Chapter 134 New Teammates!

Mitokadu Homura sat at the table, smoothed the map with his forearm, and waved Raiden and the others over, signaling them to approach.

When Uzumaki Raiden stepped forward, Mitokadu Homura pointed to several locations marked with red circles on the map and said, "These are the places where our reconnaissance teams disappeared. Although there are no traces of battle."

"But these locations share one common feature: they are all covered by yellow sand."

The locations Mitokadu Homura indicated were all within the territory of the Land of Rivers, near the border of the Land of Wind. Though close to the Land of Wind, these areas should geographically still be mountainous and forested. The sudden appearance of yellow sand in such regions clearly suggests the work of Sand Ninja.

After Uzumaki Raiden's previous encounter with Rasa and his team, Konoha's leadership learned that Sand Ninja had a shinobi with a Kekkei Genkai capable of manipulating yellow sand. Based on this intelligence, Mitokadu Homura identified the likely locations where the teams were ambushed.

"Covered by yellow sand? Is it Karura from Sand Ninja?"

"If it is her, there aren't many in Konoha who can face her head-on."

Uzumaki Raiden immediately thought of Sand Ninja's Karura. Her ninjutsu was too distinctive for anyone else to imitate.

"She's likely among the attackers, but the exact number of enemies is still unclear.

"The primary goal of your mission is to determine the number of people in the squad that ambushed our reconnaissance teams."

"This is your baseline objective, no matter what."

"If possible, identify their individual abilities and their ninjutsu styles. Once you have this information, and if the opportunity arises, eliminate them."

Mitokadu Homura's concern for Raiden and his team was evident. Although Raiden had proven his strength, his team was still young. Thus, Homura framed the mission's goals cautiously, offering protection by prioritizing reconnaissance over direct combat.

"I understand. My team will complete the mission," Raiden responded. "But I have one request. I hope our team can be equipped with a medical ninja with outstanding skills."

Raiden glanced at Mitokadu Homura. So far, his team consisted of only four members. Homura's mission implied a prolonged stay in the Land of Rivers, possibly even crossing into the Land of Wind to operate behind enemy lines. A medical ninja would significantly improve their survival odds.

Raiden, having met Naruto, understood that the future held many changes. He was determined to ensure that his comrades, like Fugaku, would not fall on the battlefield.

"Medical ninjas? That's..."

Mitokadu Homura hesitated, pondering the request. Medical ninjas were crucial for Konoha, and their training system was not yet fully developed. Tsunade had advocated for equipping rear squads with medical ninjas during a Jonin meeting, a proposal the Third Hokage approved. However, the implementation was challenging due to the scarcity of medical ninjas.

The village had prioritized establishing field hospitals, where a single medical ninja could treat multiple wounded soldiers, rather than assigning them to squads. Additionally, most medical ninjas lacked the combat skills required for frontline missions, making them liabilities in such situations.

"I understand why you're requesting this," Mitokadu Homura finally said with a sigh. "But it puts me in a difficult position."

"Consultant Homura, don't worry. Strength isn't the issue as long as their medical skills are exceptional," Raiden reassured him, glancing at Hizashi. "The Hyuga Clan can provide absolute protection for a medical ninja."

"Very well," Homura conceded, nodding. He gave instructions to the guards outside and returned to finalize the mission details with Raiden and his team.

Soon, the tent's curtain was pulled open, and a beautiful young girl entered. She appeared to be about 15 or 16 years old, wearing a white coat that concealed her slender figure. Her long black hair was tied into a ponytail, swaying with each step.

"Lord Homura, what are your orders?"

The girl's pale Byakugan eyes scanned Raiden and his team curiously.

"A member of the Hyuga Clan?" Raiden murmured, glancing at Hizashi, who was silently observing the girl.

"Let me introduce her," Mitokadu Homura said. "This is Kaoru Hyuga, one of the Hyuga Clan and currently one of the camp's most skilled medical ninjas. Kaoru, you'll join their team and become a member of the Anbu. That man is your captain."

Mitokadu Homura pointed at Raiden, whose face was obscured by a mask. Homura did not reveal Raiden's identity but simply established his authority.

"I'm joining the Anbu? Understood. As Lord Homura commands."

Kaoru turned to Raiden, extending her hand. "Hello, Captain. My name is Kaoru Hyuga."

"There's no need for formalities," Raiden said, removing his mask. "You're part of my team now. That makes you family."

Raiden introduced himself and shook her hand lightly. His team members also removed their masks to introduce themselves. However, Hizashi hesitated, holding his mask awkwardly.

"Um..."

"Just call me Hizashi," he muttered, avoiding eye contact.

(End of Chapter)