Excavations began the very next morning with the first rays of dawn. All the archaeologists were prepared to observe, while their students and assistants held various tools and instruments essential for their work. The mound seemed to be waiting for the moment it would finally be unearthed.
While the archaeologists settled at their tables, enjoying their morning tea, the students busily prepared for the dig. They carefully marked the area around the mound using ropes and wooden stakes to define the boundaries for the upcoming research.
The assistants, dressed simply, carried the necessary tools—from wooden shovels to small brushes for delicate work. The students systematically assigned the assistants to their positions, and they began their preliminary tasks.
"What are you doing, you fat-butted cockroach!" one particularly irritable student yelled, angrily kicking an assistant who had driven a stake into the ground too deeply.
"Sorry! Sorry!" the assistant immediately apologized, picking up the scattered items he had dropped.
The archaeologists sat calmly at their tables, indifferent to the scene that had unfolded. It seemed the life of an archaeologist's assistant was not as pleasant as it appeared. For all the time I'd been around them, I had thought they led rather peaceful and positive lives. But after this scene, I realized that perception was misleading. Then again, a deeply driven stake could damage something hidden beneath it, possibly an ancient relic capable of altering history—just like in the book I bought for myself.
"Hmm," was all Shiko said as she watched. "Still, it's better being a shinobi. We'd definitely get paid for such a mission, and no one would dare kick or shout at us."
"Well, yeah. A shinobi could knock someone's head off for that kind of thing," I shrugged. "And if the person doing it is unstable, it could be even worse… not a pleasant situation for the client."
Shiko nodded in agreement. I had woken up a few hours earlier and even managed to train a bit with Maito. The man thrashed me so thoroughly in our sparring match that it was no joke. But afterward, he calmly explained where I had gone wrong and what other opponents might have done in my place. Such training and guidance from a seasoned jounin, a master of his craft, is incredibly valuable for my personal development.
After that, Kiochi-sensei also worked with me, finally deciding to help me develop a skill that had been gathering dust. I hadn't used it much before since there hadn't been a need. Genjutsu can be a terrifying weapon in the hands of an experienced user. I'm still far from that level, but if I keep working at it, I could make decent progress.
The assistants worked all day preparing. As the sun began to set, excavation was halted, and the archaeologists started getting ready for the night's rest. This didn't affect us, as we had our own schedule. Being in a not particularly friendly territory, we couldn't afford to relax and let a potential enemy exploit our complacency.
The first night passed with some tension but was relatively quiet. Nothing noteworthy occurred, apart from a surprise encounter with a chakra beast. We didn't even have to scare it off; we just let it continue on its way.
The next morning began with the archaeologists picking up shovels and moving to their designated parts of the mound.
"Alright, friends," the head of the archaeological group began, "today we'll begin unearthing this mound. May luck be with us. Shovels up!"
"Shovels up!" the other archaeologists shouted in response, and in a coordinated movement, they thrust their shovels into the hard earth. To be honest, I wouldn't want to be digging into such tough ground. It's not the most enjoyable task.
The archaeologists dug for only a minute before handing their shovels to the students, who in turn pressed the assistants into service. The assistants began to dig without question, thrusting their shovels into the earth. The students, like hawks, moved around the mound, overseeing the work and shouting if they noticed something improper. The archaeologists themselves settled back at their tables once again, enjoying the views, reading books or scrolls, or playing games.
They were attended by very pretty assistants, who certainly weren't digging. These assistants carried trays, brewed tea, or prepared meals. We didn't get anything from their table, but none of the shinobi even thought of asking. We had our own food, which, to be honest, wasn't any worse.
"They sit and eat," Neji remarked. "But they'll die of hunger."
"Too deep," I replied after a few seconds. "That was too deep, Neji."
"That's their fate, and there's no going against it," he said with a shrug. He didn't seem to care at all.
At some point, Neji had bought a small treatise called The Postulates of Heaven, and just yesterday, he began reading it during his free moments. It must be something interesting.
"Got it," I finished our brief conversation.
At that moment, I noticed Ten Ten approaching us. She was preparing for a quick patrol around the perimeter to check all the traps and some of the signal barriers. We'd been talking more since that evening, but nothing serious. Shiko and Ayamane had noticed that Ten Ten seemed to be angling for closer interaction with me, and they started giving me disapproving looks. But I shrugged it off. They'd said from the beginning that we were just teammates, and every time they turned down an offer for a café meetup. So, that's not my problem.
