Chương 37: Ch-37 Reached Kusagakure.
The next morning, Inoiki stood at his front door, ready for his first mission outside the village. His parents and sister, Ino, gathered to see him off, offering small words of encouragement and concern. Ino couldn't resist a grin, giving him a confident nod, while his mother's eyes held a mix of pride and worry. With a final wave, he stepped away, carrying all his mission essentials, and headed toward the Konoha gate.
As he approached, he noticed that Izumo and Kosuke were already there, waiting near the gate. Kotetsu, however, was nowhere in sight, but with ten minutes left before 9:00 a.m., they still had time. Just five minutes later, Kotetsu arrived, nodding at the group with his usual easygoing grin.
With the team fully assembled, Izumo led them to meet the caravan leader. They approached a middle-aged man with a sturdy frame and a practical air about him. This was Mr. Baki, the caravan leader, responsible for the trade expedition to Kusagakure.
Izumo gave him a respectful nod. "Mr. Baki, this is my team. We're prepared to depart as soon as you're ready."
Mr. Baki returned the nod, his gaze shifting over each member of the team. "We'll be set to go by 9:30, as arranged."
Izumo acknowledged this, and the team moved to the side to wait while the caravan made its final preparations. While they waited, Izumo gathered them close, his voice low but commanding.
"All right, here's the plan," he began. "Inoiki and Mr. Kosuke will travel at the front of the caravan. Inoiki, as our sensory ninja, you'll be on alert for any ambushes up ahead. Kosuke," he said, glancing at the older shinobi, "your experience with terrain and traps is invaluable, so I'm counting on you to keep us sharp for any potential hazards. Meanwhile, Kotetsu and I will travel alongside the caravan to guard it from the sides."
Inoiki, Kosuke, and Kotetsu nodded, absorbing their assigned roles without hesitation.
Izumo looked at each of them, his expression one of firm confidence. "Stay alert, follow the plan, and we'll get through this smoothly. Remember, the journey may be long, but we're a team—rely on each other."
With the plan settled, they fell into a comfortable silence, each preparing mentally for the journey ahead. As the caravan leader gave the signal to depart, they took their positions, setting off toward the unknown with a quiet, shared resolve.
Inoiki and Kosuke led the caravan steadily down the winding trail, keeping a careful watch on their surroundings. From time to time, Kosuke would pause, his sharp eyes spotting edible mushrooms and wild vegetables along the path. With practiced ease, he collected a few, storing them for meals, and if he noticed any small prey in the brush, he captured it as well, ensuring fresh food for the team. As they travelled, Kosuke took the time to teach Inoiki how to identify which plants were safe to eat and which to avoid—a skill every shinobi needed when traveling in unknown lands. Inoiki listened attentively, learning quickly from the veteran shinobi.
Around midday, the caravan halted for lunch. Izumo gathered his team, and they took a break as well, resting under a large tree near the road. Though Mr. Baki offered to share the caravan's provisions, Izumo declined politely, explaining that they'd be preparing their own meals as a safety measure. Kosuke expertly prepared the food, using the fresh ingredients they'd gathered along the way. Mr. Baki, experienced with escort missions, respected their need for caution and didn't press the matter.
The journey remained peaceful, with no ambushes or disturbances. They travelled during the day and set up camp each night, taking turns to guard while the others slept. Izumo rotated the night watch shifts carefully, ensuring that everyone remained alert and well-rested.
Finally, after five days of travel, they reached the gates of Kusagakure, their destination. At the entrance, they were met by Kusagakure ninjas who conducted a basic verification of the caravan's goods and checked the identities of Izumo and his team.
Once the formalities were completed, the officials gave them a list of guidelines. They were briefed on places they were permitted to visit and areas that were restricted to outsiders, ensuring they respected Kusagakure's boundaries.
With a nod of understanding, Izumo thanked the officials, and the team prepared to escort the caravan to its final stop within the village. Though the mission was nearly complete, Inoiki couldn't shake the thrill of entering new territory.
Mr. Baki had already secured rooms for their stay at the inn, ensuring each of them a place to unwind after the mission. That evening, Izumo, Inoiki, Kotetsu, and Kosuke gathered in one of the rooms for a quick meeting.
Izumo leaned forward, a serious look in his eyes. "I've gone over all the guidelines thoroughly," he began, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "It's clear that we're only permitted to move around the commercial district of Kusagakure. We're restricted from entering any other areas of the village."
The others nodded, digesting the limitations placed upon them. After a brief silence, Izumo's face softened into a grin. "So, let's rest up today. But tonight, we'll head out and experience the nightlife of Kusagakure."
One by one, they agreed, a shared spark of excitement lighting up their eyes. For now, they returned to their rooms, settling in for a quiet evening of rest.
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