"Captain, what did they assign us this time?" Hyena asked first.
"This one's a bit unusual," Tenzo replied. "We're providing protection for a transport convoy heading to the Land of Iron."
He glanced briefly at Fujimoto Tōma as he spoke.
Hyena and Fox both paused.
"Protection?" Hyena frowned. "Aren't jobs like that usually handled by regular surface teams?"
He wasn't wrong.ANBU missions were rarely clean. Escort duty was normally left to standard squads made up of academy graduates under a jōnin leader.
"That's true," Tenzo said calmly. "Officially, another non-ANBU team will handle the visible escort. Our role is covert protection. However, Inkshadow's assignment is a little different."
Hyena and Fox exchanged a glance.
In the past, that might've stirred some resentment. Now? After seeing Tōma's combat ability up close, any such feelings vanished instantly.
Tōma looked at Tenzo, mildly surprised.
Tenzo didn't explain right away. Instead, he opened the mission scroll and laid it out.
"Read it first."
Tōma shifted his attention to the scroll.
The destination was far.The Land of Iron bordered the Land of Fire, but Fire Country itself was massive. And a civilian convoy moved far slower than shinobi.
As he read further, the details became clear.
The visible escort's job was to accompany a transport group back to the Land of Iron.
ANBU's true mission was to protect two specific individuals.
A grandfather and his grandson.
The grandfather was a renowned master blacksmith, famous even among samurai. He had forged weapons for elite warriors and more than a few shinobi who were willing to pay any price for quality steel.
The grandson was around twelve or thirteen years old and rarely appeared in public.
Tōma's role was simple.
He would disguise himself as the grandson and remain by the master's side.The real grandson would stay hidden nearby, switching places when necessary.
As for threats, the surface explanation listed only rogue shinobi.
But ANBU intelligence suggested possible Kirigakure involvement.
That didn't surprise Tōma.Mist shinobi were well-known for their weapon craftsmanship. Someone like this master blacksmith would be an irresistible target.
After reading through everything, one thing was obvious.
This mission fit Tenzo's squad perfectly.
Among ANBU, squads with members as young as Tōma were extremely rare. The disguise worked best because no one would ever expect the "grandson" to be the bodyguard.
Tōma's thoughts drifted elsewhere.
A master blacksmith…
If things went smoothly, maybe he could commission higher-quality Flying Thunder God kunai in the future. The marking wouldn't fade, but if the metal snapped mid-combat, the technique would become useless.
This mission might be an opportunity.
"Inkshadow," Tenzo said, handing him a small box. "This is the skin mask issued for the mission. Take some time to get used to it. We move in one hour."
"Understood."
Tōma took the box and stepped into the inner room.
Unlike a simple Transformation Jutsu, a long-term mission required something stable. Constant chakra upkeep wasn't an option.
A few minutes later, he returned wearing the mask.
"Well damn," Hyena whistled. "Not bad at all. If you weren't wearing it, you'd probably be a heartbreaker."
"How does it feel?" Tenzo asked.
"Fine," Tōma replied. The mask felt cool against his skin, slightly stiff, but manageable.
"Good. Move out."
"Yes."
The squad departed ANBU headquarters and arrived at the assembly point.
The convoy hadn't left yet.
Tōma observed the group quietly. Several armored samurai stood guard, likely from the Land of Iron. There were also civilians traveling along for the journey.
They didn't know it yet, but this route wasn't safe.
Then again, nothing in this world truly was.
"Captain, I'll move ahead," Tōma said.
"Be careful," Tenzo replied.
Tōma nodded.
His figure vanished, slipping silently into the largest carriage in the convoy.
Inside, the layout was simple but deliberate. Plenty of hidden compartments. Enough space for a child to disappear at a moment's notice.
The blacksmith and his real grandson hadn't entered yet.
Tōma closed his eyes and slipped into Deep Focus State.
This mission would mean long hours inside the carriage. Training couldn't stop, but neither could vigilance.
An attack could come at any time.
Eventually, footsteps sounded.
The door opened.
An elderly man with white hair but sharp eyes stepped inside, holding the hand of a cautious-looking boy about Tōma's age.
"So you're the ninja Konoha sent?" the boy asked bluntly. "You're pretty small. I'm not even sure you could beat me. How are you supposed to protect us?"
The words were rude, but the tone held no malice. Just curiosity.
Tōma didn't get offended.
In the next instant, he appeared in front of the boy and gently ruffled his hair.
"If Konoha sent me," Tōma said calmly, "then trusting my strength is part of the deal."
The boy's mouth fell open.
His eyes sparkled with fascination.
The old master chuckled softly.
"Forgive him. He doesn't know any better. We'll be relying on you for the journey."
Tōma nodded once.
No more words were needed.