"That's enough!"
Mitokado Hamura's tone was stern, his expression dark as he addressed his companion.
"Koharu, this is necessary. Even if I get rejected and lose face, it will at least ensure there's no further dispute over command because Shinki declined to take part."
Shinki's clear refusal to participate or engage in anything related to the mission's leadership solidified Mitokado Hamura's authority. With no possibility of conflict over command, the team's mission could proceed without internal strife.
The worst-case scenario during a mission was a lack of unity—one person insisting on going east while another aimed for the west. Hamura saw this awkward moment as a small price for a larger benefit.
Utitane Koharu resisted the urge to roll her eyes but sighed inwardly.
"So, what's our next step?" she asked, her voice laced with reluctance.
Hamura leaned forward, spreading a map across the table. "Although Sand Village is heavily focused on the River Country battlefield, they haven't neglected preparations for potential threats from the Rain Country. Sneaking in won't be easy."
Koharu frowned. "So, what's your plan?"
Hamura tapped the map. "We can't go directly from the Rain Country to the Wind Country. We need to take a detour."
"Through the Grass Country?" Koharu raised an eyebrow. "Won't that be too far?"
Hamura nodded. "Yes, it's a longer route, but it's safer. If it were feasible, I'd even consider circling the sea and entering the Wind Country from behind. However, that would take too much time."
Koharu hesitated, considering his reasoning. The Rain Country's defenses weren't as strict as the River Country's, but the risk of exposure was still high. Taking a detour, though lengthy, offered lower risks.
After a long pause, Koharu nodded reluctantly. "Fine. We'll follow your plan."
With the decision made, the team set off quickly, encountering no obstacles in the Fire Country. However, Shinki soon noticed something odd—the team wasn't heading towards the Rain Country but instead diverting toward the Grass Country.
### Grass Country: The Fence-Sitters
The Grass Country, sandwiched between larger nations, had a reputation for opportunism. Unlike the Rain Country, its position bordering the Fire and Earth Countries made it politically significant.
Koharu muttered, "The Grass ninjas are notoriously fickle. They'll side with whoever is stronger and betray as soon as the winds change."
Shinki observed silently. Grass Country's survival was purely due to its usefulness as a buffer between Konoha and the Rock Village. Otherwise, its lack of loyalty would've led to its downfall long ago.
Shinki, unbothered by the lengthy detour, followed the team without question.
The strategy was clear—enter the Grass Country, then circle into the Rain Country before heading through the Bird Country to finally reach the Wind Country. While the journey was tedious, it significantly reduced their chances of exposure.
Still, Shinki couldn't help but think: *Aren't you guys tired of all this roundabout nonsense?*
### The Rain Country Encounter
In the Rain Country, the group stopped to rest at a hidden location. An Anbu agent approached Shinki with a report.
"My lord, the chaos in the Rain Country has stabilized somewhat due to the Daimyo's efforts. He now requests assistance from the Anbu to clean up remaining domestic issues."
Shinki sneered. "How bold. He thinks we're his personal army?"
The Anbu agent hesitated before Shinki continued, his tone cold. "Our mission is to ensure his safety, not to clean up his mess. Relay my exact words: if he's dissatisfied, he can take it up with the Fire Country Daimyo."
The Anbu bowed and left, and Shinki turned back to the group. When Koharu began to speak, Hamura waved her off.
"No need to ask. Shinki won't sacrifice the Anbu for us. Let's move on."
Two days later, the team arrived at the border between the Bird Country and the Wind Country. The shift in landscape was stark—the lush greenery of the Bird Country gave way to the barren, orange-yellow deserts of the Wind Country.
### Preparing for the Desert
As the group prepared to enter the Wind Country, Shinki casually pulled out a sun hat with a veil and placed it on his head. The others stared, dumbfounded.
The hat not only shaded him from the harsh sun but also protected his face from the desert sand. Koharu and Hamura exchanged incredulous glances.
"Even a sun hat and veil? Are you here to sightsee or fight?" Koharu muttered under her breath.
Hamura coughed to hide his smirk. "Shinki, we're entering enemy territory. I suggest changing into camouflaged clothing to avoid standing out. What do you think?"
Shinki glanced at them, unimpressed, but didn't respond. His hat, after all, was purely practical, and he saw no reason to abandon comfort for their amusement.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 360 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss
Also, leave a review FFS