Uchiha Fugaku noticed Haruto Saito's hesitation and lowered his voice. "If you don't want to take on this mission, I can assign you a B-rank mission instead."
"No, this mission is fine!" Haruto replied immediately, turning his attention back to the scroll for a closer look.
The intelligence report stated that Tanaka Teiji usually resided in the central-southern region of the Land of Rain, in a place called Shiroishi Mine. It was a silver mine where Teiji had established a base, guarded by five thousand troops.
Tanaka Teiji was also surrounded by a number of highly skilled samurai, some of whom possessed strength comparable to elite jōnin. The greatest danger of this assassination mission lay in these formidable bodyguards.
"If there are no issues, we'll meet in the forest outside the village's western gate tomorrow morning," Uchiha Fugaku instructed.
"Understood!" Haruto nodded, still fixated on the mission details.
Fugaku's lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say more, but in the end, he remained silent. He sighed, stood up, and left.
This was the best he could do.
The assassination of Tanaka Teiji was a high-risk A-rank mission, even among other A-rank missions. From a certain perspective, some dangers could be avoided.
While it seemed that the biggest threat came from Teiji's elite bodyguards, the real danger lay in the environment of the Land of Rain. That nation was crawling with rogue ninjas and mercenaries. Even Hanzo the Salamander, the leader of Amegakure and a so-called "demi-god," had failed to stabilize the country's perpetual conflicts. The sheer level of chaos in the Land of Rain was unimaginable.
Late at night, Haruto returned home. He trained until midnight before finally getting some rest.
Meanwhile, deep within the Hyuga Clan's residential district, a courtyard remained brightly lit.
Under the eaves, two identical-looking young men stood, one slightly ahead of the other. The one in front stood with his hands behind his back, exuding authority, while the one behind him lowered his head slightly in a respectful posture.
These two were Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi.
In front of them stood six Hyuga ninjas in two rows. The leader among them was a man who appeared younger than the others. He was strikingly handsome, with sharp, narrow eyes and messy black hair partially covering one of them.
This was Hyuga Kyogoku.
A rising star of the Hyuga Clan's younger generation, Kyogoku was a recognized genius. He had graduated from the Ninja Academy at eight, became a chūnin at nine, a special jōnin at twelve, and a jōnin at fifteen. At twenty-three, he was promoted to elite jōnin.
Now, at twenty-eight, Kyogoku had an impeccable track record. Not only was he a top-ranking member of the Hyuga intelligence division, but he also held considerable influence within the clan. If he stayed the course, he would likely become a high-ranking elder by the time he reached his forties.
Even more importantly, his father, Hyuga Taro, was the Hyuga Clan's second elder.
"Kyogoku, this mission originally didn't require your personal involvement, but to ensure absolute success, do not disappoint me!" Hiashi commanded, his young face brimming with the presence of a leader.
"Rest assured, young master. I will complete the mission!" Kyogoku replied respectfully, lifting his head with a smirk. "This is just a mere child. There is no chance of failure."
"Do not underestimate him," Hiashi cautioned.
Whoosh!
A gust of wind swirled, followed by a cloud of white smoke. A silver-haired elderly Hyuga appeared out of nowhere.
"Greetings, Second Elder!"
"Father!"
The six ninjas bowed deeply, while Kyogoku addressed him as "Father."
This was Hyuga Taro, the Hyuga Clan's second elder.
"Young Master Hiashi, Young Master Hizashi." Taro greeted the brothers warmly.
Hiashi gave a slight nod in return, his usual stern expression softening.
Technically, he outranked the elder, but as a fourteen-year-old who had yet to fully take charge of the clan, he still showed respect to the senior leaders.
"Second Elder, why are you still up?" Hiashi inquired.
"I couldn't help but check in," Taro said with a smile before turning to Kyogoku. His expression immediately turned serious. "Kyogoku, this mission must succeed. Do not fail. Do not let the young master down. Understand?"
"I understand, Father!" Kyogoku lowered his head.
"Do not be careless!" Taro stepped forward and patted his son's shoulder. His voice grew heavier. "This time, the Uchiha Clan will be accompanying Haruto Saito on his mission. They are your true opponents!"
"I understand," Kyogoku smirked. "That little brat killed our clan's people and humiliated our reputation. I won't let him return to Konoha alive! I will complete this mission, even if it costs me my life!"
"Good!" Taro's voice rang with approval.
The father and son exchanged knowing glances.
In truth, Taro wasn't worried about his son's ability to complete the mission. He had fought to ensure that Kyogoku was given this assignment.
This mission was simple but politically significant. It was an opportunity to prove his loyalty to Hiashi, the future clan leader. Winning Hiashi's favor meant guaranteed status and influence in the future.
For the Hyuga Clan, performing great services for Konoha wasn't as valuable as directly serving the future clan leader. If Kyogoku earned Hiashi's trust, his future within the clan would be secure.
Meanwhile, deep within the Uchiha Clan's compound, in a dimly lit study.
"Father, I just received word. The Hyuga intelligence division captain, Hyuga Kyogoku, has requested leave. He will likely lead the mission to eliminate Haruto Saito himself." Uchiha Fugaku reported, his expression grim.
"Kyogoku?" Uchiha Tokugawa turned from the window, furrowing his brows. "He's taking action personally? Who ordered it?"
"It seems to have come directly from Hiashi himself."
Fugaku stepped forward, his voice growing urgent. "Father, can we pull Meiko from this mission? If the Hyuga are serious about killing Haruto, it could be a one-way trip!"
Tokugawa remained silent for a moment before replying, "I will make arrangements."
Elsewhere in Konoha, within a dimly lit cavern.
The flickering glow of torches cast eerie shadows across the rocky walls.
"The mission has changed," Danzo announced, standing beside the flames. His masked eyes gleamed coldly. "Haruto Saito is traveling to the Land of Rain. You are not to act immediately. If he manages to survive and return, only then will you strike. Understood?"
"Yes!" the kneeling operatives, Oni-Shichi and Yamagata, responded in unison.
The long night passed.
A new day arrived!