Chapter 19: Mission with Jiraiya
As Team 7 set off on their mission to the Land of Waves, Kai found himself assigned a separate mission with Jiraiya. His excitement was tempered with the knowledge that, soon, Naruto and his teammates would be facing some of their first real threats. He had a sense of exactly what was coming—the dangerous encounters with Zabuza and Haku, the deeper struggles Naruto and Sasuke would experience. Kai hoped his teammate would make it through, and knew this would shape Naruto's growth.
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Early that morning, Kai met Jiraiya at the village gates. The Sannin had a rare, serious expression, suggesting this mission was no simple reconnaissance.
"Alright, Kai," Jiraiya began, glancing around to ensure no one overheard, "we're heading to a neighboring village to investigate some unusual chakra disturbances. It's nothing too major, but keep your wits about you."
Kai nodded, understanding this would be an opportunity to observe Jiraiya's tactics in the field. As they traveled through the forested paths, Jiraiya instructed him on various sensory and tracking techniques, pointing out subtle signs that would otherwise go unnoticed. Kai absorbed everything, silently grateful for this first experience of higher-level shinobi work.
After hours of travel, they arrived at the outskirts of a small, mist-covered village nestled by a river. Jiraiya instructed him to scan the area while he gathered intel, leaving Kai free to use his chakra perception and sensory abilities.
Focusing his energy, Kai activated his first tomoe's Chakra Flow Detection. The chakra flows of the village's inhabitants glowed faintly, each unique and pulsing at its own rhythm. He detected a few strong signatures in the distance, likely the source of the disturbance Jiraiya mentioned.
Moments later, Jiraiya returned, a slight frown on his face. "We've got a rogue group up ahead. Seems like a few missing-nin have taken over a trading post in the village. It's our job to get them out without too much trouble."
Kai felt a spark of anticipation. (An actual mission… This is the type of experience I need. Real opponents, not just training exercises.)
Jiraiya's plan was straightforward: Kai would act as a decoy to lure the rogue ninjas into the open, and Jiraiya would strike from behind. Kai nodded, concealing his nervousness behind a calm exterior.
He positioned himself within sight of the trading post, drawing the attention of a few guards. They shouted in surprise, rushing forward, weapons ready. He swiftly performed the Shadow Clone Jutsu, creating five clones to confuse them as he dashed forward, his kunai drawn.
The missing-nin engaged, but Kai was able to stay one step ahead, dodging their strikes and keeping them focused on him. Just as they grew frustrated with his evasive maneuvers, Jiraiya emerged from behind, his hands moving in a series of seals. In an instant, he unleashed a torrent of water, scattering the enemy in every direction.
The missing-nin, caught off guard, surrendered quickly, and the mission was over before they could even realize what had happened.
"Nice work, Kai," Jiraiya said as they bound the rogues. "You've got good instincts, and your chakra control's impressive. I can see why the old man's keeping an eye on you."
Kai allowed himself a small smile at the praise but stayed focused, knowing he still had a long way to go. (This was only the beginning. Missions like these are only a fraction of what's to come.)
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On their journey back to the Leaf Village, Kai couldn't help but think about Team 7's mission. While he hadn't witnessed it firsthand, he knew Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura would be facing significant challenges in the Land of Waves. In the days to come, they would be pushed to their limits—and hopefully, they would come back stronger.
For now, though, he would continue his own path, training under Jiraiya's watchful eye, and quietly preparing for the inevitable dangers that lay ahead.