"Naruto: Ice God"Chapter 183: Border Patrol—A Team of Three Genin
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado stood up to take their leave, preparing to handle the mobilization of ninja and compile loss reports for the daimyō. They had been responsible for these affairs since the Third Hokage's era, and Sakumo was completely comfortable entrusting this work to them.
Once the two departed, only Sakumo, Minato, Jiraiya, and Hiruzen remained in the room.
"Next, let's discuss that mysterious puppeteer..." Sensing the atmosphere becoming somewhat indescribable, Hiruzen pulled out his pipe from within his robes and skillfully lit it.
Hearing Hiruzen mention the puppeteer, everyone present turned their attention to Sakumo.
Recalling the previous battle, a trace of gravity flashed across Sakumo's face.
"I didn't get a clear look at the puppeteer's face, but their puppet manipulation techniques were extremely sophisticated. In my memory, only Chiyo could match such skill."
After speaking, Sakumo pondered for a moment before adding: "The puppet they controlled was also extraordinary—not only did it perfectly resemble the Third Kazekage in appearance, but it could even use his signature Magnet Release."
It was precisely because of Magnet Release that Sakumo hadn't been able to eliminate Sasori in time, only managing to sever Hiruko's thick tail.
"Even Magnet Release? It's almost like fighting a living person..."
Hiruzen's hand holding the pipe paused—this was his first time hearing of such technology.
"We should send a letter to Sunagakure about this matter first, see if they have any leads. After all, we're nominally allies at present."
Minato offered his suggestion while glancing up at the clock on the wall.
It was almost time for Kushina's meal.
"Very well, thank you, Minato. I'll leave this matter to you. Once you're finished, you can go directly to Konoha Hospital."
Sakumo noticed Minato's subtle gesture and smiled, indicating he could leave.
"Thank you very much, Sakumo-sama. Excuse me."
After hearing this, Minato immediately used Flying Thunder God Technique to leave the room.
"Becoming a father really changes a man. Minato, who could maintain composure in any situation, is actually this impatient now."
Jiraiya was about to make a few jokes when he was directly scolded by Hiruzen:
"You have some nerve talking! Your student already has a child, and you're still wandering around like a rootless drifter!"
Jiraiya was rendered speechless by Hiruzen's retort. Avoiding Hiruzen's sharp gaze, he rolled his eyes where the other couldn't see.
After sharing all known intelligence about Hidan with everyone, Jiraiya simply chose to remain silent.
"An immortal body that can also cast evil curse marks—another troublesome enemy." Seeing Jiraiya didn't dare talk back, Hiruzen didn't press further. He tapped his pipe on the table edge and returned it to his robes.
"Too many people harbor hatred toward Konoha—this is the fate of ninja."
Sakumo understood this well. War brought ninja only death, pain, and hatred.
Especially hatred—it would become chains linking ninja's destinies together, passing from one generation to the next.
"Fortunately, Konoha's new generation has also grown strong."
Sakumo suddenly recalled that phrase Hiruzen often spoke.
Where the leaves of Konoha dance, the fire burns eternal.
"Feng Bai, huh? I never expected that child could actively undergo Tailed Beast transformation. Being able to do this means he's become..."
Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction, feeling not a trace of guilt about accidentally striking the Three-Tails with his staff.
"A perfect jinchūriki."
Jiraiya, who had fought jinchūriki before, couldn't help but speak:
"In ninja history, those who could truly control Tailed Beasts have, up to now, only been the First Hokage and Uchiha Madara."
Hearing Uchiha Madara's name from Jiraiya's lips, the atmosphere instantly froze.
"Could it be..."
Hiruzen suddenly thought of a possibility, but immediately shook his head to dismiss his speculation.
How could that be? A figure from the First Hokage's era—even if he hadn't died at the Valley of the End, he should have left the ninja world due to old age by now.
But still, he had immediately thought of that man—this was Uchiha Madara, a name symbolizing power.
...
"So, in summary, I'm the team leader for this mission."
Looking at the three people of varying ages before him, Feng Bai completed his self-introduction.
"I never expected to execute a mission alongside the genius Feng Bai-senpai! When we return to the village, please allow me to treat you to a meal!"
Shikokan, whose appearance was so monkey-like that one might suspect he had Sarutobi bloodline, was practically starry-eyed. He showed no disdain for Feng Bai being younger than himself.
Of course, he himself was still just a genin, so he had no grounds to look down on Feng Bai.
"Ahem, forget about the meal—you can choose to pay cash instead."
Feng Bai waved his hand, making a joke.
"Huh?"
Shikokan was somewhat bewildered, instinctively reaching toward his coin pouch.
Hyūga Tokuma beside him remained silent. Two years younger than Feng Bai, he was just a genin who had graduated from the Ninja Academy only a few years ago. After his team's jōnin leader died at Setsuna's hands, he had been recommended to participate in border patrol missions.
The last member was an older man...
"Gosuke-san, hello. Thank you for your hard work on this mission."
Feng Bai smiled and greeted him. Before the mission began, Hiruzen had introduced this "eternal genin" to him. Placing him in Feng Bai's team was meant to compensate for the squad's lack of mid-level combat strength.
"Hahaha, not at all."
The true scapegoat jinchūriki, the genuine fall guy Maruboshi Gosuke, wore a kind expression. Apart from the large iron pot on his back, he had no other distinguishing features.
From a distance, he looked just like a passerby who happened to be walking by.
"Anyway, let's depart!"
Feng Bai waved his hand grandly, leading the three genin toward the northeastern border of the Land of Fire.
Then time advanced to the fifth day.
Looking at the footprints on the ground, Feng Bai struggled to recall what Makoto Itō had taught him.
Tracking, traces, and misdirection...
Damn, why couldn't he remember any of it?
Fortunately, Maruboshi Gosuke noticed Feng Bai's predicament and casually explained: "This should be traces left by the border patrol team. The tread pattern matches Konoha's standard equipment."
"I see."
But how did you figure that out?!
While Maruboshi Gosuke continued forward to examine the tracks and Shikokan busied himself checking defensive traps, Feng Bai quietly lifted his foot to compare the two tread patterns.
As evening approached, Maruboshi Gosuke also took the opportunity while investigating traces to collect ingredients, placing them in his iron pot. The group followed him to a concealed location and began making a fire to cook.
"No matter how many times I eat it, it always smells so delicious."
Devouring the food in his mouth with large bites, Shikokan, the young genin, had already put aside any contempt for Gosuke after first tasting his cooking.
Hyūga Tokuma, as a branch family member, maintained the Hyūga clan's proper upbringing even in the wilderness—his posture was standard, and his eating manners weren't as crude as Shikokan's.
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