Collective Mission Begins

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Kakashi opened the mission scroll, his pupils immediately constricting.

Seeing this, the others grew even more curious. Kakashi was a Jonin, so what kind of mission could surprise even him?

"Teacher Kakashi, you're really something! Just read it out! Why make it so mysterious!"

Naruto, annoyed, walked forward and took the mission scroll from Kakashi's hand, looking at the words and beginning to read aloud.

"Three days ago, a fierce battle occurred on the coast at the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire! Afterward, all the villagers in a nearby village disappeared, and the village was destroyed, reduced to ruins!"

"No bodies were found during this village annihilation, nor were many traces discovered. It's suspected to be a direct invasion from the sea! It's highly likely the work of ninja."

"Enemy information is unknown. An investigation team is hereby dispatched to investigate."

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped.

Village annihilation!

Such an event might have been common during wartime, but it hadn't happened in recent years!

Furthermore, this act could very well signal the imminent start of a war!

No wonder the Third Hokage called it a special mission!

If this mission weren't just for investigation, and if there weren't currently no signs of ninja activity, it might have been classified as an A-rank mission!

However, being classified as a C+ special mission, and assigned to a team like theirs, meant there would be at least two Jonin... so it seemed manageable.

"Now that everyone knows the mission details, go back and prepare. We'll depart for the Land of Rivers tomorrow morning!"

As the Third Hokage called out, Yamei and the others also bid farewell to the Hokage's office, leaving only Kakashi and Yūhi Kurenai to await further arrangements from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Tomorrow is the day we all carry out a mission together. This is a group mission! Are you excited?" Naruto asked excitedly, looking at everyone.

"Idiot," Sasuke retorted, calling the boisterous guy an idiot.

"Jerk Sasuke! You called me an idiot!!"

"Alright, Naruto!" Yamei stopped Naruto and turned his gaze to Shikamaru. "Shikamaru, what do you think?"

Shikamaru rubbed his chin, pondering. "To annihilate a village without leaving a single body, if it were ninja, it would be at least five or six Chunin! Or perhaps one Jonin!"

"If it's neither, then it would be a small squad of over a dozen Genin! Or even a small army of dozens."

Listening to Shikamaru's explanation, everyone's expressions grew more solemn, as they realized that no matter the scenario, if Kakashi and Yūhi Kurenai didn't intervene, they would likely have trouble handling it.

"Fortunately, Yamei was cautious. Otherwise, if our team and Naruto's team were to execute this alone... it could be very dangerous," Hinata couldn't help but look at Yamei.

"So you brought us along to carry out such a dangerous mission..." Shikamaru looked at Hinata helplessly.

"Hey, it's fine! As long as Yamei is here, we'll be okay," Ino said with adoration, running forward and grabbing Yamei's wrist.

Yamei ruffled Ino's hair and scanned everyone, saying gravely, "Everyone, go back and prepare!"

"For this mission, we will only have the two Jonin instructors, Kakashi and Kurenai-sensei, accompanying us. Therefore, there's a high chance of being unable to provide timely rescue!"

"So I hope you all prepare thoroughly and follow orders! Not a single one of you can afford to have an accident! Let's do our best!"

"Let's do our best!!"

The crowd shouted in unison, then each returned home to prepare their respective Ninja Tools and other necessities.

When Yamei returned home, Yūhi Kurenai specifically came over to help him pack his various Ninja Tools.

The next morning, when Yamei and Yūhi Kurenai arrived at the village entrance, all of Konoha's "Konoha 9" had already gathered.

After a short wait, with the arrival of Kakashi, the last one, everyone began to march towards the Land of Rivers.

Even as Genin, their travel speed was quite fast. In nearly two days, the group arrived at the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire.

The surroundings were filled with mountains and forests, with occasional bottomless cliffs. Some rivers flowed along valleys or cliffs into the sea.

At a temporary camp, Shikamaru took out a map and pointed to a spot. "This is a map of the surrounding area. We are located here."

Shikamaru then pointed to another circle. "This is where I've marked the destroyed village. It's about fifteen kilometers from us."

Everyone nodded upon hearing this and awaited further instructions.

"Teacher Kakashi and Teacher Kurenai are only Jonin instructors. In normal circumstances... they won't intervene unless there's a threat exceeding the mission rank or danger appears."

"So, this time, we can only rely on these ten people!"

Everyone nodded in agreement with Shikamaru's words, understanding the situation.

"Then, we will now split into two teams for reconnaissance!"

Saying this, Shikamaru looked at Yamei. "Yamei, what do you think?"

"Ah, leave the brain-racking to you. I'll just execute the mission," Yamei waved his hand. With a Nara Clan talent like him, why would he need to offer advice?

Shikamaru's mouth twitched slightly. He gave Yamei a look before continuing:

"Team One will be led by Yamei, and will include me, Choji, Ino, and Hinata!"

"Team Two will consist of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kiba, and Shino, five people!"

"This way, each team will have two reconnaissance-type ninja, and their combat power will also be guaranteed. Does anyone have any objections?"

Everyone shook their heads, having no objections. This distribution was the most logical.

Of course, Shikamaru's thoughts were also part of this. He wouldn't dare assign Ino and Hinata away from Yamei, or Ino would come looking for him to complain!

And since Ino was part of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, this was the only way.

"Then, let's assign the missions. Sasuke and Naruto, your team will go investigate the situation at the destroyed village."

"Yamei, we'll head to the coast to search for clues. If everyone has no objections, we can begin."

Naruto stepped forward, clapping his hands together excitedly. "Alright! Let's all work hard together to complete this exciting first mission!"

Sasuke and Sakura put their hands to their foreheads. "Idiot..."

"Ino." Yamei looked at Ino.

"I'm here!" Ino immediately stood up, looking eager.

"Leave an Empathy Mark on everyone."

"Okay!" Ino nodded in agreement.

She had already mastered Empathy perfectly after Yamei taught it to her.

However, he hadn't learned the Mind Body Switch with Transfer technique yet, so he couldn't connect multiple people.

After leaving marks on everyone, they each headed to their assigned mission locations in their respective teams.

Kakashi and Yūhi Kurenai appeared at this moment.

"The assignments are quite reasonable. And with two teams... it seems they've included us too," Kakashi said approvingly.

"Mhm, you'll be in charge of Naruto and Sasuke's team next, and I'll take Yamei's team," Yūhi Kurenai said before chasing after Yamei and the others.