Remember if you want to read up to 40 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer
I'm currently updating the novel 1 or 2 chapter a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 107 right now.
Discord invite: https://discord.gg/XHduApz
Enjoy you sexy bastards.
NOTE: Please go to my patreeon, and no this isn't me asking for money so control your tits. I have an ongoing project being posted for free there, meaning you don't have to pay to read it. The project itself in on a testing phase, so I need all the sexy eyes I can get.
——————————————
[Mr. Yamato - First Person POV]
As we entered Lord Third's office, it was as serene as ever, though I could feel that he had summoned us for something important. My team had passed the Chunin Exams just a few days ago, and their performance had attracted the attention of some influential people who were now interested in hiring them—if anything, to meet the trio. Today was a perfect example of that. We had been summoned by Lord Third himself for what would be our first mission as a newly promoted Chunin squad.
And seeing that Lord Third hadn't outright rejected the mission—unlike the first twenty missions the nobles had sent just to meet my team—it meant one thing. Whoever had posted this mission had massive political pull in the village, big enough to make Lord Third reconsider his firm stance on letting my team slowly get accustomed to their new role.
I could only guess who our client was, as there were many nobles capable of convincing Lord Third, but considering the limited number of people with that kind of power and how quickly Lord Third had relented, it could only mean one thing.
This mission came from the Daimyo himself. Or at the very least, someone very close to him.
"Team Yamato, you've been summoned for an important mission," Lord Third began, his voice steady but tired. He sat at his desk, looking at the four of us with his keen eyes. There was a subtle shift in his tone that told me this wasn't just any mission. "The mission in question will take place in two weeks from now."
The boys stood still at my side, listening intently. They were all focused, which was good. They could be excited, yes, but duty came first, then enjoyment.
"This is an escort mission," Lord Third continued. "You are to escort the Fire Daimyo and a high-profile noble throughout their journey. The noble in question is a close friend of the Daimyo and one of the largest investors in the Fire Country. And it goes without saying how important the Fire Daimyo is."
So, I was right. The Fire Daimyo was involved. But if that was the case, considering the importance of the clients, there was no way he was assigning this mission to our squad alone. As talented as my kids were, it would be irresponsible to put Konoha's economy in their hands.
This mission required a large squad of elite shinobi.
"You won't be handling this alone," Lord Third added, as if reading my mind, his eyes flicking from me to the three boys. "It goes without saying how important this mission is, so I've assigned additional personnel. You will be working with Kohinata Mukai and his squad. Due to his experience, he will act as the squad leader for this mission."
I had heard of Kohinata Mukai. There wasn't much information about him, other than his long track record of completing dangerous missions without injury. He was no stranger to high-profile missions. His skill was impressive, if a bit mysterious, even among his fellow ninja of the Leaf. But as enigmatic as the man was, I had no doubt he had the experience required to lead this mission.
The boys remained still, though I could tell they were processing the news in their own ways. Shisui, with his ever-present grin, had a flicker of curiosity behind his eyes. Itachi looked calm but was most likely considering the implications of the mission. And Takeshi, with his characteristic serenity, looked as though he had expected this mission to be more complex than it appeared.
"Beyond Kohinata's squad," Lord Third continued, taking a puff from his pipe, "you will also be accompanied by Shuri Mashiro, a Tokubetsu Jōnin specializing in medical ninjutsu. She's been handpicked for this mission due to her expertise, which might come in handy should anything go wrong."
Shuri Mashiro was another name I recognized, but not for the same reasons as Kohinata. Her skills in medical ninjutsu were well-regarded throughout the village. Her presence meant Lord Third was preparing for every possible scenario.
"And lastly," the Hokage said, "an ANBU squad of my choosing will also be involved. Their task will be to ensure the security of the Fire Daimyo, creating a safe perimeter at all times. That being said, they will remain separate from your team, tailing your movements with a delay of a few miles."
