In Konoha, missions were centrally received and assigned at the Hokage Building. As the tallest structure under the Hokage Rock, this building served multiple functions. Masashi took in the familiar sight as he approached.
Another mission. At least the air conditioning works better here than at the police station.
The top floor housed the Hokage's office, meeting rooms, and secretarial departments assisting the Hokage. The middle floors were dedicated to the administrative offices and the headquarters of the ANBU.
Wonder if they ever get tired of playing ninja hide and seek up there, he mused as he climbed the stairs.
The ground floor, partitioned for public services, was where missions were received and distributed. The mission hall was the busiest place, with three long rectangular tables arranged in a gate shape. The middle table was used for mission assignments, while the side tables handled mission requests and payments from clients.
Minato sat in the center, personally overseeing mission distribution and meeting clients. During this process, he kindly explained the services available to the clients and introduced the skills of the ninja who would undertake the mission.
He makes it look so easy, Masashi observed. Like he's just having a friendly chat rather than negotiating potentially life-threatening missions.
Originally, the Hokage didn't perform this duty. This practice began with the Third Hokage, who started doing it regularly. It significantly closed the gap between the Hokage and the village's ninja, earning high praise from clients.
In the past, it wasn't easy to meet the Hokage, but now, clients felt more comfortable spending money in Konoha, knowing they were in good hands.
However, the Third Hokage had admitted that he had been forced into this practice. The Hokage was not only the leader of Konoha but also its face. Every action was scrutinized by many.
During Hiruzen's time as Hokage, the most troublesome issue wasn't the village's ninja clans or his overbearing comrades, but the over-imaginative villagers and outsiders. Sometimes, he couldn't tell who were his fans and who were his critics. Being aloof and cold wasn't suitable for a Hokage.
In the Land of Fire, where people generally enjoyed good living conditions, the citizens tended to love gossip, endlessly fueling rumors.
Minato, for now, didn't have such concerns. Firstly, he was still new to the role, and secondly, once someone became Hokage, everyone around them was on their best behavior, focusing on establishing a good image in the Hokage's mind.
Except for Danzō—he'd always been a tough one.
As Masashi entered the room, he immediately spotted the iconic spiky hair of Minato. That hair could probably guide lost ships to shore.
Another thing that stood out was the banner hanging in the mission hall, which read, "Everyone, please do your best!"
Really? That's the best motivational message they could come up with?
Before Minato's desk were three foreigners: two adults and a child. One adult and the child were dressed extravagantly, while the other was clearly a bodyguard. Masashi could sense chakra flowing from the bodyguard. Trained but not quite ninja-level.
Although in this world, chakra wasn't exclusive to ninjas, most chakra users did become ninjas. Some, for various reasons, never considered becoming a ninja. There were also unlucky ones who simply weren't suited for the shinobi path, but that didn't mean they had no other career options.
"Masashi, you're here," Minato waved him over with his characteristic warm smile. "Come, let me introduce you. This is the esteemed Daimyō of the Land of Hot Water."
Masashi walked over, sizing up the client. At least this one doesn't reek of arrogance like most nobles.
From his appearance, he seemed refined and easy to communicate with. Escort missions were troublesome when clients were stubborn and arrogant, which unnecessarily increased the mission's difficulty.
Unfortunately, such scenarios were quite common since high-level escort missions were typically commissioned by nobility. In this world, countries were governed by feudal systems, with individual autonomous lords called daimyō.
They appointed local officials and owed military service to the higher-ranking daimyō, who was the great lord. Ninja villages were technically funded by the state, but in reality, they were primarily financed by the daimyō.
These lords were prime clients for ninja villages since they were willing to spend lavishly.
"Daimyō-sama, this is Masashi, one of the elite from the Uchiha clan," Minato introduced him before turning to Masashi. "The daimyō's visit to Konoha is rare, so be mindful of your approach. Communicate openly to ensure smooth collaboration."
Upon hearing the surname 'Uchiha', the daimyō's expression changed, a hint of excitement in his eyes. Here we go. The usual Uchiha fan club reaction.
"This is wonderful! With a strong Uchiha protecting us, I'll be much more at ease."
However, he glanced regretfully at the Hokage. In the past, he had been a regular client of Minato, always specifically requesting him. After all, he was strong, pleasant to talk to, and warm-hearted. But now, as Hokage, Minato no longer took on missions.
The Uchiha clan was known for their exceptional skills, but their service attitude... well, that was another matter. As a noble, he didn't enjoy hearing someone say, "Give me the money, and I'll handle it," as it lacked personal touch.
