After assembling, Kazuku nominally led the team to the destination.
But he knew nothing about Konohagakure's border defenses, so Uchiha Kagami took the lead.
Leaving the village, Kagami urged caution.
Though peacetime, vigilance was key.
"Our destination is a border outpost between the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning."
Considering Kazuku and the others' youth and lack of patrol experience—especially Kazuku…
Though a chunin…
He was seven, lacking ninja common sense.
Kagami felt he was Kazuku's nominal subordinate. Tobirama's real intent was for him to teach Kazuku.
To familiarize him with Konohagakure's border system.
On the journey, Kagami explained.
"The Lands of Fire and Lightning don't directly border. The Lands of Hot Water and Frost lie between."
"But these small nations offer no real barrier."
Thus, the Land of Fire's border system was vital.
If Kumogakure waged war, their ninja could swiftly cross Hot Water and Frost, invading Konohagakure!
Unless Konohagakure gained intel early, deploying ninja to fight in Hot Water or Frost.
"Not bordering?" Kazuku blinked. He thought Fire and Lightning were adjacent.
In Naruto, Cloud ninja frequently attempted kidnappings in Konohagakure.
But recalling…
Though many wars erupted, major battles rarely occurred in the great nations.
Like the Second Great Ninja War in the Land of Rain.
Or the Third in the Land of Grass.
These nations had little sovereignty.
Additionally, the relationship between daimyo and Kages was nuanced.
They weren't superior-subordinate but employer-client.
Konohagakure's Hokage fought for the Fire Daimyo for payment.
If the daimyo couldn't pay…
Or another offered more…
Konohagakure could join another side.
Such events were common in ninja history.
Like the duel between the Second Tsuchikage and Second Mizukage.
Their nations were far apart, with Konohagakure between.
Without a client's commission, would they fight so far?
Due to these dynamics…
Kumogakure held significant military autonomy!
Their Raikage could bypass the Lightning Daimyo, deploying ninja to Hot Water.
"No wonder nation relations are so messy."
Kazuku quipped.
"Exactly, making patrols crucial," Kagami finished, smiling. "Lord Tobirama entrusting you with this shows high expectations."
Sakumo nodded.
Who was Kazuku?
The First Hokage's grandson.
It'd be odd if Tobirama didn't expect much.
Kosuke, though not having spoken to Kazuku, knew of him and wasn't shocked.
Kazuku's chunin exam fight with the Third Kazekage was too epic.
"Maybe."
Kazuku neither confirmed nor denied.
He knew this mission stemmed from being the Hokage's grandson.
Though unbothered by nepotism, he couldn't act too excited.
After half a day, they reached the outpost.
It housed nine ninja: two four-man chunin teams, led by a jonin.
Kazuku's team was the third squad.
"Hello, I'm Masagawa, the jonin managing this border region."
Masagawa introduced himself.
But seeing Kazuku's group, he was speechless.
Recently, his team spotted Kumogakure ninja during patrols.
Investigating, he confirmed Cloud was bolstering borders.
Fearing their intent, Masagawa reported to the village, requesting reinforcements.
He never expected…
Such a questionable team.
Kosuke was fine—taller than Kazuku and Sakumo.
His strength was unclear, but he seemed reliable.
But…
Kazuku and Sakumo?
They looked seven or eight!
Were they really ninja?
"You're the team leader, right?" Masagawa turned to Uchiha Kagami. "Can you explain this?"
His glance at Kazuku and Sakumo implied…
He requested reinforcements, so why did Kagami bring two kids?
It wasn't Masagawa's fault.
This era's communication was primitive.
Contacting the village relied on carrier pigeons.
Unless necessary, they rarely communicated.
Masagawa didn't know Kazuku was a chunin.
Plus, chunin and above received standard uniforms.
At seven, Kazuku broke Konohagakure's chunin record.
No uniform fit him, requiring custom tailoring.
Due to time, Kazuku wore casual clothes.
When Masagawa asked Kagami, he gave an awkward but polite smile.
"Sorry, I'm the leader."
Kazuku stepped forward, declaring the shocking truth.
The ninja behind Masagawa gasped, doubting their ears.
Or wondering if they were under a genjutsu.
Kazuku claimed to be the leader!
Meaning he was a chunin!
"No way, he looks seven or eight…"
"Impossible, that small, a chunin?"
"Hey, look at their clan crests."
At someone's prompt, the chunin noticed.
Kazuku and Kagami bore clan crests.
One for the Senju!
One for the Uchiha!
Masagawa's face was a question mark.
A…
Seven-year-old chunin?
Who was this kid?!
(End of Chapter)