Chapter 21: Chapter 21: Rock Lee's Weakness
In the early morning, at the mission release office in Konoha Village, Guy accepted a mission scroll from the Third Hokage.
"Guy, your mission this time is to eliminate the bandits who have recently appeared near the border of the Land of Fire," said the Third Hokage, holding his pipe thoughtfully. "This is your team's first C-rank mission. I trust you to succeed. Best of luck."
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Third Hokage!" Guy replied enthusiastically.
"C-rank mission, C-rank mission..." Rock Lee was trembling with excitement.
Meanwhile, Kirito, standing beside Lee, was quietly recalling the Strong Fist techniques he had learned from Guy the day before, mentally preparing to use them in the upcoming battle. TenTen, on the other hand, meticulously checked her weapons and equipment. Recognizing her talent for ranged attacks, Guy had entrusted her with providing the team's long-range fire support.
After receiving their mission, Team Three set off from Konoha's gates. For most of them, this was their first time leaving the village, and they couldn't help but gaze around curiously as they traveled.
Seeing his team's wonder, Guy smiled and said, "While I'd love to take you sightseeing, we have a mission to complete. Every day these bandits roam free, the villagers near the border remain in danger."
"Yes!" The three students answered in unison, their resolve strengthening as they quickened their pace.
Team Three traveled through the dense forests near Konoha, leaping and running along the branches in the ninja world's iconic mode of movement. This method of travel, which they had practiced during their special training, tested their balance and leg strength to the limit. They had to find stable footholds among the crisscrossing branches and control their jumps with precision, as missteps could waste energy and time.
By noon, they reached a dense forest near the border of the Land of Fire, reminiscent of the Forest of Death. Squatting behind a large tree, they paused to rest and strategize.
"Based on our intel, the bandits pass through this small path every day," Guy explained, pointing to a map of the Land of Fire spread out on the grass. "We'll ambush them here. Remember, we need one of them alive to lead us to their hideout."
"Yes!" the team responded, their determination evident.
As they prepared to ambush behind the bushes, TenTen asked, "Guy-sensei, I thought the Land of Fire hadn't had bandits for a long time. Where did these bandits come from?"
"I'm not sure. This mission came directly from the daimyo. It's said these bandits kill everyone they encounter. A villager managed to escape and reported this to the authorities."
"What a bunch of scoundrels! I won't let them go!" Rock Lee said, clenching his fists in anger. "Kirito, we—"
"Wait, Lee," Guy interrupted. "Youth isn't just about individual competition—it's also about teamwork. This mission will require all of you to cooperate."
"Yes, leave it to me, Guy-sensei!"
Guy quickly outlined their roles. "Kirito, you'll take the lead. TenTen will provide long-range support, and Lee, you'll cover TenTen. I won't intervene unless absolutely necessary."
"Yes!" the three chorused, their resolve unshaken.
Kirito activated his Byakugan, scanning the area for signs of the bandits. It wasn't long before he spotted a group moving through the forest.
"Sensei, the group is approaching, but they don't look like bandits. They're more like ninjas," Kirito said cautiously.
Guy's expression turned serious. Normally, C-rank missions didn't involve battles with ninjas—such conflicts could prove too dangerous for inexperienced Genin. "Let's first confirm their identities before proceeding," he instructed.
Kirito observed them more closely. "They're not wearing forehead protectors, but they're dressed in matching night suits. Their identity isn't clear."
As the group neared, Kirito counted twelve figures, two of whom were staying back as potential scouts or ambushers.
"These aren't ordinary robbers," Guy muttered. "Everyone, stay on guard."
The group in purple night suits moved silently through the trees, but their leader suddenly raised a hand, signaling them to stop. Under his command, nine of them spread out into the forest, scanning the area for hidden threats.
"Too late—there's a sensory ninja among them," Guy realized, frustrated at his oversight.
The leader released a wave of chakra, unleashing an illusion meant to flush out hidden enemies. While simple, the genjutsu required focus and willpower to break. However, Rock Lee, lacking proficiency in chakra control, was caught off guard.
"Hey—" Before anyone could react, Lee jumped up, his eyes turning red and his expression feral. Drool dripped from his mouth as he glared at his teammates, preparing to attack.
"Lee's under the enemy's control!" TenTen exclaimed in shock.
Their cover blown, the purple-clad ninjas unleashed a hail of shuriken, forcing Team Three to scatter.
"Kirito, find the leader and break the illusion! I'll handle Lee," Guy ordered as he deftly dodged Lee's frenzied attacks.
Without hesitation, Kirito clasped his palms together and gathered chakra. "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
A deafening gust erupted from his position, tearing through the forest. Trees, shuriken, and even the purple-clad ninjas were swept into the air. When the storm subsided, the battlefield was leveled, and the enemies lay unconscious.
"Wow... that was incredible," TenTen murmured, staring in awe at the destruction Kirito had caused.
Even Guy was impressed. "I didn't expect Kirito's ninjutsu to be so powerful..." He had always assumed Kirito, like most Hyuga, specialized solely in taijutsu and Byakugan-based techniques. But seeing this display of ninjutsu rivaling a Jonin, he realized Kirito's potential extended far beyond his initial expectations.
After confirming the enemies were incapacitated, Kirito turned to Guy. "What now, Sensei?"
"We'll camp here for the night and take these ninjas back to the village in the morning," Guy decided. "The village will want answers about why so many ninjas are near the border."
That night, the team gathered around a campfire. Guy glanced at the sleeping Rock Lee and said, "It's not surprising he fell victim to genjutsu. He can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu, so it's a significant weakness."
"If it weren't for Kirito, we might not have made it," TenTen admitted, still shaken.
"No," Kirito corrected. "Even without me, Sensei would've subdued Lee and handled the situation. And as for Lee, I'm confident this experience will push him to train even harder."
Guy nodded, a proud smile on his face. "You're right. Lee has an unyielding spirit. He'll overcome this."
With their mission incomplete but their resolve stronger than ever, Team Three prepared for the challenges ahead.
(End of Chapter)
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