ANBU involvement... well, that wasn't a surprise. Escort missions with nobles of this caliber could attract attention from rival nations, bandits, and mercenaries. There were always people looking to make a move to hurt Konoha. Hopefully, if we were lucky, this mission would go without a hitch.
I glanced at my team again. This was their first Chunin mission, and it felt like they were being thrust into the deep end. No Chunin would normally be assigned to this mission unless the Fire Daimyo himself asked for them, which no doubt explained why we were here. Still, I knew they could handle anything this mission had in store. And if something they couldn't handle came, I would be there to protect them.
"This mission is crucial," Lord Third said, letting out a sigh. "Failure is not an option. You must ensure the safety of your clients at all costs. Kohinata Mukai will be your mission leader, and you will follow his lead. However, as Chunin, I expect each of you to operate with the independence and maturity your rank demands." He paused, letting the words sink in. "You are no longer students. You are no longer kids in the eyes of the world. You are shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. Act accordingly."
I nodded, stepping forward to bow. "Understood, Lord Hokage." Behind me, the boys bowed as well.
"Prepare yourselves. You leave in two weeks," Lord Third concluded with a smile on his face.
———————————————————————————————————
As we exited the Hokage's office, I could sense a mixture of excitement and tension from the team, which was to be expected. This was their first high-profile mission as Chunin. We walked in silence for a while until I finally stopped and turned to face them. "You heard the Hokage. This mission is important, and we don't have a lot of time to prepare."
The three stood in front of me. Despite their youth, they had already proven themselves time and again, and this was yet another test.
"We've got two weeks before we head out," I continued, my gaze shifting between them. "That's more than enough time to make sure we're prepared for anything. I want each of you to think about what you might need to work on in the coming days."
Shisui grinned, his typical enthusiasm barely contained. "No problem, sensei. I'm always ready for a challenge. But... are you saying we've got some downtime?"
I chuckled softly. "Downtime from missions, yes. From training? No. In fact, I would like to teach each of you a jutsu before we go on this mission."
Takeshi raised an eyebrow, a faint smile creeping up his face. "Well… that does sound quite appealing, sensei."
"A new jutsu, huh?" Shisui mused, tapping his chin in contemplation. "Sure, why not. I could always add another technique to my arsenal."
Itachi nodded thoughtfully. "I agree."
I smiled, glad to see they were on board with the idea. "I've got a few ideas, but the choice will depend on your individual needs and preferences. For example, Takeshi, you've got exceptional chakra control and stamina. And while I'm not a wind-style user myself, I know someone who owes me a favor or two, who would love to teach you a few of his tricks."
Takeshi's eyes lit up slightly at the suggestion. His usual calm demeanor didn't betray much emotion, but I could tell he was interested.
"Itachi," I continued, turning to him. "Your Sharingan is developing well, and you've got a strong foundation. But your stamina leaves a lot to be desired. I have the perfect man for that job, a certain Taijutsu specialist who loves pushing himself."
Itachi gave a small nod, his lips curving into the tiniest smile. "That would be useful. Though I have to say I take offense to your critique, sensei. You're comparing my stamina to Takeshi, who seems physically unable to tire himself out, and Shisui, who is more energy than person. That being said, I agree with your assessment."
Shisui gasped dramatically, clutching his chest in mock indignation. "Itachi, my dear friend, I'm wounded by your words." His usual dramatics out of the way, Shisui turned to me, grinning. "And what about me, sensei? Don't tell me you've forgotten about your favorite student."
Favorite student? Ha! I don't measure my brats by who's my favorite, but by how many headaches they've caused me. Itachi wins by being the least annoying, with just twelve headaches, compared to Shisui's twelve hundred and counting.
I sighed. "I'll teach you a few jutsu myself. You're lacking in the defense department, and that's my specialty, so I'll be your teacher."
Shisui's grin widened, satisfied with the answer. "See, I told you I was the favorite."
"Well… statistically speaking, there was bound to be someone masochistic enough for that to happen. The odds were low..." Takeshi smiled, shaking his head. "But never zero."