[Kinzoku Compound, Land of Rice, North]
The next morning, Genji prepared for the mission with a mixture of anticipation and determination. It was his first mission, after all.
'Will there be another player? If we encounter each other, should we kill each other?'
The squad's task was simple: escorting a merchant convoy to a neutral trade point
[C-Rank Mission - Trade with Chimei
The Chimei clan, a samurai clan known for its mastery of Kenjutsu and from which the Kinzoku Kenjutsu Style is derived from, has asked for a vast amount of iron works, from plates to katanas and hidden weapons. The neutral point, though close by, is filled with bandits and enemy clans. Especially, the risk of running into one of the five noble clans of Oto, the Kaonashi Clan, a hostile group of shinobi who knows how to manipulate sound and masters of deceit. They were also the ones to spread false rumours in the Daimyo's court, preventing another contract with the Kinzoku clan and straining their resources thin.
Task - Successful Delivery of the medium-sized convoy (0 / 1)
Rewards - 5000 EXP, 2000 Ryô, +3 Economy Point (Hidden stat) to the Kinzoku Clan, +300 Reputation points with Kinzoku Clan, +20 Reputation points with all Kinzoku Clan Members]
However, Genji was not anxious at all. If anything, he was excited. The Naruto world was ruthless. If he wanted to survive the warring period, he would need to become stronger. As the mission rewards indicated, it was probably the fastest method to grow stronger.
Yumi, a chunin and patriarch's niece, was also leading the convoy. Though she was young, she was more worthy enough to lead it. The difference between second family branch resources and main family branch resources was vast. Things like ninjutsu scrolls, equipment or even chakra supplements were all at disposal without any price to pay.
However, if Genji wanted to access them, he would have to beg for it, or contribute to the clan significantly through missions.
Thankfully, revealing his genjutsu and ninjutsu talent to the patriarch earned him a spot in Yumi's squad. As long as he made successful contributions, she would personally make sure he would receive matching rewards.
The convoy itself was organized by Kazuo, a merchant from the third family branch of the Kinzoku clan. Kazuo was an experienced trader, known for his sharp tongue and ability to strike lucrative deals, though his standing within the clan was low due to his branch's status. In the end, for civilian members of the clan having no strength whatsoever, it was difficult to have power in the clan.
He was accompanied by his son, Riku, a bright but inexperienced young man eager to prove himself in the family's business.
Kazuo was not particularly fond of shinobi, often lamenting their lack of etiquette, and the discrimination they faced within the compound. However, having an escort was more than necessary for any trade in this era. Even if the enemy did not hold chakra, there would be thousands of bandits willing to sacrifice their lives in the hope of getting their hands on cold weapons.
"Kazuo," Yumi greeted him as they assembled at the compound gates, "We'll be your escort for this mission. Ensure your men follow our instructions. Any deviation could jeopardize the mission."
Kazuo snorted, his attitude borderline disrespectful. "I've been doing this for longer than you've been alive, girl. Just make sure you and your squad keep the bandits off our backs. We'll handle the rest"
Yumi bit back a retort, choosing to focus on the mission. She turned to her squad, eyeing Taki, Genji, and a slightly hungover Eiji, who was clearly still recovering from the embarrassment of his recent defeat, having drown his sorrow in alcohol despite being a teenager.
'Old enough to kill, old enough to drink' was one of the motto of the shinobi world
Just as Genji smirked at the sight of Eiji, who was beyond pitiful and weak, his sister stared at him in disbelief and pinched his back.
"Stay sharp. The merchants are our responsibility until we reach the trade point," Yumi commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.
As they departed, the path wound through dense forests and rocky hills. The Kinzoku convoy traveled cautiously. Sakura and Yumi took turns in scouting the area, their skills and physical attributes the highest in the group. However, Yumi's focus wasn't just on the route—it was also on their destination.
The convoy's destination was an important trade outpost, a neutral ground where all adjacent clans to the Kinzoku clan would gather to conduct trades. It was near the territory of the Chimei clan, an allied group with a deep history intertwined with the Kinzoku clan. According to the history scrolls in the public library of the compound, the Kinzoku Kenjutsu Style had been created under the advice of a patriarch from the Chimei clan. Over the years, the Chimei clan lost territory and influence, causing the relations between the two clans to distance themselves, but they were still allies.
Yumi had heard stories of their most notable figures, particularly Elder Chimei Toru, a man known for his cunning and ambition.
As they neared the outpost, Yumi could feel the weight of the alliance in her every step. The success of this mission wouldn't just be measured by the safety of the convoy but also by the impression they left on the Chimei representatives.
"Keep your composure," Yumi advised her squad as the first scouts of the Chimei clan emerged from the treetops, their bat summons circling ominously overhead. "This isn't just about delivery. It's about trust."
Kazuo, for all his arrogance, seemed subdued as the convoy approached the trade outpost. He understood as well as Yumi did that the Chimei were not to be trifled with. One misstep could sour the delicate balance that had taken generations to build.
"Chimei Ino, from the Chimei Clan, greet the Kinzoku Clan", a woman said as she extended her hands for a salute to Yumi
However, Genji noticed something very wrong as Yumi approached her.
Her hands were as delicate as flowers, her skin as pale as a piece of jade. Though her armour and weapons indicated she was a samurai, her lack of composure and etiquette indicated otherwise.
Furthermore, Genji immediately noticed something was wrong when he started to look at other Chimei clan members.
[??? - Lv. 11 Shinobi]
[??? - Lv. 20 Shinobi]
[??? - Lv. 8 Shinobi]
[??? - Lv. 16 Shinobi]
[??? - Lv. 11 Shinobi]
[??? - Lv. 13 Shinobi]
[??? - Lv. 18 Shinobi]
And the one greeting Yumi, was, unsurprisingly, the strongest:
[??? - Lv. 36 Shinobi]
Among the numerous individuals faking the identity of Chimei Clansmen, 8 were full-fledged shinobi, the rest civilians. Judging from the lack of information on their names, and the geopolitics of the Land of Rice, there was no doubt about it.
The Kaonashi Clan who had hindered the Kinzoku Clan during the past decade, killed the patriarch's sons and spread false rumours in the Daimyo's court...They had decided to cross a line to undermine their influence and directly attack them.
Whether the Chimei Clan had been an intermediary in this conflict, or instigators who helped the Kaonashi Clan altogether...Only time would tell.
But first, they had to survive this ambush.
Thankfully, Genji held the initiative.