Kusagakure

Tetsuma received the summons early in the morning, his body still sore from the previous mission, but the ANBU's rigorous demands left no room for rest. As he walked toward the Hokage's office, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the village's expectations pressing down on him. A week of recuperation had helped, but it wasn't enough. The world around him never paused, and neither could he.

Upon entering the Hokage's office, Tetsuma immediately bowed. The Hokage, Tobirama Senju, sat at his desk, studying a map of the land. The shadows of his age and years of war seemed to weigh heavily on him, but his piercing eyes were as sharp as ever.

"Tetsuma," Tobirama greeted without looking up. "You've recovered well, I see. But I won't waste time with pleasantries."

Tetsuma nodded. "What's the mission, Hokage-sama?"

Tobirama placed the map down and pointed to a section of it. "The Land of Grass. Kusagakure. We've been gathering intelligence, but it's unclear where their true loyalties lie. There are rumors that they've been in contact with Iwagakure. I need you and your team to infiltrate their village and gather as much information as you can. Discreetly, of course. If you encounter any threats or key figures, evaluate them for potential elimination."

Tetsuma's expression remained neutral, though inwardly, his mind raced. Kusagakure. A village known for its secrecy and cunning. Their political ties were always fluid, and they had a reputation for playing both sides when it suited them. But the fact that they were possibly working with Iwa was troubling. It could mean a shift in the balance of power, one that could set the stage for something much bigger.

"Understood, Hokage-sama," Tetsuma said. "What is our timeline?"

"You will leave immediately," Tobirama replied, his tone unyielding. "And don't delay. Time is of the essence. War is looming, and we cannot afford to let another village slip from our control."

Tetsuma's team would need to be fully prepared, and he was determined to succeed. He gave a brief bow before turning on his heel and leaving the Hokage's office. He had little time to waste. The mission to Kusagakure could hold the answers they needed. It could also be their most dangerous assignment yet.

As Tetsuma headed for the ANBU headquarters to gather his team, he mentally prepared himself. He trusted his new team members, but they would face unknown dangers, especially in a land like Grass, where shadows hid more than just secrets.