A Mission of Hidden Agendas
Regarding the explosive conversation that had just taken place here, Shuichi said that since you are all underage, it's best if you don't know. Seeing that Hong was trying his best to hide his abnormal expression, he also vaguely skipped over the topic and led the team to the mission issuing area.
Upon arriving at the desk in the lobby, the Third Hokage and a group of staff were busy at work. Seeing Shuichi's squad arrive to report, Sarutobi Hiruzen habitually responded, "You've arrived? The village's mission schedule has been quite full lately, allow me some time to consider."
Shuichi grin, "The Lord Hokage is really busy! We've been working so hard lately, how about we get some easy and lucrative missions now?"
The Third Hokage has been tormented by this guy for years, and is now immune to all poisons. If he weren't mischievous, would he still be Purple Aurora? Arguing with him is just asking for trouble...
"Well, you're lucky, there just happens to be one here." The Third Hokage was surprisingly easy to talk to today, quickly handing a task sheet to Shuichi. "I was still trying to find someone to help, but since you brought it up, I'll leave it all to you. Try your best to avoid any mistakes."
"Oh?" Shuichi took it and glanced at it. "A two-month-long A-rank guard mission, that's so long, and it requires multiple elite teams. The client's budget is that big?"
"He's already here." With Sarutobi Hiruzen's reminder, an elderly man in a purple short robe entered the mission room. Judging from his attire, he certainly didn't seem like someone who was short of money.
"Lord Hokage, I wonder if your summons is related to a request?" Koizumi Seiji was somewhat surprised by Konoha's efficiency.
His faction planned to hire three Jonin teams at once, expecting it to take a long time, but it was completed so quickly. However, there's only one team of ninjas here...
"That's right, assembling three elite teams isn't easy, but luckily we have a more suitable option now." The Third Hokage gave Shuichi wink. "With this team, I believe they perfectly meet your requirements."
Shuichi understood perfectly well that although the mission would take a long time, the money would be plentiful, and he wouldn't have to run around. With his combat strength, the village could free up more manpower, which was a win-win situation.
"Hello, my name is Takeda Shuichi. I wonder if you've heard of me?" He turned to Koizumi Seiji and smiled. "Uncle Kiyoshi? May I call you that? If you're satisfied, my team will take on this mission."
Upon hearing his name, Koizumi Seiji's face lit up with surprise. It was this ruthless individual who had effortlessly slain Tailed Beast! With him around, ordinary Jonin were nothing. "Of course, no problem, we'd be more than happy to oblige. If time permits, could we depart as soon as possible? Please allow me to explain the details along the way..."
After successfully accepting the mission, less than three days passed before Shuichi's squad escorted the client to the northwestern region of the Land of Rivers.
Although Koizumi Seiji is not young, he was a ninja in his youth, so he wouldn't take ten days or half a month to arrive like an ordinary person.
This area is occupied by a small but powerful force known as Land of Glass Village, who call themselves the Ruri Land of Glass. Many of their ninjas even wear unique Forehead Protector, and their leader is none other than the Koizumi Family.
Of course, how many capable fighters they actually have can be seen from their decision to hire Konoha as reinforcements.
However, after arriving at Land of Glass Village, Shuichi and the others couldn't really say that the small country was overrated.
This faction transformed an abandoned ancient city into its own territory. Although it looked somewhat dilapidated, it was quite well-organized and comparable to some towns in the Land of Fire.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Koizumi Kenzō. Welcome, Lord Purple Aurora! We feel much more at ease with you here."
Upon entering the Land of Glass, Shuichi's squad was given a grand welcome by a group of people. The leader was a middle-aged man around 30 years old who was overjoyed to learn that his clan uncle had hired Shuichi from Konoha.
"Of course, of course!" Shuichi greeted calmly. After reviewing the information, he sensed that this mission was not simple, and that the other side might be hiding something. "However, before we provide protection, there are some things I need to inform you of in advance."
"Since we Konoha Ninja have received payment, we will naturally do our best to complete the mission, but we will not allow our employers to do whatever they want. Therefore, I request that you conceal our arrival, as that is the requirement stated in the contract."
"If you secretly use my name for other purposes, I have the right to terminate this mission at any time." Shuichi's tone was extremely serious. "Then please give us your answer now, whether you agree or not. If you disagree, we will immediately refund the relevant commission; otherwise, there will be no room for reneging later."
Koizumi Kenzō's expression changed slightly. Shuichi had become famous in the Shinobi World at such a young age, and in his mind, he must be an arrogant person, and the other party was fully qualified to do so.
He thought a few words of flattery would make him arrogant, but he didn't expect this young genius to be so sharp-minded and shrewd, directly disrupting his plans and leaving him in a difficult situation.
"This, this..."
Koizumi Seiji frantically gave his young master meaningful glances, his heart filled with anxiety. This kid was already middle-aged and still hadn't matured; compared to Purple Aurora, they were worlds apart.
His hesitation was tantamount to telling the Konoha Ninja that there was a problem with the request. Even if the mission continued, the variables would increase significantly. Once the other party discovered the anomaly, they might simply run away, and they would have no reason to accuse Konoha of breaking their promise.
However, refusing would only make things worse. They could no longer go to Konoha, Sunagakure's fighting strength had been insufficient in recent years and they couldn't rely on it, and Iwagakure was too far away. They were completely in an awkward situation.
Seeing his third uncle and head butler gesturing repeatedly, Koizumi Kenzō finally realized what was going on Shuichi in a friendly tone, "This was originally agreed upon in the contract, so of course there's no problem. You just need to protect him secretly."
Shuichi squinted, scanning the Koizumi clan members. Although he didn't unleash his chakra, his sharp gaze still sent shivers down the spines of many. "I hope so. Please lead the way; we only need a secluded place to stay."
Despite discovering the trickery, the other party did not terminate the employment, nor did he intend to terminate it voluntarily. In any case, the money was not reduced. In the face of absolute strength, all schemes and tricks are meaningless. When it comes to bizarre methods, only the Six Paths family can make him wary.
Led by the Koizumi clan, Shuichi's squad entered an upper-class house in the center of the city.
This mission is not complicated; it's simply to protect the country's security, primarily the Koizumi clan. If any invaders are encountered, we'll need to help repel them.
Judging from the price offered by the Land of Glass, they probably knew that the enemy they were facing was very powerful, and the time to hire Konoha's experts was only two months. Based on so much information, it's easy to guess that they wanted to use this time to settle their troubles.
Shuichi didn't want to deal with things as they came. Although he was no less capable than anyone, it was his habit as a ninja to keep the initiative in his own hands.
That night, under cover of darkness, the Land of Glass fell silent early. Candles were lit in every house, large and small. Perhaps aware of the impending crisis, a curfew had been imposed on the city, leaving many idle citizens to find some entertainment in their homes...