Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Team
Konoha.
Hokage Office.
"Satoru, this mission is yours," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, handing him a document.
Satoru took the document and opened it to read.
It contained a series of intelligence reports.
Anbu had discovered significant activity by Ninja from the Land of Lightning at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Iron, seemingly a probe or something similar.
The specific intelligence was brought back by an Anbu Ninja who barely survived.
For this intelligence, Konoha had lost several elite spies.
"The Village suspects that the Land of Lightning wants to cut off cooperation between the Land of Fire and the Land of Iron, severing Konoha's largest Ninja tool supply line, so I want you to lead a team to strengthen patrols along the Land of Fire's border.
You are a sensory Ninja, and I have confidence in your sensory abilities," Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously.
Ninja strength is built upon Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Taijutsu, and intelligence; Genin, Chunin, and most Jonin rely heavily on Ninja tools.
If the supply is cut off, leading to a shortage of Konoha's Ninja tools, it would weaken Konoha's strength, which he cannot allow.
Most of the ore for Ninja tools relies on cooperation with the Land of Iron, making this a very serious matter.
"Um... what about the Barrier Ninjutsu teaching?" Satoru scratched his head.
Not long ago, he was told to teach the Barrier class, and now he was given another mission.
It disrupted his life rhythm.
Moreover, conflict with the Land of Lightning was extremely dangerous and exhausting.
Additionally, with his efforts in 'creating a person' these past few days, Ayame was already pregnant, so he didn't want to leave Konoha and wished to spend more time with her.
"The Barrier Ninjutsu matter can wait.
The top priority is the border incident; this matter is especially important.
I've also arranged for a few helpers to form a team with you," Hiruzen Sarutobi decided.
"Helpers?"
"Yes, three helpers.
The four of you will form a patrol squad.
You know the captain, Hayama Shirokumo," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.
"As for the other two, you'll find out when you gather," he chuckled.
No, those are my teammates!
Is it really okay for you to be so secretive?
Is this something a Ninja should do?
Don't you know what impact imprecise intelligence can have on a mission?
Satoru thought to himself, a triple complaint.
"Alright, but Hokage-sama, remember to help me find a replacement for my companion!" he said.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned by his words: "If you have something going on, I can let them go first, and you can delay for a few days."
What's wrong?
This child isn't like someone who would refuse to perform a mission!
"Haha, no, it's nothing like that.
It's just that my wife is pregnant, and I don't want her to worry too much.
You know, the Ninja profession is never safe.
I'm afraid she'll worry herself sick," Satoru said with a laugh.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled: "Alright, I will try my best to find someone to replace you so you can return to your wife.
I understand that feeling."
He remembered how he had felt the same way back then, and even now, he worried whether Asuma could handle his position in the Land of Fire.
He was afraid he would die in the Capital of the Land of Fire.
It was only now that his eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant that his old heart felt at ease.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Whoosh!
Seeing that there was nothing else, Satoru disappeared from the Hokage Office.
...
Walking down Konoha Main Street, Satoru felt uncomfortable.
He already thought having to work overtime was bad enough, but he didn't expect something even worse.
Guarding the border was the most exhausting and dangerous job, besides espionage missions.
"Who are the other two teammates besides Hayama?" Satoru speculated about a possible Ninja.
Kakashi, Shisui, Yamato...?
Returning home, he saw Ayame basking in the sun at the doorway, and his face showed guilt.
His wife was pregnant at home, and he couldn't accompany her.
This Ninja world was truly annoying.
"Wife, I'm home."
"It's good you're back.
Dad went out to buy groceries; he said he's going to make something super delicious to nourish me," Ayame said with a smile.
She touched her belly, full of love.
"Oh, that's right.
When Dad gets back, there's something I need to tell you both."
...
"What, you're going to guard the border?
That's wonderful!
This is Hokage-sama's recognition of my son!" Hiroshi said, returning home with groceries.
He was very happy after Satoru told him about the mission.
What did it mean?
It meant his son was far more accomplished than he, actually undertaking such a difficult mission.
Ayame also showed a fleeting worry, then forced a smile: "Yes, don't worry, we'll support you, but you must be careful."
"Mm, I'll finish the border mission as soon as possible," Satoru nodded.
Sensing Ayame's change, he also felt a bit sad, but work still had to be done for stability.
After dinner, before leaving, he spent more time with Ayame.
He carefully accompanied her shopping, occasionally telling her some corny pick-up lines from his previous life to make her laugh.
According to Konoha's tradition, border guards are rotated every three months, so he wouldn't see his wife for a while.
Satoru took it especially to heart.
This gradually eased Ayame's worries.
...
The next day.
Morning.
Sunlight spilt onto Konoha's main gate, where the two gatekeepers were already on duty.
Whoosh, whoosh!
Satoru landed outside the gate and looked around.
A figure came into view, with a high ponytail and a katana on his back.
His silhouette appeared exceptionally steady in the morning light.
"Captain Hayama, long time no see," Satoru said.
Hayama turned and smiled at him: "Satoru, long time no see, you're still as energetic as ever!"
"Haha, I'll be counting on you for this mission."
Besides school and the Nine-Tailed incident, Satoru hadn't seen Hayama in a long time.
Now, he looked increasingly handsome.
And he had the steady demeanour of a mature man.
Compared to Kakashi and himself, he looked much more mature.
"Where are the others?"
Hokage-sama is something, not telling me the names of the other two teammates and making me guess.
He's shameless," Satoru grumbled.
Suddenly.
Behind him.
"Hey, talking about Hokage-sama like that, be careful he doesn't make things difficult for you, kid," a girl with grey-brown eyes, wearing a fishnet top under her Ninja vest, and purple hair, with visibly ample assets.
She was blowing bubble gum.
Pop!
He turned to look.
"I should be two years older than you, little girl," Satoru recognised her.
Orochimaru's little follower, who probably hadn't reached Special Jonin yet.
"What did you say? Calling me a little girl?
Do you know who I am?" Anko Mitarashi's eyes widened, and she frowned in anger.
Satoru looked amused: "The little follower of the Sannin Orochimaru.
Also, I'm married, and I'm about to have a child.
You can even call me uncle; I don't mind."
At the mention of Orochimaru, Anko Mitarashi's bright face suddenly darkened, and her hands clenched.
However, hearing the latter part of his statement, she broke down.
She carefully looked at the person in front of her, whose face was bandaged, only showing his forehead protector and mouth, and his body was tall and slender.
"Hmph, marriage only holds you back and affects a Ninja's path.
And you're happy about it?"
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