It was worth mentioning that the Land of Iron also lay east of the Land of Fire and bordered it. However, the Land of Iron was a Permanently Neutral Country made up entirely of samurai and did not participate in disputes within the Ninja World.
This Border Patrol Mission involved more than just the four members of Team 11. They would gather at Konoha's eastern border outpost with other Konoha ninja assigned to Patrol Missions, then form larger teams under the outpost commander's arrangements. The Jonin or Special Jonin leading the teams would also be reassigned.
The commander of Konoha's eastern border outpost was Torifu Akimichi of the Akamichi Clan, a comrade of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi and a member of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju's guard unit.
Once they reached the border outpost, Jiogan and the other two might have to separate from their teacher, Kurama Heiji, to carry out their missions. As a Jonin—and one of the rare Genjutsu-type ninja—Kurama Heiji would most likely be assigned to more important duties at the border.
Thus, on their way to the outpost, Kurama Heiji had already prepared Jiogan and the other two mentally.
Jiogan was fine with it and had long been prepared, but Kurama Feiyun and Inuzuka Yoru were clearly nervous. Their strength had yet to reach Chunin level, and they lacked confidence.
"Feiyun, Yoru, don't be nervous. This isn't wartime. The outpost will assign missions according to your strength as much as possible. With your abilities, they won't give you anything too dangerous. During the mission, listen to Jiogan's arrangements," Kurama Heiji said.
"Jiogan, I may not be able to watch over you the entire time this time. Remember, safety comes first. Don't act recklessly, and don't rush ahead for credit. This mission may take at least two months. I don't want to hear news of any of you getting hurt!" Kurama Heiji said in a low voice.
"Don't worry, Sensei. I'll do everything I can to complete the mission and protect Feiyun and Yoru. We'll all make it back alive." Jiogan knew the next two months would be fraught with danger, but his words were full of resolve.
He would not let any of them come to harm!
Two days later, the group arrived at the eastern outpost. Only after verifying their identities and checking their mission authorization documents did they enter the outpost to await the commander's next patrol assignment.
Before long, Commander Torifu Akimichi summoned Team 11. Jiogan and the others had arrived just in time for the outpost's weekly rotation, which would take place tomorrow. A batch of Konoha ninja would return to the outpost tomorrow to rest and recuperate, while Jiogan and the others would replace them and set out to patrol the designated area for three weeks.
In other words, Team 11 would spend the night at the outpost and leave directly for the rotation tomorrow. Meanwhile, under Torifu Akimichi's arrangements, Kurama Heiji would temporarily remain at the outpost and await further orders. That had nothing to do with Jiogan and the other two, however. The missions accepted by Jonin were A-rank or above, beyond their ability to participate in.
As night fell, several more squads that had accepted missions from the village arrived at the outpost. Jiogan spotted a familiar stranger—Maruboshi Kosuke!
It's him! Maruboshi Kosuke, the strongest Genin! This is my first time seeing him! He was one of my favorite characters when I watched the anime! Jiogan was visibly excited, and he also let out a sigh of relief.
Looks like Maruboshi Kosuke is part of this rotation as well. He and I should be in the same team. Even if he hasn't reached the peak Elite Jonin level yet, he definitely has the strength of an ordinary Jonin. The safety of this mission has increased greatly! Jiogan felt that the heavens had treated him well.
At the same time, Maruboshi Kosuke sensed Jiogan's gaze and looked over. Seeing Jiogan's age, attire, and somewhat excited expression, he immediately came to a conclusion. A child who graduated not long ago? So full of energy. Looks like this mission won't be boring.
Then he gave Jiogan a friendly smile. "Hello, I'm Maruboshi Kosuke, a Genin from the village. We should be comrades in the same rotation team. Please take care of me during this mission!"
"Greetings, Senior Kosuke! We are Jiogan from this year's Team 11, Kurama Feiyun, and Inuzuka Yoru. We'll have to trouble you to look after us during the upcoming mission, Senior Kosuke!" With that, he led Feiyun and Yoru in a deep bow to Maruboshi Kosuke.
This greatly surprised Maruboshi Kosuke. It was rare to see children this polite. Ever since he had sworn to remain a Genin, he had now reached adulthood. Many ninja who did not know the truth would see someone his age still at Genin rank and inevitably look down on him. Disdainful looks were commonplace.
What a joke. Jiogan knew Maruboshi Kosuke's true strength, while Kurama Feiyun and Inuzuka Yoru were both easygoing people, so neither of them felt that anything was wrong.
After chatting with Maruboshi Kosuke for a while longer, everyone returned to their tents to rest.
The next day, the rotation team returned to the outpost. After reporting to Commander Torifu Akimichi, Jiogan and his group were summoned.
After entering the Command Tent, Torifu Akimichi explained their patrol area. "Your patrol zone is along the coastline directly east of the Land of Fire. The situation there is currently fairly stable, but ninja from Enemy Countries may invade at any time. Your main opponent will be Kirigakure. Your mission is to eliminate all invading enemies and protect the stability of our eastern coastline."
"The outpost will issue each of you three Signal Flares. If you encounter enemies you cannot defeat or a large-scale invasion, release a Signal Flare! Other nearby patrol squads will quickly come to your aid! Your patrol period is three weeks. You are to contact the outpost through messenger hawks at noon and midnight every day to exchange intelligence!"
"There are six people in your squad. In addition to the original members of Team 11, Genin Maruboshi Kosuke, Genin Anima, and Genin Okamura Taro will also be assigned to the patrol team. You will be Patrol Squad 36! Maruboshi Kosuke will serve as commander!" As he spoke, Torifu Akimichi gave Maruboshi Kosuke a complicated look.
As a member of the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju's guard unit, Torifu Akimichi knew Maruboshi Kosuke's circumstances and understood his strength. Therefore, there was no question that Maruboshi Kosuke should be made the squad leader.
"The mission arrangements are complete. Patrol Squad 36, depart immediately!" Torifu Akimichi said.
"Yes!" After the six answered in unison, Patrol Squad 36 left the Command Tent and the outpost, racing toward the coastline directly east of the Land of Fire, their patrol destination!
The outpost was three hours away from the coastline directly east of the Land of Fire. While traveling, the patrol squad members introduced themselves and the areas in which they excelled, allowing Maruboshi Kosuke to make tactical arrangements.
There was no need to say much about Maruboshi Kosuke—he excelled at Water Release, Konoha-style Swordsmanship, and Shurikenjutsu. Of the other two, Anima excelled at Fire Release and Trap Setting, while Okamura Taro excelled at Earth Release and Senbon.
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