Chapter 52 – Konoha's Response, and Taichi's Resolve
Hokage's Office.
Team Eight—this year's top graduating class—was summoned to make a full debrief after their first C-rank mission.
Ordinarily, a C-rank report wouldn't require the Hokage's personal attention, but this one had been anything but ordinary.
Captain Yamaguchi stood at attention before the Third Hokage, his tone solemn and steady as he began the report.
"Ishihara Masao concealed the true objective of the mission…"
"After entering the Land of Rivers, we were ambushed repeatedly by bandits…"
"On the fifth day, we were attacked by a group of seven enemy shinobi—led by one jōnin…"
"During the battle, Taichi saved Saori, disrupted the enemy's formation; Yōhei fought valiantly, awakening his Sharingan; Saori took on four enemies at once, stalling their advance."
"Later, Taichi uncovered the truth behind Ishihara's scheme and, through strategy and deception, turned the tables completely."
"In the final battle, Taichi slew one chūnin and one genin, then held off a special jōnin, ultimately forcing a retreat and securing mission success."
"On the return trip, we encountered a wounded Konoha intelligence operative. Team Eight ambushed and eliminated one enemy jōnin and three chūnin."
"During this time, Taichi used advanced medical ninjutsu to save the intel agent's life and successfully reattached his severed arm."
"That concludes the mission details. Now, I'll give my individual evaluations."
Captain Yamaguchi straightened his back and continued with a measured breath.
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"Matsushita Taichi — His overall capabilities have already surpassed that of an average chūnin.
His taijutsu and ninjutsu proficiency are both on par with a jōnin's. However, due to his young age, his physical development hasn't yet caught up to his potential, limiting the full display of his strength.
His intellect and tactical insight are exceptional—calm under pressure, with top-tier analysis and strategic thinking.
Furthermore, his mastery of medical ninjutsu is remarkable for his age.
He is, without a doubt, an all-rounder of extraordinary talent."
---
"Uchiha Yōhei awakened his Sharingan during the mission—one tomoe for now—but his fundamentals are strong, and his current power is roughly at chūnin level.
Unlike most of his clan, he's sociable, cooperative, and prioritizes improving his overall ability over depending on his dōjutsu. His future is bright."
---
"Furukawa Saori is meticulous and dependable, often serving as the team's emotional anchor. Her combat performance is impressive—brave and unyielding, a stark contrast to her usual gentle demeanor. Among genin, her strength ranks well above average."
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"That concludes my report on this C-rank mission and my evaluations of each team member."
Captain Yamaguchi bowed slightly, signaling the end of his debrief.
---
The Third Hokage listened with great interest, stroking his beard thoughtfully as the report unfolded.
When Yamaguchi described how Taichi saw through Ishihara's deception and outwitted an enemy jōnin with strategy alone, a wide smile spread across Hiruzen's face.
"Hoho… so that boy managed to deceive even an elite from the enemy side, did he?"
There was pride in his tone—not just as Hokage, but as someone who saw, in these young ninja, the promise of Konoha's future.
A man of both courage and intellect — exactly the kind of person Konoha needed most right now.
What made it even more gratifying was that this talent… happened to be his own student's student — his "grandstudent."
The Third Hokage smiled with quiet pride.
"Excellent work, Masasuke. Not only did you successfully test your squad, but you also gave them the kind of experience true shinobi need."
Hiruzen's praise was open and sincere.
"As for the mission itself," he continued, "the Ishihara clan has submitted additional documentation. Considering that your team encountered a jōnin-led assault unit, I'm reclassifying the mission from C-rank to A-rank."
The captain's eyes widened slightly — that alone was already beyond expectations.
"Furthermore," Hiruzen added, "regarding the rescue of the intelligence operative — given the strategic value of the intel retrieved, that will also be recorded as an A-rank accomplishment."
Captain Yamaguchi couldn't suppress a grin this time.
A C-rank mission that had turned into two A-rank credits — even for a jōnin, that was a major reward.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" he said, bowing deeply.
"Good. You've been away a long time — get some rest," Hiruzen said kindly, his tone returning to that of a teacher rather than a leader.
"Yes, sir."
As Yamaguchi turned to leave, Hiruzen's voice came again, calm but edged with gravity.
"One more thing. The matter concerning the intelligence operative — keep it classified. And tell those three kids to do the same."
