The archives of Konoha's library opened a new door for Roy.
He was like a greedy sponge, frantically absorbing the knowledge recorded in blood and fire, but he understood clearly that knowledge alone couldn't be forged into a weapon.
He had found the theory, yet lacked the materials and opportunity to turn that theory into reality.
That opportunity arrived quietly a month and a half after he became a genin.
Minato Namikaze gathered all members of Squad Eleven, his expression more serious than ever before.
"The D-rank mission is over," he stated directly. "Your coordination and efficiency have already exceeded my expectations. Starting today, we will begin undertaking C-rank missions."
Tokuma Hyūga's eyes instantly ignited with fighting spirit, while Yakumo Kurama gripped her hands nervously.
The leap from weeding and cat-catching to actual ninja missions filled her with unease.
"Our first C-rank mission," Minato said, taking a scroll from his robe, "is an escort mission. We are to escort the weaponsmith, Mr. Furukawa, to the Land of Iron for the procurement and trade of a special batch of ore."
Roy's heart accelerated by an almost imperceptible degree at that moment.
The Land of Iron.
Chakra metal.
"This is Mr. Furukawa," Minato said, gesturing to a slightly stout, middle-aged man whose hands were covered in calluses.
"Pleasure to be traveling with you, brats," Furukawa said, his tone not particularly polite, carrying the stubborn pride of a craftsman. "My cargo is very important. Don't mess things up on the road."
"Don't worry, Mr. Furukawa," Minato said with a smile. "They are my finest students."
The mission briefing concluded quickly.
The objective was to escort the client safely to the Land of Iron, with an estimated mission duration of ten days.
This would be Squad Eleven's first true departure from the village, stepping into a wider, more dangerous world.
The next morning, at Konoha's main gate.
With their packs on their backs, Roy and his two comrades, along with Furukawa, completed their village departure procedures under Minato's lead.
As they stepped out through the familiar gate and looked back, the Hokage Monument stood solemn and majestic in the morning light.
A distinctly different feeling washed over them.
The village was a sanctuary, but outside lay the true world of shinobi.
The journey was monotonous and swift. Minato set a pace that ensured progress while remaining well within Yakumo's physical limits.
Tokuma's Byakugan had remained active since they set out.
He was the squad's radar; no covert observation lurking in the shadows could escape his perception.
Roy walked in the center of the formation, appearing relaxed, but in truth, his Mantra had already encompassed all movements within two hundred meters, from the rustle of leaves to the stirring of wind.
On the third day of their journey, they encountered their first problem.
"Three hundred meters ahead, in the forest to the right. Seven chakra signatures. Not strong; likely bandits," Tokuma reported in a low voice.
Minato didn't speak, merely looking toward Roy with his eyes.
This was a test for him, testing his ability to command in the field as the squad's "brain."
Roy made his judgment instantly. "Tokuma, circle around from the left flank. Prioritize eliminating their archers. Yakumo, prepare your genjutsu and wait for my signal. Mr. Furukawa, please stay put and don't move."
"What about you?" Tokuma asked.
"I'll approach from the front and draw their attention."
Roy stepped away from the group alone. When the bandits ahead saw only a half-grown kid, they erupted in malicious jeers.
"Leave your money and cargo behind, kid!"
Roy didn't answer.
He was waiting.
Waiting for Tokuma to get into position, waiting for the bandits to focus their full attention on him.
*Now!* he commanded silently.
Almost simultaneously, two short screams came from the forest on the left.
Like a phantom, Tokuma had precisely struck down their long-range threats with Gentle Fist.
The bandits stirred in confusion.
"Genjutsu: Kasumi Jūsha no Jutsu!"
Yakumo's voice echoed from behind.
An intangible wave of chakra spread out. In the bandits' eyes, Roy's figure began to blur and multiply, becoming indistinguishable from reality.
Seizing the moment, Roy surged forward.
He used no advanced ninjutsu, only the most basic Shunshin.
His kunai was like a viper's fang; using the pommel, he struck the remaining five bandits precisely and efficiently at the backs of their necks, rendering them unconscious instantly.
The movements were clean, without a single wasted motion.
When the genjutsu lifted, the fight was over.
Seven bandits lay on the ground, completely incapacitated.
Furukawa watched from the sidelines, his mouth agape in astonishment.
He hadn't expected these seemingly green kids to handle themselves with such practiced skill and coordination, a synergy that belied their rookie status.
Minato nodded approvingly from the side.
The squad resumed their journey.
The closer they drew to the border of the Land of Fire, the heavier the air became.
Even here, the breath of war could be faintly perceived.
As they passed through a canyon, a thick, cloying scent of blood drifted on the wind.
Minato's expression hardened instantly. "All personnel, on guard."
Carefully rounding the canyon's bend, the scene before them made Tokuma and Yakumo's faces change; Yakumo even gagged involuntarily.
A dozen bodies lay sprawled on the canyon floor. Judging by their forehead protectors and gear, they belonged to no known ninja village; they seemed to be a wandering mercenary band. Every fatal wound was to the throat or heart, death instantaneous.
"No signs of struggle at the scene," Tokuma reported, his Byakugan sweeping the area quickly. "These people were killed in an instant. They didn't even have time to resist."
Minato leaped down beside one corpse, crouching to examine the wound carefully. His brow furrowed deeply.
"The wound is thin, the cut smooth. Caused by extremely fine wire, or perhaps some kind of specialized weapon," he stated, his tone unusually grave. "And look here." He pointed to the corpse's neck, where an almost imperceptible pinprick was visible, easily missed without close inspection.
Roy's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.
He recognized this technique.
Precise, efficient, leaving no unnecessary traces.
The operational principle of maximizing cost-effectiveness for assassination. This was the signature style of "Root," the organization under Danzo's command.
"Sensei, this is…" Tokuma couldn't help but ask.
"Don't ask," Minato interrupted, standing up. "This is not something we need to know about. It's dangerous here. We're leaving immediately."
The squad's atmosphere grew heavy with tension.
Tokuma and Yakumo had just received their first visceral impression of the deeper darkness that lurked beneath the surface of this war-torn world.
Roy followed silently at the rear.
He knew this was just the tip of the iceberg. Root, the darkest shadow of Konoha, had its tendrils spread across the entire shinobi world.
Finally, on the seventh day of travel, they reached their destination.
The Land of Iron.
A biting, frigid wind replaced the warmth and humidity of the Land of Fire.
Distant mountain peaks were capped with pristine white snow.
The architecture here was starkly different from Konoha's, characterized by simple, rigid lines.
At the border, heavily armored samurai with swords at their hips were a common sight. Their eyes were like unsheathed blades, cold and wary as they scrutinized every passing traveler.
Furukawa let out a long, relieved sigh, a smile finally appearing on his face.
Roy's gaze, however, passed over the samurai and fixed on the city nestled deep within the valley.
He could see countless chimneys from smelting forges belching black smoke into the gray sky.
Chakra metal.
The materials for the vessel he needed were right here.
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