But the moment Masashi spoke, the daimyō's opinion of the Uchiha changed.
"Daimyō-sama, I look forward to working with you. You can call me Masashi," he smiled warmly, channeling his best customer service persona. Sometimes a smile is the best jutsu.
"If you have any additional requests, feel free to discuss them. We'll aim for the best possible solution."
He was a master of customer service, understanding how to make clients feel good about spending money.
At this moment, the daimyō felt satisfied and connected. He cheerfully replied, "No, I don't have any special requests. As long as my son and I arrive safely, that's all I ask."
The young boy next to the daimyō perked up at the mention of his name, studying Masashi with undisguised curiosity. "Father, is he stronger than our regular guards?"
"The Uchiha clan is renowned throughout the nations," the daimyō answered proudly, as if he'd personally recruited Masashi himself.
Now I have to live up to the clan's reputation. As if I didn't have enough pressure already. "What's the schedule?" Masashi asked, keeping his professional demeanor.
"If possible, I'd like to depart immediately. I've already been away from my domain for quite some time."
"Got it. I'll just finish a few handovers, and we'll be on our way."
After finalizing details with the client, he turned to Minato, who had been observing the interaction with approval.
"Hokage-sama, the mission is confirmed. I'm ready to depart."
"Good, be careful on the road." Minato handed the mission scroll to a nearby staff member and gave one last reminder. "No matter what happens, ensure the absolute safety of the daimyō."
Something's off about this mission. Minato doesn't usually emphasize the obvious. Masashi acknowledged the order and instantly switched into mission mode, positioning himself protectively beside the daimyō and his son as they exited the building.
The bodyguard fell into step beside them, his trained movements betraying years of experience.
"I usually take point position," he offered, his tone professional but slightly defensive.
"I prefer to maintain full visibility," Masashi replied smoothly. "You know the daimyō's habits better; stay close to him." Two civilian targets, one semi-capable guard, and at least three blind spots in our formation.
Leaving from the north gate of Konoha, he began his journey to the Land of Hot Water with the caravan of the daimyō.
Standard guard formation. Decent positioning, but those blind spots are going to be troublesome. He adjusted his position slightly, keeping both the carriage and the perimeter guards in view.
The journey within the Land of Fire was peaceful and secure. The guard captain noticed Masashi's watchful gaze and nodded approvingly. "The roads are well-maintained here."
"Konoha's influence," Masashi replied simply. "Even bandits know better than to operate on these routes." Though sometimes I wish they'd try. A bit of action would make these escort missions less boring.
In this world, the transportation infrastructure was generally poor. Under the feudal lord system, only the major villages had well-maintained roads funded by local lords, while other roads were merely paths formed from frequent use.
After the formation of the "One Country, One Village" system, with ninjas concentrated in the villages, the ninja villages took on the task of guiding public transportation routes.
Soon, the feudal lords recognized the benefits of this, turning these guiding services into state-funded wilderness security, to everyone's delight.
However, this happiness was limited to the five great nations. At this time, the Land of Fie was experiencing a golden era of security due to the countless Konoha ninjas scattered across the land, making the journey of the daimyō's caravan quite smooth.
Until they crossed the border into the Land of Hot Water. The real game begins here. Hot Water's political instability makes it perfect for ambushes. Masashi's fingers brushed against his kunai pouch, a habit he'd developed during the war.
In the Land of Hot Water, Konoha ninjas wouldn't handle security for free. Less than a day after leaving the border, the caravan encountered a band of robbers. But there was no conflict; a quick Fireball Jutsu from one of Masashi's shadow clones sent them scattering.
During this, as instructed by Masashi, the guards circled the lord's carriage, while he formed seals.
Once the robbers had fled and the coast was clear, he signaled for the caravan to continue.
"That was efficiently handled," the daimyō remarked, clearly impressed.
"Perhaps too efficiently. Please stay alert," Masashi responded, his eyes still scanning the treeline. The daimyō initially didn't understand the precaution, so Masashi patiently explained.
Forcing local bandits or displaced people to attack an enemy's group to lull them into a false sense of security before ambushing them was a tactic used by Kiri during the Third Ninja War, one Konoha had also learned from.
"In uncertain territories, paranoia keeps you alive," Masashi added. Kumo wouldn't use Kiri tactics... unless that's what they want us to think.
Realizing he'd grown too accustomed to the peace of the Land of Fire, the daimyō asked no further questions, cooperating fully for the rest of the journey.
