The first rays of dawn painted the Konoha skyline in hues of soft orange and pink as Sasuke, clad in his mission-ready attire, stepped out into the quiet streets. The chill of the morning air nipped at his skin, a stark contrast to the burning determination that pulsed within him. The events of the past few days, the revelations shared with Naruto, and the lingering echoes of Tsunade's advice regarding Senjutsu, had stirred a restlessness within him, a need for action. But first, the matter of the Kiba blades.
He made his way to the Konoha Mission Assignment Center, the familiar bustle of early-rising shinobi already filling the hall. The mission board, a tapestry of scrolls and requests, beckoned him. He approached the counter, his eyes scanning the array of C-rank assignments.
"C-rank mission logs," he stated to the Chunin at the desk, his voice clear and concise. The Chunin nodded, retrieving a stack of scrolls and placing them before him.
Sasuke began his search, his fingers deftly unfurling each scroll, his eyes scanning the details. 'Kagero Village… Raiga…' The name echoed in his mind, a reminder of the blades he sought. He knew the journey would take several days, and the mission he sought would need to be along the way.
After a few minutes of diligent searching, a scroll caught his attention. "Bandit extermination in a neighboring village of Kagero," he murmured, reading the details. The village was small, its name unfamiliar, but the mission was straightforward: eliminate a group of bandits plaguing the local populace. It was a simple C-rank task, beneath his current abilities, but it served as a convenient excuse to travel in the right direction.
He presented the scroll to the Chunin. "I'll take this one," he stated.
The Chunin stamped the scroll, and Sasuke pocketed it. He returned to his home, his mind already calculating the logistics of the journey. He packed his essentials: a few changes of clothes, rations, his standard weaponry, and a few scrolls containing basic medical supplies. He also made sure to have his water canteen, and a one simple storage scroll.
'Four or five days to Kagero,' he thought, securing his pack. 'This village is a few days closer. I'll complete the mission, then proceed to Kagero. Raiga won't know what hit him.'
He left his home, the gate closing behind him with a soft thud. He headed towards the Konoha gates, his pace steady and determined. The guards nodded in acknowledgement as he passed, their eyes recognizing the young Chunin.
The journey began. The road stretched out before him, a ribbon of dirt winding through the lush countryside. The first day was uneventful, a steady trek through forests and fields. He maintained a brisk pace, his body moving with the efficiency of a seasoned shinobi. As the sun began to set, he found a suitable clearing, setting up a simple camp for the night.
He ate a ration bar, the bland taste doing little to satisfy his hunger. 'I'll hunt tomorrow,' he decided, his eyes scanning the darkening forest. 'Fresh meat will be a welcome change.'
He settled into his sleeping bag, the sounds of the forest lulling him into a light sleep. His mind drifted to the Kiba blades, their legendary sharpness and lightning affinity. He imagined himself wielding them, the twin blades crackling with power, a testament to his growing strength.
The second day brought a change of scenery. The road led him through rolling hills, the landscape dotted with small farms and villages. He passed through one such village, its inhabitants giving him curious glances. He purchased some fresh fruit and vegetables, adding them to his dwindling rations.
As evening approached, he found a small inn, its warm lights beckoning him in. He rented a room, the simple comforts of a bed and a hot meal a welcome respite from the road. He ate a hearty stew, the warmth spreading through his body.
The third day was a continuation of the journey, the landscape shifting once again. He passed through a dense forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. He encountered a few wild animals, their eyes glowing in the shadows, but they posed no threat.
He reached the village where the bandit extermination mission was located late in the afternoon. The village was small and unassuming, a cluster of houses huddled together in a clearing. The villagers, their faces etched with worry, greeted him with a mixture of relief and apprehension.
He met with the village headman, a wizened old man with tired eyes. The headman explained the situation, detailing the bandits' attacks and the fear they instilled in the villagers. Sasuke listened patiently, his mind already formulating a plan.
'Simple,' he thought. 'A straightforward extermination. No need for theatrics.'
He spent the rest of the day gathering information, learning the bandits' movements and their potential hideout. As night fell, he prepared for the mission, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
'Tomorrow, I eliminate them,' he thought, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana. 'Then, The Kiba Blades.'
He would not be delayed. The Kiba blades awaited, and he would claim them.