[A/N: Hey everyone, Veci here! I just wanted to ask for your opinion regarding an upgrade to the system that I will introduce in a future chapter. If you have any ideas, please comment! (●´⌓`●)]
Chapter 15: The Weight of Survival
The familiar streets of Konoha stretched before them, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Despite the exhaustion weighing them down, the sight of home brought an undeniable sense of relief.
As they passed through the village gates, the guards gave them a brief nod, recognizing Kenshiro and his team. There was no fanfare, no welcome party—just the quiet acknowledgment that they had returned alive.
Without a word, Kenshiro led them straight toward the Hokage Tower. The captured shinobi, still unconscious, was tightly secured. The genin didn't need to be told what came next—debriefing, interrogation, and, hopefully, answers.
They ascended the tower's spiraling steps, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit halls. The scent of parchment, ink, and faint traces of burning incense filled the air as they neared the Hokage's office.
Inside, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat behind his desk, paperwork spread before him. He looked up as they entered, his sharp gaze scanning over them before settling on Kenshiro.
"You've returned," Hiruzen said simply, his tone neutral but laced with expectation.
Kenshiro gave a respectful bow. "Yes, Lord Hokage. Mission complete."
With practiced efficiency, he launched into his report, detailing their encounter—the enemy shinobi's tactics, the level of coordination they displayed, and how the team managed to hold their own despite being fresh genin. He ended with how Kiyoshi's quick thinking with the smoke tag had saved them at a critical moment.
Hiruzen's brow lifted slightly. "Smoke tags, you say?"
Kenshiro nodded. "It gave us just enough time to regroup and take control of the situation. A simple but effective tool."
At that moment, Kiyoshi's fingers twitched slightly at his side. His jaw tightened just a fraction, but he forced himself to remain still. Had he made a mistake using it so openly? If Kenshiro mentioned that the tag wasn't one he had given them—
But the worry passed as quickly as it came.
The Hokage exhaled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It's a useful trick, but not unheard of. There are countless variations of tags available in the market—anyone with the right amount of ryō can have seal masters craft them for specific purposes."
Kiyoshi resisted the urge to sigh in relief. Right. That makes sense. This world has all sorts of tags. Maybe it's not that special after all… Still, he mentally noted to be more careful. The last thing he wanted was unnecessary attention. And even if Hiruzen asked to see the tag, he could simply say he had only bought one. He can't force a kid too much now, can he?
Hiruzen's interest in the smoke tag faded quickly, but his expression darkened as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the desk. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"They're testing us."
His voice was calm, but the weight of those words settled heavily in the room.
"This type of skirmish… they'll keep doing it again and again, especially after our victory in the Second Great Ninja War. All the villages are watching us like prey, waiting for a weakness."
Kenshiro remained silent. He knew Hiruzen wasn't just thinking aloud—he was weighing the long-term implications.
The Hokage's gaze flickered toward the unconscious shinobi. "Take him to the Torture and Interrogation Bureau," he ordered an ANBU operative who had appeared from the shadows. "I want to know which village is behind this."
With a nod, the masked shinobi disappeared, taking the prisoner with him.
Hiruzen then turned back to Kenshiro. "Your genin performed well." His gaze rested on Kiyoshi for a moment. "Kiyoshi's quick decision-making was commendable." Then, shifting to Mikoto and Ryota, he added, "And despite being fresh graduates, Mikoto and Ryota held their ground and completed the mission. That is no small feat."
Mikoto's back straightened slightly at the acknowledgment, while Ryota clenched his fists, as if absorbing the weight of the words.
Hiruzen's expression turned serious once more. "As of now, this mission and its details are classified as top-level secrecy. Your team is not to speak of it."
Kenshiro and the others gave a curt nod. "Understood."
"If word spreads, it could cause unrest among the villagers," Hiruzen continued. "We've only just begun to regain peace after the last war. There's no need to disrupt that stability with rumors of enemy villages testing our defenses."
Then, in a rare moment of generosity, the Hokage allowed them a silver lining.
"Your team will still receive full payment. Additionally, I am officially raising this mission's classification to A-rank."
For a moment, there was silence. Then—
"Wait, what?!" Ryota burst out, eyes wide.
Even Mikoto, who normally carried herself with calm composure, looked surprised.
Kiyoshi felt a small thrill at the news. He hadn't had much time since coming to this world—too much had been about survival, adjusting, figuring out where he stood. But now? Now, he could start doing what he wanted. Exploring, seeing the world. And, of course, he had to start small. The Leaf Village itself was still mostly a mystery to him, but now that they were getting real pay… and money is important even for a shinobi. I can start here. Learn everything I can.
Ryota grinned, unable to hide his excitement. "Does that mean we get an A-rank paycheck too?! I mean, I know we almost died, but this is totally worth it—"
Kenshiro sighed, shaking his head at his student's enthusiasm, but there was a small smirk on his face. Hiruzen, too, let out a soft chuckle, his gaze lingering on the three young shinobi.
Maybe… this new generation will be the one to lead the village after my three foolish students.
"Enjoy it while you can," Hiruzen finally said. "Because soon enough, you'll have another mission. And next time, it may not be so kind."
The words should have sobered them. And perhaps, deep down, they did. But for now, the thrill of victory, recognition, and the promise of a future was enough.
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