Chapter 20: The Mission to the Border

Ei stood with her teammates—Yugito, Samui, and Mabui—inside the Raikage's office, awaiting their next mission. This one was different. It was a high-stakes test of their abilities, and completion would grant them early graduation from the Academy, something only reserved for the most exceptional of shinobi.

The Third Raikage stood before them, his eyes serious as he briefed the young shinobi. "This mission is vital. You will be delivering essential supplies to the border of the Land of Lightning. Your brother, A is stationed there with his partner B. A is already a Chunin, while B is a Genin. They are holding the border with a squad of 20 Kumogakure shinobi against potential incursions from Iwagakure forces."

Ei, now 10 years old, felt a sense of pride at the mention of her older brother. A had always been a figure of inspiration for her, already a Chunin at such a young age of 12. B, also being a Genin at 11, had earned a reputation for his incredible strength and resilience.

"You will deliver the supplies via carriage," the Raikage continued. "However, there's a high probability that Iwagakure shinobi may attempt to intercept you. Be ready for combat. Ei, as the team leader, you will determine the positions of your squad for this mission."

Ei nodded, her mind already racing through possible strategies. She had trained for years, pushing herself under the watchful eye of her father. This mission would test all that she had learned, not just in combat but also in leadership.

"You'll be driving a carriage loaded with supplies." said The Third Raikage.

---

"Samui, you'll handle the reins. Yugito will scout ahead using her keen sense of smell, and Mabui will stay inside the carriage, keeping watch over the supplies with your sensory abilities. I'll stay at the back." said Ei.

The carriage creaked as it made its way down the rough, uneven road toward the border. Samui sat at the front, driving the horses with a calm but steady focus. Her hand rested on the hilt of her katana, always ready for action.

Yugito scouted ahead, her mismatched eyes—one blue, the other yellow—glowing with the ferocity of Matatabi's influence. Her heightened senses, particularly her sense of smell, allowed her to detect any unusual activity in the distance.

Mabui remained inside the carriage with the supplies, her sharp mind focused as she used her sensory jutsu to detect any approaching chakra signatures. Though her space-time technique was still in development, her sensory skills were already well-honed.

Ei rode at the back, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, her senses attuned to any danger that might approach from behind. The soft hum of her lightning chakra cloak flickered around her, a constant reminder of the power she had cultivated under the Raikage's guidance.

As they moved deeper into the territory, Ei's voice broke the silence. "Samui, keep the carriage moving at a steady pace. Yugito, stay alert for any signs of ambush. Mabui, let us know if you sense anything."

Her teammates nodded in response, each focused on their respective roles.

After a while, Mabui called from inside the carriage, her voice tense. "Ei, I'm detecting multiple chakra signatures up ahead. They're trying to remain hidden, but I can sense them."

Yugito returned from her scouting position, landing gracefully next to the carriage. "I can smell them too. Four shinobi. Definitely Iwagakure."

Ei's mind quickly assessed the situation. "They're setting up an ambush. We need to be prepared. Yugito, I want you to circle around them and hit them from behind. Samui, keep the carriage moving but slow down slightly so you're not caught off guard. Mabui, stay inside and keep an eye on the supplies. If anything changes, alert us immediately."

With a determined nod, Yugito dashed off to flank the hidden enemies while Samui slowed the horses ever so slightly, keeping control of the reins with her usual calm precision.

As the team moved closer to the ambush, Ei's lightning chakra cloak intensified, the energy crackling around her in anticipation. She knew the importance of striking swiftly and efficiently. The supplies had to reach the border without delay, and they couldn't afford any mishaps.

---

Yugito moved like a shadow, her body low to the ground as she approached the hidden Iwagakure shinobi. She could smell their anxiety and fear as they waited for the right moment to strike. They hadn't yet detected her presence, a mistake they wouldn't live to regret.

In one swift motion, Yugito attacked, her fists and legs coated in Matatabi's blue flames. The first shinobi didn't even have time to react before her flames engulfed him, sending him crashing to the ground. She propelled herself forward, using the blue flames from her feet to increase her speed, and struck down another enemy in the blink of an eye.

Meanwhile, Samui remained focused, her hands steady on the reins as she guided the carriage through the rocky terrain. Her katana hummed with lightning chakra, ready to strike if any enemies got too close.

Ei and Samui spotted two remaining Iwagakure shinobi emerging from their hiding spots, attempting to intercept the carriage. Without hesitation, Ei leapt from the back, her lightning chakra cloak sparking as she moved with incredible speed. In a flash, she unsheathed her sword and decapitated one of the enemies in a single strike, leaving nothing but a stunned expression on his face as his body crumpled to the ground.

The final enemy, seeing his comrades fall so easily, attempted to retreat, but Samui was faster. She drew her katana and dashed forward, her blade slicing through the air, crackling with electricity. The last Iwagakure shinobi fell to the ground as her blade pierced through him, ending the fight in seconds.

---

With the threat neutralized, the team regrouped around the carriage. Yugito, her eyes glowing with the aftereffect of Matatabi's power, gave a satisfied grin. "They weren't much of a challenge."

Samui sheathed her sword, her expression as calm as ever. "We were well-prepared."

Inside the carriage, Mabui scanned the area again, her chakra-sensing technique confirming that no more enemies were nearby. "We're clear," she said.

Ei nodded, her hand still resting on her sword's hilt. "Good. Let's move. We need to get these supplies to the border on time."

---

Hours later, they arrived at the border camp, where A and B stood waiting for them alongside their squad of 20 Kumogakure shinobi. A, at 12 years old and already a Chunin, was every bit the imposing figure Ei had expected. His muscular frame and intense expression showed his readiness for battle.

B, standing next to him, looked equally impressive despite being only 11 years old. As a Genin, he was already highly skilled for his age, and Ei felt a sense of pride knowing that her brother and his partner were part of such an important mission.

"You made it," A said, his tone approving as he looked over the team. "Did you encounter resistance?"

Ei stepped forward. "Yes. Four Iwagakure shinobi. We dealt with them."

A nodded, clearly satisfied with their performance. "Good. That's exactly what I expect from future shinobi of Kumogakure."

B gave them a wide grin, his carefree attitude contrasting with A's serious demeanor. "Not bad for a bunch of Academy students."

Yugito smirked, crossing her arms. "We're more than ready to graduate."

---

Later that night, as they rested by the campfire, the team reflected on the day's events. They had successfully completed their mission, but it was clear to each of them that this was only the beginning. The road to becoming full-fledged shinobi was long, but they were ready to face it together.

Ei stared into the flames, her mind already focused on the future. The mission had been a success, but she knew there were still many challenges ahead. For now, though, she could rest easy knowing that they had passed the Raikage's test.

End of Chapter 20.