The terrain in the Land of Hot Water rose gradually from south to north, with the daimyō's residence situated to the northeast, not far from the Land of Frost.
Higher ground means better visibility, but also more exposure. They'll expect us to take the valley route.
According to intelligence, an enemy had hired Yu ninjas, disguised as Shimo ninjas, to assassinate him to seize his land. While wars between ninja villages rarely aim to destroy or occupy enemy villages, feudal lords follow entirely different rules in their conflicts.
Masashi didn't give this much thought. Knowing even that the enemy intended to disguise themselves as Shimo ninjas, it was either due to a major information leak on the other side or intentional misdirection. Most likely, the information from the Uchiha clan's sources was reliable.
The hired ninjas would likely be from Kumo. And given their style, they probably wouldn't bother disguising themselves, treating the act of disguise as merely posing as Kumo ninjas.
Days later, despite occasional minor disturbances, Masashi still hadn't encountered a full-scale ninja ambush. He didn't let his guard down.
"Another quiet day," one of the guards commented.
"Too quiet. They're waiting for something," Masashi replied, his hand never far from his weapon. If this was the enemy's plan, he found it quite uninspired. Even a novice ninja would see through such an obvious tactic.
As the sun began to set on the fifth day, the caravan reached a riverbank, beyond which lay a dense forest, dark and quiet in the distance. After crossing this forest, they would reach their destination.
Rather than crossing the bridge, the caravan set up camp beside the river, lighting a bonfire, pitching tents, and forming a protective circle with the wagons on the perimeter.
Nearing home, the daimyō relaxed considerably. He laid out a thick carpet near the fire, brought out food and drink, and sat with his child, discussing their life after returning home.
He patrolled the camp's perimeter, setting traps that were meant to be noticed.
The journey had been too easy. He attributed it not to any hidden scheme but rather to the difference between Kumo and Kir ninjas' combat styles.
Ninjutsu could often reflect a village's combat tendencies. For Kiri ninjas, signature techniques include the Hidden Mist Jutsu and Silent Killing. Kumo ninjas, on the other hand, were known for their Lightning Release. While Kiri ninjas excelled in covert and unconventional tactics, Kumo ninjas preferred direct confrontations.
A night breeze swept by, and Masashi licked his lips, feeling a surge of excitement. Living in this world was changing his personality; he was becoming more like an Uchiha.
In the dark, his crimson Sharingan eyes glowed, and he tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, the chill of the handle reminding him to keep calm.
This was a protection mission.
The red glow faded as his eyes returned to their normal color. After a glance at the forest across the river, he turned back toward the camp.
---
As time passed, the camp grew quieter, eventually falling silent. The moon hid behind the clouds, leaving only the dim reflection on the river, with the quiet sound of the flowing water filling the night.
A figure suddenly appeared on the river's surface. It was a blonde woman. Taking a gentle step forward, she vanished from her spot, and several figures appeared in the distance where she'd been, all stepping onto the river.
They were ninjas.
Despite the darkness concealing their headbands, their brown skin and single-shouldered vests were unmistakable markers of Kumo ninjas. Only Kumo ninjas, with their offensive-minded philosophy, would design their combat attire in such a way.
The woman in front halted.
A young Konoha ninja emerged from the shadows. The Kumo ninjas watched him coldly. A stranger's face, confirming they had no record of fighting this Konoha ninja.
"So, you were watching us the whole time," the young Konoha ninja said.
"You aren't asleep." It was a statement, not a question.
"Of course not. When traveling, I only eat and drink what I've brought myself," the Konoha ninja replied with a relaxed, slightly fake smile.
"Cautious one, aren't you? Though it doesn't matter—you Konoha ninjas are our real targets anyway."
The Kumo ninjas slowly encircled him. However, the woman raised a hand, signaling them to stop.
"I'll give you a chance. How did you detect us?"
"You're wondering if I have a blooddline limit? Sure, since you're rather bold."
The full moon emerged from behind the clouds, illuminating the Kumo ninjas' view more clearly. Before them, the young Konoha ninja's eyes turned scarlet, three-tomoe swirling in each.
"Sharingan!" the woman, trembling slightly as she stared. "My luck is incredible."
Her smile grew slightly twisted. "Would you care to surrender? I'd rather not break you."
"No can do." Masashi shook his head, easily assessing their strength. "Such nice chakra... Three jonin and five chunin—reasonable enough."
He pulled an onigiri from his pouch and took a bite. "One more bit of information for you. I'm actually super strong when I'm full."
He drew his short sword.