"Elder Mitokado, is there an issue with my attitude?"
"I'm just being honest. Or could it be that Elder Mitokado doesn't like hearing the truth?"
Orochimaru's brows furrowed slightly as he spoke. To him, Mitokado was acting overly sensitive, unable to handle straightforward words.
"Elder Mitokado, I trust Orochimaru's summoning beast. Everyone, follow me into the canyon."
Before Mitokado could respond, Jiraiya took the lead. His sharp sensory abilities had already surveyed the area and found no evidence of ambushes from Sunagakure's shinobi.
"Yes, Captain!"
The ANBU members replied in unison.
"Jiraiya, this canyon is a perfect spot for an ambush. If there are Sunagakure shinobi lying in wait, walking in blindly would put us in serious danger," Mitokado said with a frown.
"I suggest we investigate further."
"Our comrades in the intel squad were already killed by Sunagakure shinobi," Jiraiya countered. "If we move now, we might still catch up to them and avenge our comrades. But if we delay any longer, they'll be long gone."
Without waiting for another word, Jiraiya pressed forward into the canyon. Orochimaru and the ANBU squad followed closely, leaving Mitokado standing there with a dark expression.
It was clear to everyone that Mitokado's opinions carried little weight with the group.
As they entered the canyon, a faint breeze brought the sharp tang of blood to their noses. The further they went, the stronger the scent grew.
By the time they reached the heart of the canyon, the ground was littered with the bodies of Konoha shinobi. Blood pooled around the corpses, painting the scene in crimson. Scattered fragments of puppets lay everywhere, while deep gouges marred the surrounding rock walls.
From the carnage, it was clear how fierce the battle had been between the intel squad and the Sunagakure shinobi.
"Captain, the bodies are still warm, and the blood hasn't clotted. They were killed not long ago."
"The enemy took all their scrolls, too," Yuhi Mitsune reported, kneeling beside one of the fallen to inspect the wounds.
"We should gather their remains and return to the village to inform the Hokage," Mitokado suggested. "They died as heroes for the village. A proper memorial service will be held for them when we return."
"Why should we return to the village now?" Jiraiya asked, narrowing his eyes.
"What else would you suggest?" Mitokado's tone turned cold.
"Elder, you just said they were heroes who died for the village. Isn't it obvious? We need to avenge them."
"The Sunagakure shinobi can't have gotten far. After a fight like that, they'll be weakened. We should strike now, while they're vulnerable, and make them pay. There's no way we can let them walk away and safely return to Amegakure."
"I disagree. We have no idea how many Sunagakure shinobi there are or if they've set traps ahead. Charging in recklessly will only get us killed. Their sacrifice won't be forgotten, and the village will have its vengeance—but not here and not like this."
Mitokado shook his head, firmly opposing Jiraiya's proposal.
"Elder, you make a valid point. We don't know their numbers or whether they've set traps. But I still won't agree to retreating to the village."
"I have a secret technique that excels at detecting ambushes. If there's a trap ahead, I'll sense it and ensure we don't walk into a massacre. Even though using this technique takes a toll on my body, avenging my comrades is worth any cost."
Jiraiya's voice was resolute, his determination unwavering.
Hearing this, the ANBU members were filled with admiration. Truly, he was the student of the Hokage—a shinobi with such resolve and selflessness.
Although their mission was technically complete—they'd failed to save the intel squad, but the blame lay with the squad's inability to hold out—it would have been easy to return to the village and avoid repercussions. But Jiraiya's refusal to abandon their fallen comrades' honor was inspiring.
Of course, Jiraiya wasn't entirely selfless. In truth, he needed an excuse to use his sensory technique, the Insightful Eye, while also gaining additional merit for the mission. Failing this first ANBU assignment would tarnish his record, and he wasn't about to let that happen.
"This is just your assumption," Mitokado replied icily. "If your detection fails and we're ambushed, we'll all die. I won't allow it."
"You were sent as an advisor by the Hokage, not as the leader of this mission. I'm the captain, and your advice is just that—advice. I don't have to follow it. If you refuse to come, feel free to return to the village. Everyone else, follow me."
Jiraiya's expression was cold and commanding. His Insightful Eye would reveal any hidden threats. He'd already indulged Mitokado enough—if the elder didn't want to cooperate, he wouldn't force him.
"Yes, Captain!" Yuhi Mitsune responded immediately, falling in line with Jiraiya.
Mitokado stood motionless, his face dark with anger. Without another word, he turned and began walking back to the village.
"Let them face the consequences of their rashness," Mitokado muttered under his breath, a trace of malice flickering in his eyes. If Jiraiya's gamble failed and ANBU suffered heavy losses, it would only strengthen his own influence.
"I'm starting to wonder if that guy's secretly a woman. He's as bad as Tsunade when it comes to handling the truth," Orochimaru quipped beside Jiraiya.
The ANBU members couldn't help but feel disdain toward Mitokado. For someone who constantly spoke of danger, his choice to abandon them in the canyon only cemented their low opinion of him.
As they crossed into Amegakure's borders, the sky grew dark and rain began to fall. The constant drizzle was typical for the Land of Rain, where clear skies were a rarity. The further they ventured, the heavier the rain became.
"Can your summoning beast still track their scent?" Jiraiya asked Orochimaru, glancing back.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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