Chapter 27: Konoha's Proud Azure... Precious Beast?! [Part 1]
Outside the gates of Konoha, Might Guy, wearing a green frog-tight suit and sporting a hairstyle reminiscent of a kappa, was excitedly pestering his stoic companion Kakashi. As an elite ANBU member, Kakashi didn't spend much time outside of the village, and without him as an opponent, Might Guy felt like his youth was incomplete.
"Kakashi, let's have a youthful showdown! Morning is the start of a new day, we should be full of energy and not so lethargic..."
But Kakashi was indifferent to his friend's antics, still reeling from the loss of his teacher and teammate. If it weren't for Might Guy being a childhood friend, he would have used his Sharingan to intimidate anyone else.
"Quiet down, this mission won't be easy. Save your energy in case of emergencies," Kakashi reminded him, thinking of the Third Hokage's instructions. If they encountered danger on the way, they had to bring back a girl named Sakura at all costs.
"But isn't it just an escort mission to the border within the Fire Country? It shouldn't be that dangerous," said Might Guy, unable to imagine any danger within the Fire Country. No ninja village would dare provoke Konoha.
"You never know," replied Kakashi, his uncovered eye flashing with seriousness. The Third Hokage had entrusted him with this mission, and it was clear that it wouldn't be peaceful.
"By the way, besides the person we're protecting, is it just the two of us on this mission?" asked Might Guy curiously. Usually, missions involved at least three people or a team led by a higher-ranked ninja.
"No, there's one more," said Kakashi after a moment of silence. "Uchiha Shisui."
"Uchiha Shisui? The genius of the Uchiha clan?" exclaimed Might Guy, recognizing the name. Shisui's body flicker technique was famous throughout the ninja world.
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed before falling silent.
"I've decided, I'm going to challenge Uchiha Shisui!" declared Might Guy suddenly, clenching his fists and looking determined. "Youth can only become stronger through constant challenges!"
Kakashi just stared at him with a dead fish eye, expressionless.
"Hey, Kakashi, did you even hear what I said? You can be the referee when I challenge Uchiha Shisui!" complained Might Guy, dissatisfied with his friend's apathetic attitude. He wanted to help him move on from his grief and not dwell in sadness all the time, but he wasn't good at comforting others. All he could do was try to distract Kakashi, but it didn't seem to be working.
They didn't have to wait long before two figures, one large and one small, emerged from the village. They were followed by a group of children and adults.
"Mom, Dad, Uncle Teuchi, Sister Ayame, Naruto, Ino, and everyone else, you don't have to see me off. I'm just going on a special mission, not a suicide mission. Don't worry about me," said Sakura, having informed her parents about the mission. She had managed to convince them to let her go, but the result was that they woke up early to prepare a lot of things for her.
If it weren't for Uchiha Shisui arriving in time and sealing everything in a storage scroll, Sakura would have had to carry a giant backpack.
"Be careful outside, eat on time, don't catch a cold... Take care of yourself, and come back safely!" said her mother, Haruno Mebuki, holding back tears and repeating her advice. She knew she couldn't persuade Sakura to stay, so all she could do was remind her to be careful.
"Don't worry, Mom. Shisui is a famous ninja in the entire ninja world. He's very strong, so you don't have to worry about my safety," Sakura assured her, nodding firmly. She would come back safely for the sake of her parents and friends.
"Come back soon, don't make your mother worry too much!" said her usually cheerful father, Haruno Kizashi, looking worried. He only managed to say that before falling silent, his furrowed brow revealing his anxiety.
"I know," replied Sakura before turning to Naruto. "Hey, Naruto, you have to behave while I'm away. Don't cause any trouble!"
"I will! I'll be going to ninja school soon, and I'll work hard to become a strong ninja. I'll protect you if there's any danger!" promised Naruto, wiping away his tears.
"Okay!" Sakura smiled before turning to Uncle Teuchi. "Uncle Teuchi, Sister Ayame, Naruto, I'm counting on you. If anything happens, go to Uchiha's house and ask for Fugaku's help!"
She whispered the last sentence to Uncle Teuchi, and only Shisui heard it.
"I got it!" said Uncle Teuchi. "Fugaku is developing new dishes lately. When you come back, he'll make you a big table of delicious food!"
"I'm looking forward to it!" Sakura checked the time and waved to Ino and the others. "It's getting late. I have to go. Be good while I'm away, and I'll give you a surprise when I come back."
"I don't care about surprises. Just come back safely. I don't want the beautiful cherry blossom to wither before it blooms," said Ino, trying to sound relaxed.
"I won't wither prematurely. Even if I do, it doesn't mean it's over. The withered flower will eventually become the nutrient for new green leaves. When spring comes and the greenery sprouts, that's the climax of youth, the most fiery moment of burning!" exclaimed Sakura, remembering what Might Guy had said to Madara Uchiha during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"Well said, that's youth!" agreed Might Guy.
As they spoke, a green frog suddenly jumped out, with a watermelon-like head of hair, thick eyebrows, and shiny teeth, causing Sakura to jump in surprise.
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