"Suzuki," the girl addressed me. "Would you mind keeping me company on the perimeter check?"
"Why not?" I shrugged, standing up. "When do we head out?"
"Now," she nodded confidently.
"Alright, genin," said the captain of the twelfth team, aware of where we were headed. "Be careful."
"Hai," we both replied.
Adjusting my gear, I glanced at Ten Ten, who unexpectedly pulled out a small mirror and fixed something on her face. Only then did I notice the light makeup that subtly highlighted her expressive eyes.
"I'm ready. Let's go."
We jumped forward, quickly moving away from camp. Within seconds, we leaped onto a tree and swiftly headed toward the first and nearest trap. After launching ourselves off the water, we skipped across the lake a few times before climbing up a tall cliff. At its base were several explosive tags designed to collapse the cliff and shower a large area with razor-sharp stone fragments. All in all, a pretty good trap.
"Hmm," Ten Ten muttered as she inspected the tag. "It's a little damp, but nothing serious."
"And how are you going to fix that?" I asked.
"It's simple," she smiled. "Just need a chakra pulse, and that's it."
She pressed her fingers to the tag and sent out a pulse. The moisture immediately scattered, leaving the explosive tag intact and dry. A neat trick—one I should remember for myself.
"Very nice, Ten Ten," I nodded. "Shall we move on?"
"Wait a minute," she said, blushing slightly. "I wanted us to sit at the top of the cliff and hold hands."
"Is that your wish?" I asked, still remembering that I owed her one.
"No-no," she quickly shook her head. "It's just that..."
"Alright, don't worry," I chuckled, approaching her. "Let's go."
For some reason, Ten Ten blushed even more and lowered her gaze. To be honest, I was getting aroused, but I didn't act on it. Suddenly, she came up to me, hugged me tightly, and pressed herself close, deeply inhaling my scent as if savoring it.
I won't lie—it wasn't unpleasant to feel her soft curves pressing against my chest—but I kept my hands to myself. Even my little comrade seemed eager to join the action, reporting his readiness for battle at the first sign.
"Oh," Ten Ten suddenly noticed something. "What's this big, thick thing pressing against me?"
"A scroll," I lied.
Ten Ten looked at me, and then a mischievous smile appeared on her face. It seemed my lie didn't quite pass. Oh well.
"Yeah... a big scroll, an unusual size," she said, tilting her head slightly.
"It is what it is," I replied with a faint smirk, giving nothing away.
She smiled and, with a few quick jumps, leapt to the top of the cliff. I followed her and sat down beside her on a slightly warm rock. Extending my hand, I took hers, sensing her nervousness.
"Have you really let someone else study your scroll?" she asked, blushing as she lowered her gaze.
"Yeah," I answered. "Some people found it interesting. Besides, the scroll is pretty long. Sometimes, you can't get through it in just one night. Just don't have the energy for it."
"Pervert," she said, though she didn't let go of my hand, even though I gave her plenty of chances to.
"And what, are you going to let everyone read your scroll?"
"Of course not," I replied. "But I don't mind sharing it with those I like."
"And what if someone manages to read it all?" she asked.
"Well, we won't know until we try," I shrugged. "I wouldn't mind exploring its end in pleasant company. With one reader... or maybe even several."
"Well, if your scroll is as good as you say," she said, "then it would be a shame not to share it."
"Do you think so?" I asked.
"Well... a lot of people are interested in libraries," she replied.
"Mine's private—access by invitation and agreement only," I countered.
The whole conversation felt surreal. Talking about such a topic with all the metaphors and substitutions was quite something. But if it made Ten Ten feel more comfortable and at ease, then I didn't mind. Maybe something interesting would come of it. The main thing was not to burden myself with anything too heavy. Although... I could always "go out for some milk" and have fun dodging an angry kunoichi. That could be exciting.
I returned my gaze to the water, still holding Ten Ten's hand. She wasn't letting go, which was a bit surprising. I didn't think many girls would want to continue associating with a guy after a conversation like that, with such innuendo. Then again, maybe it was just a bit of fun. I've never had a problem with that. People live their lives... let them live if it makes them happy and comfortable.
In some places, reeds were growing, swaying gently in the breeze. Relaxing slightly, I allowed my consciousness to slip into a meditative state—not the usual kind, but one where I could sense the chakra of the world around me. Ten Ten felt calm, steady, and faint. She wasn't the strongest kunoichi, even compared to others her age, but her strength lay in her exceptional skills.
