Chapter 62 — The Mission
At the gates of Konoha.
"Lord Hokage."
As Senju Morin's figure came into view, two voices rang out at the same time, brimming with respect.
As Hokage, Senju Morin had no need to register his departure like ordinary shinobi. Still, he paused and glanced toward the two guards stationed at the entrance.
The striking fan-shaped clan crest and the distinctive pale white eyes made their identities unmistakable—one was an Uchiha from the Police Force, the other a Hyūga dispatched by the Guard Division.
Compared to Kumogakure, which had once been infiltrated with ease by Danzo, Konoha's security was unquestionably far more rigorous.
After all, a ninja capable of deceiving both the Byakugan and the Sharingan—two of the greatest dōjutsu bloodline limits in the shinobi world—was exceedingly rare, even across the entire ninja world.
And with the assistance of the Uzumaki clan, Konoha was further protected by a massive spherical barrier that enveloped the whole village.
Since assuming office, Senju Morin had never interfered in the internal affairs of the Uchiha Police Force. He simply received regular reports from the Uchiha clan head and Police Force Chief, Uchiha Isshin.
In this way, an unspoken political understanding had formed between the village leadership and the Uchiha clan.
Moreover, after fighting side by side on the battlefield, tensions between the Uchiha and the other clans had eased considerably. The sharp hostility that once marked the eras of Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Setsuna had all but faded.
That said, healthy rivalry still remained.
Standing before Senju Morin, the two guards kept their backs ramrod straight, doing their utmost to display the spirit and dignity of their respective clans—almost as if neither wished to be outdone by the other.
"Good work."
Smiling, Senju Morin gave each of them a reassuring pat on the shoulder before leading Tsunade and the other two out through the gates.
…
As the three most gifted among their peers, Tsunade and the others were advancing at an astonishing pace. Whether it was ninjutsu, taijutsu, or kenjutsu taught by Senju Morin, they grasped each discipline with remarkable speed.
So when Tsunade began loudly complaining that the simple D-rank missions were unbearably dull, Senju Morin followed her lead and accepted a C-rank assignment to leave the village and eliminate a bandit group.
A ninja's profession was, in the end, one that walked hand in hand with killing. In Senju Morin's view, only after being tempered by blood—only after facing death head-on—could one truly transform into a real shinobi.
It was the first time his disciples had ever left the village, and curiosity lit their eyes along the way. Even Orochimaru, who usually carried himself with striking maturity, could not help but glance repeatedly at his surroundings.
Beyond Konoha stretched a vast forest. A single road, carved open by generations of shinobi, ran straight from the village gates toward the capital of the Land of Fire.
Blessed with a mild climate and fertile soil, most of the Land of Fire was blanketed in lush vegetation—perhaps the very reason the other four great nations were forever eyeing it with envy.
After looking around for quite some time, young Tsunade suddenly sidled up to Senju Morin.
"Sensei, it's so peaceful around the village. Grand-uncle used to scare me all the time, saying the outside world was extremely dangerous—that even within the Land of Fire there were bandits and rogue ninja everywhere…"
Senju Morin smiled faintly, his gaze drifting toward the dense forest flanking the road.
"Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there. For all you know, rogue shinobi could be lurking in those woods right now."
"The Second Hokage wasn't wrong. Even within the Land of Fire, safety is never guaranteed. Bandits and rogue ninja may not rival Konoha's shinobi in strength, but they're more than capable of threatening you in your current state."
"That's why you must grow stronger—quickly. Only by mastering power can you protect yourselves… and those you cherish."
"Okaaay—"
Tsunade deliberately dragged out her reply, widening her beautiful brown eyes as she peered into the forest on both sides—only to find nothing.
Beside her, Orochimaru subtly flared his nostrils, carefully scenting the air. Suddenly his expression sharpened; his golden, slit pupils narrowed as he quietly drew a kunai from his pouch.
His movement immediately drew everyone's attention. Even the taciturn Sakumo Hatake placed a hand on the short blade strapped to his back.
Senju Morin couldn't help but chuckle.
"Relax. Do you really think anyone within the Land of Fire would dare attack their Hokage?"
…
Perhaps Orochimaru had simply been overly sensitive. The group encountered no trouble along the way and arrived smoothly at their destination—a bandit camp hidden within a mountain valley.
They stood atop a slope overlooking the scene below.
The camp clung to a steep cliff face. Over a dozen tattered tents were scattered haphazardly across the ground, and ashes from an old bonfire lay in the central clearing.
A crude wooden fence symbolically marked the perimeter. The only solid structure was a wooden house half-embedded into the mountain wall—likely the bandit leader's residence.
Several figures wandered lazily through the camp. Weapons were tossed carelessly aside. There was no visible discipline, no real vigilance.
Senju Morin did not issue an immediate command. Instead, he asked softly, "Before we act, tell me—what do you see?"
Tsunade spoke first, her voice eager.
"About twenty to thirty of them. Most are lounging around in the open, sunbathing. Weapons are scattered everywhere—they're ridiculously sloppy!"
"There's a guy with a blade standing in front of the biggest wooden house. The others seem afraid of him. The leader's probably inside!"
Orochimaru's golden pupils contracted slightly, his tone low and calm.
"The layout is chaotic, but the approach to the wooden house is relatively open on both sides—hard to advance unnoticed."
"And on the western edge of the camp, behind one of the tents, the ground color differs slightly. There may be crude pit traps or tripwires. They're not completely defenseless… just very amateur."
Finally, Sakumo Hatake added succinctly, "Three visible sentries—east, south, and north high points. No hidden watchers detected. Threat level: low."
Senju Morin nodded in approval.
Tsunade had observed personnel distribution and identified the likely leader. Orochimaru analyzed terrain and potential traps. Sakumo assessed sentry placement and overall threat.
Together, their reports covered nearly all critical elements required for a successful strike.
"Go," Senju Morin said calmly. "Show me the results of your training."
The three disciples exchanged glances and nodded. In the next instant, their figures blurred, darting down the slope like silent leopards.
Senju Morin remained where he stood, eyes following their descent, quietly waiting.
…
As he gazed into the valley, a figure suddenly appeared beside him.
"Brother Morin."
It was Senju Yoru of the ANBU—though he was not dressed in standard Konoha black-ops attire. Instead, he wore a dark mask, his body cloaked in black. A thick, metallic scent of blood wafted from him the moment he approached.
Senju Morin did not seem surprised.
"Finished?"
"Yes. All of them have been dealt with," Yoru replied quietly.
"Good."
Senju Morin's eyes remained fixed on the valley below as he spoke in an even tone.
"Scum like that only waste air by living. Better they contribute to Konoha's future. Transport them back in batches as soon as possible. Send them—secretly—to Advisor Tōka. She'll make the proper arrangements."
"Yes!"
After the brief exchange, Senju Yoru vanished without a trace.