Chapter 80: The Mission Location

Infiltrating a foreign country and assassinating a missing-nin - a mission of such high rank would put immense pressure even on a skilled ninja like Sakumo Hatake. A single mistake could cost him his life. 

After all, they would be infiltrating the Village Hidden in the Clouds, one of the five great ninja villages on par with Konoha, filled with powerful shinobi. Moreover, the Third Raikage, renowned for his strongest spear and shield, ruled over the village.

This was undoubtedly an S-rank mission. Given the team composition selected by the Third Hokage, even if they managed to infiltrate the Hidden Cloud Village and kill the missing-nin Kuriyama Shinzo, their chances of surviving were virtually zero.

However, Sakumo didn't believe the Third would make such a reckless decision. The Third continued, "According to our intelligence, Kuriyama Shinzo will soon travel to the Land of Hot Water under the escort of Cloud ninja, seemingly to retrieve something."

"The Land of Hot Water? That man is quite daring," Sakumo commented. Although small, the Land of Hot Water bordered the Land of Fire and was rich in natural resources. It had its own ninja village whose strength couldn't match the five great villages but possessed many skilled and loyal shinobi who had never defected.

The people of the Land of Hot Water cherished peace, and their ninja village was known as the "Village of Artisans" who had forgotten war.

"Your mission won't take place in the Land of Lightning but rather the Land of Hot Water. I'm not foolish enough to send my subordinates to their deaths," the Third stated. Even he might struggle to infiltrate the Hidden Cloud and escape unharmed.

"I understand, but this mission is far too dangerous for Minato and Uchiha Homura. They may not be up to the task," Sakumo said, preferring to go alone rather than endanger the two young ninja.

"Speaking of which, who exactly are these two?" Sakumo's teammate Toriumi Jun asked, completely unfamiliar with Minato and Uchiha Homura.

"They're still students at the Ninja Academy," Sakumo explained.

"What?" Jun exclaimed in disbelief, turning to the Third. "Lord Third, isn't this too extreme? A mission of this level is beyond the scope of mere students. Sending children is simply reckless!"

Though the Hokage, the Third maintained a relaxed relationship with loyal Leaf ninja like Sakumo and Jun.

The Third smiled, "True, they're still children, but their abilities are not to be underestimated - something you're likely more aware of than I, Sakumo."

Confused, Jun looked to Sakumo, who couldn't deny the Third's words. Disregarding their ages, Minato and Uchiha Homura already possessed the skills of seasoned chunin.

"But they lack any real combat experience. Isn't it unwise to start them on such a perilous mission?" Sakumo argued, concerned since they would infiltrate a foreign nation to assassinate a formidable missing-nin. Kuriyama's guards would undoubtedly be elite as well.

When assigning missions, combat experience was just as crucial as the ninja's abilities.

"That's why I need you to impart your experience to them. But completing the mission and neutralizing that threat remains the top priority," the Third stated gravely.

"I cannot guarantee their safety," Sakumo replied, unable to promise their survival against such unknown dangers.

Yet the Third smiled faintly, "You need not concern yourself with whether they live or die. Their fate depends solely on their own capabilities."

For a ninja, even a genin, survival in this world relied on one's strength alone - the prime tenet of the ninja way.

"I understand," Sakumo accepted, realizing the Third aimed to accelerate their growth through a harsh trial by fire. Even prodigies wouldn't be afforded luxuries; either they blossomed amidst adversity or withered before their time like many geniuses before them.

As Sakumo prepared to leave, the confused Jun asked about Minato and Uchiha Homura's identities.

Sakumo paused, then asked Jun, "What's your current rank? I haven't heard much about you lately."

"I'm a jonin now," Jun replied.

Sakumo wasn't too surprised - Jun had always shown great talent back at the Academy. But for her to attain jonin rank without him knowing was odd.

"Where have you been all this time?" Sakumo inquired.

Jun fell silent, glancing at the Third who said nothing. From her hesitation, Sakumo deduced she must have been assigned to the Anbu Black Ops.

"Alright, come with me. I need to assess your current abilities as well, and I'll brief you on Minato and Uchiha Homura. I'll determine our departure time for the mission and inform you later," Sakumo stated.

The timing for such assassination missions was highly classified, only reported to the Hokage shortly before execution.

"Understood," Jun replied obediently, following Sakumo out after bidding farewell to the Third.

After they left, the Third mused how the infamous "Anbu Witch" Jun seemed so meek before Sakumo.

The Third then sat back down, interlocking his fingers as he murmured, "Forgive my cruelty, Jiraiya, Minato. But there's no other way. If you can return alive, I may just grant your request."

His tone was solemn, his heart burdened by thoughts only he could comprehend.

(end of chapter)