Chapter 26: Bandit Extermination

The Tsukiko Squad finally arrived at the village targeted by their mission.

Sakumo Hatake led Tsukiko, Yamanaka Chinatsu, and Hyuga Ayane to a concealed position on the outskirts of the village, where they silently observed the situation from an elevated vantage point.

Scattered throughout the village were dozens of bandits, clad in ragged clothing and wielding various crude weapons. Though their individual strength seemed unimpressive, their numbers and aggressive demeanor posed a potential threat.

Sakumo frowned slightly as he scrutinized the scene. After confirming that none of the bandits emitted a shinobi-like chakra signature, he made a decision: this would be an excellent opportunity for Tsukiko's squad to gain real combat experience by handling the situation independently.

"Tsukiko," Sakumo spoke softly, his gaze steady, "these bandits aren't particularly strong, but their numbers could be troublesome. I won't interfere. This is your chance to demonstrate teamwork and tactical prowess. Plan carefully and execute with precision."

Tsukiko nodded in understanding. Though a trace of nervousness lingered in his chest, excitement overshadowed it. This was their first true mission—a chance to face real enemies. These weren't mere targets in training exercises; they were ruthless criminals who had looted, tortured, and oppressed innocent villagers.

With Sakumo's silent approval, Tsukiko quickly devised a battle plan.

Given the enemy's numerical advantage, a frontal assault would endanger his teammates. Tsukiko opted for a strategy of disruption and isolation.

"Chinatsu," Tsukiko instructed, his voice calm and focused, "use your Mind Transfer Technique to control the outermost bandits. Make them attack their own allies and spread confusion."

Chinatsu nodded, determination shining in her blue eyes.

"Ayane," Tsukiko continued, "activate your Byakugan to scout for ambushes and identify the safest attack routes. Your priority is protecting Chinatsu while supporting my advance."

Both kunoichi agreed without hesitation, fully trusting Tsukiko's judgment.

"I'll initiate the assault from above," Tsukiko concluded. "A Fire Release jutsu will disrupt their core, followed by close-quarters combat using taijutsu and Wood Release to mop up the stragglers."

With the plan set, the squad moved swiftly into position.

Chinatsu concealed herself near the village's perimeter, ready to launch her Mind Transfer Technique. Ayane activated her Byakugan, meticulously scanning the terrain for threats.

Meanwhile, Tsukiko quietly ascended a nearby structure, selecting an elevated position for his opening strike.

The moment Chinatsu succeeded in seizing control of several bandits, chaos erupted within the enemy ranks. The possessed bandits suddenly turned on their comrades, triggering shouts of confusion and panic.

Seizing the opportunity, Tsukiko sprang into action.

Forming hand seals with practiced precision, he unleashed a blazing Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique toward the heart of the bandit formation. The searing sphere of flame exploded upon impact, consuming several bandits in its fiery wake. Agonized screams pierced the air as smoke and ash billowed skyward.

Without missing a beat, Tsukiko performed the Wood Release: Wood Clone Technique, creating multiple clones that flanked the bandits from various angles.

The ambush had begun.

However, it was Tsukiko's first true kill that delivered the harshest impact.

Mid-assault, Tsukiko drove a kunai into a bandit's chest. The cold resistance of muscle and bone reverberated through the weapon, traveling up his arm. Warm blood spurted across Tsukiko's face as the bandit let out a strangled cry, collapsing lifelessly at his feet.

Time seemed to freeze.

Tsukiko stood motionless, hand trembling as he stared at the bloodstained kunai. Though he had trained for this moment, nothing could have prepared him for the stark reality of taking a life.

So this is what it means to kill… Tsukiko thought, nausea churning in his stomach. His vision blurred as dizziness washed over him.

The rational part of his mind screamed for composure. This was the ninja world—a realm where survival often demanded bloodshed. To protect the innocent, such actions were unavoidable.

