Chapter 38: The Wandering Samurai, First Battle

Northwest of the Land of Fire.

This region, near the Land of Rivers, the Land of Rain, and Kikyo Pass, was a chaotic zone. Yet, it also served as an important trade route connecting several northwestern nations.

As a result, the area bustled with activity.

"So this is Hakuen Town?" Asuma looked around, taking in the unfamiliar sights of the town.

"That's right. I was here just a few months ago," Kyoichi nodded. "Back then, a team of Sand Village shinobi attacked this place, but we managed to drive them back."

Since the war ended, the area had begun to recover, and many trade routes were being rebuilt.

However…

Being close to the Land of Rain and the Land of Rivers meant this place often attracted bandits and rogue ninjas. While the presence of Konoha's forces during the war had kept such threats at bay, the withdrawal of troops had left the area vulnerable. With only a few shinobi patrolling the borders, bandits began resurfacing, forcing the town's leader to issue a request for aid.

Kyoichi leaned against a wall, activating his chakra sensing technique.

"Got them!"

To the northwest, toward the Land of Rivers, a group of wandering samurai had formed a gang of thieves. Emboldened by previous successful raids, they were still lingering in the area, continuing to loot and pillage.

"What's the plan now, Sensei?" Kurenai asked, glancing around.

Around them, townsfolk were busy repairing streets and rebuilding homes. The main roads were mostly restored after a month's effort. For now, the area seemed peaceful.

"No rush. Let's scout the area first and get a feel for the terrain," Kyoichi instructed.

If it were just him, he could have stormed in and taken care of the bandits with ease. But with a squad to train, things were different.

He glanced at the three young shinobi.

After some thought, Kyoichi said, "For missions ranked C and above, there's always a risk of combat. You need to be ready to fight and kill at any time. Now, if I left the planning to you, what would you do?"

"Scout the terrain, set traps, and prepare defensive positions," Asuma responded without hesitation, reciting textbook answers.

"Where would you place the traps?"

"That's…" Asuma hesitated, unable to provide an answer right away. His lack of experience showed.

Shisui thought for a moment before replying, "To the west. The Land of Rivers doesn't have a hidden village, so it's a hotspot for wandering samurai and rogue ninjas. Bandits often form gangs there, and patrols tend to focus on that direction."

"Not bad. Your clan's police force has taught you well," Kyoichi remarked.

The Uchiha clan might be arrogant, but they were undeniably skilled. Unfortunately, the hawkish elements within the clan, particularly after the Nine-Tails' attack, were growing increasingly difficult to control, even for Fugaku.

Turning back to the three, Kyoichi instructed, "Head west, scout the area, and set up traps. If you encounter the enemy, assess the situation and decide whether to engage. Remember what I've taught you, and you should be fine."

"Yes, Sensei!"

The trio set off as instructed.

Kyoichi followed from a distance, while sending a shadow clone to observe the townspeople rebuilding the area. Driving off bandits alone wouldn't ensure the long-term recovery of Hakuen Town.

For young shinobi, even basic missions had layers of complexity.

While Shisui, Asuma, and Kurenai patrolled, Kyoichi pulled out a book and began reading.

It was a medical text on cell theory.

Borrowed from the Third Hokage, this book complemented the system-gifted "Basic Medical Knowledge" he already possessed. In his spare time, Kyoichi would study it to deepen his understanding.

Recently, his research into cell activation techniques had shown promise. While human skin has limited breathing capabilities, if cell activity were enhanced, could the skin absorb more oxygen and increase overall vitality?

Experiments confirmed the theory's potential.

His breathing techniques, particularly those involving chakra flow, saw significant improvement. While he hadn't reached the pinnacle of cell activation techniques, he believed he was on the right track.

By activating skin cells first and then gradually extending to blood and muscle tissue, a simplified version of the activation technique could become a reality.

Theoretically, the benefits would extend to areas like Hashirama cells, taijutsu, and medical ninjutsu in the future—truly a long-term investment.

After a while, Kyoichi set the book aside and shifted his attention to Kurenai.

"Have they found the target?"

Two to three kilometers ahead, Kurenai signaled with hand gestures, holding kunai and shuriken ready.

Kyoichi wasn't too worried.

In the past ten days, Kurenai had become proficient in the Body Flicker Technique, Asuma had mastered the Vacuum Blade, and Shisui's improvements in swordsmanship and mobility were evident. Their collective strength should suffice.

What concerned him was how they would handle their first real kill.

As the trio approached the bandits, who were wandering aimlessly after their recent plunder, Kyoichi mused, Perhaps it's time to teach Kurenai chakra sensing techniques. Her natural talent for precision could make her excel at it.

The difference between chakra sensing and Kurenai's innate abilities lay in range and focus. Chakra sensing allowed for broader detection, while Kurenai's abilities were sharper in close proximity.

Both had their uses.

The wandering samurai soon came into view—a group stained with blood and carrying bags of loot. Judging by their appearance, they had just killed and looted again.

Shisui and the others took cover, having already set traps.

A moment later…

Boom!

Explosions rang out.

"Such a waste!" Kyoichi sighed.

The cost of those explosive tags was higher than the reward for a C-rank mission. Only kids with wealthy backgrounds could afford such extravagance. Ordinary genin couldn't dream of using them so liberally.

Still, it was their first mission. The expense was understandable.

"There are ninja among us!"

Amid the chaos, the trio launched their attack.

Fire Release techniques like Fireball Jutsu and Great Breakthrough added to the confusion, scattering the bandits. Taking advantage of the disorder, Kurenai threw shuriken, killing two or three in quick succession.

Blood and charred flesh filled the air, creating a grisly scene.

"Charge!"

Asuma was the first to react, enhancing his kunai with Wind Release chakra to form a Vacuum Blade. He rushed into the fray.

"I'll support with genjutsu!"

Though shaken, Kurenai quickly regained her composure, forming seals for her genjutsu.

"They're just kids! Kill them!"

Seeing their attackers were young, the bandits regained some of their nerve, their killing intent flaring.

But…

Shisui was faster.

Using clones and transformation techniques, he infiltrated their ranks, combining stealth and swordsmanship to take them down one by one.

"Retreat! Stay back-to-back or we're all dead!"

The bandits quickly regrouped, standing back-to-back with weapons drawn.

Kurenai activated her genjutsu, while Asuma closed in, piercing one bandit's heart with his kunai. Blood splattered across his face.

Three or four bandits retaliated immediately, their blades aimed straight for Asuma.

"No tricks—just speed and ruthlessness. These guys are relentless," Kyoichi muttered, observing their desperate ferocity.

Caught off guard, Asuma froze.

"ASUMA!"

Kurenai shouted, hurling shuriken in a panic.

Shisui intervened, cutting down one bandit.

But the remaining bandits showed no mercy, sacrificing their wounded comrades to focus entirely on killing Asuma. Their savage determination made them even more dangerous.

Asuma faltered, his mind blank.

Just as the blades were about to strike…

Clang!

A flash of steel.

The bandits' weapons shattered, followed by sprays of blood.

******************************

Read advanced chapters ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.

p@treon/GodDragcell