Asuka hadn't been waiting long at the gathering point before the first squad member arrived. Even before the figure came into view, a lazy, complaining voice drifted over.
"Good grief, Captain. What kind of mission is it this time? I finally managed to enjoy a few peaceful days, and now you've called me back again."
A white-haired youth with sharp, jagged teeth approached, grumbling nonstop.
Before Asuka could respond, a crisp voice sounded from the other side.
"Mangetsu, you've been resting for more than just a few days. If you stay idle any longer, your bones will rust."
Asuka turned and saw a slender figure wearing an ANBU mask.
The white-haired youth immediately retorted, "Who says? I've only rested for a few days, alright? That's slander! Slander!!"
Asuka sighed helplessly. "Mangetsu, Murasaki, do you two have to argue the moment you meet? Can't you stay quiet for once?"
The white-haired youth was none other than Hōzuki Mangetsu, the Hidden Mist's famed prodigy—someone capable of wielding all seven ninja swords. However, due to Asuka's influence in this timeline, Mangetsu had not yet publicly revealed that terrifying talent. Instead, he remained a member of ANBU Squad Four under Asuka's command.
The other was Minazuki Murasaki of the Minazuki clan, whom Asuka had met when he first joined the ANBU. She possessed exceptional talent and the Ice Release kekkei genkai.
Hearing Asuka's words, Murasaki replied before Mangetsu could.
"Captain Asuka, I'm simply stating facts. After all, I didn't see a certain someone visiting the ramen shop every single day lately."
Mangetsu immediately pointed at her in outrage. "Murasaki, you black-hearted woman! You were stalking me?!"
Murasaki was about to fire back when her expression shifted slightly, as if she had sensed something.
Mangetsu noticed as well. He straightened instantly, donned his mask, and stood silently.
Four or five seconds later, several more figures appeared in the distance. Soon, the entirety of ANBU Squad Four had assembled.
Asuka scanned the group.
"I trust you've all felt the atmosphere in the village lately. War may be approaching. The Mizukage has ordered Squad Four to reinforce the border and intercept foreign spies."
The squad showed no visible reaction.
Asuka nodded slightly. "Good. It seems you're prepared. Then I won't waste words. We depart immediately."
The moment his voice fell, the squad members vanished one by one using the Body Flicker Technique.
After the last figure disappeared, the forest gradually returned to its quiet stillness.
…
At the border of the Land of Water, after several days of continuous travel, Squad Four rested in a forest clearing.
The campfire crackled softly as each member ate in silence, restoring their strength.
Asuka finally spoke.
"We'll reach the official border line tomorrow. Given the current situation, spies from various nations will be increasingly active. In the coming days, expect constant reconnaissance and skirmishes. Stay sharp."
"Captain, don't worry. We're not rookies."
"Exactly. We know what to do."
"We'll take care of ourselves."
"We still plan on following you for a long time. No way we're dying here."
The squad responded one after another.
Asuka stood. "I'll take first watch tonight. Get proper rest. After tonight, there may not be many peaceful nights left."
They knew his personality well. No one argued. After brief thanks, they settled down.
…
Later, after dismissing the assigned sentry to rest, Asuka sat cross-legged on a tree branch, gazing up at the moon.
A faint rustling came from nearby bushes, but he didn't react.
Moments later, Minazuki Murasaki emerged and leaped onto the branch beside him.
"Why aren't you resting?" Asuka asked without looking away from the moon.
"I wanted to stay with the Captain for a while."
She hugged her knees and followed his gaze skyward.
After a moment of silence, she asked softly, "Captain… do you think I'll die in this war?"
"As long as I'm here, you won't."
Murasaki turned to look at him. Under the moonlight, her eyes shone brightly, clear and reflective like still water.
She smiled faintly. "Then I'll leave myself in your hands, Captain. Protect me well."
Asuka finally met her gaze. After a brief pause, he nodded.
"I will."
Under the silver moonlight, the two figures sat quietly on the branch, like a pair of birds resting before a coming storm.
…
At dawn, as the first light broke over the horizon, Squad Four packed their gear and resumed their march toward the border.
Figures leaped swiftly from tree to tree, maintaining high-speed movement. The border line drew closer with each passing minute.
Suddenly, Asuka, who was leading the formation, halted.
The squad stopped instantly behind him.
"Ahead—multiple chakra signatures. Large group. Likely foreign spies being pursued by our border troops."
He flashed a hand signal.
The squad dispersed immediately, concealing themselves and setting traps along the anticipated route.
Asuka's sensory ability came from the mutant gene bank—a gene fragment originating from the Mutant Caliban. Originally capable of detecting Mutants within a wide range, the ability had adapted in this world, allowing Asuka to sense chakra signatures instead.
He could determine direction, numbers, and approximate chakra levels with remarkable precision—second only to the Byakugan in accuracy.
Before long, a group of ninja rushed into view. Though they wore no headbands, their movements made it clear they were shinobi from another village. Their faces were tense as they fled at full speed.
Right on cue, they triggered the traps.
Exploding tags detonated violently.
At the same time, Squad Four launched a barrage of kunai from concealment, the projectiles falling like rain.
Caught off guard, the enemy ninja scrambled to defend themselves. Even so, several fell amid the chaos.
Without hesitation, Squad Four advanced to engage the survivors in close combat.
Steel clashed against steel as ninja swords and kunai collided.
After a brief exchange, both sides disengaged and began forming hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!"
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
The techniques collided midair, triggering a violent explosion that engulfed the battlefield in thick smoke.
Then—
"Ice Release: Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals!"
Within the smoke, crystalline ice mirrors materialized around the retreating enemy ninja, trapping them in a tight formation. Instantly, countless ice needles shot forth from every direction.
When the smoke finally cleared, several screams echoed through the clearing.
Only a few glimmering ice mirrors remained standing amid the aftermath.