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Chapter 7: The Mission Begins
Nicolas stood at the gates of the Hidden Leaf Village, the morning light casting long shadows across the path ahead. Beside him, two shinobi—a sharp-eyed Jonin named Shikaku and an enthusiastic Chunin named Rina—waited in silence. The mission had been outlined earlier: track down and subdue a rogue ninja who had been raiding nearby villages. It was a simple task on paper, but Tsunade had been clear—this was a test of his readiness.
The tension in the air was palpable. Nicolas adjusted the strap of the sword on his back, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming challenge. For weeks, he had trained tirelessly, honing his control over chakra and learning to adapt to the ninja way of life. But this was his first real mission—his first chance to prove himself outside the confines of training grounds.
Shikaku's voice broke the silence. "We'll follow the main road until we reach the river. That's where the last sighting occurred. Stay alert, and remember—this isn't a sparring match. The rogue ninja won't hesitate to kill."
Nicolas nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Understood."
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The group moved swiftly through the forest, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the soft earth. Nicolas marveled at the natural beauty around him—the way sunlight filtered through the leaves, the chirping of birds overhead. Yet, beneath the tranquility, a sense of unease lingered.
Rina glanced back at him, her youthful face marked with curiosity. "So, Nicolas, you're not from around here, are you? Your techniques are… different."
Nicolas hesitated before replying. "I guess you could say I'm self-taught. My approach is unconventional, but it works."
Rina smiled. "Unconventional might be what we need. Just don't let Shikaku's grumpiness get to you."
The older shinobi smirked but said nothing, his focus remaining on the path ahead. Nicolas appreciated their camaraderie, though he knew the stakes were too high for idle chatter.
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As they neared the river, Shikaku raised a hand, signaling the group to stop. The air felt heavier here, the stillness unsettling. Nicolas crouched beside the others, his senses on high alert.
"There," Shikaku whispered, pointing to a set of footprints in the mud. They were fresh, leading deeper into the forest. "He's close."
The group followed the trail, their movements silent and deliberate. Nicolas could feel his heartbeat quicken, the anticipation building with each step. He tightened his grip on his sword, ready for whatever lay ahead.
Suddenly, a kunai whizzed past them, embedding itself in a nearby tree. The group scattered, taking cover as their attacker revealed himself. The rogue ninja stood atop a rocky outcrop, his face partially obscured by a mask. His chakra flared ominously, a dark energy that sent shivers down Nicolas's spine.
"Well, well," the rogue sneered. "Looks like the Leaf sent a welcoming party. How thoughtful."
Shikaku stepped forward, his demeanor calm but commanding. "You can surrender now, or we can do this the hard way. Your choice."
The rogue laughed, a cold, hollow sound. "I didn't come this far to give up now. Let's see what you've got."
Before Shikaku could respond, Nicolas stepped forward, his sword drawn. The rogue's eyes narrowed as he sized up the young stranger.
"And who are you supposed to be?" the rogue taunted.
Nicolas's voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "The one who's going to stop you."
The rogue smirked, his chakra flaring once more. "Bold words, kid. Let's see if you can back them up."
As the rogue leaped toward him, Nicolas felt a surge of adrenaline. This was it—the moment he had been training for. With a deep breath, he channeled his chakra, his sword glowing faintly in response. The clash of steel against steel rang out, marking the beginning of the battle.
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