In the shinobi apartments, Itachi was frying eggs, Anko guarded three cups of instant ramen, and Shuji tracked the time.
The moment all three sunny-side-up eggs were done and on the table, the three of them ripped off the lids and started slurping noodles.
The perfect first bite went down, paired with eggs cooked just right. All three let out a long breath at once.
"Shuji," Anko said, mouth still full of noodles, words garbled. "Is it true Lady Tsunade really came back? Everyone on the street is talking about it."
"Yeah. She's back," Shuji said, taking a sip of broth.
"Your leave is over, Senior. Do we need to report back to the squad?" Itachi asked.
"No need. Itachi, keep going with the Chūnin Exams. Anko, you too. Keep training."
What came next were individual missions issued by the village, not outside commissions, and they would not be carried out as a squad. This gathering was mainly to explain that.
Many people on the streets discussed Tsunade's return, especially after word quietly spread that she had taken charge of Konoha Hospital. The anticipation in people's hearts was growing.
After all, that was Tsunade-hime, the most outstanding medical ninja.
When Shuji saw Sarutobi Hiruzen again, the Third's gaze was complicated. Tsunade was one thing, but to quietly settle things with Uchiha Fugaku as well—Shuji had truly opened his eyes.
Still, since Shuji had not reported these matters beforehand, the Third Hokage would not bring them up specifically.
"This mission is for you to go to the Fire Capital, meet the daimyo in person, and deliver a letter. Return after you receive his reply." After handing over the sealed scroll, he mentioned another matter. "The daimyo has recruited twelve shinobi called the Guardian Shinobi Twelve. If you get the chance, take a look at them."
"Yes."
"No matter who you meet, there is no need to hold back."
After Shuji acknowledged the order, the Third Hokage emphasized it specifically.
The Fire Capital was one of the few major cities in the Land of Fire. In terms of prosperity, it surpassed even Konoha.
At the city entrance, a figure leaned against the wall, a half-smoked cigarette pinched between his fingers. He wore a dark jacket with a waist sash embroidered with the character for "Fire."
Shuji recognized him. They had crossed paths a few times in the village. Sarutobi Asuma, the Third Hokage's son. After he left the village, Hayami and the others had muttered that his brain had issues.
"Shuji." Asuma exhaled a smoke ring as a greeting. "I'm here by the daimyo's order to receive you."
"Senior Asuma," Shuji said with a nod.
Facing someone from the village, an unfamiliar junior at that, Asuma, who had left the village, had little interest in conversation. After a brief meeting, he fell silent.
He stubbed out the cigarette, turned, and led the way. Shuji followed at a measured pace. They spoke no more. Only the noisy market sounds of the capital filled the gap between them.
The Land of Fire's daimyo was an ordinary-looking man without power. He appeared to have no presence at all.
The daimyo sat in the seat of honor. Several people stood to his left and right. Their attire varied, but without exception, each wore a sash with the character for "Fire" at the waist.
One bald monk stood out. That was thirty million—no, that was Chiriku. He cost two million more than Shuji.
Asuma took the sealed scroll from Shuji and presented it respectfully.
The daimyo did not open it right away. Instead, he looked at Shuji with interest.
"Oh, you are Konoha's jōnin, Shuji, correct?" The daimyo's tone was slow. "So young, yet already a jōnin."
"I heard that last year, a young shinobi led a diplomatic mission to Sunagakure and stabilized an ally. Was that you?"
"You flatter me, Lord Daimyo," Shuji said, bowing slightly. "I only carried out orders and was fortunate not to fail."
"Compared to my meager skills, those who guard you are truly extraordinary in strength and bear heavy responsibility."
The daimyo chuckled lightly twice. Before he could answer, a man beside him, dressed particularly richly and with features somewhat similar to the daimyo, suddenly spoke.
"Jōnin Shuji is too modest. The Konoha shinobi who protect the Land of Fire's peace are outstanding in strength. As a jōnin, you must be among the best. If..."
Hmm? The standard setup for provocation? Am I going to experience a face-slapping plot?
Shuji looked up. The man wore a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, yet beneath his eyes lay an imperceptible scrutiny.
"Masamune," the daimyo interrupted him gently, tone still level. "The progress report on the domestic mineral vein inspections should be submitted soon, shouldn't it? Go and press them on it."
The man called Masamune stiffened slightly, then recovered at once and bowed. "Yes. I will see to it immediately."
Only then did the daimyo pick up the sealed scroll and slowly unfold it. After a moment of reading, he nodded.
"The reply will take some preparation. Come again at this time tomorrow." He looked at Shuji, tone casual. "Stay in the residence tonight. Asuma, show him where to settle."
"Yes," Asuma answered.
Shuji bowed and withdrew.
Asuma led him to a secluded room.
"Here."
Seeing Asuma turn to leave, Shuji suddenly spoke. "Senior Asuma, how does it feel working as a Guardian Shinobi?"
Asuma stopped, turned his head, and frowned.
"For example, mission intensity, pay, things like that," Shuji added naturally.
"Not bad," Asuma said, though the question felt abrupt. He answered offhand. "Naturally it doesn't compare to a jōnin in the village. High-level commissions pay better."
"Oh, so it's quite a bit better than chūnin..."
"Are the missions usually busy?"
"Not too bad. The village itself also sends shinobi long-term to guard the daimyo. Generally, there's nothing major..." As Asuma spoke, he suddenly realized, and his face darkened. "Hey, don't tell me you're actually interested."
"Snap out of it. You're still on a mission outside the village."
"No... no. Just curious. After all, at the end of last year, running missions everywhere was really exhausting," Shuji said, waving his hands and complaining. "This year I finally applied for leave, and then it got canceled early."
This junior's complaint seemed to stir a bit of sympathy in Asuma. His tone softened. "These two years have been busy, yes. Things will get better. And besides..."
The conversation started, and Asuma was in no hurry to leave.
He listened to Shuji's seemingly casual complaints and occasionally chimed in.
"Speaking of which, where do most of the Guardian Shinobi come from? Besides you, I haven't heard of them in the country."
"Huh? Them? Actually, they're all from the Land of Fire too."
"Some are students trained by wandering shinobi. Some carry secret family techniques, or are from clans that didn't join a shinobi village back in the day."
"I see. But that nobleman earlier, the one standing beside the daimyo..." Shuji mentioned it as if in passing.
Asuma was silent for a moment, then said quietly, "That is the daimyo's younger brother... Lord En Masamune..."
"Shuji, rest early," he said, seemingly unwilling to say more, ending the topic. "After you finish the mission, head back to the village as soon as you can."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild