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Tsunade's decision to assign A-rank missions was anything but random. She'd deliberated carefully, recognizing that anything less wouldn't provide the challenge or growth she had in mind for her team.
On paper, Shizune was a Chūnin, while Kabuto Yakushi and Natsume were still listed as Genin. But in reality? Both Kabuto and Natsume had reached Chūnin-level skill.
Especially Natsume—with his Wood Release (Mokuton), he was on the verge of entering Jōnin strength.
The four shinobi moved as one, their figures barely visible as they darted between the trees. They maintained a steady, controlled pace; as skilled as they were, their stamina didn't match that of seasoned Jōnin. Tsunade knew this well—pushing them too hard could leave them vulnerable to ambush if they became fatigued.
"After more than two years of war, both Konoha and Kumogakure are drained. The larger battles have dwindled into small-scale skirmishes," Tsunade said as they pressed forward. "Our mission is to eliminate the hidden Kumogakure outposts and locate Akimichi Shitō's team."
"Akimichi Shitō?" Natsume repeated, a faint recognition sparking. "Isn't he…a minor character?"
Tsunade gave him a sidelong glance. "He's a Jōnin. His team had the same objective as ours, but they've lost contact. If they're in danger, it's likely due to enemy Jōnin-level shinobi, which means this mission could escalate to S-rank."
Natsume nodded, unbothered. The possibility of encountering an enemy Jōnin was real, but unlikely to involve more than one or two. And if they did? Tsunade alone was more than capable—unless, of course, they ran into someone like the Fourth Raikage.
Tsunade's voice cut through his thoughts. "As medical-nin, we avoid direct combat unless it's absolutely necessary. But both Shizune and Kabuto are capable fighters. When we engage, Natsume will take the lead; Shizune and Kabuto will support as needed."
"Understood," they replied in unison.
"One more thing," Tsunade said, her gaze resting on Natsume, a hint of concern in her eyes. "This might be your first time killing. If it makes you uncomfortable, don't force yourself."
Killing could have serious psychological effects, she knew. Some shinobi froze; others felt ill, haunted by the weight of taking a life. Shizune and Kabuto were somewhat desensitized after their experience in hospitals. Natsume, however, had yet to experience such trauma firsthand, and Tsunade worried about how he would react in the heat of battle.
"I understand," Natsume said quietly, meeting her eyes with a steady nod.
Satisfied, Tsunade nodded back. She hoped he wouldn't struggle with it—but they would only know when the time came.
Ten minutes later, the group entered a dense forest.
Tsunade stopped, raising a hand. "Supply convoys from the Land of Fire pass through here to reach Konoha's outposts. There's a high chance we'll encounter Kumogakure sentries nearby. We'll head north, toward the last known location of Shitō's team."
Sentry posts—small, hidden strongholds manned by three to ten shinobi—were well-camouflaged and often offered backup during surprise attacks. For nearly two years, both sides had used these tactics, with control over these posts shifting regularly. But Konoha's advantage lay in its wealth, sealing techniques, and fortified barriers, making its sentries exceptionally difficult to breach.
"Kabuto, use your chakra-sensing jutsu to locate any nearby sentries," Tsunade ordered. "Natsume and Shizune, stay alert and cover him."
Though none of the three specialized in reconnaissance, Kabuto had learned various sensory techniques thanks to Tsunade's training. Natsume himself had suggested it, aware of Kabuto's hidden potential as a spy.
Kabuto nodded and began forming hand seals, his eyes closing as he focused.
"There are four chakra signatures ahead, to our right," he reported quietly. "They're stationary."
Natsume moved to the front, advancing with careful precision. Soon, they spotted the outpost—a small, fortified structure hidden among the trees.
"Kabuto, mask my chakra," Natsume whispered, already forming hand seals.
Kabuto quickly erected a temporary barrier to cloak Natsume's presence for a few seconds. It was all Natsume needed.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!" he called out, sending a massive wave crashing toward the outpost.
The Kumogakure shinobi on watch barely had time to react.
"Enemy atta—!" one managed to shout before being swept away in the torrent.
As the water flooded the outpost, the remaining Kumo-nin scrambled to escape, but Natsume was ready.
The surrounding trees sprang to life, their branches stretching out like tendrils to ensnare the fleeing shinobi.
"What the…?!" one of them gasped, struggling as the wooden branches wound around him. "The trees—they're alive!"
Before they could process what was happening, the branches constricted, subduing them all.
"Well done," Tsunade said, appearing beside Natsume. She scanned his expression, noting no visible signs of distress, and allowed herself a small smile of relief.
"Kabuto, search the area for any intelligence," she ordered, glancing at the fallen Kumo-nin.
Kabuto moved swiftly, slipping inside the outpost to look for useful information.
"I'll help," Natsume offered, sensing the tension between himself and the others. He knew Tsunade favored him, but he didn't want it to cause friction with Shizune or Kabuto.
Tsunade's brow lifted slightly, but she smiled. She valued Natsume's sensitivity to the dynamics around him; he was different—perhaps because she cared for him so deeply.
The search yielded little of value, and soon, they were back on the move.
Meanwhile, at Kumogakure's main encampment, the Fourth Raikage was reviewing intelligence reports.
"So, Tsunade and Hyūga Hiashi are both active on the battlefield," the Raikage muttered, his gaze narrowing.
"They're not exactly being discreet," his subordinate, Toshiro, observed.
"Konoha…is truly blessed," the Raikage remarked. "Despite the Nine-Tails attack and losing a Hokage, they've managed to retain their strength. It's absurd."
Kumo had spent years building its forces, with even the Third Raikage sacrificing his life to protect the village, yet Konoha still held its ground.
"If we keep fighting like this, we may have to deploy our jinchūriki," Toshiro suggested, watching his leader's reaction carefully.
The Raikage shook his head. "It won't come to that. This war has dragged on long enough. It's time to let our young shinobi grow and to stop, without appearing weak."
Names like Yugito, Darui, and Mabui came to mind. They were the future of Kumogakure, the next generation who would soon carry its strength.
But how to end the war without giving the impression of retreat? That was the real challenge.
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