Chapter 43: The Team
Konoha.
The Hokage's Office.
"Tonbo, I'm entrusting this mission to you." Hiruzen Sarutobi handed him a file.
Tonbo Tobitake took the document and opened it. Inside was a series of intelligence reports. The Anbu had detected significant activity from Land of Lightning ninjas on the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Iron. It was unclear if they were testing defenses or planning something larger. The specific details had been gathered by an Anbu operative who had barely made it back alive; Konoha had already lost several elite spies to obtain this information.
"The village suspects that the Land of Lightning wants to sever the cooperation between the Land of Fire and the Land of Iron. They aim to cut off our primary supply line for ninja tools. Therefore, I want you to lead a team to reinforce patrols along the Land of Fire border. You are a sensory ninja; I have full confidence in your perception abilities," Hiruzen said gravely.
A ninja's strength is built upon ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, and intelligence. However, the vast majority of ninjas—from Genin to Jonin—rely heavily on ninja tools. If the supply line were cut and Konoha ran out of tools, the village's overall strength would be severely weakened. Hiruzen could not allow that. Since most of the ore for these tools came from the partnership with the Land of Iron, the matter was of the utmost importance.
"Um... about the barrier technique teaching...?" Tonbo scratched his head. Not long ago, he was told to teach the Barrier Corps, and now he was being sent on a different mission. It was completely disrupting his rhythm. Furthermore, conflict with the Land of Lightning was notoriously dangerous and exhausting. Plus, after his recent "efforts", Ayame was already pregnant. He didn't want to leave Konoha; he wanted to stay and accompany her.
"The barrier technique can wait. The border incident is the priority. It is exceptionally urgent. I've also arranged for three helpers to form a patrol squad with you. You already know the team leader, Hayama Shirakumo," Hiruzen declared, settling the matter.
"Helpers?"
"Yes, three of them. You four will form the patrol unit. As for the other two, you'll find out when you assemble," the Hokage added with a chuckle.
Really? They're my teammates, is it necessary to be so mysterious? Tonbo thought. Is this how a ninja should act? Doesn't he realize that imprecise intel can affect a mission?
"Alright. But Lord Hokage, remember to help me look for a replacement for when I get back!" Tonbo said.
Hiruzen was taken aback. "If something is wrong, I can have them leave first and you can follow a few days later." He was confused; this boy didn't seem like the type to avoid duty.
"Haha, it's nothing like that. It's just that my wife is pregnant. I don't want her to worry too much. You know how it is—the ninja profession is never safe. I'm afraid the stress will be bad for her," Tonbo explained with a smile.
At this, Hiruzen softened and smiled. "I see. I will do my best to find a replacement so you can return to her side. I understand that feeling well."
He remembered being the same way back in the day. Even now, he worried about whether Asuma could handle his post in the capital, constantly fearing his son might die out there. Only the news that his eldest daughter-in-law was pregnant brought him some peace of mind.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Swoosh!
Seeing that his business was done, Tonbo vanished from the office.
Walking through the streets of Konoha, Tonbo felt a heavy weight in his heart. He thought having to work overtime was bad enough, but this was worse. Guarding the border was the most exhausting job aside from espionage, and arguably the most dangerous.
Besides Hayama, who are the other two? Tonbo guessed. Kakashi? Shisui? Yamato...?
When he reached home and saw Ayame sitting by the door soaking up the sun, he felt a pang of guilt. His wife was pregnant at home, and he couldn't be there for her. What a hateful ninja world.
"Honey, I'm home."
"Welcome back! Dad went out to buy groceries; he said he's going to make a super delicious meal to help me stay healthy," Ayame laughed, rubbing her belly with love.
"I see. When Dad gets back, I have something to tell you both."
"What? You're going to guard the border? That's wonderful! It's proof of Lord Hokage's recognition of my son!" Tosei Tobitake was thrilled when he heard the news. To him, it meant his son was far more successful than he had ever been, being entrusted with such a difficult task.
Ayame's eyes showed a flash of worry, but she forced a smile. "He's right. Don't worry, we support you. Just... please be careful."
"I will. I'll make sure the border mission ends as quickly as possible," Tonbo nodded. Sensing Ayame's underlying sadness made him feel terrible, but for the sake of stability, the work had to be done.
Before leaving the next day, he spent every moment with her. He accompanied her on a gentle walk through the streets, telling her "cheesy" pick-up lines from his previous life to make her laugh. According to Konoha tradition, border rotations usually lasted three months. Realizing he wouldn't see his wife for quite a while, Tonbo poured his heart into their time together, gradually easing Ayame's anxiety.
The next morning.
Sunlight spilled over the main gates of Konoha, where the "Gatekeeper Duo" (Izumo and Kotetsu) were already on duty.
Swoosh!
Tonbo landed outside the gate and looked around. A figure immediately caught his eye: someone with a high ponytail and a katana strapped to his back. His silhouette looked exceptionally steady in the morning light.
"Captain Hayama, long time no see."
Hayama Shirakumo turned and smiled. "Tonbo-kun, long time no see. You look as energetic as ever!"
"Haha, please look after me on this mission."
Aside from seeing him at school and during the Nine-Tails incident, Tonbo hadn't seen Hayama for a long time. He looked even more handsome now, possessing the calm aura of a mature man. Compared to Kakashi and Tonbo, Hayama looked much more senior.
"Where are the others? Lord Hokage is quite something, refusing to tell me the names of the other two teammates. He made me guess—the old rascal," Tonbo grumbled.
Suddenly, a voice came from behind him.
"Hey, watch how you talk about Lord Hokage, kid. Careful, or he'll make your life difficult."
A girl with grayish-brown eyes, purple hair, and a fishnet shirt under her ninja vest stood there. She was visibly... well-endowed. She was blowing a bubble with gum.
Pop!
Tonbo turned around. "I'm pretty sure I'm two years older than you, girl."
He recognized her instantly: Anko Mitarashi, Orochimaru's former apprentice. At this point, she likely hadn't reached Special Jonin rank yet.
"What did you say? Calling me 'girl'? Do you even know who I am?" Anko's eyes widened, her brows furrowing in anger.
Tonbo found it amusing. "You're the little follower of Sannin Orochimaru. Also, I'm married and have a child on the way. You can even call me 'Uncle,' I wouldn't mind."
At the mention of Orochimaru, Anko's bright face suddenly darkened, her hands clenching. But hearing the rest of his words, her defense crumbled. She looked closely at the man before her—face wrapped in bandages, only his forehead protector and mouth visible, with a lean, tall build.
"Hmph. Marriage only holds you back and ruins the path of a ninja. And you're actually happy about it?"
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!