Chapter 45

On his first day off, Fujinaka Genma nearly had his skull pried open by Kushina Uzumaki for research.

Fortunately, on the second day, Minato’s team returned, and Fujinaka Genma escaped unscathed.

Second day of leave.

Genma’s team gathered for joint training, to improve coordination.

After all, Hyuga Mio had been absent for two years, and Guy had mild face blindness.

“With Mio here, our missions will be much easier!”

Upon learning Hyuga Mio had rejoined, Ebisu said with genuine joy.

“Is it because of the Byakugan?”

Guy asked.

“Yes!”

Ebisu nodded.

With a Byakugan, Itachi gain overwhelming advantage.

Like spotting ambushes early, anticipating enemy movements.

Even if they hide underground, the Byakugan sees through them.

But Ebisu quickly added: “Besides the Byakugan, there’s medical ninjutsu.”

“Of course, Mio’s taijutsu is also exceptional!”

Guy listened and nodded seriously: “I know—the Hyuga are a taijutsu clan.”

Then he stroked his chin, watching Hyuga Mio speak with Fujinaka Genma, and said: “Should I challenge her to a spirited taijutsu duel?”

“Uh…”

Ebisu rubbed his forehead and sighed: “I think Itachi’d be better off sparring with Genma.”

Morning team training took place in the Hidden Leaf’s Death Forest.

Afternoon was basic training.

To push his physical limits, Fujinaka Genma exhausted Guy completely.

The intense training shattered Guy’s endurance threshold.

Fujinaka Genma collapsed on the ground; Ebisu, already lying nearby, muttered: “Two freaks…”

Hyuga Mio’s small hands massaging his body felt wonderful; Fujinaka Genma enjoyed it while opening his system.

Seeing his constitution +2 made him feel even better.

The training wasn’t wasted!

“But going to the Land of Grass seems dangerous.”

Fujinaka Genma’s thoughts drifted.

He remembered how badly Mura Yajiro’s defense force was crushed—by the time Minato arrived, only a few remained.

“I hope I can change something.”

Fujinaka Genma sighed inwardly.

With his current strength, he didn’t know if he could turn the tide of a local war.

The next day, nine o’clock.

Genma’s team departed on time.

They traveled nonstop until evening, arriving at the Land of Fire–Land of Grass border defense post.

Seeing Fujinaka Genma, the usually stern Mura Yajiro couldn’t help smiling: “The White Flash of Konoha—well done!”

“It’s all thanks to the great arrangements of Orochimaru-sama and Jiraiya-sama!”

Fujinaka Genma wasn’t being modest.

“Itachi’ve done well too!”

Mura Yajiro felt genuine pride and happiness as he walked, saying: “Rest tonight; Itachi’ll get your mission tomorrow.”

“Though the Iwa and Rain ninja haven’t launched major attacks, spies and infiltrators keep coming.”

“Especially targeting the Land of Grass.”

Mura Yajiro’s expression turned grim.

“Understood!”

All four of Genma’s team nodded solemnly.

Along the way, Konoha ninja greeted Fujinaka Genma, especially genin and chunin, who looked at him with admiration.

Fujinaka Genma didn’t act arrogant—he returned every greeting, addressing seniors properly.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, eight a.m., Fujinaka Genma was summoned by Mura Yajiro.

“Genma, your team’s mission today: this location—border between Land of Grass and Land of Rain. A team sent last night has not reported back.”

Mura Yajiro pointed to a red circle on the map, speaking gravely.

“Understood. We’re leaving immediately.”

Fujinaka Genma memorized the location and nodded.

“Good. Go.”

Mura Yajiro nodded, then warned: “Be careful.”

Fujinaka Genma bowed and exited the tent, checked the Ride and Kill system’s mission evaluation, then sprinted back to his quarters to announce the mission.

This mission was worth 2000 points, with moderate danger.

Five minutes later.

The four of them left camp, heading southwest into the Land of Grass, then crossing it to reach the target: the Land of Grass–Land of Rain border.

The distance wasn’t far; by noon, Genma’s team neared the designated location.

The team halted; Ebisu took point for vigilance, Hyuga Mio scouted, while Fujinaka Genma and Guy rested and replenished stamina.

Ten minutes later.

Hyuga Mio and Ebisu returned.

“Genma, no enemies detected.”

Hyuga Mio munched on ration balls as she said: “But I found plenty of battle traces—previous team was likely ambushed here.”

Ebisu added: “About eight enemies—two squads.”

“The fight was sudden and ended quickly; the battle zone is small.”

Fujinaka Genma nodded.

Hyuga Mio continued: “The enemy also suffered casualties; they withdrew with only five left, but I can’t tell if some are dead or wounded.”

“Then assume eight enemies!”

Fujinaka Genma decided firmly.

Hyuga Mio and the other two immediately nodded.

“We might have one survivor, but it’s been so long—no certainty.”

Hyuga Mio added finally.

Fujinaka Genma considered for only three seconds, then declared without hesitation: “Rest ten minutes, then follow the traces to find any living comrades—but stay ready for combat at all times.”

“Understood!”

The three nodded; now Fujinaka Genma and Guy took vigilance duty while Hyuga Mio and Ebisu rested.

Ten minutes later, the team departed on schedule.

Fujinaka Genma led, with Hyuga Mio behind him, using her Byakugan to scout.

Behind them, Guy and Ebisu walked side by side.

Following nearly invisible traces, the team reached a small hill.

“Three people inside the cave.”

“Four outside the cave!”

“Our man is captured and being interrogated!”

From a distance, Hyuga Mio clearly observed the situation.

Fujinaka Genma frowned—it was troublesome.

The hostage was inside; if they startled the enemy, the hostage might be killed.

After thinking, Fujinaka Genma made his decision: “Ebisu, Guy—Itachi and my Shadow Clone will draw out the four outside. Mio—Itachi and I go in to rescue.”

“Ebisu, Guy—just lure them away, and don’t go far.”

“Just give me one minute!”

Ebisu and Guy nodded: “Understood!”

“Good!”

“Move out!”

Fujinaka Genma formed hand seals and created a Shadow Clone, then vanished swiftly.

Soon, they reached the location; Fujinaka Genma, Ebisu, and Guy launched a surprise attack on the four hidden enemies and drew them away.

Immediately, Fujinaka Genma’s real body and Hyuga Mio stormed into the cave.