Kakashi waved his hand listlessly.
"Read the content first."
Sora picked up the scroll and scanned it quickly.
Mission Rank: A.
Target: Defector from the Land of Earth, "Hizuki."
Location: Grass Country black market.
Details: According to intelligence decrypted by Anbu's codebreakers, Hizuki is carrying a forbidden technique scroll and plans to trade it in the Grass Country black market. This individual specializes in the Kekkei Genkai "Lava Release."
Mission Requirements: Capture alive before the Iwagakure pursuit team arrives. If capture is impossible, eliminate on site—the scroll must be retrieved.
Lava Release?
Sora's eyes lit up.
This was truly a generous gift.
"How about it?" Kakashi watched him. "Your first command is an A-rank mission—any issues?"
"No issues!" Sora snapped the scroll shut, thumping his chest in assurance. "A mere A-rank—watch me, Vice-Captain Kakashi!"
Inwardly, though, he was calculating rapidly.
Capture alive.
That was the real challenge.
A ninja who defected from Iwagakure while carrying a forbidden scroll was no pushover.
Even trickier: they had to beat Iwagakure's ninjas to the punch.
"Don't underestimate it." Kakashi warned. "Iwa takes this very seriously—their pursuit team won't be weak. Your operation must be fast."
"Understood!" Sora saluted again, his smile dazzlingly bright. "Then I'll go gather the team—nephew!"
Kakashi's hand froze mid-reach for his tea cup.
"Get lost."
...
Anbu Third Squad lounge.
Yamato was meticulously cleaning his ninja tools.
Yamanaka Kaede leaned against the wall, eyes closed in rest.
Uchiha Itachi sat quietly in the corner, blending with the shadows.
The door was kicked open with a bang.
"Emergency assembly!"
Sora stood at the doorway hands on hips, full leader vibe.
"My first task as captain is here! Everyone, get fired up!"
Kaede opened her eyes and glanced at him.
"Got it, Captain-sama."
The "Captain-sama" dripped with sarcasm.
Sora didn't care; he stepped to the center, clearing his throat.
"Destination: Grass Country. Target: A-rank defector Hizuki. Requirement: capture alive."
He explained the situation concisely.
Yamato paused his actions and stood.
"What preparations needed?"
"Standard is fine." Sora said. "We must locate the target before Iwa's team—speed is key."
He looked at Uchiha Itachi.
"Itachi, your scouting is crucial."
Itachi nodded.
"Kaede-senpai," Sora grinned as he leaned toward Yamanaka Kaede. "We might need you to probe his mind for intel later."
"Stay away from me." Kaede annoyedly pushed his face back.
"Alright! No dawdling!" Sora clapped his hands. "Ten minutes—assembly at village gate! Dismissed!"
With that, he turned and strode out first.
Watching his smug retreating back, Kaede muttered under her breath.
"This guy really thinks he's a big deal now."
Yamato's expression remained serious, but for some reason, this atmosphere felt much lighter than under Danzo.
Uchiha Itachi stood, sheathing his short sword, and followed.
Ten minutes later.
Konoha main gate.
Third Squad fully assembled—geared up, packs on backs.
"Good, everyone punctual." Sora nodded satisfied, then waved.
"Depart!"
Four figures vanished instantly, racing toward Grass Country.
Forest light and shadows blurred past.
As captain, Sora naturally led.
Outwardly relaxed and carefree, even finding time to banter with Kaede beside him.
"Kaede-senpai, how much bonus do you think this mission pays? Enough for another BBQ round?"
"Shut up and save your chakra."
"Don't be so cold—liven the atmosphere a bit."
Inwardly, however, he analyzed everything calmly.
Lava Release: an extremely destructive Kekkei Genkai.
Whether high-temperature lava or highly corrosive acid—both tricky.
In his system space, the discs stripped from Danzo lay quietly.
[Wood Release: Tree Bind Flourishing Burial], [Wind Release: Vacuum Great Sphere], [Reverse Four Symbols Sealing].
All good stuff.
But this mission's target: the yet-to-form [Lava Release] disc.
He had to get it.
Moreover, this task was the perfect chance to test his team's capabilities.
Yamato's Wood Release: top-tier for control and support.
Kaede's intelligence gathering: the Yamanaka clan's specialty.
Itachi's Sharingan and combat genius: an unquestionable ace.
This squad's lineup was luxurious.
The only variable: Iwa's pursuers.
They had to finish before them.
The Konoha-Grass border blurred in endless forest.
Four figures raced through treetops, trailing waves of shattered leaves.
Sora up front, form light—even turning back with energy to spare.
"Kaede-senpai, where are we now? My legs feel like noodles."
Kaede maintained steady pace, glancing over.
"Shut up, Captain-sama. If you used your chatting energy on the road, we'd be there already."
"Don't say that—just livening the atmosphere." Sora grinned forward. "A good leader always monitors subordinates' mental state."
"Thanks a lot."
Yamato and Itachi followed silently on the flanks, long accustomed to the routine banter.
One steady as a mountain, one deep as an abyss.
Finally, a stream appeared ahead; Sora stopped.
"Alright, everyone." He clapped for attention. "Not far from Grass black market—rest here tonight."
He turned to Yamato.
"Yamato-senpai, your turn to shine."
Yamato asked nothing, just nodded, palms together.
"Wood Release: Four-Pillar House Technique!"
(The ground trembled slightly.
Countless wooden beams rose from below, weaving, interlacing, growing at incredible speed.
