Kumoi continued:
"You have three tasks:
"First, ensure there are no unknown threats within the mission area that exceed a C-rank assessment. Pay particular attention to signs of activity by other ninja villages or unidentified forces.
"Second, monitor the mission's progress. If Team 7 encounters a sudden, fatal danger beyond their capabilities, and Sarutobi's aide is unable to deal with it in time for some reason, I authorize you to intervene discreetly and resolve the crisis.
"Third, if you discover anything unusual in clues related to the Uzumaki Survivors, or if unforeseen complications arise during the rendezvous, report directly to me through encrypted channels immediately."
He paused, then emphasized:
"Remember, your foremost principle is to remain shadows.
"Unless Team 7 faces a definite threat of death that they cannot handle, do not interfere, even if they are injured, suffer setbacks, or have their mission obstructed. Those are experiences they must go through to grow.
"Do not interfere with the process. Just ensure the bottom line—bring them back alive."
"Yes!"
The Anbu accepted the order in a deep voice without the slightest hesitation:
"I will arrange the Dark Crow Unit immediately. Its members specialize in remote surveillance, environmental camouflage, and emergency intervention."
"Go.
"Set the operation's secrecy level to B-1. You will report directly to me."
Kumoi waved a hand.
The Anbu's figure vanished as though melting into the shadows, leaving Kumoi alone in the office once more.
He returned to his desk and sat down, but instead of immediately reviewing the newly delivered documents, he gently rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Perhaps those arrangements had been overly cautious.
With Senior Brother Hiruzen's abilities and experience, handling a C-rank mission should have been effortless.
But he understood better than anyone the strangeness of "plot inertia" and the chain reactions that