The sun had just begun to rise over Konohagakure, casting warm light across the mist-veiled village. Birds chirped from the rooftops, and the smell of dew still clung to the earth.
Team Sakumo had barely finished licking their wounds from the 2v1 spar the day before, but rest was a luxury. War didn't pause for sore muscles.
Kayomi stood at the training ground early again, his posture relaxed, arms folded against the morning chill. His bandaged eyes faced the breeze, silent and still. If he was tired or sore from yesterday's spar, it didn't show.
Shisui showed up with a half-hearted wave, yawning. "You sleep standing up or something?"
Kayomi smirked. "I dream with my eyes open."
Mebuki appeared a moment later, adjusting the strap on her satchel. "Morning! Everyone still in one piece?"
"More or less," Shisui muttered, rolling his shoulder.
Before the banter could go further, Sakumo's presence silenced the air. He approached in his light armor, white cloak rippling behind him.
"You're early," he said, his voice calm.
The trio stood straighter.
"Today's missions are low-risk, but crucial," Sakumo said, holding up a mission scroll. "First task: scout and log damage on the barrier seals along the eastern perimeter. Sealing Division needs accurate data before reinforcement teams are sent. Do not tamper with the seals just record and mark them."
They nodded in unison.
"Second task," he continued, "you'll pick up a supply scroll from the Konoha Logistics Center and deliver it to a forward outpost. Two-day hike. Expect rough terrain and unpredictable weather. Travel light. Meet at the front gate in two hours."
He turned to leave, then glanced back. "Watch each other's backs. That's the only rule that matters." With that, he vanished.
Kayomi exhaled. "Well. That settles today."
"Think the seals'll explode if we touch them?" Shisui asked.
"Let's not find out," Mebuki replied.
Two Hours Later – Konoha Main Gate
Kayomi waited at the gate under a tree, cloak fluttering in the breeze, a small travel bag by his side. He sipped from a canteen, calm and composed.
Then came the sound of dragging footsteps.
He looked up only to see Shisui and Mebuki lumbering up the road under the weight of oversized packs.
Kayomi raised a brow. "Did you bring the whole shop?"
Mebuki huffed. "Preparedness is a ninja's greatest tool."
"More like a chiropractor's dream," Shisui muttered, wobbling under a bundle of gear.
Kayomi just shook his head, clearly amused. "I packed smarter."
They glared at him, but neither had the energy to argue.
Day One Forest Trail
The path east was lined with trees, their leaves flickering gold under the sunlight. Barrier seals were hidden in obscure places tree trunks, stones, roots marked by faint chakra signatures.
Mebuki handled the sensor tags, identifying flaws in the seals. Shisui jotted down notes and markings, while Kayomi efficiently recorded coordinates into their logbook.
They found their rhythm fast.
"This one's faded at the edges," Mebuki noted, brushing her fingers near a cracked tag.
"No leaks, but it's weakening," Shisui confirmed.
Kayomi marked the data with precision. "Move to the next."
By dusk, their hands were dusted with dirt and ink, but the work was done.
Day Two Rainfall
The forest trail was slick with mud as steady rain poured down. Branches sagged with water, and visibility was low.
Shisui and Mebuki were drenched, cloaks clinging to their skin.
Meanwhile, Kayomi walked ahead, unbothered. Steam occasionally curled from his shoulders, but no one commented on it.
"You're seriously warm right now?" Mebuki asked, stepping closer.
Shisui didn't hesitate to latch onto Kayomi's other side. "New team rule: Kayomi's the heat source."
"H-Hey" Kayomi stammered.
But both clung to him shamelessly, shivering and laughing.
They moved as a trio, soaked and tired but light-hearted despite it.
Evening Forward Outpost
The guards recognized their delivery scroll and waved them through. Inside the camp, it was controlled chaos medics rushing, wounded groaning, supply crates moving in constant flow.
The genin paused at the entrance.
The war they'd only heard about now stood in front of them, raw and real.
But they didn't flinch.
Mebuki's hands clenched tighter on her pack.
Shisui's grin faded into quiet resolve.
Kayomi stood still, the mist clinging to his cloak, unreadable.
They stepped forward together Team Sakumo, facing the storm with heads held high.