Change of Plans

The battle between Jonin was intense, and they hadn't even noticed Karot's arrival.

Although Teacher Matsushita's strength was decent among Chunin, the ninja sent on infiltration missions weren't weak either, and crucially, they had the numbers advantage.

"Is this the strength between Jonin?"

Karot's face showed disappointment. He didn't consider that his previous sparring partners were all Kage-level Hatake Sakumo; the gap in strength between Kage-level and Jonin was vast.

"Karot, you're finally here."

Matsushita Hokuto's tightly furrowed brow relaxed. He had been stalling for time with the Stone ninja, waiting for Karot's reinforcement. His student possessing strength not inferior to his own was the biggest trump card for their squad. The Stone ninja were also calculating this, sending their own ninja to deal with the Leaf ninja and provide support, lest the Leaf Jonin become desperate and lash out. Their plans were meticulously laid.

"What do you mean?"

From the opponent's side came a voice of incredulous questioning.

However, Karot didn't pay him any mind.

"Teacher, we're almost there. We need to speed things up."

Karot said calmly.

"Brat, die for me."

With that, the opponent charged towards Karot at extreme speed. Karot showed no reaction as the opponent rushed at him.

Just as the opponent thought he was about to plunge a kunai into Karot's body, Karot grabbed his wrist and kicked the opponent's chin with his foot. Crack, the jaw was shattered, and the Stone ninja's eyes went blank as he collapsed to the ground. Karot released his grip and then searched the Stone ninja's body. Based on infiltration and assassination missions, ninja were always well-off.

Things happened so fast that Matsushita and another Stone ninja didn't even react before the fight was over. Since when were Jonin so cheap? A Jonin was considered high-ranking within a ninja village.

"Hey, Teacher, need any help?"

Karot said to the stunned Matsushita after finishing his search. This was a battlefield, not a place for you to stand around and watch.

"Sigh, being looked down upon by my own student. I'll have to regain some face then."

Matsushita Hokuto's strength could suppress the opponent, which was why Karot had let Matsushita handle one of them.

"Damn it, Leaf ninja, don't underestimate me."

The Stone ninja said angrily, rapidly forming hand seals. Under Matsushita's wary gaze, he turned and fled. He actually fled. This scene stunned Karot and Matsushita Hokuto. Where was your Stone Will? He flees, you chase, he has nowhere to run. Karot hadn't intended to act, but since you ran, that's looking down on me. I'll let you get thirty-nine meters ahead, my little Karot flying knives are already thirsty.

Karot took out a kunai, infused it with chakra, and a light yellow aura enveloped the kunai. He threw it in the direction of the fleeing Stone ninja. Fwoosh. The fleeing Stone ninja felt something fly out from his chest. He looked down and saw a kunai. Then he fell from the tree.

"This..."

Matsushita watched the scene before him in shock. Before he could even pursue, it was already over.

"Was killing a Jonin this simple? Karot, just how strong are you?"

Matsushita thought to himself.

After resting for an hour, the squad set off again. Due to Sanada's injury, the squad's speed was affected. What should have taken one day to reach their destination took two. By the time they reached the border, the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.

Everyone's face was grim, like a powder keg, ready to explode at the slightest spark.

Entry and exit were strictly controlled, and even after Matsushita and his group arrived, they underwent multiple checks before being allowed into the camp.

"You've worked hard, Matsushita."

The Jonin handling the handover gave Matsushita a happy hug. They were friends, and seeing a friend in this place always brought joy.

"Not at all, you're the ones who've worked hard. Without you guarding the border, the village wouldn't have peace."

"Right, let me introduce you. This is Hatake Karot."

"Karot, my good friend, Inoue. He's also a disciple of Teacher Hatake."

"Hatake, could it be?"

The receiving Jonin looked at Matsushita. Seeing Matsushita nod, he confirmed his guess.

"Son of Teacher Hatake is indeed talented. Your reputation from the Chunin Exams has reached even here, the genius of the Hatake clan."

"Oh, really?"

Karot bashfully scratched the back of his head. After all, he was thin-skinned, and being called a genius to his face was a bit embarrassing.

After a brief exchange, Inoue left.

"I didn't expect our mission to be classified as A-rank."

The squad was very happy. An upgrade meant an increase in commission, and no one would be unhappy about a raise.

"This is just the beginning. Don't get arrogant or complacent. Every A-rank mission is extremely dangerous. A moment's carelessness could cost you your life."

Matsushita earnestly reminded them. He didn't want his squad members to be lost, especially with Karot about to leave the team. He wanted to alert the squad members. He had reported the detailed process of the mission, and with a ninja as capable as Karot, the village would surely have other arrangements for him.

"Don't worry, Teacher. When have we ever not listened to you? Except for Karot."

"That last sentence, I can't pretend I didn't hear it."

Karot appeared behind Sanada from somewhere, saying softly.

"So what if you heard it? I'm just speaking the truth."

Sanada's mouth was his hardest part.

Karot poked Sanada's wound with his finger.

"Ah."

Sanada yelped in pain.

"Karot, look what you've done."

"Doing good deeds, being civilized, thank you for the compliment."

Karot's defiant attitude, like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, made Sanada's face turn red with anger. These two were truly a pair. Matsushita even got a headache. They bickered whenever they had the chance, Sanada always getting bullied by Karot, only to make up moments later. This must be youth.

With the mission over, there was no rush to get back, so they leisurely returned.

"Ee, ee."

The cry of an eagle came from overhead.

Upon seeing the messenger hawk, Matsushita's expression instantly changed.

He let out a whistling sound to signal it, and the eagle circling above descended, landing steadily on Matsushita's shoulder. Matsushita took the note the eagle had delivered. After reading it, his face grew serious. He spoke.

"The situation has changed. We don't need to return to the village. Urgent mission: a Jonin has betrayed us. Our task is to capture him alive, or kill him."

"Hiss, a Jonin would betray us."

Sanada looked incredulous. After all, those who become Jonin are geniuses, possessing considerable power. The betrayal of a Jonin would cause immeasurable losses to their side, such as troop deployment and personnel intelligence.