Tobirama's disciples Competition

(Edited)

There were six or seven of these ronin, but Fumori Masaki and the others were not certain if they were the only ones. They quietly followed the other ronin as seeing they prepared to return, the team trailing them up the mountain.

Upon seeing the simple cottage, everyone exchanged glances. The ronin truly considered themselves bandits, having even erected a stronghold. It was unexpected that, in just ten years, warriors had fallen to such a low point. It wasn't that the country was gradually abandoning samurai, but rather that these individuals lacked firm resolve and mocked the samurai code.

Koharu sneered, "Masaki was right. We can't just let them leave like this. Let's kill with them all to protect the samurai's honor."

"First, let's figure out how many there are," said Akimichi Torifu softly.

At this point, Danzo spoke up, "Leave this to me." He bit his finger, formed a seal, and slapped his hand on the ground. With a puff of smoke, a small animal appeared.

"Go," Shimura Danzo commanded, and the small, mouse-like creature scurried towards the cottage.

"This is a psychic beast used by Shimura clan to gather information. Although it lacks combat abilities, its appearance makes it difficult to detect. It's perfect for this type of terrain," Hiruzen explained to the others.

"It can only gather simple information," Danzo added, matter of-factly.

Fumori Masaki glanced at Danzo. During their time studying together, Masaki had come to understand Danzo's character. Danzo firmly believed in the ninja code, thinking a true ninja should operate in the shadows, sacrificing themselves silently. People like Danzo were well-suited for covert operations.

However, based on Masaki's understanding of people like him from his knowledge of another world's history, long-term activity in the dark could twisted a person's character, making them lode their original ideals or become cruel. They might either become despised or give rise to dangerous ambitions. Some of Danzo's future actions would prove this point. Masaki wasn't sure how to handle Danzo.

Though future Danzo committed many wrongs, the current Danzo was just an ordinary boy. They had studied together, and Masaki had formed a friendship with him. At this time, Danzō was still unquestionably devoted to Konoha. If he hadn't spent so much time in the darkness, he might not have met such a fate.

Soon, the mouse-like summoning beast returned, squeaking at Danzō and scratching a rough map on the ground. Danzō took a few glances and informed the others, "There are twenty-two people inside."

Everyone realized the cottage couldn't support many people; the village itself couldn't maintain a large bandit group. After confirming the number of enemies, they discussed how to deal with them, they probably weren't very strong. Anyone with real skills wouldn't have ended up like this. In theory, the seven of them could easily handle the situation, but Sarutobi had a different idea.

"I think it's too boring to finish this so easily. Since it's our first mission, let's make it more interesting," Sarutobi Hiruzen suggested with a smile.

"How do you propose we make it interesting?" asked Koharu.

"Let's each try to assassinate these people individually," Hiruzen said. "Everyone goes in alone and take out targets without alerting others. If you alert someone, you lose. We'll see who can kill the most withoutbeing detected. What do you think? Want to try?"

Though they were ninjas, Konoha Ninja Village's training methods weren't limited to traditional ones. Koharu and the others, being young, found the idea appealing.  Danzō and Koharu agreed,  followed by Uchiha Kagami.

The four then turned to the remaining three—Akimichi Torifu, Mitokado Homura, and Fumori Masaki—looked at each other. Though they were more cautious by nature, they were young and Hiruzen had already put forth the suggestion. It would be awkward to decline now, especially with such a seemingly weak enemy. Moreover, it wouldn't do to be overly cautious.

Thus, the three eventually agreed to Hiruzen's suggestion. Hiruzen nodded, saying, "Then We'll start in a while. Everyone will kill their targets alone. The more you eliminate without being detected, the better."

Despite the plan, the cottage wasn't very large. As more people were killed, they had to act quickly to prevent alarms. This would be a real test of skill, Masaki thought.

After a while, Sarutobi Hiruzen signaled for the start and he moved towards the cottage, followed by the others, sneaking in one by one.

Fumori Masaki's enhanced perception, honed by natural energy and training in Senjutsu, allowed him to sense the presence of an enemy nearby. He moved without making a sound and approached his target from behind, who was obliviously preparing to relieve himself.

Masaki observed him. From his posture it was clear this person was inexperienced,  perhapsnot even a true samurai. While the status of samurai had declined, it was unlikely all 22 people were true samurai.

As the target remained unaware, Masaki drew his short blade and struck, cutting the man's throat before he could react. Blood spurted out, and the man fell silently.

Before the body hit the ground, Masaki sensed another person approaching. He quickly moved out of sight as the new arrival turned the corner, ready to speak to the now-dead man. Seeing the body, panic flashed in his eyes, and just as he was about to raise an alarm, Masaki appeared and silenced him with a swift cut to the throat.

Masaki stood over the second body, having killed two people swiftly. Despite it being his first time, he felt no remorse; he had long accepted the ninja life.

Listening carefully, Masaki sensed no alarms. The others seemed to be doing well too.

Masaki approached another room, seeing a man sitting with a frightened girl in coarse clothes beside him. The girl look terrified. The girl, a captive from the village, widened her eyes upon seeing Masaki. The ronin, noticing her surprise, turned, but not before Masaki cut his throat. The ronin fell, blood spraying, and the girl screamed.

Masaki could have stopped the scream but chose not to. The lack of skilled opponents in the cottage made him confident there was no need for further caution. He sent a shadow clone to confirm the situation, and his suspicions were correct. The remaining ronin were of similar skill levels.

Though he lost the competition, Masaki didn't mind. He could have performed better, but it wasn't necessary.

"It's okay, you can go back soon," Masaki said gently to the girl, giving her reassuring smile.