"This isn't just about me," Tsukiko reminded himself, forcing his breathing to steady. "It's for the villagers… for my teammates. Hesitation will only put them at risk."

Determined to push through the mental barrier, Tsukiko clenched his fists and suppressed his revulsion.

At that moment, a sharp pain flared in his eyes.

His Sharingan pulsed violently, distorting his vision with countless fragmented images. The chakra within him surged uncontrollably, and then—

The Two-Tomoe Sharingan evolved into the Three-Tomoe Sharingan.

With the newly awakened three-tomoe Sharingan, Tsukiko's perception sharpened dramatically. Every motion, every twitch of muscle and shift in posture among the bandits, now appeared as if slowed down and magnified. He could predict each attack with chilling accuracy.

The hesitation that had once plagued his movements vanished.

Tsukiko wiped the blood from his face, gripping the kunai more firmly than ever. He reentered the fray with renewed determination, his actions fluid and instinctive.

Now fully embracing his combat instincts, Tsukiko became a whirlwind of destruction.

His Ninja Dance King ability amplified his agility and precision, transforming him into a black flash darting through the battlefield. Each strike found its mark—arteries, vital organs, pressure points—every move executed with clinical efficiency.

Chinatsu and Ayane provided unwavering support.

Ayane's Byakugan allowed her to pinpoint threats and alert Tsukiko of potential ambushes. Meanwhile, Chinatsu used her Mind Transfer Technique to sow further discord among the bandits, turning their own allies into unwilling saboteurs.

Together, the trio dismantled the enemy formation, methodically cutting down the bandits until none remained standing.

---

The aftermath was brutal.

The once-lively village square now lay littered with bodies. Blood pooled in the dirt, and the stench of death hung heavy in the air.

Breathing heavily, Tsukiko surveyed the carnage with hollow eyes. Though victorious, the weight of what he had done settled heavily upon his shoulders.

Nearby, the villagers—previously imprisoned and terrorized—emerged from their hiding places, their faces gaunt and clothing tattered. Relief and gratitude shone in their eyes as they beheld their liberators.

"Thank you… thank you, Konoha shinobi!" an elderly man exclaimed, tears streaming down his weathered cheeks. "You saved us… you saved our village!"

Tsukiko offered a faint smile, nodding in acknowledgment. But inside, his mind remained turbulent.

While the villagers celebrated their freedom, Tsukiko stood silently, replaying the battle in his mind. He had succeeded in eliminating the threat and protecting the innocent, yet the cold reality of taking lives left an indelible mark upon his soul.

This was the true face of the ninja world—where survival meant embracing both power and sacrifice.

---

The journey back to Konoha was quiet.

Sakumo Hatake, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Tsukiko's demeanor. Falling into step beside him, Sakumo spoke in a low, understanding tone.

"Tsukiko," he began, "this was your first taste of real combat… your first kill. It doesn't feel good, does it?"

Tsukiko nodded slowly, his expression somber. "No, Sakumo-sensei. I knew these bandits deserved it, but ending their lives with my own hands… it's different from training. It leaves a weight I can't quite describe."

Sakumo placed a reassuring hand on Tsukiko's shoulder. "That weight proves you're still human, still compassionate. Every true ninja faces this moment—the realization that strength comes with responsibility, and responsibility often demands hard choices."

Pausing for a moment, Sakumo added, "What matters most is not becoming numb to it. Find your balance, Tsukiko. Protect what's precious, but never lose sight of who you are."

Tsukiko inhaled deeply, absorbing his teacher's words. Slowly, clarity returned to his gaze.

"This is the path I've chosen," Tsukiko resolved silently. "To protect, I must endure. But I'll never let this world strip me of my humanity."

With renewed determination, Tsukiko nodded. "I understand, Sakumo-sensei. Thank you."

For the first time since the battle, a genuine smile touched his lips. He had taken his first true step into the ninja world—not just as a warrior, but as someone determined to wield strength with purpose and integrity.

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