The air in the Hokage's office felt heavy. ANBU guards stood silent like statues while the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, set down his pipe. His sharp eyes locked onto me.
"Arashi, you've grown fast—faster than I expected." His tone carried both curiosity and… concern. "I need someone for an assignment outside normal mission parameters."
My heart skipped. "What kind of assignment?"
Hiruzen leaned forward. "Espionage and diplomacy. Cloud Village has been making unusual moves along our border. You'll observe and, if needed, make contact with one of their medical specialists."
Cloud Village? That wasn't a simple C-rank errand—this was politics.
"Why me?" I asked cautiously.
He smiled faintly. "Because, Arashi… you think differently. And Konoha needs that right now."
---
Hana's Interruption
When I stepped outside, Hana was waiting near the stairs, arms crossed.
"You're late. What's going on? And why does ANBU keep looking at you like you're made of explosive tags?"
I hesitated. "Hokage gave me… something big. I can't say details."
Her expression softened, but there was worry. She stepped closer, her hand briefly touching my sleeve. "Just… don't do anything reckless, okay? You're not alone out there."
That simple touch sent a spark through me—not chakra, but something human.
---
Preparation & New Jutsu
That night, I trained a new variation of my barrier: Tempest Barrier: Falcon Strike—a forward-thrusting shockwave technique designed for both offense and quick escapes.
If Cloud tries something tricky, I need something fast.
---
Mission Departure
At dawn, I met the small reconnaissance squad. Hana was unexpectedly among them.
"Medic-nin are required on this mission," she said casually, but her eyes told another story: I'm not letting you run off alone.
---
Encounter at the Border
Two days into travel, we found signs of recent skirmishes—burnt earth and residual chakra signatures. And then… we found them: Cloud shinobi, masked, clearly watching us.
"Arashi… what's the plan?" one of the scouts whispered.
I took a deep breath, storm chakra already stirring under my skin.
"We don't fight unless they force it. I'll talk first."
I stepped forward, hands raised slightly. "Hidden Leaf squad on diplomatic mission. State your intent."
One Cloud shinobi, clearly the leader, stepped out. "Diplomatic? You shouldn't be here." His tone was like ice. "Go home."
---
Cliffhanger
Before I could reply, a sudden lightning spear zipped toward me from his subordinate—an ambush.
To be continued…