As my attention drifted across the lake, I suddenly froze. Two chakra sources were hiding beneath the water. Not strong, but strong enough to pose a deadly threat to most genin. This was a problem. I remained still for a moment, continuing to observe the potential enemies.
Coming out of the meditation, I shook off a small bird that had begun inspecting my hair, perhaps thinking of building a nest there. I felt the bird's annoyed gaze as it quickly flew off.
"I've never felt so good and relaxed in my life," Ten Ten sighed.
At that moment, I noticed shadows dissipating under her eyes. Don't tell me she's started interacting with nature chakra herself... Yeah, I'd better be careful, or something might happen. I wouldn't want her turning into a stone statue because of one shinobi's mistake.
"Shh," I said softly, motioning for her to be cautious and alert. With another gesture, I pointed directly at the water. Ten Ten quickly snapped back into focus and joined in.
"Oh..." she murmured, pressing closer to me while trying to get a better look at the lake. "It feels so good to hug you like this."
She genuinely enjoyed it, but she wasn't allowing herself to forget that someone was spying on us, eavesdropping from almost the very beginning. Not drawing too much attention, I gently stroked Ten Ten's back while concentrating on scanning the lake's surface. Soon enough, I spotted two tubes that had been cut far too precisely.
What are the rules in this situation? Decide whether to kill the observers, capture them, or leave them be and report to the higher-ups. Since we're genin on our first major mission outside the Land of Fire, it's best not to rush things and follow the conservative rule: report the information to our superiors. For us, that would be the jounin captains. They'll know how to make the right decision. But that doesn't mean I won't be preparing myself.
"Alright, my dear," I said quietly, loud enough for her to hear. "It's time for us to move."
"You're right," Ten Ten replied, letting go of my hand.
We jumped down from the rock and started moving. I kept a close watch, trying to determine if anyone was following us. But no, no one was trailing us, which was a decent sign of some level of safety.
We quickly returned to camp and headed straight for the captains.
"What happened?" Captain Kiochi asked, looking slightly surprised that we had returned so early.
"Captain," I began, "we spotted two shinobi observing us at Point 1."
"Hmm," he frowned. "What were you able to gather?"
"They could be dangerous for us," I told him. "It was hard to gauge their strength since the scouts were hiding underwater."
"Got it, thanks for the heads-up," Captain Kiochi exhaled, rubbing his chin as he pondered the next steps.
The first thing he decided was to call a brief meeting with the jounin, which lasted only a few minutes. They quickly reached a decision, and soon we were all summoned to receive updated instructions.
"Alright, everyone," Kiochi-sensei addressed us as we sat in a small circle. "I have two pieces of news. First, we need to raise our alertness. Second, we've already attracted attention."
"Who's interested, Kiochi-san?" Nara Itton asked, raising his hand.
"I don't know yet," the captain shrugged. "But scouts have been detected."
He paused, giving everyone a moment to grasp the seriousness of the situation. The genin began to realize that the next phase of the mission wouldn't be as relaxed as before.
"We'll now be operating under wartime protocols," the captain said. "No more perimeter checks alone—only in teams or with a jounin. We won't do your work for you, but we'll back you up in unexpected situations. Next, if you find yourself separated from your group and don't know where they've gone, return to camp immediately. We'll sort things out here. If you're separated and attacked, signal immediately and retreat as quickly as possible. If retreat is impossible, your task is to kill your opponent as fast as you can. Understood?"
"Hai," we all responded. Maito Gai and Sarutobi Tetsuya simply nodded, confirming Captain Subidzuuma Kiochi's words.
"Excellent," he said. "Now, back to work. Team Eleven, you're up for perimeter checks and further reconnaissance of the area."
"Genin, move out," Maito Gai immediately ordered his subordinates.
It was clear that Ten Ten was a little unhappy with this turn of events. It seemed she wanted to spend more time with me. But... it is what it is. For now, the scouts of the neutral side were to blame.
They quickly disappeared, and we returned to our usual duties, keeping an eye on our surroundings. No one wanted to see the appearance of signal smoke from Team Eleven.
A short while later, Gai's team returned from the perimeter check, and we were gathered again.
"So," Maito Gai began, "we found traces of the scouts. We followed the trail to the perimeter boundary. Neji checked the area but couldn't find any further signs. The scouts are gone."
"Thanks for the work," said Kiochi-sensei. "Everything remains in effect. Be ready for a potential and unexpected attack."
"Hai," we all responded.