The whole clan thought I was scared to death

Chikage could barely breathe under the weight of all these things.

He turned to Fugaku, hoping the clan head would rein in his wife.

Instead, Fugaku stepped forward with a grave expression.

His hands were clasped behind his back, and his eyes were full of worry.

"If your Aunt Mikoto tells you to take them, take them."

"Bring a little extra. Better safe than sorry."

Chikage sighed and could only stuff both the food container and the cloth bundle into his backpack.

The backpack, which had held only his money pouch, immediately bulged at the seams.

Watching Chikage pack, Fugaku lowered his voice.

"Do you remember everything I told you last night?"

Chikage nodded as he pulled the zipper shut.

"I remember. If I run into danger, throw Explosive Tags."

Fugaku shook his head, his expression growing even graver.

"It's not just about Explosive Tags."

"Root operatives specialize in disguise and assassination."

"You can't let your guard down around anyone you meet on the road."

"Even an ordinary-looking merchant could be an assassin in disguise."

Chikage slung his backpack on and clapped his hands together.

"Don't worry, Clan Head."

"I'm taking the Official Trade Route. There'll be people all along the way."

"They won't dare attack me openly."

Fugaku wasn't listening to Chikage's explanation at all.

To him, Chikage was putting on a carefree act to hide his fear.

"You always insist on putting on a brave face."

"If Danzo arranged this death trap, he must have prepared for every possibility."

"When you sleep at night, you must keep one eye open."

"Before eating or drinking anything, always test it for poison with a silver needle."

Chikage rolled his eyes at all this.

Sleeping with one eye on watch was something only an owl could manage.

He was a working man who valued a regular routine. Quality sleep was essential.

"Clan Head, it really isn't that serious."

"I'm just investigating a Smuggling Case. Once I'm done, I'll come back."

Fugaku glared at him, his tone turning sterner.

"Don't try to fool me."

"The Smuggling Case is only a cover. You're their target!"

"Once you reach the Border, don't go anywhere remote."

"Stay in a crowded town and stall for time."

"After ten days or a couple of weeks, just say you couldn't find any leads and come straight back to the village."

Chikage nodded repeatedly at that.

This suggestion suited him perfectly.

He could take the two hundred thousand ryo in funding and spend a few days in a nice hotel in a border town.

Every day, he could purchase supplies, lodging, and intelligence according to High-Risk Mission standards, then clock in on time for double points.

Now that was the paid business trip he wanted.

"That's a great idea. I'll do as you say."

Chikage's agreement did nothing to ease Fugaku's worries.

He stepped closer again and lowered his voice further.

"And if Root operatives really do surround you..."

"Don't try to fight your way through."

"Even if you fail the mission and lose all two hundred thousand ryo, you must stay alive."

"Do you hear me?"

Looking at Fugaku's anxious expression, Chikage felt rather helpless.

He really wanted to tell Fugaku that he now had Lightning Release Chakra Mode, as well as the Sharingan.

If it actually came to a fight, those few Root assassins might not even be able to stop him.

But he couldn't say that.

If he did, he would have to explain where those abilities had come from.

Then Fugaku would surely dream up a whole slew of tragic, heroic scenarios again.

Chikage could only go along with Fugaku, nodding like a chick pecking grain.

"I hear you, I hear you."

"My life matters more than money. If I can't beat them, I'll run."

Seeing Chikage's perfunctory attitude, Fugaku couldn't contain his irritation.

He reached out and flicked Chikage on the forehead.

"Don't just nod. Take it to heart!"

"This is Root we're talking about! Root, who kill without blinking!"

Chikage covered his forehead and backed away.

"Clan Head, no violence, please."

"I'm carrying out official duties on behalf of the Konoha Military Police Force. That counts as assaulting a public servant."

Fugaku laughed in exasperation.

"At a time like this, you're still going on about regulations."

"I'm warning you. If you come back missing so much as a hair, you'll answer to me!"

Watching from the side, Mikoto's eyes reddened again.

She stepped forward and straightened Chikage's collar.

"Chikage, you have to come back safe and sound."

"Sasuke was still asking for the Three-Color Dango you buy him yesterday."

Seeing Mikoto's reddened eyes, Chikage stopped joking.

He nodded earnestly.

"Don't worry, Aunt Mikoto."

"I'll be back in a few days. I'll bring Sasuke some local specialties from the Border."

Fugaku wanted to add a few more reminders.

Chikage quickly raised his wrist and glanced at his watch.

Eight forty.

Only twenty minutes remained before his nine o'clock clock-in.

It would take more than ten minutes to walk to the village gate from here.

If he kept listening to Fugaku's nagging, his double clock-in points for the day would go up in smoke.

"Clan Head, it's getting late."

"I need to hurry to the village gate to meet up, or I'll be late."

As he spoke, Chikage turned, ready to make his escape.

Fugaku grabbed his arm.

"What's the rush?"

"I'm not finished yet."

Chikage stamped his foot in anxiety.

"Whatever else you need to tell me, can't it wait until I get back?"

"They dock my pay if I'm late!"

Fugaku's eyes widened.

"Who cares about docked pay?"

"I'll make it up to you!"

Chikage shook his head inwardly.

What good would that do? You can't make up my clock-in points.

That's two hundred points. I could trade them for plenty of good stuff.

"Clan Head, rules are rules."

"As deputy captain of the Konoha Military Police Force, how could I set an example by being late?"

"Wouldn't you be making me break the rules?"

As he spoke, Chikage tugged his arm free of Fugaku's grip.

Seeing that Chikage was determined to leave, Fugaku could only sigh helplessly.

"All right, go."

"Be very careful on the road."

As though granted a pardon, Chikage raced toward the village gate with his bulging backpack, without looking back.

After running a dozen or so meters, he turned and waved to Fugaku and Mikoto.

"Clan Head, Aunt Mikoto, head back!"

"I'll bring you gifts when I return!"

Fugaku stood where he was, watching Chikage's figure recede into the distance.

His fists were clenched tight.

"That boy. He's clearly scared to death, yet he insists on acting like he doesn't care."

Mikoto wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

"Yes. He doesn't want us to worry."

"Fugaku, have you made the arrangements with Itachi?"

Fugaku nodded, his gaze sharpening.

"Don't worry. Itachi already left this morning."

"With him watching over Chikage from the shadows, he'll be fine."

Meanwhile, Chikage was sprinting down the street with his heavy backpack.

He had no idea what tragic heroics Fugaku and Mikoto were imagining behind his back.

Right now, there was only one thing on his mind.

Clock in!

I absolutely cannot miss the nine o'clock clock-in!

Eight fifty-five.

Chikage finally reached the gates of Konoha.

The Chunin handling registration at the gate looked rather surprised to see Chikage running up, drenched in sweat.

"Deputy Captain Chikage, are you heading out on a mission?"

Panting heavily, Chikage handed over his Official Dispatch.

"Yes. I'm going to the Border to investigate a case."

"Please hurry with the registration. I'm pressed for time."

The Chunin took the Official Dispatch, glanced at it, and quickly stamped the register.

"All done. Your paperwork is in order."

"Good luck with your mission."