Chapter 18 — A New Mission
The first light of dawn touched the edge of Konoha's Third Training Ground.
Ryusuke closed his eyes, focusing, as strands of chakra quickly manifested on the special kunai in his hand.
Unlike Minato Namikaze's "Flying Swallow" kunai, these were specially crafted—lighter and easier to throw.
Carefully, he etched a complex seal into the hilt of the kunai.
Sweat slid down his temples, but his eyes were sharp, his breathing steady.
Soon, the words "Been Here" slowly appeared on the kunai.
"Ryusuke!"
A sharp voice shattered the morning's quiet.
Ryusuke's fingers twitched, and his chakra output momentarily faltered. The seal on the kunai flickered a few times before dissipating into a wisp of blue smoke.
He exhaled, turning to see Tsunade striding toward him. Today, she wore a light armor suit suited for long-range operations.
Her golden ponytail swayed in the morning breeze, but her usually sharp, refined face was clouded with a shadow of concern.
"Going on a mission?" For some reason, seeing Tsunade in this attire sent a spike of caution through Ryusuke's chest.
She came directly to him, without preamble, handing over a scroll.
Her voice was low but serious: "Emergency dispatch: Recon units on the western border report unusually large troop movements from Sunagakure, suspected of preparing to cross the border.
The old man has specifically ordered me to take a team there immediately to reinforce defenses."
She then handed him another scroll: "This one is for you. Your mission is to proceed to the Land of Whirlpools."
Tsunade's brows furrowed, her amber eyes flickering with anger and helplessness.
"The Land of Whirlpools sent for aid, and the village is sending reinforcements. Their main force departs tomorrow.
And of course, Sunagakure decides to stir up trouble right now, and they specifically insist on me going."
Ryusuke took the scroll in silence.
Coincidence? He didn't believe it for a second.
Rather than chance, he suspected this was all the work of Shimura Danzo.
That old man would stop at nothing to get rid of him, even using Tsunade to lure him away.
He could almost picture it: without Tsunade, the "annoying" Senju princess, a "casual" loss of a Chunin on the chaotic battlefield of the Land of Whirlpools wouldn't raise an eyebrow.
Danzo had leveraged the Hokage's orders and the village's "potential threat," leaving Tsunade unable to refuse—and Ryusuke unable to interfere.
"Damn it… Didn't expect Danzo to simmer down for a few months, only to start scheming immediately."
Tsunade muttered under her breath. She also suspected Danzo's hand in this.
But given the circumstances, Ryusuke could only mask his thoughts, keeping Tsunade reassured.
"Don't overthink it. Your medical ninjutsu is perfect for dealing with Sunagakure's toxins.
But be careful. Their methods are cunning—don't fall into any traps."
Tsunade's gaze softened and turned complex as she looked at Ryusuke. After all this time together, she could sense the half-truths in his words.
Suddenly, she stepped forward, cupping his face firmly with both hands.
The movement was abrupt, carrying her usual assertiveness.
"Listen, Ryusuke."
Her eyes locked onto his, serious and unwavering.
"The Land of Whirlpools is in total chaos. Multiple major powers are tangled up there—it's even more dangerous than the last time in the Land of Rain.
This mission is still under that old Shimura Danzo.
He certainly doesn't have good intentions. You need to come back safe. Understand?"
Her voice trembled slightly. It was less a command than a plea.
She stared into his eyes for a few seconds before stepping onto her tiptoes and pressing a quick kiss to his forehead.
Ryusuke froze.
Ryusuke: Huh? That just happened? Guess it's not… totally?
After the kiss, Tsunade quickly stepped back, a blush rising on her cheeks.
She looked slightly embarrassed, but quickly forced her usual composure.
"This… is an early reward.
When you return to Konoha safe and sound, I… we'll see how we get along."
"Uh? 'See how we get along'?" Ryusuke repeated instinctively. "Haven't we… already started?"
"What are you talking about? When did you ever confess!"
Tsunade nearly shouted, then immediately turned her face aside.
"Anyway, remember this: come back alive."
Seeing Tsunade in this rare mix of shyness and dominance, Ryusuke should have felt sweet and elated.
Instead, a chill swept over him, stronger than when he had suspected Danzo's scheme earlier.
This was a classic "come back and then…" situation—the quintessential death flag.
One moment, a sweet promise; the next, death could strike. He had seen this countless times in his memories.
Not to mention the "Death Kiss" added by Tsunade.
Oh no, trouble.
"Tsunade…" he started, wanting to warn her about the danger of this flag, to see if it could be withdrawn.
But seeing the clarity and sincerity in her eyes, all words caught in his throat.
He could only nod firmly and force a reassuring smile: "Okay, I promise.
I'll come back alive to claim my 'reward.'"
Tsunade saw his slightly awkward smile, about to scold him, thinking: "I've already encouraged you this much, what more do you want?"
But remembering the dangers he would face, her small temper softened.
She continued instructing him on battlefield precautions—from wilderness survival skills to countering different nations' ninjutsu—covering every detail.
Ryusuke took careful notes.
Finally, checking the time, Tsunade realized it was almost time to assemble.
She bit her lip and gave Ryusuke a long, deep look. "I have to go."
Ryusuke handed her a kunai, smiling: "Don't be so down. This is my special kunai, with a chakra activation seal I created myself.
If you get into danger, I'll sense it immediately and come to your side."
Tsunade pursed her lips and carefully tucked the kunai into her pouch.
"I'm leaving. This is a stimulant for your potential, but try not to use it unless necessary."
She handed him a vial of medicine, then turned and left.
Standing alone, Ryusuke watched her until she vanished completely.
The world fell silent again, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the morning breeze.
He took a deep, cool breath, but the lingering unease in his chest didn't dissipate with her departure.
If anything, it spread, growing heavier.
All his fear stemmed from insufficient firepower.
If only he had six billion explosive tags, he didn't believe the obstacle ahead would be so daunting.
Ryusuke silently gathered the scattered tools and headed straight for Konoha's weapons shop.
He conducted a major stock-up: explosive tags, rations, antidotes, and medical bandages.
As a careful hand, a master of survival, he inspected every item meticulously.
Explosive tags were properly packaged, antidotes categorized and labeled according to effect and toxicity.
By the time he finished, it was already evening.
Ryusuke retrieved his greatsword, carefully wiping the blade with an oil cloth. The cool touch finally calmed his restless mind.
"Survive…" he muttered to himself.