The familiar gates of Konoha loomed ahead, framed by the bustling activity of the village. Team Guy returned, their usual energy still intact despite the weight of their mission.
"I'm so excited! I can't wait to see what Naruto looks like now," Rock Lee said, bouncing on his feet as he warmed up.
"As Kakashi's rivals, even if they've started first, we'll catch up to them," Guy declared proudly, his teeth gleaming.
Tsunade approached the team, accompanied by Shizune. Despite her composed demeanor, there was an urgency in her step. "You're as lively as ever, even after completing a mission," she remarked.
"Your mission is the same as Kakashi's team: travel to the Sand Village and assist in rescuing the Kazekage, Gaara," Tsunade said, her tone serious.
"No problem! Leave it to us!" Guy responded enthusiastically.
"Got it!" Lee added, tightening the bandages around his hands.
TenTen adjusted the small scroll at her waist. "Don't worry, we're ready."
Tsunade's gaze shifted to Kirito. "Kirito, this mission involves the Akatsuki organization. If there's a confrontation or if Naruto loses control, your priority is to protect him. Understood?"
"Understood," Kirito replied calmly. The small leopard perched on his head gave a determined nod, mirroring his composure.
Satisfied, Tsunade stepped back. "Good. Team Guy, you're dismissed."
Guy pointed dramatically down the road. "Our goal: reach the Sand Village within a day! Let's go!"
"Let's do this!" Lee echoed, already preparing to sprint.
TenTen narrowed her eyes mischievously. "Are you sure? If you can't meet the goal, maybe you should... eat something unpleasant?"
"Huh?!" Guy and Lee froze in place, exchanging horrified glances.
"Then let's aim for something more reasonable—like reaching the Wind Country's border before sundown!" Guy offered, his voice strained.
"That works!" Lee cheered, fists raised.
TenTen sighed as the two charged ahead. "It always has to be this dramatic…" she muttered, following their lead.
She had learned how to handle their relentless energy over the years. By leveraging Kirito's unmatched speed and strength as a benchmark, she could keep their exuberance in check, ensuring realistic goals for their missions. It was a tactic honed through experience—and a bit of mischief.
As they sped through the forest, Lee voiced his thoughts. "I wonder what kind of opponents the Akatsuki will be…"
Guy's expression turned somber. "From what Kakashi has told me, the Akatsuki are after the tailed beasts. That means they have the power to confront them."
"What's a tailed beast?" Lee asked curiously.
"They're massive creatures like the Nine Tails, which once attacked our village," Guy explained. "During that disaster, even Kakashi and I didn't have the strength to face it head-on. All we could do was assist in the evacuation."
TenTen frowned. "That's terrifying… If they can fight tailed beasts, they must be incredibly strong."
Lee's eyes lit up with excitement. "Then, if we defeat them, that means we'll have the power to defeat a tailed beast, right?"
"Don't oversimplify things!" TenTen scolded, concerned for Lee's safety.
Suddenly, Kirito, who had been listening quietly at the rear, surged forward. His sharp gaze locked onto something ahead. Extending a finger, golden lightning crackled and shot out like a laser, striking a hidden target in the forest.
The explosion that followed lit up the area, reducing the lush greenery to smoldering ash.
The team quickly regrouped around Kirito. "What happened?" Lee whispered.
"Someone was spying on us," Kirito explained.
"The Akatsuki?" TenTen asked, her voice tense.
"Yes, but I've eliminated their scouts," Kirito replied calmly.
The "scouts" Kirito referred to were clones created by the Akatsuki member Zetsu, a fusion of White Zetsu and Black Zetsu. Using a technique called Mayfly, Zetsu could merge with the ground and vegetation, making him an unparalleled intelligence gatherer. However, his chakra signature couldn't escape Kirito's Byakugan.
Kirito's vigilance had systematically removed Zetsu's presence near Konoha over the years, ensuring that even though the Akatsuki were aware of Kirito's existence, they had no concrete information about him.
As the team neared the border of the Wind Country, they encountered a familiar figure: Pakkun, Kakashi's ninja hound.
"Pakkun!" Guy exclaimed, recognizing him immediately.
"You need to change your route," Pakkun said, his tone urgent. "We've located the Akatsuki's hideout. Instead of heading to the Sand Village, you're closer to their location in the Land of Rivers. You need to move there immediately."
Hearing this, the team tensed. They would likely confront the Akatsuki before Kakashi's team could arrive.
"By the way," Pakkun added, sniffing the air curiously. "What happened back there?" He gestured toward the scorched remains of the forest.
"Kirito eliminated their scouts," TenTen explained.
"In that case, the Akatsuki already knows reinforcements are coming," Pakkun said. "We need to move quickly before they relocate."
"Let's go!" Guy shouted, his usual enthusiasm tempered by the gravity of the situation.
With Pakkun leading the way, Team Guy altered their course, heading straight for the Land of Rivers and the Akatsuki's hideout.
(End of Chapter)
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