Senior Kakashi, what are we doing this time?"
Shisui asked from behind as the team darted swiftly through the trees.
"This time, we're heading deep into the hinterlands of the Land of Water to gather intel. If it's not absolutely necessary, we must not reveal our identities. First, we'll change into covert gear."
"Also, don't use real names out there. Shisui, your codename is Shun. Xiyan, you're Yan. Tenzo, you'll be Zang. As for me, call me Yin. Got it?"
"Understood, Captain!" the three replied in unison.
"When we reach the border of the Land of Fire, we'll switch clothes and get into proper disguises. Remember, our identities must remain hidden. The situation in Kirigakure is chaotic. Total annihilation is not off the table."
All three were momentarily stunned. They knew the mission was risky, but hearing that from Kakashi made it feel heavier.
After all, Kakashi was a legend within the ANBU.
Even Kakashi's mood was grim. Right now, Kirigakure was a nest of conflict.
The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, should still be under Obito's genjutsu control. If their presence was discovered, the entire village might pursue them.
Though Kakashi believed he could handle Obito in a direct fight, the risk of complications was high.
So, caution would be their greatest ally.
Noticing the quiet tension behind him, Kakashi chuckled softly. "Relax. Even if we do run into trouble, you won't die before I do. I'll never let an enemy harm my comrades."
The trio felt a warmth spread through them at his words. Looking at the slim figure ahead, they were filled with an unshakable sense of security.
Yes. With Kakashi leading, there was nothing to fear.
Trees whipped by as they sped forward, time slipping away with each soft tap of their sandals.
From sunrise to sunset, and then back again, the work of the ANBU never stops. There is no day or night—only the mission. Success or failure.
"Yin, the border is just ahead," Xiyan reported.
"Alright. Let's stop here!"
The four halted atop a wide tree branch in an instant.
"Zang, use Wood Release to create four separate rooms so we can change."
"Understood!"
Tenzo formed hand seals. His chakra surged.
Wood Release: Four Pillar House Technique!
Instantly, four small houses materialized in front of them.
"Wood Release really is convenient," Shisui said, impressed.
"Alright, everyone—get changed."
Without Xiyan, the guys wouldn't have minded changing in the open forest. But with a kunoichi present, some decency was in order.
Besides, it was an easy task with Tenzo around.
Kakashi had grown fond of bringing Tenzo on missions. Beyond his skills, having Wood Release meant always having a place to sleep. After enduring countless nights in the open, having a shelter—however simple—felt like a luxury.
Soon, they emerged in disguise.
Kakashi now wore a fitted black outfit with a windbreaker-style cloak. His posture was sharp, his presence unmistakable. Unusually, he wasn't wearing a mask. After all, a mask would draw suspicion—they were supposed to be regular travelers.
He also removed his forehead protector from his left eye, concealing the Sharingan seal behind a natural-looking illusion. From a glance, the eye appeared normal—lacking any distinctive features.
The scar across his left eye was also cleverly hidden, leaving no trace.
With his sharp features and tousled silver hair, Kakashi looked strikingly handsome.
The moment he stepped out, the other three paused in stunned silence—none of them had seen his real face before. Xiyan especially flushed red.
Senior Kakashi is so handsome…
"Yin, so this is what you look like?" Shisui said, wide-eyed.
"No wonder you keep it hidden. If word got out, you'd have a fan club," Tenzo joked.
Kakashi rubbed his left eye with a wry smile.
"Enough chatter. Let's head into the Land of Water. We're tourists now—nothing more."
He ignored Tenzo's teasing. There was no time for banter.
"Yes, Yin."
The Land of Water was isolated, surrounded by ocean. Its terrain consisted mainly of islands, with Kirigakure situated on one of the largest, deep within its territory.
In terms of scale, the Land of Water was among the five great nations—behind only the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind. However, just like the Wind Country's vast deserts, much of the Water Country's space was ocean, leaving relatively little inhabitable land.
Its remote location and surrounding waters kept it secluded. Because of this, Kirigakure rarely took part in major shinobi wars.
But their strength was never in question.
Obito had chosen to control Kirigakure for specific reasons. Its secrecy made it ideal for hiding his operations. And emotionally, Rin's death—caused by a Kirigakure plot—left Obito with a deep desire for revenge.
Once under his control, Kirigakure descended into bloodshed. The village began purging its bloodline clans one by one, steadily weakening itself.
Still, until the Fifth Mizukage Terumi Mei eventually rose to power and began reforming the village, that era of cruelty continued.
But Kakashi knew that wasn't for another five or six years.
For now, they were walking into the heart of the Bloody Mist.
The team arrived at a pier that connected the Land of Fire with the Land of Water. Traveling by boat was necessary—running across the sea was not only exhausting, it would draw attention.
They had to avoid the gaze of Kirigakure's patrol forces at all costs. Even ANBU couldn't win if the whole village came after them.
In their new outfits, the four blended perfectly with the crowd. No one gave them a second glance.
Kakashi quickly found a ship bustling with people—merchants, travelers, and tourists. Perfect for slipping in unnoticed.
Though Kirigakure's inner circle was in turmoil, the average citizen lived peacefully.
The Third Shinobi War had ended years ago. Most nations were still recovering. Trade and tourism flourished.
So while entering the Land of Water wasn't difficult… infiltrating Kirigakure was another story.
The village had sealed itself off in recent years. Even the Daimyō likely had little information about what went on inside.
Kakashi stood at the ship's deck, gazing at the rolling waves. The sea wind tugged at his black coat as he whispered:
"Kirigakure… I wonder who we'll meet this time."
The silver-haired ninja stared at the horizon—lost in thought as the ship sailed forward into the mist.
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