The Land of Thunder lay far to the northeast, forcing any invading force from Kumogakure to cross into the Fire Country from the north.
Through dense woodland and broken mountain passes, a squad of elite ANBU tore southward. Tatsuya ran in perfect rhythm with the wind, his movements precise, efficient — his chakra unshaken.
For most, the journey would be draining. But not for him.
He was absorbing power every step of the way.
> [You picked up 30 points of Physical Talent]
[You picked up 40 points of Body Flicker Technique experience]
[You picked up 50 points of Body Flicker Technique experience]
[You picked up 20 Chakra points]
[You picked up 30 Chakra points]
He barely reacted on the surface, but inwardly:
Not bad. Quantity compensates for quality.
The journey brought a steady stream of gains — 3,540 Chakra points and 200 points of physical talent. His current stats read:
> [Chakra: lv4 (13,000/100,000)]
[Physical Talent: lv5 (700/1000)]
And then — a flicker of brilliance.
Jiraiya's chakra pulsed beside him, the golden light bursting again.
> [You picked up 50 points of Body Flicker Technique experience]
[Body Flicker Technique upgraded: lv4 (30/1000)]
Another quiet step toward mastery.
By the time they reached the Fire Country's northern border, the air had changed. Tension hung like storm clouds.
The squad finally slowed, regrouping in a quiet clearing.
"According to intel," Sarutobi Shinnosuke began, "enemy traces were reported near here by our border scouts."
Jiraiya, arms folded, nodded in silence. His aura now was nothing like the eccentric man the village gossiped about. He was all discipline — a true Sannin.
Tatsuya stood with his team, the others forming a perimeter. Yūhi Kurenai approached.
"Captain Tatsuya," she whispered, "I've found something — possible enemy trail markings."
Tatsuya's mask shifted slightly as he turned. "Show me."
She nodded, leading him toward a densely wooded section.
Yūhi pointed to the moss scratched from the bark. "These," she said, "are at least ten meters high. Not the work of civilians. And the branches..." She held them out. "Snapped recently."
Uzuki Yugao spoke from behind. "So the enemy's headed... toward a village?"
"Could be." Moonlight Gai countered, eyes shadowed. "Or this is something more."
Tatsuya said nothing. He crouched beside the branches, fingers brushing the break. His expression, hidden beneath the ANBU mask, grew colder.
"Too clean."
Kurenai blinked. "What?"
"The break," he said calmly, "isn't natural. It's been sliced, not stepped on. And the bark beneath the moss — too fresh. Whoever left these... they just left."
Jiraiya stepped into the scene. "So they didn't want to leave a real trail," he said. "They saw us coming and bailed."
Tatsuya nodded. "The ones who infiltrated are elite. If they were sloppy, it's because they were rushed."
"Which means," Jiraiya continued, "they knew we were coming — and wanted to mislead us."
Their eyes met.
"Daimyō's estate," they said in unison.
"What?!" Kurenai looked stunned. "They're not after the village?"
Uzuki stepped forward. "You mean... they're targeting the Daimyō?"
"It fits," Tatsuya said. "In the original history, Cloud Shinobi demanded the head of Hyūga Hizashi after failing to kidnap Hinata. Konoha submitted. But why?"
He narrowed his eyes behind the mask.
"If the Daimyō had been threatened... the political pressure would have forced the Hokage's hand."
Jiraiya's gaze darkened. "Only a bold team would dare such a thing. The Fourth Raikage... maybe even Killer Bee."
Tatsuya's fingers curled lightly into a fist.
Perfect. High-level enemies. High-quality light.
Jiraiya gave a low chuckle, eyes fixed on Tatsuya.
"This ANBU," he thought, "he's no ordinary operative. Sharp. Strategic. Dangerous. Almost reminds me of Minato... almost."
"Move out," Tatsuya ordered.
"Yes, Captain!" Kurenai and her team vanished in a flash.
Tatsuya stood tall, body still, mind calculating. His gaze flicked briefly toward Jiraiya.
If high-tier chakra is on the other side... I'll make sure both sides clash.
And I'll be there — picking everything up.
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