This mission requires a small squad to infiltrate the Land of Earth, retrieve intelligence from a spy Ninja, and bring it back.
Because they would have to pass through Iwagakure's defense line and delve deep into enemy territory, battles were almost guaranteed to occur, making the danger level an absolute A-rank. That's why Shio was so worried.
"Relax, with the Captain here, fighting our way through isn't a problem."
"Uh..."
As the two were speaking, the tent flap was lifted, and Suzuki and Yao entered, carrying several fully packed Ninja tool bags.
"Captain, Shio, you're awake."
Yao walked up to Ren and handed him the Ninja tool bag he was holding.
"I saw you two were still asleep, so Suzuki and I went to restock on Ninja tools. This one's yours, Captain."
"Thanks."
Ren took it, then turned to Shio and nodded.
"Shio, show them the scroll. Then hurry up and get ready; we're going to be very busy."
"Yes!"
Shio handed the scroll to Suzuki next to him, then picked up his Ninja tool bag and began inspecting it.
"Uh, what are you two talking about?"
At this moment, the other two were still completely confused. Suzuki opened the scroll in his hand while speaking, and Yao leaned in to read it with him.
"What?!"
As Ren expected, Suzuki exclaimed in surprise after reading it. But unlike Shio's worry, his eyes were gleaming, looking incredibly excited. This mission was simply too fresh for them.
"What are you doing!"
Yao, startled, angrily punched him, but Suzuki didn't mind. He just kept hugging the scroll and grinning foolishly, an expression that even Ren found a bit unbearable to look at.
"I say, Suzuki, do you want the patrol Ninja to come and take you away for tea?"
Ren walked up to him, took the scroll, and said irritably.
Within the squad, Yao's personality was more lively and cheerful, and she was meticulous in her work. Shio's personality was more quiet and reserved, a complete cultivation fanatic.
As for Suzuki, he was impulsive, thick-skinned, and dared to challenge, almost identical to Naruto's personality in the original work.
"Then Captain, what's the time limit for our mission?"
Compared to the cautious Shio and the excited Suzuki, Yao, as a girl, was ultimately more delicate and noticed some information left out on the scroll.
"The time isn't very tight, but the Captain also has another mission that needs to be executed after completing this one, so the faster, the better.
Alright, hurry up and pack. We'll go early and return early."
"Yes!"
Watching the three busy themselves, a complex look appeared in Ren's eyes. He took out the intelligence report from his person, read it again, then put it away, murmuring.
"Three days, that's enough time..."
Not long after, the group arrived at the camp entrance. After registering, they directly plunged into the jungle and sped forward.
"Captain, are we passing through Iwagakure's defense line? Or..."
Yao glanced at the map in her hand and asked Ren beside her.
"No, we'll go through the Land of Grass and avoid contact with them."
"But Captain, isn't going through the Land of Grass a detour?"
Seeing that the three were a bit puzzled, Ren explained.
"Although it's further, there are fewer IwagakureNinja stationed on the Land of Grass's defense line, so we can be more relaxed. While the Land of Waterfall route is closer, Iwagakure has heavily fortified troops there, and the probability of the four of us being discovered isn't small."
"So that's how it is."
Since he had already explained, Ren didn't mind adding a few more words. After a moment of thought, he continued.
"Also, once we reach the Land of Earth, no matter what you see, don't meddle. If our Ninja identities are exposed, the trouble will be huge."
If they were surrounded, Ren alone would have no problem escaping, but now he was leading a team with three young ones, and he wasn't confident in escaping from the pursuit of numerous IwagakureNinja.
Although he knew the three wouldn't cause trouble, Ren still decided to play it safe, especially concerning a certain Suzuki; he was Ren's biggest worry.
"Yes!" (All three)
"And..."
Unbeknownst to them, the four had already reached the border of the Land of Fire, and not far ahead was the border of the Land of Grass.
"Get ready, we're crossing the border."
Upon reaching here, Ren also became serious. In his perception, there were many Chakra fluctuations ahead, moving back and forth. It seemed highly likely they were the IwagakureNinja stationed in the Land of Grass.
And for this situation, Ren had a foolproof method.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
As Ren formed hand signs, white mist erupted on both sides and then dissipated, with Shadow Clone One and Two appearing before him.
"My two big brothers, you've worked hard again this time."
"Main body, is this how you use Shadow Clone?"
Two looked at the smiling Ren and said disapprovingly.
"Don't forget, I also experience your feelings firsthand. Besides, there are many ways to get through; I just wanted you two to come out and get some exercise."
"Go away. Why don't you go exercise, and I'll help you take them over here?"
"Get lost, thanks."
"..."
Watching Ren argue endlessly with his Shadow Clone, Shio and the other two exchanged glances for a long time, falling silent for a moment.
To be able to argue with himself, in a sense, the Captain truly lived up to his genius reputation.
"Alright, what's there to argue about?"
One stood in the middle, separating the two, and said helplessly.
"Hmph, let's go. Arguing with him is a waste of time."
Two snorted coldly, then turned and vanished from the spot. One left a word and then also departed using the Instantaneous Body Technique.
"Bastard."
...Indeed, it's the Captain; he even curses himself when he's ruthless.
The group didn't have to wait long. A roar came from the front left, and a responding roar came from the front right. Ren rose from the tree trunk and nodded to the attentive group.
"Let's go. Stick close to me."
"Yes!"
In Ren's perception, the IwagakureNinja patrolling ahead had dispersed, rushing towards the locations where the explosions occurred on both sides, leaving a sizable passage for the group.
Seeing this, Ren couldn't help but exclaim, the Second Hokage was truly a genius; the Shadow Clone Technique was simply too useful.
Since becoming a Ninja, he had been receiving the other party's legacy, either actively or passively.
Teacher Kosuke taught him the other party's famous Water Release, and the Third Hokage gave him several forbidden Jutsu. Looking at it this way, it seemed he was more like the Second Hokage's disciple than Danzo and the others?
At this moment, the four had already crossed the border, encountering no obstacles. They smoothly entered the Land of Grass. After a simple directional check, Ren led the group forward.
It was only noon; they could definitely reach the Land of Earth before dark. For lunch, one Soldier Ration Pill each would suffice. They would have a good meal once they reached their destination.