Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Land of Tea.
The formation of the Five Great Nations brought momentary peace to the world, from the warring states period.
It halted the continuity of wars and conflicts, at least for some time.
Following the example set by the Five Great Nations, smaller nations also began to emerge.
Some of them are Shinobi villages similar to the Five Nations, and some being normal countries. Solely focused on agriculture and medicines.
The land of Tea is one such country near the Land of Fire; renowned for its medicine and the tea.
The Castle of the Feudal Lord.
The slow-paced blowing wind continued to sway the greenery around the Daimyo Castle.
The petals of sakura blossoms fluttering through the air, made the surroundings look peaceful.
"Hmm... Everyone, I am really grateful for your assistance."
A man donned in purple long-sleeved kimono heartedly bowed, as he thanked the four Leaf Shinobi standing before him.
It was none other than the Feudal Lord of the Land of Tea.
He had a short crop of black hair and black eyes, along with a black mustache.
"Oh, no. Please don't be like that. It was our duty, to begin with, so there is nothing to worry about the formalities."
Hizashi, being the representative of the team, shook his head before bowing politely.
After all, they were hired for the job and they simply did what they had to.
Their encounter with the hired Shinobi was unexpected, but somehow went well, and after dealing with them, they didn't waste a single moment and departed soon after.
Crossing the border and choosing another path to avoid another such encounter, they arrived at their destination.
"Haha!! Oh, and don't worry about the additional request by my daughter, I have already sent an envoy to the Leaf."
He continued.
"It was a great help from you that we could easily reach the root of the assassination attempt."
"R-right. Yeah."
Hizashi nodded his head.
Despite being a Feudal Lord of a prosperous country, the Daimyo was surprisingly easygoing and humble.
As he expressed his appreciation, a scroll flashed in his hands.
It was the same scroll that Kakashi got his hands on.
On their way to the Land of Tea, the client asked for an additional request to find out the root of the assassins.
It wasn't much of a big deal for Izuna, who had already considered that and had already assigned Kakashi for it.
And well, because of his quick thinking, they ended up killing two birds with one stone.
"All right then, we'll be on our way."
"Hmm... Very well and again I'm thankful for your assistance."
Hizashi said as he bowed slightly, followed by Izuna, Kakashi, and Mugino.
The daimyo of Land of Tea had a thankful smile on his face, as he nodded his head.
"Haah... Finally, the mission's over!"
Said Kakashi as he exhaled a tired sigh; Mugino chuckled shaking his head at his unchanged behavior, but himself was not much different.
Well, they did complete a long and exhausting mission successfully while encountering many enemies on the way.
After quietly bowing their head slightly, the trio followed Hizashi's lead and left the castle.
'Izuna Uchiha, huh...'
Slowly walking behind, Kakashi's eyes diverted towards Izuna at the front, various thoughts running inside his mind.
When Izuna displayed the combat prowess that easily exceeded his imagination, his eyes became extra round in surprise.
And even now he could recall every single exquisite move Izuna made during his fight.
Does that mean Kakashi could follow his movements, though?
It was shocking for him to see Izuna, who was a few months younger than him, defeat an opponent who he could've never hoped to win against.
And it wasn't just Kakashi, Hizashi was no exception to this, who had pretty similar thoughts.
Hizashi had already been informed about his grades and skills, but what he showed in his fight was something unheard of, which completely overwhelmed him.
*Swish*
Unaware of the thoughts running in his teammates' and teacher's minds, Izuna had a smile on his face, as a sudden breeze fluttered his long, black hair.
"W-Wait! Ha...ha...haah! I, uh, be careful on your way back everyone, and... And thanks again for saving my life!"
Just as Izuna and everyone else were about to exit the castle, their steps came to an abrupt halt hearing a loud voice behind them.
Turning back, they saw the girl somewhat a few years older than them, waving her hands at them, with a wide smile on her face.
It was none other than the daughter of the Feudal Lord.
'Well, It wasn't so bad after all...'
Izuna Quitely grinned, looking at the thankful smile on her face, before tilting his head slightly.
"Hm? What are you looking at, Kakashi? Is there something on my face?"
As Izuna felt Kakashi's eyes gaze at him, he asked him in confusion.
"Oh? It's... It's nothing."
Kakashi shifted his eyes away from him and absentmindedly glanced at the floating clouds in the sky.
'...stronger, I've to be.'
This thought lingered in Kakashi's mind, he had his eyes closed and hands crossed, that was supporting the back of his head.
He didn't want to be left behind.
Remembering Izuna's battle prowess, he could feel himself miles behind. He didn't let it overwhelm him and wanted to overcome it.
For the first time since his graduation, he met someone who made him reconsider his thoughts of a certain win against him.
'I'm sure he has something going on inside that mind of his...'
Izuna quitely read his face, as the corner of his lips turned into a soft smile.
"Heh, that's Kakashi for you."
"Hey, what do you mean by that, huh?!"
Mugino, who was walking not far from them, chuckled lightly after noticing Kakashi's indifferent and lazy look.
He was used to his lazy behavior, but even so, decided to tease him a bit.
The duo continued to bicker and laugh on their way.
"All right, you guys, let's hurry up!"
"Okay."
Thus, Izuna's first mission came to successful completion, as he and his teammates, following Hizashi's lead, began their journey back home.
___________
Hidden Leaf Village.
The village entrance was still filled with the crowd of people, entering and leaving.
"Haah... I'm utterly exhausted."
When the team of four consisting of Hizashi, Izuna, Kakashi, and Mugino arrived in front of the main gate of Konoha, Mugino exhaled a relieved sigh.
They had been traveling non-stop back to the village since their departure. He now wanted nothing more than a quick bath, light food, and pleasant rest.
Not just him, Izuna and Kakashi were no exception; exhaustion was written all over their face.
Well, they did continue to move without break during their return, so it was understandable.
"Oh? Well, considering your state... I don't think you'll be able to continue any longer."
Hizashi continued.
"All right then, don't worry about the report. I'll submit the mission at the assignment hall, the three of you, go and have some rest."
"Hm, let's see... Meet me in front of the Academy in the evening."
And looking at his students' condition, Hizashi said with a softened expression.
"Ah, thank you Sensei!"
It was such a blessing for the four, as smiles bloomed on their faces.
Izuna and his teammates nodded their heads earnestly, as Hizashi left with an afterimage, disappearing from their sight.
The exhausted trio also made their way towards their home.
"I'm home!"
"Oh, welcome back Izuna. How did your first mission go?"
Quickly arriving at his house in the Uchiha district, Izuna entered and was immediately welcomed by his mother.
He was embraced by her as she ruffled his long hair.
'Ah, it's so good to be home...'
His exhausted face immediately softened after a quick bath, and his mother's handmade food lightened his mood.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone