodded. "We'll find out soon enough. You ready?"
"Always," he replied with steady confidence. "Just another mission."
A few minutes later, Daichi joined them. Though usually brimming with an easygoing charm, his face carried a serious expression today, a clear indication that he understood the gravity of this mission. "And here I thought I'd finally beat you two here," he said, acknowledging them with a nod.
Katsume rolled her eyes, amused. "Keep dreaming, Daichi."
"Yeah, yeah." Daichi shrugged, a faint grin breaking through his concentration as he adjusted his gear. "Let's get moving. Sakumo's waiting, and I doubt this'll be a quick in-and-out."
The trio set off, maintaining a steady pace toward the Land of Rivers. Conversation was sparse, focused mainly on mission details and preparations. They all sensed the weight of the task ahead; the mission had the potential to escalate into open conflict with the Hidden Sand.
After a full day's journey, they reached the mist-laden border between the Land of Rain and the Land of Rivers. The air was damp, heavy with a lingering fog that obscured the surrounding landscape. Just ahead, Sakumo stood waiting, two jonin at his side—a Hyuga with piercing, vigilant eyes, and another masked jonin, his lower face hidden behind a dark covering that left only his focused gaze visible. Sakumo's calm authority immediately set the team at ease, grounding them in the seriousness of the mission.
In the heavy mist that shrouded the Land of Rivers, Sakumo gathered the teams for the mission briefing. The tension was palpable; they were deep in hostile territory, and any mistake could have severe consequences. Around him stood two jonin, each with two chunin at their side, ready and awaiting orders. Haruto, Daichi, and Katsume stood among the chunin, their faces set with determination and readiness.
Sakumo addressed the assembled group, his voice steady but carrying a tone of gravity. "The Sand assassins eliminated the merchant, but his son escaped. This son is essential to Konoha's influence in the Land of Rivers, and intelligence suggests that the assassins are still in the area, preparing for another strike. We're here to prevent that."
He met each shinobi's gaze briefly, his expression as solid as iron. "We're dealing with at least three, possibly four jonin-level enemies, with an unknown number of chunin and genin supporting them. The enemy will be prepared, and they may be expecting us, so our approach must be careful and calculated."
Sakumo turned to the masked jonin, who gave a brief nod. "You and your team will secure the merchant's son. Keep him under constant guard and ensure they don't get within striking distance. They may have scouts or traps nearby, so stay vigilant."
The masked jonin, his expression hidden but his gaze sharp, responded with a firm "Understood, Sakumo. He'll be safe with us."
Next, Sakumo addressed the Hyuga jonin, his Byakugan a valuable asset in the dense terrain. "You'll lead a recon team to sweep the southern sector. Watch for any movement, signs of the enemy, or other suspicious activity. If you spot them, don't engage. Send a chunin to alert the rest of us."
The Hyuga jonin gave a concise nod, his pale eyes focused. "With the Byakugan, they won't escape us unnoticed."
Finally, Sakumo looked at Haruto and Daichi, his own team members. "Haruto, Daichi—you're with me. We'll cover the northern sector, scouting for signs of enemy activity."
Daichi gave a determined nod, while Haruto maintained an expression of steady resolve. They'd worked with Sakumo before, and he knew he could rely on them. Trust was a vital component for a mission as high-stakes as this.
Sakumo's gaze swept over the entire assembled group, his voice carrying a quiet intensity. "Remember, gathering intel is our priority. If you encounter the enemy, do not engage. Send a chunin back to inform the others so we can hit them with our combined strength. Stay sharp, stay coordinated, and watch out for each other. This mission is critical, and any slip-ups could cost lives."
With a final nod, he signaled the teams to move out. In an instant, they disappeared into the dense forest, blending with the shadows as they advanced into their assigned sectors. The mist clung thickly to the trees as they ventured deeper, each shinobi moving in near-silent steps, every sense heightened to pick up even the faintest trace of enemy presence.
As Haruto, Daichi, and Sakumo moved northward, Daichi shot Haruto a glance, his usual confidence tinged with seriousness. "So, you ready for this?" he murmured, his tone low and focused.
Haruto returned the glance, his expression resolute. Maybe I'll finally get to test out my ninja claymore, he thought, a hint of anticipation flickering beneath his calm exterior.
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