It's been five years since this war began.
The Third Great Ninja War gave no rest not to shinobi, not to civilians, not even to children. Every child was thrown into battle without exception. Comrades fell every day. Mothers lost sons. Fathers lost daughters. Children lost everything.
And for what?
They say it's all for "The Will of Fire."
But I've been here long enough to know this place isn't the sunshine and laughter I remembered. There's no warmth left in the soil of Konohagakure only ash. These days, I sleep with one eye open and a kunai within reach. Even low risk missions can turn into bloodbaths. There's no "safe" anymore.
Today marks the end of a six-month reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines. I and my teammates where sent into Iwagakure territory to track their movement routes paths, weapon supply trails, camp positions. We where supposed to return weeks ago.
Now I'm sprinting through the trees with blood on my arm and four angry Iwa Chūnin and one Jōnin breathing down my neck.
Most of my squadmates probably already back at the hideout. We were hunted relentlessly, ambushed, and as a last effort we scattered to shift there attention. But I kept moving, I have to report back to Tokuma Hyūga, my superior.
If I can make it to Kusagakure, I might have a chance.
Gods, I miss my bed, A fresh change of clothes, A hot meal that isn't ration pills and cold rice. This shinobi life It was never meant for me.
Funny really I remember the day I came into this world ten years ago. It was so confusing. The rules, the war, the chakra the expectations.
Now look at me. Leaping through branches, Bleeding, Exhausted and somehow still alive.
As I crossed the border into Kusagakure territory, I nearly collapsed am so close to the hideout. Then I felt relief.
We were ambushed again but this time, not by the enemy. Out of nowhere, the attackers were swallowed whole by a giant snake. The Iwa shinobi screamed, but it was too late.
Anko Mitarashi stood there, arms crossed, smirking like the troublemaker she was born to be. Beside her stood Yuki Minazuki, calm and sharp eyed as ever.
"Still getting into trouble, Kento?" Anko grinned while ruffling my hair roughly.
"As if this counted," I muttered. "I'd very much love to be at home right now, asleep."
Tokuma nodded. "You made it back, That's all that matters. Hokage sama was starting to worry."
I gave him a tired nod. That didn't surprise me. I've always been expected to come back because of all the abuse in the form of training I have gone through, it would be strange to not expect much from me.
I'm Kento Sarutobi.
'The last son of the Third'.
Anko turned toward the trees, motioning with her thumb.
"Oh and remember to submit the urgent reports to Tokuma Hyūga" and with a smile she said "Let's go home."