Chapter 21

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"Yes, Master. I will not disappoint you or fail in my abilities," Sayuri said firmly, raising her head to meet his gaze. Her green eyes gleamed with determination despite the anxiety flickering within them. At almost eleven years old, she was already much taller than Naruto, yet her demeanor made her appear smaller, more vulnerable.

Naruto studied her for a moment, his sharp gaze assessing her sincerity. Finally, he gave a small nod of approval. "Very well. Based on your answer, I am satisfied. Now, tell me, what is your name?"

Her breath hitched in her throat. She hadn't expected him to ask her name, let alone show interest in it. Her lips parted in surprise, and tears began to pool in her eyes. Hastily, she wiped them away, unwilling to appear weak. "My name is Sayuri, Sensei," she replied, her voice trembling with excitement. The simple acknowledgment felt like a validation of her very existence.

"Sayuri... a little lily, huh?" Naruto mused, a faint chuckle escaping his lips as he processed the meaning of her name.

"Yes, Master," she replied, her smile widening as warmth bloomed in her chest. His recognition of her name meant everything to her.

Naruto watched her for a moment longer, noting the brightness of her smile and the almost childlike purity in her expression. "Sayuri, I'm going on an S-rank mission, and I want you to come with me."

Her response was immediate, as if the decision had already been made in her mind. "Yes, Master," she said without hesitation, her tone steady and resolute.

Naruto nodded once more before turning to his wardrobe. He donned his ninja outfit with practiced efficiency, strapping on his gear and securing the explosives he would need for the mission. Once he was ready, he turned to Sayuri and motioned for her to follow.

"Let's go," he said, stepping out of his apartment.

Sayuri trailed closely behind him, her movements careful and deliberate as she locked the door to the apartment. It was a simple act, but it reflected her attentiveness to even the smallest of details. She glanced at Naruto's back as they walked, her mind swirling with questions about the mission but knowing better than to ask.

[The Mission Brief]

The assignment, given directly by the Hokage, was no ordinary task. Naruto was to eliminate the council of a small village known for its dealings in weaponry. This council, bolstered by rogue shinobi and experienced bandits, had become a thorn in Konoha's side, disrupting trade routes and threatening alliances. The mission required precision, stealth, and ruthlessness—qualities Naruto possessed in spades. Additionally, he was to recover any resources and information of value to Konoha.

The duo left the village without fanfare, blending into the shadows as they passed through the gates. Their journey was long, stretching over several days. Along the way, Naruto tested Sayuri's endurance, occasionally increasing their pace or choosing more challenging routes. She followed without complaint, though her labored breathing and the occasional stumble revealed her inexperience.

[Nightfall and the First Kill]

After days of travel, they arrived at their destination under the cover of night. The village was quiet, its inhabitants unaware of the storm that was about to descend upon them.

Naruto crouched low, his voice a whisper in the darkness. "Stay here. Do not move unless I order you to."

Sayuri nodded, her expression serious. She watched as Naruto seemed to vanish into the shadows, his form blending seamlessly with the night.

From her vantage point, she saw nothing but the faint outlines of buildings. Inside, the council members and their guards were deep in slumber. Naruto moved with deadly precision, his blade slicing through throats without a sound. Those on watch met their end swiftly, their necks twisted at unnatural angles. He stored weapons and valuables in his inventory as he went, his every action methodical.

Sayuri's moment came when one of the council members stirred and wandered outside. She froze, her heart pounding in her chest. Naruto's voice echoed in her mind: Don't disappoint me.

Summoning her courage, she moved silently, her hands trembling as she gripped her kunai. The man turned, his eyes widening in shock as she plunged the blade into his chest. The warmth of his blood on her hands made her stomach churn, but she did not falter. She stepped back, watching as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Naruto appeared behind her moments later. "Are you done?" he asked, his voice low and calm.

Sayuri turned to him, her face pale and her hands shaking. "Yes, Master," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The reality of her first kill weighed heavily on her, but she stood firm, unwilling to show weakness.

"Good. Do not let this shake you. You must remain strong." Naruto's tone was cold, yet there was a flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes. He began storing the bodies, their lifeless forms a testament to his efficiency. Even the dead held secrets, and the Yamanaka clan would extract every piece of useful information from their remains.

[The Journey Back]

With their mission complete, Naruto and Sayuri began the trek back to Konoha. However, as the hours wore on, Sayuri's exhaustion became evident. Her steps grew slower, and her breaths came in short gasps.

Naruto glanced at her and sighed. "We'll stop here for the night. I don't want you collapsing mid-journey."

He set up camp with practiced ease, lighting a small fire with his fire-nature chakra and laying out two sleeping bags. Sayuri sat beside the fire, her body aching but her heart swelling with gratitude.

"Thank you, Master," she said, her voice soft as she smiled at him.

"No need to thank me," Naruto replied, patting her head gently. Her reaction was almost instinctual as she leaned into his touch, seeking the comfort it offered.

"Get some rest," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. "You'll need your strength for tomorrow."

[The Trap]

The next morning, they resumed their journey. Sayuri, though still tired, pushed herself to keep pace with Naruto. As they leapt from tree to tree, disaster struck. A branch under Sayuri's feet gave way, sending her plummeting to the ground. She landed hard, and the ground beneath her began to glow ominously.

"FOOL! GET OUT OF THERE!" Naruto yelled, his voice sharp with urgency.

Sayuri froze, her body refusing to move as panic seized her. Naruto acted instantly, launching himself toward her and kicking her out of the danger zone. She flew through the air, landing roughly but safely.

Naruto, however, was not as fortunate. The trap detonated, triggering a massive explosion. The force of the blast consumed him, setting off the explosive tags he carried.

"I'm dead," Naruto thought, his final words swallowed by the fiery chaos.