007 Shatters the Deadly Curtain

Success was the only option—failure was forbidden?

Uchiha Mai raised his hand with a swish.

"What is your question, Mai?" Sarutobi Hiruzen raised a hand to signal for Mai to speak. He had been deeply impressed by this Uchiha prodigy.

"What happens if we fail? Will the village punish us?

"Also, Senior Sakumo, the Anbu Minister, is here as well, which proves how important this mission is. Is it really all right to involve a few children like us in something this significant?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was momentarily speechless. I haven't even introduced the mission yet, and he's already considering what happens if it fails?

The atmosphere in the office became somewhat awkward.

After a few seconds, Sarutobi Hiruzen forced a smile and said kindly, "Konoha belongs to everyone. We will not casually sacrifice or punish any Konoha ninja.

"The reason I said success was the only option was to emphasize the importance of this mission. As long as we make a proper plan and carry it out strictly, this mission can certainly be completed.

"Unless one of you disobeys orders during the mission, you will not be punished even if it fails, because everyone will have done their best."

As long as he did not slack off, he would not be punished. That was good.

Sarutobi Hiruzen paused before continuing, "As for your second question, you will understand shortly.

"Does anyone else have any questions?"

No one replied.

"Good. Then I will briefly explain."

Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat, took a sip of his goji berry tea, and began slowly, "The matter began with Tsunade being ambushed.

"Tanzaku Town lies in the heartland of the Land of Fire, not far from Konoha. Tsunade was ambushed while returning to Konoha, yet our intelligence network detected nothing. That was a dereliction of