Asami and her team entered the debriefing room, prepared to receive their first significant mission. The room was spartan—just a simple desk, a few chairs, and a number of chunin assistants lining the walls. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, awaited them with his usual air of calm wisdom.
"Ah, Masasane, a pleasure to see you. How is your team? Today marks a pivotal step in their shinobi journey. They are about to undertake their first major mission," Hiruzen greeted them, pipe in hand, exhaling a puff of smoke with a grandfatherly smile.
"They are ready, Hokage-sama. Eager to prove themselves," Masasane responded, pride creeping into his tone.
"Excellent. Youthful passion is the bedrock of Konoha's future." The Hokage's expression then turned slightly more curious as he shifted his gaze to Asami. "Though, I do notice among your group a certain young lady who seems to have skipped several assigned missions. Asami, would you care to explain yourself?"
Asami smiled innocently, undeterred by the Hokage's scrutiny. "Of course, Hokage-sama. I was utterly exhausted. I hadn't anticipated that D-rank missions would be so draining—mentally and physically. I needed a few weeks to recuperate from such an overwhelming ordeal."
The chunin scribes present nearly dropped their pens. Their eyes widened in disbelief. Such blunt honesty—bordering on cheek—was uncommon before the Hokage. Her teammates looked tense beside her, clearly wishing they were anywhere else.
Asami, however, was genuinely puzzled. She had only answered truthfully.
Hiruzen puffed again on his pipe, chuckling softly. "That's one of the better excuses I've heard over the years. And truth be told, I used to feel the same way when I was a genin. D-rank missions are indeed dull. I always looked forward to the day I would be assigned a real mission."
"They are terribly boring indeed, Hokage-sama," Asami replied with a nod.
Hiruzen laughed quietly. "Quite. Well, let's see if this one is more to your liking." He picked up a folder from the stack of mission scrolls beside him. "Your task is relatively straightforward. You are to escort a merchant to Iwagakure. Nothing overly dramatic, but still a good opportunity."
---
Later that day, Aritame, Yukihiro, and Masasane gathered at the village gates, ready for departure. Aritame and Yukihiro had packed light for the long journey ahead, each carrying a small backpack. They were brimming with excitement, but they had to wait—for their client and for Asami.
Masasane frowned slightly. "She's rarely late. This isn't like her."
Aritame folded his arms and muttered, "Maybe our little princess got caught up in front of a mirror…"
He stiffened as a light touch on his shoulder made him jump. A familiar giggle followed.
"Well, I might be a bit vain," said Asami, appearing behind him with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "but even I know my limits."
Aritame's blood ran cold. That smile—dangerous and disarming. A smiling Asami always meant trouble.
"H-how do you keep doing that? Just—appearing out of nowhere like a ghost?! Are you sure you're not some kind of spirit?" Aritame stammered.
Asami giggled again. "A kunoichi never reveals her secrets."
Masasane took a moment to assess her appearance. As always, Asami didn't disappoint. She wore her elegant yet functional kimono, hair styled in her preferred hime-cut. Her black scabbard rested against her hip, completing the familiar image of their refined teammate. Prepared and punctual as always.
Their client arrived shortly after—an older man named Mitsuoki—along with his small entourage. The team, now complete, departed from the Hidden Leaf Village. According to the guards at the gate, they were the third team to head toward Iwagakure that day. Curious, though not impossible.
---
Time passed. The team traveled through the dense forests of the Land of Fire, escorting their so-called merchant toward the northern border. Iwagakure was drawing closer.
As night fell, they set up camp in the wild, as was standard practice. They avoided towns and main roads, choosing secrecy and caution.
Masasane gathered the group to discuss the route ahead with Mitsuoki. Aritame and Yukihiro appeared uninterested, but Asami listened carefully. Something about this man didn't sit right with her.
From the very beginning, her instincts had screamed that something was off. That uneasy sensation only grew stronger as the days went by. The inconsistencies were too many.
Why did Mitsuoki and his guards have such unusually high chakra levels? They tried to suppress them, but subtle traces remained. Why did they carry concealed weapons and remain constantly vigilant?
They weren't merchants. Asami knew. Mitsuoki wasn't even his real name. These were Iwa shinobi in disguise, using Konoha genin as a cover to avoid suspicion.
Then came another red flag.
"We shouldn't take the Kusagakure route," Mitsuoki said to Masasane. "I recommend passing through Amegakure instead."
Asami's eyes narrowed.
Why avoid Kusagakure? It was the most direct path—shorter and safer. Amegakure was known for political instability and was less predictable. Why would he suggest such a detour unless he had something to hide?
Masasane scratched his chin. "I'd usually prefer Kusagakure, but if that's your recommendation, then Amegakure will do…"
Asami seized the opportunity. "Mitsuoki, why do you want to go through Amegakure? The route through Kusagakure is not only faster but statistically safer. Amegakure is volatile."
Mitsuoki chuckled. "No need to worry. I have a few business partners I'd like to visit along the way."
Asami's expression hardened. "That's funny. You've led us into isolated areas several times already without conducting any kind of trade. I haven't seen any transactions or meetings. Honestly, I think you might want to consider a career change. You're not very convincing as a merchant."
Her gaze was sharp. She didn't care if Mitsuoki was willing to risk his own life—he could do that all day—but not at the expense of her teammates.
Masasane stepped in. "That's enough, Asami. Stop harassing Mitsuoki. You're being disrespectful."
"But—"
"No buts. This is my decision. Stand down, Asami. Do you understand?"
Asami sighed. "I understand…" Her voice was soft, but her frustration was clear. For now, she would comply—but only outwardly.