---
Team Sarutobi gathered once again, this time at the Hokage's office.
Each of them was still sore from the fight, but they wore expressions of excitement, anticipating a new challenge.
This would be their first B-rank mission as a team, a mission that Hiruzen had selected personally to test not only their abilities but their growth as a cohesive unit.
Hiruzen sat behind his desk, an air of calm authority about him.
Scrolls and documents were neatly stacked, while the midday light filtered in through the wide office window, casting a soft glow across the room.
As the team assembled before him, he carefully took in each of their expressions: Jiraiya's barely-contained enthusiasm, Tsunade's intense focus, Orochimaru's cool anticipation, and Sakumo's steady calm.
Even Dai, ever eager and ready, stood at attention, brimming with determination.
Hiruzen cleared his throat, his eyes meeting each of theirs in turn. "Today, I am assigning you a B-rank mission," he began, his tone serious.
"Your target is a rogue squad—a jonin-led team hiding out near the outskirts of Uzumaki Village. We've received intelligence that this team has been targeting caravans and has caused a significant disruption to the Sosuke Village's trade routes."
The room fell silent as the gravity of the mission settled over them.
This wasn't a simple retrieval or scouting mission but one that would likely involve direct confrontation with skilled shinobi.
"Sensei," Jiraiya broke the silence, a serious tone rare for him, "what do we know about this jonin and his team? Any intel on their abilities?"
Hiruzen nodded, pulling a detailed map from the pile of documents on his desk and spreading it out before them.
"The jonin's name is Goro. A former shinobi from a smaller village, now turned mercenary. He has aligned himself with a few lower-ranking rogue ninjas, genin level mostly, but they're well-trained in guerrilla tactics."
He traced a finger along a series of markers on the map. "We believe they're hiding in a series of caves near the Uzumaki Village border. The terrain is dense, providing them with cover, but it also limits their escape routes. If we can corner them, we'll have the advantage."
Tsunade studied the map carefully, her brow furrowing. "If they're using the caves, we'll need to prepare for possible ambushes. Goro is likely expecting an attack and could have traps set up."
"Good observation, Tsunade," Hiruzen replied, his gaze approving. "And that's why we'll need a careful approach. Speed and precision are key. Our objective is to eliminate the jonin, neutralize his team, and secure any scrolls or intel he may have on him."
Sakumo glanced at Hiruzen. "What kind of preparations should we make, sensei?"
"Glad you asked, Sakumo," Hiruzen replied, his tone sharpening.
"This will be a test of your ability to work together under pressure. Make sure your weapons are ready, stock up on kunai, shuriken, and whatever else you might need. I'll give you two hours to make any other preparations. Meet back at the village gates afterward. We leave as soon as you're ready."
Dai, whose hands were clenched tightly with excitement, grinned broadly. "Don't worry, sensei! We'll be ready to go in no time."
Hiruzen smiled slightly. "Good. I trust that each of you understands the seriousness of this mission. These aren't simple bandits we're facing; they're rogue ninjas who won't hesitate to kill. But I have faith in your skills and in your teamwork."
With a final nod, Hiruzen dismissed them. They hurried off, each with their own preparations to make.
Jiraiya went to his bathhouse training ground to practice some last-minute jutsu maneuvers.
Tsunade gathered medical supplies and checked her equipment, Orochimaru packed a series of specialized scrolls, and Sakumo sharpened his sword, mentally running through his strategies.
Dai, ever diligent, restocked his weapons and studied a map of the area they would be heading to, memorizing possible escape routes and vantage points.
---
Two hours later, they met at the village gates, fully prepared and ready to embark on the mission.
Hiruzen was already there, his usual robes replaced by a more practical combat outfit robes of black colour, complete with specially made three prolonged chakra kunai pouches and a supply of explosive tags strapped securely in a scroll made by him, at his back.
The team fell into formation around him, their expressions resolute.
The journey toward Uzumaki Village was swift. The path was rugged, winding through thick forests, and the occasional river crossing slowed their pace.
Despite the challenging terrain, the team remained focused, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
Soon one day passed by, As they approached the area where the rogue ninjas were believed to be hiding, Hiruzen raised a hand, signaling them to stop, sensing their location with his natural sense.
They were now deep within enemy territory. The forest here was dense, the shadows long and deep.
A sense of foreboding hung in the air, and each of them knew they needed to proceed with caution.
"We'll split into two teams," Hiruzen instructed in a low voice.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade, you're with me. Orochimaru, Sakumo, and Dai, you take the eastern side and approach from the back. Stay silent, and keep your senses sharp. This will be a coordinated attack. Once we've secured the area, we regroup."
They nodded in understanding, their faces set with determination. The two teams moved into position, slipping into the shadows like wraiths.
The silence was almost oppressive as they approached the cave entrance.
Moss-covered rocks lined the area, and the entrance was partially hidden by overhanging vines and dense underbrush.
The scent of damp earth filled the air, and faint, muffled voices could be heard from within.
Jiraiya crouched low, his senses on high alert. "They're definitely in there," he whispered, glancing at Hiruzen, who nodded in agreement.
"Hold position," Hiruzen murmured, his eyes scanning the cave entrance. "We wait for the signal from the others."
---
Meanwhile, on the eastern side, Orochimaru, Sakumo, and Dai moved silently, their footsteps almost inaudible on the forest floor.
Sakumo's hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
Dai's fists were clenched, his body coiled like a spring, prepared to unleash a powerful taijutsu assault.
Orochimaru, his gaze cold and focused, held a ninjutsu scroll in one hand, ready to deploy it when necessary.
They reached the back of the cave, where a narrow opening provided a secondary entrance.
Orochimaru motioned for them to halt, his sharp senses picking up movement just inside.
"There's someone on guard," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Sakumo, take the lead. Dai, be ready to support."
With a swift, silent nod, Sakumo moved forward, slipping through the narrow opening like a shadow.
The guard barely had time to register his presence before Sakumo's blade flashed, a clean, efficient strike that took the rogue ninja down without a sound.
He gestured for the others to follow, and they crept further into the cave, their footsteps light and measured.
They could hear voices up ahead, and the faint flicker of torchlight illuminated the rough stone walls.
Orochimaru made a quick series of hand signals, instructing them to stay back and wait for the main attack.
---