The team Yamato departed from Konoha.
At first, Ken and Yūmi could barely contain their excitement, constantly looking around at the scenery beyond the Village walls.
But after several hours of travel, the novelty gradually faded, replaced by the exhaustion and monotony of a long journey.
By the afternoon, the group stopped near a wooded area for a short break.
Yamato gathered the three Genin together. "So," he asked calmly, "how does your first mission outside the Village feel?"
Ken stretched his legs and laughed awkwardly. "It's alright! Just… a lot more boring than I imagined."
Yūmi silently adjusted her breathing before giving a small nod, showing she could still continue.
Shin's answer was brief as always. "No problems."
Yamato nodded and began explaining things like a proper Jonin Instructor. "This is an escort mission, not a sprint. We have to move at the pace of the merchants and the pack horses."
He pointed toward the caravan resting nearby. "At this speed, it will take at least two days to reach Hozumi Village near the border."
"Two days?" Yūmi asked in surprise.
"Yes," Yamato replied. "That's why maintaining stamina and staying alert during long-distance travel is a basic skill for a Ninja."
He continued seriously, "And once we arrive, we won't rush straight at the bandits. First, we gather information—their numbers, strength, movement habits, and the location of their base. Acting without intelligence is the quickest way to fail a mission."
The three Genin listened carefully and memorized his words.
Shin wasn't surprised by the estimate. Compared to Team 7's escort mission to the Land of Waves, this pace was completely normal. Escorting civilians and supplies always slowed things down.
Still, the world itself felt strange to him sometimes.
The nations of the Ninja World constantly fought wars and claimed vast territories, yet ordinary people could still cross borders in only a few days of travel. Compared to the scale of nations from his previous life, the geography here felt oddly small.
A cramped world overflowing with endless hatred and conflict.
"Especially you, Shin." Yamato's gaze shifted directly toward him.
Ken and Yūmi blinked in confusion, wondering why he had suddenly singled Shin out.
"I know you just obtained a new Ninjutsu and want to master it quickly," Yamato said. "There's nothing wrong with pursuing strength. But during a mission, your priority is maintaining your condition and protecting your team."
He crossed his arms.
"Using Shadow Clones to secretly train during travel—especially with a high-level Water Release technique like Hard Whirlpool Water Blade—is dangerous. It constantly drains your chakra and attention. If something happens while you're distracted, the consequences could be serious."
Clearly, Yamato had noticed Shin's secret training during the journey.
Shin did not argue. He simply nodded. "I understand, Yamato-sensei. I'll be careful."
At that moment, the caravan leader, Heikichi, approached while carrying a waterskin. A nervous smile covered his face.
"You Ninjas really work hard," he said politely before continuing, "And Yamato-sama is absolutely right. Information is important."
The smile faded from his face as worry crept into his expression.
"Those bandits are very strong."
Heikichi lowered his voice and began explaining the situation.
"They've been hiding in the mountains near Hozumi Village for months. At first, they only demanded some money from travelers. But eventually, they started entering the Village itself and robbing people directly."
His hands trembled slightly.
"Last month… they even killed villagers. When people resisted, they burned several homes. They're completely ruthless."
"Their leader is a scar-faced samurai from another country. He gathered over a dozen men, and all of them are criminals. The Village guards tried fighting them twice, but both times they lost people."
"That's why we gathered money and requested help from Konoha."
Ken clenched his fists angrily. "Those bastards…"
Yūmi frowned as disgust flashed across her face.
Shin listened quietly while observing Heikichi's expression.
Yamato stepped in calmly.
"We understand the general situation. Thank you for the information, Mr. Heikichi. Once we arrive, we'll investigate properly before deciding our next move."
Heikichi immediately nodded. "Of course! We'll leave everything to you, Ninja."
The break ended, and the caravan resumed its journey.
—
The next two days passed in quiet monotony and cautious vigilance.
When the setting sun painted the horizon orange-red on the second evening, a small Village finally appeared at the end of the road.
Simple wooden and earthen houses rested against the mountainside while thin trails of smoke rose into the evening sky.
"We've arrived," Heikichi said with visible relief. "That's Hozumi Village."
The caravan slowly entered the Village.
Villagers quickly emerged from their homes and gathered along the roadside. Their eyes were filled with curiosity, hope… and doubt.
Whispers immediately spread through the crowd when they saw Team One.
"They're so young…"
"Can children really handle bandits?"
Shin quietly scanned the crowd.
Most of the villagers looked thin and exhausted, their faces worn down by hardship. Their gazes lingered on him, Ken, and Yūmi with obvious skepticism.
They were simply too young.
Heikichi noticed the atmosphere immediately and hurriedly stepped forward.
"These are the Ninja from Konoha!" he announced loudly. "This is Yamato-sama, their Jonin leader! And these three are his students. With them here, those bandits won't trouble us much longer!"
His enthusiastic words eased the tension among the villagers.
An elderly man with white hair stepped forward while leaning on a cane and bowed deeply toward Yamato.
"I am the Village Leader of Hozumi Village. On behalf of everyone here, thank you for coming all this way to help us."
Yamato returned the greeting politely.
"This is our duty. Please explain the situation in detail once we settle in."
Heikichi quickly added, "We've already prepared food and lodging for everyone. The Village is poor, so please forgive our lack of hospitality."
He was about to lead them toward the large gathering house in the center of the Village when Yamato suddenly raised a hand.
"There's no need."
Heikichi froze.
Yamato's expression became serious. "The escort mission may be complete, but now is not the time to rest."
He looked toward the Village chief.
"Our appearance may likely have already reached the bandits by now. Once they learn Konoha Ninja are involved, they'll either tighten their defenses… flee entirely… or become desperate and attack the Village before we can act."
The villagers immediately grew tense.
Yamato continued calmly, "The priority right now is reconnaissance. We need accurate information before the bandits make their move."
The old Village Leader straightened himself and bowed deeply once more. "In that case… we entrust the safety of Hozumi Village to you, honored Ninja."