In mere dozens of seconds.
An intricately structured two-story wooden house—complete with doors, windows, even a small balcony—stood tall.)
"Let's go—pick rooms! I declare: the sunniest second-floor one is mine!"
A true qualified leader—always claiming the best resources for himself.
Itachi eyed the house, then Sora's bouncy retreating back—silent.
A perfect, sheltered temporary base.
Such conditions mid-mission undoubtedly kept ninjas at peak performance.
...
After brief rest, the four changed into prepared civilian clothes.
Sora in neat merchant attire, kind smile—like a seasoned wandering peddler.
Yamato, tall and imposing, posed as his guard.
Itachi and Kaede like caravan hands, trailing behind.
Grass Country's black market: a no-man's-land.
Crowded with all sorts; air thick with rust, cheap alcohol, and danger.
Streets lined with dubious goods.
Poisoned ninja tools, incomplete technique scrolls—even vendors hawking bizarre potions.
Passers mostly wary-eyed, hurried steps.
Sora acted like a country bumpkin in the city—curious about everything.
Examining an oddly shaped kunai here; lingering at an intel stall there, chatting merrily with the vendor.
"Boss, how much for your 'exclusive intel'?"
"Good eye, lad!" The vendor—one-eyed, fleshy grin. "Depends what you want. A-rank defector locations? Big five nations' high-level secrets? Or... shady deals?"
"Just asking casually." Sora waved innocently. "We're small merchants passing through—broadening horizons."
He discreetly slipped a gold coin into the vendor's hand.
The one-eye brightened, pocketing it smoothly, voice lowered.
"Lately unrest—Iwa ninjas hunting like mad dogs. Heard it's a defector named 'Hizuki' who stole village treasure."
"Oh? That serious?" Sora showed perfect surprise.
"Who knows. But guy's around here—likely selling his goods. Lads, if you spot him—stay far away."
"Thanks for the tip, boss."
Sora smiled farewell, leading the group onward.
Inwardly, rapidly organizing info.
Iwa pursuers already nearby.
Target Hizuki in this black market.
Time was tight.
They settled in an unassuming tavern, ordering cheapest ale.
Kaede eyes closed, fingers rhythmically tapping table—like dozing.
Actually, her sensing spread silently.
Itachi quietly sipped tea, dark eyes cataloging every movement in the tavern.
About ten minutes passed.
Kaede opened her eyes.
"Found him." Concise. "East district, third street, 'Tumbleweed' Inn—second floor, innermost room. Very cautious—waiting for someone."
"Great job, Kaede-senpai." Sora snapped his fingers.
He set down his cup and stood.
"Alright, everyone—time to work."
The four left the tavern, blending into the crowd, soon reaching near the inn.
Sora led them to a hidden alley.
"Alright, pre-battle meeting." Throat cleared, face serious.
Yamato and Itachi immediately focused.
Only Kaede arms crossed, watching with a "what stunt now" expression.
"Listen up—this A-rank mission's plan, carefully designed by me: codename 'Lightning Pin Down'."
Sora raised one finger.
"Step one: Itachi, front door—knock."
Itachi nodded.
"Step two," second finger raised. "He opens—you look at him."
Kaede's eyebrow arched.
"Then?"
"No then." Sora shrugged. "He's asleep."
Kaede: "..."
Sora ignored her speechless look, continuing.
"Yamato-senpai, wood clones outside on standby—Itachi's signal, enter and tie him like a dumpling."
"Understood." Yamato answered meticulously.
"Kaede-senpai," Sora grinned at her. "Your task is the most important."
"What?"
"Prepare the sack."
Kaede felt a vein throbbing at her temple.
"Akashi Sora! Are you joking? This is an A-rank! Target's an elite defector with Lava Release Kekkei Genkai! And your plan is this... this..."
She couldn't even find a word for the absurdity.
"Kaede-senpai, trust science." Sora dead serious. "Uchiha Itachi's Sharingan against one defector—needs a second move?"
"We're professional Anbu—efficiency is key."
"Simplest method for the most complex problem—that's art."
He patted Itachi's shoulder.
"Go get 'em, Pika-Itachi!"
Itachi: "..."
Though itching to retort, he turned toward the rundown inn.
A few minutes later.
Inn second floor, innermost room.
A sinister-faced man cautiously wiped his kunai.
Hizuki.
Knock knock knock.
He stiffened, gripping the kunai.
"Who?"
"Water delivery." Flat teen voice outside.
Hizuki frowned—he hadn't ordered any.
Silently to the door, peephole glance.
A black-haired handsome teen outside—in inn worker clothes, looking harmless.
Hizuki hesitated, cracking the door slightly.
"I didn't—"
Words cut off—meeting the teen's crimson eyes.
Three tomoe spun rapidly in his vision.
Next second.
The world plunged into endless darkness.
Thud.
Hizuki collapsed straight backward.
Itachi pushed the door open and entered.
He signaled out the window.
Waiting wood clones outside immediately flipped in through the window, tough vines binding the unconscious Hizuki tightly.
Sora and Kaede emerged from the alley.
Sora hefting a huge sack, whistling.
"Done—pack up."
Kaede watched—she had literally just carried the sack.
Sora expertly stuffed Hizuki into the sack, tied the mouth tight, then slung it casually over his shoulder.
"Let's go—home for BBQ!"
The four flashed across rooftops, escaping the trouble spot at maximum speed.
Plan perfect.
Infiltration perfect.
Capture perfect.