Chapter 0074: All or Nothing
Two months later, on the right flank of Konoha's border defense.
"Report, Jonin Hiroto! No enemy sighting on the left flank!"
"Right flank is clear too, awaiting your orders, Jonin Hiroto!"
Both Kurenai and Shizune stood beside me, their expressions serious as they scanned the surroundings with binoculars. I couldn't help but wince at the exaggerated respect they were showing me.
With a sigh, I responded, "Come on, you two. You've been doing this for two months now. Aren't you tired of this gag?"
Shizune spoke with feigned sincerity, "You're a Jonin and our captain. Of course, we have to show you respect!"
Kurenai nodded in agreement. "Exactly. If we don't, who knows what might happen if you decide to hold a grudge... or worse, take advantage of us in some... inappropriate way?"
"W-What?!" I turned red as I shouted, "I would never! And where did you even learn such things, sis? This kind of talk is dangerous!"
Kurenai shrugged nonchalantly, "Well, after spending so much time with you, it's hard not to get corrupted."
Shizune chimed in, "Yes, after all, Hiroto-kun is the most terrifying pervert ever."
"I-I'm not a pervert! I'm a very respectable person!" I argued.
"Oh really? Then explain why you stole my underwear yesterday. You think anyone would believe you after that?"
"And how about that time you barged in while I was in the bath?"
Urgh. I felt the emotional equivalent of being hit with a barrage of kunai as I collapsed to my knees in defeat. "Okay, okay! Stop! I'm the pervert! I admit it!"
Kurenai smirked, "Well, perverted captain, is today's patrol over now?"
"If possible, can we head back soon? I'm getting a little hungry, perverted captain," Shizune added, her tone filled with mockery.
The two looked down at me with a mixture of amusement and disdain.
"Can you two please give me a break?" I pleaded. "At least let me keep some dignity!"
"Oh right, he is a Jonin, after all. We should show some respect."
"True, he's the youngest Jonin in Konoha's history. We shouldn't tease him too much."
"Too much?! You've been teasing me for two months straight!" I stood up, rubbing my temples in frustration. "It's just a Jonin rank! You've been going on and on about it for ages!"
"Just a Jonin...?" Kurenai and Shizune exchanged glances, an odd look passing between them.
For most ninjas, Jonin was an elite rank, something many shinobi might never achieve in their lifetime. But to me, it seemed like just another step. Anyone else might have been seen as arrogant for saying such a thing, but coming from me, they understood it was simply reality.
After all, I was only eight years old—yet already a Jonin. Who knows what the future might hold for me?
Suddenly, a loud screech echoed above us. A ninja hawk circled overhead before diving down towards our position.
Kurenai glanced up. "That's a signal for assembly. Something must be happening."
"Yeah, probably." I squinted at the bird, already preparing to move. "Let's head back to camp."
With a quick flash, I led the way, and Kurenai and Shizune followed closely behind.
Back at Konoha's camp.
When we entered the main tent, we found Tsunade standing with Nara Shikaku, giving orders.
"All units stationed on the flanks, including the left and right, will mobilize within a day and concentrate on the central line," Tsunade commanded.
Shikaku furrowed his brow. "But if we pull those forces away, the main camp—"
"I'll personally hold the main camp," Tsunade replied calmly. "Our forces here will remain on standby to counter any potential surprise attacks."
"Understood." Shikaku nodded, sparing a glance at me and the others before taking his leave.
Once he was gone, I stepped forward. "Tsunade-sensei, what's going on?"
"For us, it's a serious matter," Tsunade said, exhaling heavily. "The Sand Village, after being suppressed for months, seems to be making a desperate move. Reliable intelligence indicates that all of their forces along the border with the Land of Rivers are gathering and preparing to launch a direct assault on us."
"What?!" I was stunned. "Are they insane? They might have numbers, but their elite forces can't match ours. Where's the confidence coming from for a full-scale attack?"
"Confidence?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "It's not confidence. It's desperation. After our last surprise attack, their morale has been severely damaged. They've been losing ground and men ever since. If things keep going like this, they won't have a chance to turn the tide."
"So, they're going for a last-ditch effort?" I guessed.
"Exactly. But there's more to it," Tsunade continued. "The situation on the Sand and Stone battlefront is also a key factor. Iwagakure has committed nearly half of their forces, eight thousand troops against Sand's four thousand. The Sand can't hold out much longer. They don't have our level of logistical support, so the longer this drags on, the worse it'll get for them."
"I see," I nodded. "That explains why they're pushing for a final showdown. So, sensei, what's our mission?"
Tsunade's expression turned serious. "Tomorrow, you and your squad will head to a pre-established ambush point. No matter what happens, prioritize your own safety. Also, make sure to observe Shikaku's tactics carefully. You'll find them useful in the future."
In the future? I scratched my head. Was Tsunade planning to groom me for a leadership role? Ugh, no thanks. I don't want to be Hokage or a military commander. What's the point of learning strategy?