Chapter 4 Mission

Chapter 4.

Land of Fire, Tanzaku Town.

Nestled deep within the dense forests and lying close to the border, Tanzaku Town stood as one of the most vibrant and bustling settlements in the Land of Fire. The town was a magnet for adults, drawing them in with its thriving gambling scene and alluring women.

Adding to its fame was the grand Tanzaku Castle, a towering structure that attracted countless visitors from far and wide.

Encircled by towering walls that sealed off the town with only a single main entrance, Tanzaku Town was a fortress of activity. Near the renowned Tanzaku Castle stood a particularly popular inn, well-known for its ever-flowing stream of customers. Day or night, its lively atmosphere never waned.

At this moment, just outside the inn, a group of four arrived—three of them around ten years old and the fourth significantly older. It was Squad 8, who had set off for Tanzaku Town a day prior and had finally reached their destination.

Torifu Akimichi stretched his arms and let out a satisfied sigh, his stomach giving an audible growl. "We made good time," he said, adjusting his gear. "Still a bit early to meet the client. Might as well grab something to eat before we head out."

Hatake Sakumo gave a small nod, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. "Better than relying on food pills," he muttered.

The food pills sustained their energy, but to an Akimichi like Torifu, they were far from satisfying. He patted his stomach. "Exactly. So don't be shy and eat your fill, my treat!"

Renzo, standing at the side with his hands tucked into his sleeves, glanced toward the inn. He wasn't particularly hungry but didn't mind waiting. His gaze flicked briefly to Uchiha Reika, who stood with her arms crossed, face expressionless. She hadn't commented, as usual, but her eyes remained alert, scanning their surroundings with practiced vigilance.

After a quick meal inside, the group returned to the front of the inn, where a middle-aged man in fine traveling robes approached them. His build was lean but sturdy, and his sharp eyes carried the weight of experience. His clothes, though modest for a merchant, were practical for travel.

"You must be the shinobi I hired," the man said, stopping a few paces away.

Torifu stepped forward with a polite nod. "That's right. Akimichi Torifu, squad leader. These three are my subordinates—Renzo, Reika, and Sakumo."

The merchant, Takeshi, gave a measured look at each of them before speaking. "Takeshi. I deal in rare goods and travel between major lands. With recent tensions rising across the land, I thought it wise to have extra security on this trip to the Fire Capital."

Renzo silently observed the man. He wasn't panicked, nor did he seemed the overly paranoid type—just a careful businessman adjusting to the times.

"Understandable," Torifu replied. "It's a simple escort mission. As long as you follow our instructions, we'll get you to the capital safely."

Takeshi nodded. "Then let's not waste time. I'd like to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall."

With that, Squad 8 and their client departed Tanzaku Town, heading into the thick forests of the Land of Fire.

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The dense canopy overhead filtered sunlight into shifting patterns along the dirt path. Towering trees with thick trunks lined either side of the road, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The air carried the faint scent of damp earth and fresh foliage, and the sounds of distant birds and insects filled the surroundings.

Takeshi's carriage was simple yet sturdy, drawn by a single horse. He rode within, while Squad 8 took positions around him—Torifu at the front, Sakumo slightly ahead on the left, Reika on the right, and Renzo walking at the rear. Their formation was tight but casual, making it seem as though they were just another group of travelers.

Despite the peaceful setting, the shinobi remained alert. Tensions across the continent had been growing ever since the battle between Uchiha Madara and the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Even though the Land of Fire was relatively stable, smaller skirmishes and increased bandit activity were expected.

Half a day into their journey, the group stopped near a stream to rest the horse and refill their water supplies.

Renzo leaned against a tree, watching the sun shimmer against the rippling water. At some distance, Sakumo crouched near the stream, filling his canteen. "No signs of trouble so far," Sakumo murmured, eyes still scanning their surroundings.

"Do you want trouble so badly? Don't raise flags for no reason" Said Renzo who still heard him, giving Sakumo a mean look.

This was not Renzo's first time escorting someone to Fire Capital and aside from being attacked just once by death seeking bandits the trips to Fire Capital have always been safe.

"You seem to have changed somewhat since our last mission" Responded Sakumo while still scanning the surroundings. "More confident and less cautious, I mean to say"

"He's significantly taller as well" Reika who hadn't said a word during the whole journey finally spoke as well, her eyes with a deep hidden look in them at Renzo.

Renzo shrugged "Very quick of you to notice, Reika"

Saying that Renzo walked towards the stream feeling somewhat thirsty but halfway his movements halted suddenly.

He showed an annoyed look and letting out a sigh turned to face Sakumo. "Congratulations"

Both Sakumo and Reika showed a confused face at his words but a loud shout took their attention.

"Enemy Attack!!"

Swish! Swish!

The voice fell and from the forest rained out a barrage of Kunai's and Shurikens.