[Land of Fire Border]
Kurenai was explaining to Hinata and Yakumo the various matters a ninja must pay attention to when undertaking missions outside the village.
Aoba and Kasui were also quietly listening to the side.
Kasui's current strength was around chunin level, but with her diligently trained sealing techniques over the past years, her overall strength could be considered tokubetsu jonin level in Konoha.
Sometimes, talent truly was more important than effort.
While listening to Kurenai's explanation, Aoba was also using sensory ninjutsu to stay alert to the surrounding environment.
"Hmm?", Just as he was maintaining vigilance, he suddenly noticed something unusual in the surrounding area.
"What's wrong?", Kurenai, who was still teaching Hinata and Yakumo, immediately became alert.
Although danger was rare within the Land of Fire, it was still better to be cautious.
"A group of people suddenly appeared within my sensory range. Judging from the chakra... they should be ninjas."
Kurenai frowned slightly, "Could it be another ninja squad currently carrying out a mission?"
"Are they approaching us?", Aoba shook his head, but before he could speak—
"Sensei, it seems like they're fighting someone," Hinata, who had activated her Byakugan, was staring in a certain direction, her expression growing serious.
The group looked toward the direction Hinata was facing.
Although they couldn't see clearly, in the extremely dark environment, they could still make out a faint glow of fire.
"Sensei Kurenai, should we go take a look?", Yakumo asked for Kurenai's opinion.
"Let's observe the situation first," Kurenai shook her head and then looked toward Hinata again.
"Hinata, can you see the forehead protectors they're wearing?"
Hinata looked a bit more carefully, "One side is wearing Hidden Rain Village forehead protectors, the other side seems like ordinary bandits and rogue ninjas."
"Hidden Rain Village forehead protectors? Why would they appear at the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Whirlpools?", Kurenai's brows furrowed deeper. She looked at her students.
"Under normal circumstances, during a mission, everything should revolve around the mission itself. If you encounter unexpected events, don't get involved unnecessarily."
Her expression was serious as she continued, "Unless you encounter a fellow village ninja asking for help. But even in that case, you must act within your capabilities."
"Understand?"
"Understood!"
The three of them nodded in unison. Kasui also nodded along.
"What about special situations?", Yakumo asked at the right time.
Since Kurenai said "under normal circumstances," there must be exceptions.
Kurenai nodded, "This is a special situation. The Hidden Rain Village and Konoha had quite a few conflicts in the past. Their sudden appearance at the Fire-Whirlpool border is suspicious."
"This needs to be investigated. For ninjas, before the mission comes the village's interest."
"However, this kind of thing should only be carried out based on the ninja's actual capabilities. Meaningless sacrifice is unacceptable."
"Understand?"
She dared to scout only because the team had a powerhouse like Aoba, and the others weren't weak either.
"Understood!"
The group nodded again.
Kurenai led them to a small, hidden slope near the battlefield.
They observed the ongoing battle within the forest.
The battle was nearly one-sided.
The opposing side seemed to be mostly ordinary bandits, mixed in with a few rogue ninjas.
Even though the Hidden Rain Village didn't have systematic ninja training, they were still half a formal army.
Against a group of bandits, they naturally held an overwhelming advantage.
"Huh?", Upon seeing their appearance clearly, Aoba let out a light gasp.
"Aoba, did you discover something?", Kurenai immediately whispered.
Aoba nodded and said, "Sister Kurenai, look at that Rain Ninja holding an umbrella."
The group looked over. Relying on the flickering light from torches, they all clearly saw that person's face.
Green hair, wearing a Rain Village forehead protector, a face that looked like nothing good could come from him.
"He looks familiar...", Kurenai frowned. She felt like she had seen this face somewhere before.
Aoba nodded and continued, "That person is a missing-nin from Konoha. Name's Rokusho Aoi. A few years ago, he left the village after stealing the Second Hokage's sword, the 'Sword of the Thunder God,' and joined the Hidden Rain Village."
"So it was him," Kurenai immediately remembered.
"I recall he tricked Ibiki's younger brother and successfully stole the Sword of the Thunder God. But I think at the time, the Third Lord was still in charge..."
Kurenai suddenly stopped speaking. After all, Hiruzen had already sacrificed himself for Konoha.
'Better not tarnish his image in these kids' hearts.'
"Since it's confirmed he's a missing-nin from Konoha, we'll wait until their battle is over, then make our move to subdue him and ask why they're here," Kurenai made her decision.
Before defecting, Rokusho Aoi had only been an average chunin, weaker than her.
Besides, this time she also had the chance to attack from the shadows, taking him down wouldn't be difficult.
"Sister Kurenai, leave him to me," At that moment, Aoba suddenly spoke up.
"You..."
Before Kurenai could ask, Aoba pulled out Zangetsu from a scroll.
"That's your weapon?", Kurenai was a bit surprised. Hinata and Yakumo also looked curiously at the pitch-black Zangetsu.
It was their first time seeing Aoba use a weapon.
Among the group, only Kasui knew about it. She couldn't help but feel a bit pleased.
Aoba smiled and explained, "I just got this recently. It's called Zangetsu. Haven't tested it yet."
Kurenai thought for a while, "Alright. If you encounter danger, I'll jump in right away."
Aoba shook his head, "No need. You guys take care of the other Rain Nin."
"Hmm?", Kurenai blinked her red eyes.
'What the heck?'
'Ain't I the jonin squad leader? That tone…'
'Why does it feel like he's the team leader?'
Kurenai couldn't help but freeze for a second, then reached out and pinched Aoba's cheek.
"I'm the squad leader! Don't go ordering your sensei around! But fine, we'll go with your plan."
"..."
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.
https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y