The night was unusually quiet. No rustling wind, no distant chatter from soldiers, no clinking of kunai or whisper of footfalls in the shadows—only the soft chirping of insects in the woods and the occasional crackling of burning branches in the campfire broke the stillness.
Senmai Asahi sat beside the fire, arms resting on his knees, his gaze unfocused and distant. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows across his face, illuminating the tension etched between his brows.
He had expected the village to assign him to the front lines against Kumogakure. It was the natural choice, the most strategic place where his talents and knowledge—especially his ties with Orochimaru—could serve the war effort. But the mission scroll he received was different.
He had been tasked with leading a team composed of Sarutobi Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai into the territory of the Land of Water to launch subversive strikes against Kirigakure.
'No chance to contact Orochimaru… and if this war ends before I do, Minato will become the Fourth Hokage. If that happens, anyone still tied to Orochimaru will be dealt with as an accomplice.' Asahi frowned. 'Is this fate pushing me away from Orochimaru… or warning me to cut ties before it's too late?'
A soft voice broke the silence. "Asahi, you seem distant. Is something bothering you?"
It was Kurenai. Her voice was low, concerned—eyes reflecting the firelight as she studied him with the sensitivity only a kunoichi like her possessed.
Asahi glanced at her and gave a faint smile. "It's nothing. Just thinking about the mission."
"Tch. It's about time I got into action." Asuma cut in, puffing on a cigarette with a self-satisfied grin. "The old man finally acknowledges I'm not just a brat."
Kurenai's face turned more serious. "We're going deep into enemy territory. It won't be easy. Kirigakure isn't to be taken lightly."
Asahi nodded. "True. But if we strategize well, it doesn't have to be impossible."
This mission wasn't about direct confrontation. Konoha had dispatched nearly a thousand small squads to slip into the Land of Water and sabotage infrastructure—specifically, ports. The Land of Water, being an island nation, relied heavily on maritime trade. Fishing, shipping, naval commerce—these were lifelines. Destroy the ports, and the economic backbone of the country collapses.
If the supply lines were severed, the Daimyo would likely pressure Kirigakure into withdrawing from the war, even if the Mizukage wanted to continue.
But even with all that in mind, the task was daunting. Kirigakure would never leave its ports undefended. The mission was stealth and sabotage, not conquest—but the risks were as high as ever.
Asahi saw the Third Hokage's intent clearly. The conflict with Kumogakure was heading toward a decisive confrontation. Compared to that meat grinder, the Kirigakure mission was the 'safer' option. Sarutobi Hiruzen had likely chosen this mission for Asuma—and by extension, assigned Asahi to ensure his safety.
With Flying Thunder God mastered, and deep experience in medical ninjutsu, Asahi was the ideal guardian. A babysitter. A body shield in all but name.
Perhaps this was the beginning of the rift between Asuma and the Third Hokage. Overprotection born of love, unrecognized by the child it was meant to save.
"Asahi, what do you think?" Asuma's voice snapped him back to the present. The younger Sarutobi looked excited.
Asahi glanced at him. "The village sent hundreds of ninja. The port sabotage will succeed with or without us. But… I've heard something."
He lowered his voice. "The Three-Tails Jinchūriki is dying. Kirigakure is preparing to transfer the tailed beast. If we can intercept or free the Three-Tails before that happens, the chaos it causes could break their lines."
Kurenai's face paled. "Wait… you want to sneak into Kirigakure? That's insane!"
"I'm not saying we charge in blind." Asahi said calmly. "But with the right timing and approach, we could force a serious disruption. Maybe even tip the balance of the war."
"I say let's do it!" Asuma declared, his voice brimming with reckless fire. "This is our chance to make a real difference!"
Asahi nodded slightly, hiding the flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. 'Predictable. But useful.'
He recalled the other teams dispatched—Kakashi, Might Guy, Nohara Rin—all separated from Minato, who had been sent to the Kumogakure front. It was no coincidence.
'This has Madara's fingerprints all over it. But how? Is someone high-ranking in Konoha acting as his pawn?'
The implications disturbed him. Uchiha Madara's influence stretching into Konoha's leadership... It explained too much. And yet, confirmed too little.
If events mirrored the original timeline, then Nohara Rin would be made the Three-Tails Jinchūriki, and Kirigakure's plan would be to send her back to Konoha as a living bomb. The transfer of the beast, then, was inevitable.
That meant the Three-Tails would leave Kirigakure territory.
'If that happens, I can seize it before it gets back to Konoha. Then release it inside Kirigakure to cripple their infrastructure from within.'
If the plan succeeded, the damage to Kirigakure would be enormous—and Konoha would hail him a hero. With such accolades, Asahi could solidify his standing regardless of his past association with Orochimaru. He could maneuver more freely. Advance more daring agendas.
"Alright." he said at last. "That settles it. This will be the 'Three-Tails Plan'. We move at dawn."
Kurenai looked uncertain, but knew the decision had already been made. "Then… what's our next move?"
Asahi responded calmly, "We cross the sea into the Land of Water tomorrow. First, we gather intelligence. I'll infiltrate the village alone if needed."
"Alone?" Kurenai gasped, wide-eyed. "You're going by yourself?! That's too dangerous!"
"We're a team." she added firmly. "We take the risk together."
"She's right." Asuma chimed in. "I don't care how dangerous it is. We all go!"
Asahi could see through the bravado in Asuma's eyes—half courage, half fear of seeming weak in front of Kurenai.
"You two following me would increase the risk, not reduce it." Asahi replied. "I've mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. If anything goes wrong, I'll be out before anyone notices. But with you two? It becomes a liability."
"Tch." Asuma muttered, clicking his tongue. He didn't like it, but couldn't refute it either.
"Fine." Asahi said. "We rest tonight. Tomorrow, we move. I'll take first watch. Asuma, you relieve me after two hours."
The fire crackled on, throwing long shadows against the trees. Overhead, the stars glimmered silently—witnesses to another bold gamble in the long, blood-soaked game of the ninja world.
*****
Support me on my pat reon and gain early access to my creations.
https://www.pat reon.com/RroY28 (remove the space)
You can access up to 30 advanced chapters.