Mission Operation

After an early meal, Sosuke and Shimura Kazumi set out for the location specified in their mission.

The relationship between them, which had begun to thaw, seemed to return to square one after Sosuke asked that ill-advised question yesterday.

Throughout the journey, Shimura Kazumi kept a cold expression and barely said a word. She simply led Sosuke toward their destination in silence, while he could only offer a helpless smile.

This time, the two of them didn't hurry.

No matter what, night was the best time to carry out this mission, so there was no need to rush. They only had to arrive before dark.

Besides, taking their time would help them conserve their strength. Even under normal circumstances, a ninja would rarely travel the way Sosuke had yesterday, using Flash Step to cover the distance.

That method consumed an immense amount of chakra, and any unexpected situation could easily get out of control!

Since this band of thieves, which included enemy-country ninja, had become their target, their mission was simple: wipe out the entire gang.

After traveling for a whole day, they finally reached a place that looked like a village.

Night had fallen.

Sosuke and Shimura Kazumi stood atop a tall rock, their faces hidden behind masks. Ignoring the chill of the high winds, they carefully observed the distant village, where wisps of smoke curled into the sky.

At first glance, it looked like an ordinary village.

But a closer look revealed otherwise.

The surrounding fields had long since fallen into ruin. The farming tools outside every house were caked with dust. In the middle of the autumn harvest season, this was an obvious giveaway.

Sosuke quietly pointed out some of the village's strange details to Shimura Kazumi, who stood beside him.

At his words, Shimura Kazumi's expression softened a little. She turned to him in surprise.

"Never thought you had such an eye for detail, kid. You're right. According to the intel, the people in this village were probably slaughtered about a year ago. The ones living here now are nothing but a band of thieves."

Her voice was perfectly calm, as though she wasn't at all surprised that an entire village had been wiped out.

Hearing this, Sosuke felt a strange tightness in his chest. When he looked at the village again, his gaze held a trace of melancholy and longing.

If the Konoha Ninja hadn't arrived back then, my bones would probably have been left there just like those villagers', with no one to bury them. What a bunch of bastards.

At the thought, his gaze turned cold as he looked toward the village again. Shimura Kazumi, standing beside him, didn't notice.

After surveying the village's layout, the two of them withdrew for the time being.

A good ninja always made a detailed, comprehensive plan before carrying out a mission. That was the only way to complete the task flawlessly and survive.

Shimura Kazumi was young, but she was an experienced jonin who had completed countless missions.

Before long, she had devised an effective plan of attack.

Under the fading light and pale moon, it was easy to see how tall and slender she was.

She pointed to a rough map of the village, but her bright, dark eyes were fixed on Sosuke.

"According to the intel, there are about a hundred thieves in this village. We haven't found out how many of them are ninja, but a conservative estimate puts the number at no fewer than ten. The good news is that none of them should be stronger than an elite Chunin. Most of them are probably ordinary Chunin."

She looked Sosuke over, then spoke softly.

"With your abilities, you should be able to handle them."

Then she pointed to several spots on the map.

"Here, here, and here. Try to avoid these areas. If I'm not mistaken, they're probably covered with traps and Explosive Tags. Never underestimate how cunning the enemy can be!"

Sosuke looked up at Shimura Kazumi and asked quietly, "Captain Hannya, aren't we carrying out this mission together? From the plan you've described, it sounds like we're splitting up and attacking from two different directions."

"Yes. Danzo gave that order personally. Although I'm technically your captain, I won't go out of my way to help you during the mission. You defeated four Root ninja on your own, after all. I'm sure you can take care of yourself."

She answered Sosuke's question coldly, but inside, she felt entirely different. She was practically bursting with laughter.

You little brat! What's wrong? Scared for once? You're always smiling! Let's see if you can keep smiling this time!

After hearing Shimura Kazumi's explanation, Sosuke thought for a moment, seeming as though he wanted to say something. In the end, however, he didn't object.

"I understand."

This works out, too... With no one else around... it'll be easier to punish this gang of ruthless thieves.

Sosuke's quiet reply took Shimura Kazumi by surprise.

He didn't even object. This kid really is gutsy!

It might be a challenge for a kid who's spent his whole life in the village, but don't worry. I'll keep a close eye on you from the shadows. After all, if you got hurt, your uncle probably wouldn't be happy.

Only after thinking this did Shimura Kazumi finish her instructions and prepare to set off with Sosuke.

The two of them crept toward the village.

Just as they were about to part ways, Shimura Kazumi suddenly called out to Sosuke. Her voice was cold, but she still gave him a warning.

"Remember, Aizen! Stick to the route I gave you. Every thief here deserves to die. Don't hold back!"

"It's unlikely, but if you run into a powerful ninja, send up the signal to regroup. I'll get there as quickly as I can!"

Hearing her words, Sosuke thought, Captain Hannya can be pretty considerate after all.

His face was hidden by his mask, but he was still smiling as he replied softly.

"I'll carry out the mission carefully. Thanks for the reminder, Captain Hannya."

This time, Shimura Kazumi was finally somewhat satisfied with Sosuke's attitude.

And so the two of them slowly slipped into this unusual village.

The mission...

began!