At the designated meeting point, bathed in the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of the surrounding forest, Kuroko and Oyashiro stood waiting. Though seemingly alone, a formidable presence lurked just beyond the visible, a silent vanguard concealed within the emerald depths of the trees. This was no ordinary Anbu squad. These were the elite, handpicked by Ashina himself, their skills honed over years of perilous missions, their chakra reserves rivaling those of high-ranking Jonin. Each wore a chilling Shinigami mask (死神の面, Shinigami no Men), a stark white visage with haunting black markings, a deliberate choice to instill fear, to embody the very specter of death.
Sending Akashi, their Jinchuriki and future leader, on his first diplomatic mission was a calculated risk, one Ashina was unwilling to take lightly. He had learned well the lessons of other villages (Author notice:a pointed, internal glare directed at the memory of the Third Hokage's often questionable decisions regarding Naruto's safety).
While these Anbu were present to ensure Akashi's safe return, they were not there to coddle him. Their orders were to maintain a discreet distance, utilizing their specialized tracking and sensory techniques to monitor the team from afar, allowing Akashi and Oyashiro to gain invaluable field experience without direct interference. Only in the face of dire circumstances would they reveal themselves, and in the ultimate extremity, the hidden power within their masks held the terrifying potential to summon the very Shinigami.
Arriving at the rendezvous, Akashi immediately registered the subtle yet palpable pressure emanating from the surrounding foliage. He chose to outwardly ignore it. Ashina had informed him of the Anbu escort, and his heightened senses easily pieced together their concealed presence. What truly impressed him was their mastery of concealment.
They had managed to mask their chakra signatures so completely that even his Mind's Eye of Kagura (神楽眼の心眼, Kagura-gan no Shingan), usually capable of perceiving the faintest fluctuations in chakra, struggled to pinpoint their exact locations. It was the primal, animalistic instincts that had bloomed within him since becoming Chomei's Jinchuriki that allowed him to sense their hidden vigilance.
From his vantage point, Kuroko subtly observed Akashi's almost imperceptible focus on the trees. A faint grin touched his lips, recognizing the keen instincts of his student. Even without explicit training in sensory perception, Akashi's Jinchuriki nature had gifted him with an innate awareness that allowed him to detect the hidden Anbu squad.
"Akashi, do you have all your gear ready? This might be a long mission, you know," Kuroko said, his tone practical as he ensured his students were prepared for the arduous journey ahead.
"Yes, Sensei. I'm more than ready," Akashi replied, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him.
"Good. Then let's begin heading towards our first objective: the Hagaromo Clan in the Land of Lightning."
Akashi was taken aback by Kuroko's words. The Land of Lightning? After the disastrous invasion years ago, Kumogakure had made it a point to aggressively patrol their borders and harass any Uzushio trade vessels that ventured near their shores. Of all the Great Nations, Uzushiogakure currently held the most strained relationship with Kumogakure.
"Sensei, I'm not entirely comfortable with this," Akashi voiced his concerns. "Are you certain heading to Kumo first is wise? From what I understand, they've heavily fortified their borders and are actively hostile towards us."
"Hmm, under normal circumstances, your apprehension would be justified," Kuroko conceded, his gaze steady. "However, we've received new intelligence suggesting a significant shift in their troop deployments.
They are currently diverting a substantial portion of their forces to the border of the Land of Frost. The reasons for this sudden redeployment are unclear, but we cannot afford to let this opportunity pass. This may be our best chance to approach the Hagaromo Clan without undue interference from Kumogakure." Kuroko offered a reassuring look, acknowledging the inherent risks of venturing into enemy territory.
"If that intelligence is accurate, then you're right; this is the optimal time," Akashi agreed, though a knot of worry tightened in his stomach. Troop movements towards the Land of Frost… war must be closer than we anticipate.
Over the next few days, Akashi and his team navigated the treacherous landscape bordering the Land of Lightning, their primary focus on evading Kumogakure's vigilant shinobi patrols. Akashi's Mind's Eye of Kagura proved invaluable, allowing them to anticipate enemy movements and choose routes that kept them well out of detection range.
Even masking their chakra signatures was a relatively simple task for Akashi and Kuroko. Another unique ability gifted to the Uzumaki was their innate capacity to almost completely erase their chakra presence, a skill honed over generations to evade sensory ninjas. Oyashiro, however, required a discreet application of a simple Chakra Sealing Technique to effectively conceal his energy.
As they journeyed deeper into the Land of Lightning, Akashi couldn't help but be struck by the sheer diversity of Kumogakure's geography. Towering, jagged mountains pierced the sky, giving way to sprawling grasslands and rugged, rocky terrains. It was evident why they were considered one of the Five Great Nations; their land was rich in resources, second only to the vast territories of Konohagakure.
A stark contrast to the relatively smaller confines of Uzushiogakure struck Akashi. Recently, the more nationalistic elders within his clan had boldly proclaimed their destiny to become the Sixth Great Village. But witnessing Kumogakure's expansive territory and evident power firsthand, Akashi couldn't help but feel those pronouncements had been overly optimistic. Still, he resolved, a fierce determination igniting within him, that doesn't mean it's impossible. Just you all wait. I will forge Uzushiogakure into a recognized power, one that can stand toe-to-toe with the other Great Villages. A faint, crimson ring momentarily pulsed within his eyes, an unconscious manifestation of his unwavering resolve, unnoticed by Akashi himself.
"Everyone halt!" Kuroko's urgent whisper cut through the air. He swiftly burrowed into the earth, a practiced maneuver that Akashi and Oyashiro immediately mirrored, the chakra seal on Oyashiro's back ensuring his concealment.
Swoosh… Swoosh…
While concealed beneath the soil, a squad of Kumogakure shinobi sped past overhead, their movements indicating a clear destination and urgency. A tense silence followed their passing, Akashi and Kuroko patiently waiting until their sensory range was clear.
Oyashiro, his brow furrowed with concern, quickly turned to Kuroko. "Sensei, weren't all of those shinobi heading directly towards the rumored location of the Hagaromo Clan?"
"Hn," Kuroko confirmed grimly. "That appears to be the case. And not only that, I also sensed several other squads, all converging on the same area." A palpable nervousness now edged his voice. If Kumogakure shinobi were indeed heading towards the Hagaromo Clan in such numbers, it was unlikely to be for peaceful reasons.
"Sensei," Akashi added, his own senses on high alert, "those ninjas were equipped for battle, and I counted at least fifty. Who knows how many more might be outside our detection range?"
Kuroko's gaze hardened. "This mission has just escalated from an A-rank to an S-rank threat. If either of you wishes to withdraw now, I will understand. There is no shame in choosing to live another day." His suggestion clearly indicated his own growing unease about the situation.
"Sensei, we should at least investigate," Akashi insisted, a strong sense of responsibility towards securing potential allies overriding his caution. They had come too far to simply turn back.
"Akashi is right, Sensei," Oyashiro chimed in, his crimson eyes resolute. "Besides, if the Hagaromo Clan is as powerful as the intel suggests, they might stand a fighting chance even if Kumogakure is seeking conflict."
Kuroko hesitated for a long moment, his gaze shifting between his two determined students. Finally, he sighed. "Hmm… alright. We will proceed, but with extreme caution. If the situation becomes too dangerous, we will retreat immediately, no questions asked. Do you both understand?"
"Yes, Sensei," Akashi and Oyashiro replied in unison, a shared sense of apprehension and grim determination settling over them. The diplomatic mission had unexpectedly veered into potentially hostile territory, and the fate of a potential alliance now hung precariously in the balance.
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End of 23rd chapter