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Three minutes later, in the Hokage's office.
Sakumo Hatake and Kai Mitarashi entered the room.
"Sakumo, Kai, you're here," said the Third Hokage, his gaze steady as he looked at the two men.
"Lord Third, is there an urgent mission?" Sakumo Hatake asked bluntly, his tone calm but direct.
Perhaps it was because he was accustomed to Sakumo's straightforward personality, or perhaps the situation was indeed pressing, the Third Hokage wasted no time and said directly, "The Sword of Thunder God has been stolen."
Stolen?
The words sounded oddly familiar to Kai Mitarashi. Wasn't there a storyline where the Sword of Thunder God had been stolen before? Could it be that this sword inherently attracted theft? Kai couldn't help but mentally complain.
The Third Hokage continued, "The Sword of Thunder God has always been enshrined in the Second Hokage's shrine. This morning, patrolling shinobi discovered it was missing, and the guards stationed at the shrine are nowhere to be found.
According to the investigation by the ANBU, the guards have connections to Kumogakure. Due to the sword's unique properties, Kumogakure has long coveted it. For Konoha, the Sword of Thunder God is not merely a weapon; it symbolizes the Second Hokage himself. Thus, this mission is of utmost importance. Sakumo, I hereby command the Hatake Squad to set out immediately and retrieve the Sword of Thunder God. The mission is classified as A-rank!"
"Understood, Lord Third!" Sakumo Hatake replied decisively, taking the mission details handed over by the Third Hokage. With Kai, he left the office.
The duo darted through the dense forest like agile monkeys. By channeling chakra to their feet, they could leap and maneuver effortlessly—a skill most genin could master.
"Teacher Sakumo, the guards at the shrine are usually chunin-level, right? Why would this mission be classified as A-rank? Is there some unexpected factor?" Kai Mitarashi asked, puzzled.
"Indeed," Sakumo Hatake replied. "Based on ANBU intelligence, Kumogakure recently dispatched a five-man elite squad consisting of one jonin, two special jonin, and two elite chunin. They've disappeared near the borders of the Land of Fire, likely preparing to assist in the operation. This is why the mission is rated A-rank."
Kai was taken aback. "They've sent such a high-caliber team? It seems Kumogakure is determined to obtain the Sword of Thunder God."
Sakumo Hatake nodded. "The Sword of Thunder God, when infused with a significant amount of lightning-nature chakra, transforms into a blade of light capable of neutralizing all ninjutsu below S-rank. Anyone struck by the sword experiences paralysis from the electrical shock.
For Kumogakure, the sword is a perfect match for their lightning techniques. Furthermore, if Kumogakure successfully steals the Sword of Thunder God, it would be a severe blow to Konoha's reputation."
Kai nodded in agreement. Even in times of peace, conflicts and disputes between shinobi villages were still prevalent.
"Stop," Sakumo Hatake suddenly commanded.
"What's wrong, Teacher Sakumo?" Kai asked.
Sakumo Hatake pointed ahead into the dense forest. "The Kumogakure team seems to have split into two groups. If we recklessly pursue one, we might end up chasing the team without the sword."
"Then, Teacher Sakumo, why don't we split up? That way, we can track both groups," Kai suggested after some thought.
"No. With your current abilities, you wouldn't stand a chance against a jonin," Sakumo Hatake rejected firmly.
Kai shook his head and argued, "But, Teacher Sakumo, you must realize that if we only pursue one direction, the other team might escape, leaving us with only a fifty percent chance of success. I don't want my first mission to end in failure.
Moreover, even if I encounter a jonin, their primary objective is to secure the Sword of Thunder God, not to engage in prolonged combat. As long as I remain cautious, I should be fine."
Sakumo Hatake thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but be careful. If you find yourself outmatched, do not engage. I will finish my battle quickly and come to assist you."
"Understood, Teacher Sakumo."
Following one of the trails, Kai pursued for nearly an hour. Suddenly, he noticed the unusual silence around him—no sounds of insects or birds. His senses heightened in alertness.
Out of nowhere, several kunai flew toward him. Kai dodged swiftly, avoiding the attack.
A sharp voice rang out: "I thought Konoha would send someone impressive to chase me, but it turns out it's just a brat."
Three shinobi wearing Kumogakure headbands emerged from the shadows.
"All I need to do is kill you," Kai said coldly, staring at them.
"Damn it! A brat dares to look down on us?" The leader of the group snarled angrily.
Lightning Release: Heavy Violent Thunder!
As shinobi who specialized in lightning techniques, Kumogakure ninjas were known for their fiery tempers. The leader wasted no time, launching a jutsu at Kai.
Prepared for battle, Kai dodged the attack with ease.
However, he didn't strike back immediately. His attention was focused on one particular target—the smallest ninja among them. Likely trusting the leader's strength, this ninja appeared somewhat relaxed and inattentive.
Goshoryu Ninja Tool Throwing Technique: Ten-Faced Ambush!
Kai unleashed nearly all the tools in his ninja pouch. Before the small ninja could react, a series of explosions engulfed him.
Strong Fist: Air Shatter!
Wary that the small ninja might still be alive, Kai followed up with a full-force punch, sending a high-density chakra shockwave into the center of the explosion.
As the smoke cleared, the remains of the small ninja's shattered body lay in pieces.
"Baika..."
The leader shouted, seemingly calling out the small ninja's name.
Looking at the lifeless body of the ninja he had killed, Kai felt neither panic nor excitement.
"Konoha brat, I'm going to kill you," the leader growled, his face contorted with rage.
"Let's see who dies first," Kai replied calmly.
Judging by the leader's abilities, he was likely just a jonin. If he had been a special jonin, he would have reacted faster to Kai's earlier attack.
With this assessment, Kai concluded that the other two were probably elite chunin. The absence of a special jonin was undoubtedly good news for him.
Lightning Release: Lightning Binding Technique!
A massive net of lightning descended rapidly from above, aiming to trap Kai.
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