[Check Out My P4treon For +50 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! And get chapters before publishing them here for free on my p4treon][https://p4treon.com/roooaaa]
===
Tsunade hadn't chosen this A-rank mission randomly—it was the result of careful consideration.
On paper, Shizune was a chunin while Kabuto and Sasame were genin.
But in reality? Both Kabuto and Sasame were chunin-level.
Especially Sasame—after revealing his Wood Release, he was practically a jonin.
Add Tsunade herself as team leader, and ordinary missions wouldn't provide meaningful training.
An A-rank was just right.
Four figures became shadows leaping through the trees, vanishing into the distance.
Their pace wasn't extreme.
As chunin, their stamina couldn't match a jonin's.
Tsunade understood this well.
Moving too fast would exhaust Sasame and the others.
If they encountered enemies afterward, they'd be at a disadvantage.
"After over two years of protracted war, both Konoha and Kumogakure are exhausted. The frontlines now consist mainly of small-scale ambushes."
Tsunade spoke as they traveled. "Our mission is to eliminate Kumo's hidden outposts and rescue Team Akimichi Shitou."
"Akimichi Shitou?"
The name rang faintly familiar—a minor character from his past life, perhaps.
"Yes. Their team had the same mission but lost contact."
Tsunade glanced at him. "Shitou's a jonin. Whatever trapped them must be jonin-level too. This mission could escalate to S-rank at any moment."
Sasame wasn't worried.
Whether they'd encounter such foes was uncertain.
Even if they did, jonin rarely appeared in large numbers.
Tsunade could handle most threats.
Unless they met the Fourth Raikage himself.
"Medical ninja don't engage in combat unless absolutely necessary."
Tsunade continued, "But Shizune and Kabuto are combat-capable. Sasame will take point against enemies while the other two provide support as needed."
"Understood."
All three responded in unison.
"One more thing."
Tsunade's gaze lingered on Sasame, concern in her eyes. "This may be your first battlefield—your first time killing. If you feel unwell, don't force yourself."
Killing often caused psychological strain.
Some experienced nausea, others numbness, and some developed lasting trauma.
As medics, Shizune and Kabuto were accustomed to bloodshed.
But Sasame wasn't.
This was Tsunade's greatest worry.
Adverse reactions could prove deadly mid-battle.
"I understand."
Sasame gave her a reassuring look.
Tsunade nodded.
I'll intervene if needed.
Normally, she wouldn't coddle anyone.
A shinobi who can't overcome this shouldn't be one.
But for Sasame? Only concern.
The hypocrisy wasn't lost on her—but Sasame adored it, nearly leaping into her arms in gratitude.
Twenty minutes later, they entered a small forest.
Tsunade halted. "Konoha's supply convoys pass here frequently, so Kumo's established many outposts. We'll head north to Shitou's last known location."
These outposts were fixed positions housing three to ten shinobi—well-hidden observation points for surveillance and rapid response.
Konoha destroyed them; Kumo rebuilt them.
This cycle had continued for over two years.
In some sectors, the roles reversed—but Konoha's wealth allowed more fortified outposts with seals and barriers, often gaining slight advantages.
"Kabuto, scout ahead."
Tsunade ordered. "Sasame and Shizune provide cover."
None were dedicated scouts, but Kabuto had learned various reconnaissance techniques—at Sasame's suggestion.
In the original story, Kabuto was an exceptional spy, excelling in infiltration and scouting.
Though inferior to the Byakugan, his skills sufficed.
Tsunade wouldn't rely solely on him—this was training. She'd scan simultaneously to prevent oversights.
"Four chakra signatures ahead at three o'clock—stationary."
Kabuto opened his eyes after a moment.
His sensory technique required closed eyes for detailed detection—risky but precise.
Sasame nodded and took point.
Soon, an outpost came into view—a small fortress.
Most shinobi would struggle to breach it.
"Kabuto, mask my chakra."
Sasame formed hand signs as Kabuto hastily erected a temporary barrier—lasting mere seconds but enough.
Suiton: Dai Bakusui Shōja! (Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique)
An A-rank water jutsu.
Beyond most chunin, yet Sasame's enhanced reserves—now at jonin level (roughly one "Kakashi")—made it possible.
A torrent erupted from his mouth, engulfing the outpost.
The on-duty Kumo-nin jolted awake.
What the—?
He turned—and froze.
"Enem—"
Water silenced him.
A mere chunin, he drowned swiftly.
The deluge flooded the structure.
Though sturdy, the outpost wasn't watertight.
Three sleeping Kumo-nin awoke in panic, fleeing the rising water—
—right into Sasame's trap.
Trees on either side sprouted thorned vines.
Since when do trees move?
And attack?
Why can't they talk?!
Caught off guard, the shinobi were impaled mid-air.
Sasame willed the trees back to normal.
"Well done."
Tsunade appeared beside him, scanning his expression for distress before relaxing.
"Kabuto, collect intel. Bring anything valuable to me."
She gestured to the corpses as Kabuto entered the outpost.
"I'll help."
Sasame felt Tsunade's favoritism might unsettle the others.
Tsunade blinked, then smiled.
He really is considerate.
Her bias was unconscious yet undeniable.
The search yielded little intel.
They moved on.
Meanwhile—Kumogakure HQ
News of Tsunade and Hiashi's arrival had spread.
The Fourth Raikage studied the report, sighing. "Konoha's blessings are unfair."
Despite the Nine-Tails' attack and a Hokage's death, their strength remained formidable.
Absurd.
Kumo had conserved power meticulously—the Third Raikage died solo against an army to preserve their forces.
Yet Konoha kept blundering onward, matching Kumo effortlessly.
The Raikage's frustration was understandable.
"Without deploying jinchūriki, victory seems unlikely."
Elder Tōi, the one-eyed jonin, spoke. As the Lariat's examiner, he enjoyed the Raikage's trust.
"Unnecessary. This war must end."
The Raikage's voice rumbled. "Our prodigies—C, Yugito, Darui, Mabui—need time to grow. In years, they'll become Kumo's pillars."
But how to end it?
Surrendering was humiliating and might embolden Konoha.
The Raikage's eyes narrowed in calculation.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 70 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 40 power stones I will publish the next chapter.