Konoha cat breeder

Chapter 108: S-Rank Mission

With Little Blue successfully enhanced by chakra infusion, Tonari's life temporarily returned to a calm routine.

Perhaps as a reward for their year of hard work, Hiruzen Sarutobi granted Tonari's team a relatively long vacation.

Day by day, the weather turned cooler. But despite the dropping temperatures, the tense atmosphere in the ninja world showed no signs of abating.

The only exception seemed to be the isolationist Hidden Mist Village, which remained aloof from the turmoil.

While Konoha's ninjas kept all threats at bay, the villagers continued to live peaceful, uneventful lives. For most, the shadow of war felt distant, apart from memories of the recent major conflicts.

But beneath this surface tranquility lay hidden dangers that could erupt at any moment.

Tonari cherished these moments of peace, knowing they wouldn't last long. He devoted himself to training and preparing for the inevitable chaos.

Just as he settled into a routine of training, experiments, and rest, a summons interrupted his schedule.

It was urgent.

When Tonari arrived at the Hokage's office, he found it already packed with people. He was the last to arrive.

Inside were Tsunade, Mugime Kodachi, Uchiha Yoshinari, Nara Yoshino, Namikaze Minato, Akimichi Tōdō, Aburame Shibi, and himself.

"An eight-man team made up of two squads? This has to be an A-rank or even S-rank mission," Tonari thought nervously. "Are we storming a Sand or Stone stronghold?"

The presence of such a high-level team made Tonari's heart race.

Standing next to him, Minato shot him a playful wink.

This would be their first mission together since becoming acquainted.

"Everyone's here," Sarutobi Hiruzen began, glancing at Tonari as he entered. "This is a highly critical mission."

Tonari felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

"First, I must share some unfortunate news," Hiruzen continued. "Our Number Three Outpost in the Land of Rain has been heavily attacked by Sand forces. The assault was sudden and ferocious. Other outposts in the region are also under threat, and reinforcements are stretched thin.

"This requires us to assemble a specialized team and send you in immediately. Your mission is to secure the safety of the outpost survivors. Speed is paramount."

"Sand forces?!" Tsunade exclaimed, slamming her hands on Hiruzen's desk. The sturdy table trembled but held firm.

"Those Sand bastards! Are they planning to reignite the war?"

"This is indeed a troubling situation," Hiruzen admitted. "From the final intelligence we received, it seems the outpost uncovered something highly sensitive to the Sand Village.

"It could be a secret of theirs—or something critical they possess. Whatever it is, it provoked the Sand forces to act so decisively.

"Furthermore, their assault is being led by none other than Chiyo, one of their elders and a formidable kunoichi."

Chiyo?

"Is the mission starting immediately?" Mugime Kodachi asked.

"Yes," Hiruzen confirmed. "Tsunade will lead as team captain, with Kodachi as vice-captain. Your primary objective is to rescue the survivors at the outpost.

"If unforeseen circumstances arise, you may adjust the mission parameters as you see fit."

"I have two questions," Tonari interjected, raising his hand.

Hiruzen gestured for him to proceed.

"First, how did the outpost obtain this secret or item from the Sand Village? And second, if we manage to retrieve it alongside the survivors, should we bring it back to Konoha?"

Hiruzen took a deep draw from his pipe, exhaling only after a long pause.

"This... was unforeseen," he admitted. "If you manage to recover the item while protecting the survivors, leave the original with the Sand forces and bring back a copy to Konoha.

"If it's what we suspect, it's highly sensitive and could explain the Sand Village's extreme reaction."

"And what exactly is this item?" Tsunade pressed, her brow furrowed.

Hiruzen hesitated before answering.

"The information is incomplete, but based on the intelligence received and our analysis, it's likely the Puppet Scrolls—a comprehensive guide to the Sand Village's puppet techniques, including their design and vulnerabilities."

Tonari froze at the revelation.

"Is it too late to refuse this mission?" he thought.

The Puppet Scrolls? That was equivalent to Konoha's Scroll of Seals! No wonder the Sand Village was desperate.

If someone obtained such a vital document, it would cripple the Sand Village. Puppet techniques made up half their military strength. Without them, they'd be like a tiger without claws.

Even the Sand Village's restrained response was commendable. If Tonari were the Kazekage, he'd have declared war immediately.

But how had such an invaluable asset ended up outside the Sand Village?

"We can't afford another major war," Hiruzen said solemnly. "Not after the Second Shinobi World War.

"This mission is critical, but if possible, avoid escalating the conflict. The world needs time to recover from the scars of war."

"Understood!" the group responded in unison.

Hiruzen delivered his final command.

"This mission is classified as... S-rank. Go now. Time is of the essence."

As the group exited, Tsunade gave one last instruction: "You have fifteen minutes to prepare. Meet at the village gates."

The team dispersed immediately to gather supplies, leaving only Tsunade and Tonari behind.

"What's wrong? Any more questions?" Tsunade asked, noticing Tonari lingering.

Tonari sighed. "Tsunade-nee, why are we, a bunch of 'genin,' being sent on an S-rank mission?"

Tsunade smirked. "What? Scared now? Didn't you enjoy being called an 'Honorary Chūnin'? Where's that enthusiasm gone?"

Her teasing lightened the mood, but she gently patted his shoulder.

"Think about it," she added. "The Sand forces likely brought their 'secret weapon' into play.

"Now you know your role in this mission, don't you?"

Tonari's eyes widened in disbelief.

Secret weapon? A jinchūriki?

They wanted him to face Shukaku?!

These people think too highly of me...

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(Chapter End)

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