Yamaguchi froze for half a second.
His instincts told him this wasn't just routine secrecy — something much larger was brewing.
"Understood."
He bowed once more and exited.
---
An Hour Later — Hokage's Office
Shimura Danzō, Koharu Utatane, and Mitokado Homura arrived in succession.
The heavy silence that settled over the room was proof enough — this meeting wasn't about ordinary politics.
"Let's hear it," said Hiruzen, setting his pipe aside. "What do we have from Shinkawa Sanae's report?"
Koharu was the first to speak, after a long pause.
"Chiyo… that old woman's always been the leading war hawk of Sunagakure. If she's personally meeting the Wind Daimyō, the intent is clear enough."
Homura exhaled a weary sigh.
"A pity Shinkawa was discovered so early. If he'd overheard the full conversation, we'd know exactly what they were planning."
"He already did more than enough," Hiruzen countered softly. "To bring that intel home right under Chiyo's nose was no small feat. And had he not run into Taichi's team, even if he'd survived… his shinobi career would've been over."
The last part hung in the air like smoke from Hiruzen's pipe.
No one could tell whether it was aimed at Homura… or at Danzō.
The twitch at the corner of Danzō's mouth said it all.
He could almost hear what Hiruzen was really saying beneath the words:
See, Danzō? The boy I trained — Taichi — has already proven his worth. He's saved a jōnin, brought back critical intel, and cost us nothing. Tell me again how I "can't raise real talent."
Homura fell silent. He understood that was the Hokage's subtle way of affirming both Shinkawa's merit and Taichi's achievement.
Koharu then broke the tension with her usual practicality.
"If we want to confirm the enemy's intent, it's simple. We just need to monitor the flow of supplies in and out of Sunagakure. Their movements will reveal their plans soon enough."
"Agreed," Hiruzen said with a nod. "Danzō — have your Root handle the investigation. I want accurate, discreet surveillance on Suna's logistics."
Danzō's single visible eye narrowed slightly, though his tone was smooth.
"Of course. I'll assign a detachment immediately."
Exactly what he wanted.
But his next words made the Hokage's smile fade.
"Still, Hiruzen… should we really sit idle? Iwagakure and Kumogakure have both been stirring lately — even Kirigakure's starting to act erratic."
Hiruzen turned toward the window, pipe in hand, and gazed down at the peaceful village bathed in golden sunlight.
"We've only had a few short years of peace…" he murmured. "And now, it may already be ending."
The soft click, click of his pipe filled the silence. Smoke curled upward, veiling his face.
"Quietly begin stockpiling essential supplies," he said finally. "Keep it subtle — I don't want to draw attention. As for the rest… we'll wait for the next report before making our move."
The three councilors exchanged looks.
Danzō's lips tightened — he clearly disapproved of Hiruzen's cautious approach — but he didn't argue.
"Understood."
"Understood."
"Understood."
Their synchronized reply confirmed it — this wasn't something any one of them could handle alone.
---
Meanwhile — Konoha Streets
Having rested up, Taichi slung his short blade across his back and stepped out into the warm streets of Konoha.
After what he'd witnessed in the Land of Rivers, the familiar bustle of the village felt almost unreal — beautiful, even.
It wasn't just because he'd grown up here.
It was because Konoha was safe. Peaceful. Prosperous.
Out there…
You couldn't take ten steps without someone trying to rob or kill you.
You could cross a single street and go from laughter and music… to screams and fire.
You could see fields overflowing with grain, yet watch starving parents sell their own children for a handful of rice.
That was the world beyond Konoha's walls — the cruel truth he'd now seen with his own eyes.
As Taichi walked through the crowd — people smiling, chatting, and brushing past him without fear — something deep inside him solidified.
This peace… this warmth… this was what he wanted to protect.
---
[Epiphany triggered — "A Blade for Protection" unlocked.]
[The intent to protect enhances your strikes. Blade pressure now carries defensive resonance — foes feel the weight of unbreakable will.]
[Advanced Kenjutsu EXP +300.]
---
Taichi stopped for a moment beneath the gentle sunlight, his hand brushing the hilt of his blade.
Its steel gleamed faintly — not with killing intent, but with resolve.
Power alone isn't enough… not unless it's used to protect something worth fighting for.
He tightened his grip and kept walking.
A new determination burned quietly in his heart.