Long-Term Mission
At the Konoha forward base in Kusagakure, Chi Yu met with Hatake Sakumo.
Sakumo quickly took a liking to Chi Yu and approved of him taking Kakashi as a disciple.
"Chi Yu," Sakumo asked, "why did you come to Kusagakure? From what I know, things have stabilized in Yugakure, and Kusagakure has always been relatively quiet—no intense conflicts.
If it's battle you're seeking, wouldn't skirmishes with Sunagakure forces in the Land of Rivers be more frequent?"
Chi Yu replied calmly, "Sakumo-sama, I didn't come to Kusagakure looking for battle. I'm here to find something. For the upcoming mission, I hope you can assign me reconnaissance tasks and allow a certain degree of operational freedom."
Sakumo frowned. He came to Kusagakure to find something?
He suspected Chi Yu had received orders from higher up—possibly a confidential directive. Rather than pry further, Sakumo simply nodded and asked, "How much freedom are we talking about?"
Chi Yu thought for a moment. "Once I've located and confirmed the strength of any Iwagakure forces, I'd like permission to act independently. That way, I can also train Kakashi through real combat experience."
Sakumo agreed without hesitation. "That's acceptable. But I must caution you—never act recklessly. If you encounter a group of four or more enemies, retreat immediately. Keep engagement time short, in case reinforcements are nearby.
Iwagakure shinobi are known for their cunning and caution. They rarely fight unless the odds are in their favor. If they sense the upper hand slipping, they'll fall back and regroup with nearby allies, often turning the tide by sheer numbers.
Their network in Kusagakure is well-entrenched. Their hidden bases are fortified, and their numbers aren't to be underestimated. Be careful."
Chi Yu nodded solemnly. "Understood, Sakumo-sama. I won't put myself or Kakashi in unnecessary danger."
"Good," Sakumo said. "Then I'll issue you and Kakashi a long-term assignment. Iwagakure has several hidden outposts in this region—each a potential threat in upcoming conflicts. As long as they exist, their reinforcements will outpace ours every time.
Your task is to identify and report the locations of these hidden bases. You'll have full discretion regarding departure and route."
Chi Yu bowed. "Yes, thank you, Sakumo-sama."
He and Kakashi exited the room together.
Outside, Kakashi's mind drifted to what Chi Yu had mentioned earlier—he was going to teach him a special breathing technique. Eagerly, Kakashi turned and asked, "Chi Yu-sensei, can you teach me that breathing technique now?"
Chi Yu looked at the enthusiastic boy and smiled slightly. "Kakashi, your mask is breathable, right?"
Puzzled, Kakashi answered, "Yes… it's fine."
---
Thirty minutes later.
"Chi Yu-sensei! I… I can't breathe!"
Kakashi was gasping, voice muffled under several layers of cloth that Chi Yu had stuffed into his mask. The airflow was practically nonexistent.
Chi Yu smirked mischievously. "Can't handle it already? Then you're in for some real suffering. From now on, you're to wear that mask at all times—no taking it off unless I say so."
"Huh? Even when I sleep?" Kakashi asked, stunned.
"Of course," Chi Yu replied coolly. "Didn't I explain the breathing method already? It forces your body to draw in large amounts of oxygen quickly to enhance your physical performance. But right now, your cardiovascular endurance isn't up to par. This is the first step—training your lungs."
Kakashi's eyes brightened. "So I do get some rest time?"
Chi Yu grinned. "You may remove it briefly when eating and drinking."
Kakashi instantly deflated. "That's it?! That's not rest time!"
Chi Yu chuckled and ruffled his hair. "Alright, I'll let you adjust today. We'll begin reconnaissance tomorrow. And don't even think of removing that mask when I'm not around. If I find out, you'll regret it."
Kakashi shuddered at the warning. "Yes, Chi Yu-sensei! I won't take it off!"
"Good. Now go finish whatever you need to do."
Chi Yu turned and left. Soon after, a Konoha shinobi approached—sent by Sakumo to show him to his assigned quarters.
Once inside, Chi Yu asked, "Do you have a map of Kusagakure?"
"Yes. Here," the shinobi replied, retrieving a folded map from his pouch.
"Thank you."
Chi Yu took the map and entered his room, shutting the door behind him.
The shinobi stood there, mouth agape. Wait… wasn't he just supposed to look at it? He took my map without even asking!
Too embarrassed to demand it back, the ninja walked away with a sigh. Whatever. It's just a map… I'll get another.
---
Inside his room, Chi Yu carefully examined the layout of Kusagakure.
Based on his deductions, Karin's mother had not yet officially joined the Hidden Grass Village. She was likely still living in hiding somewhere in the area.
Kusagakure may be small compared to other villages, but locating one person without a lead was still a daunting task.
Chi Yu began eliminating regions on the map. First, the village center itself—too populated. Next, all known Konoha and Iwa encampments.
That narrowed the range significantly.
Still, whether Karin's mother lived in seclusion or with locals remained uncertain. This would take time.
Chi Yu began marking potential zones on the map, crossing out improbable locations.
---
The Next Morning
After washing up, Chi Yu opened his door—only to stop short at the sight before him.
Kakashi lay on the ground, pale-faced and drenched in cold sweat, struggling to breathe. He clearly hadn't adapted to the restricted airflow.
"Chi Yu-sensei… I'm so dizzy," Kakashi rasped. "My body feels heavy… Can I take the mask off for a while?"
Chi Yu crouched beside him, and in the gentlest tone he could muster, delivered ice-cold words:
"No. You must overcome your body's limits before they overcome you. There's no room for discussion. We're leaving now—get up and follow me."
Kakashi groaned inwardly. This man's a demon… He was dying here, and Chi Yu didn't even flinch.
But still, Kakashi got up.
Because that's what shinobi do.
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