Naruto: Road to Death

Chapter 4: Mission of the Mist Part 2

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Yuta watched from the edge of the academy courtyard, his face serene as the new generations gathered into teams. The cold breeze of Kirigakure gently stirred the mist, which danced between the trees and buildings like an intangible veil. Each group of genin formed under the watchful eyes of their jonin-sensei, who prepared to take their young disciples to the next stage of their training.

But Yuta did not meet the same fate. He was left alone, watching as the others departed as a team while he remained awaiting an uncertain fate. The decision of the council after the Blood Test had marked him in more ways than just his skin. Despite his bravery and the words he had spoken in front of the Mizukage, Yuta knew that his position within the village was delicate. He was a shinobi without a team, a warrior outside the structure that held the village together.

Naruko had been assigned to a team, under the supervision of an experienced jonin, and while that gave her some peace of mind, it also filled him with a sense of isolation. As the village moved forward, Yuta couldn't help but feel like he was being watched. The council's invisible eyes followed his every step, waiting for the moment he would make a mistake.

"Yuta, are you still here?"

Naruko's voice brought him out of his thoughts. The blonde approached with a smile of relief at seeing that her adopted brother was still at the academy. Their team had only recently been formed, and while the thought of parting ways pained her, she was excited to begin her true path as a ninja.

"Yes, I'm... waiting." He replied, not wanting to worry her with his dark thoughts.

"I've been told that my team has a mission tomorrow." It's just a patrol, but... —Naruko lowered her gaze, as if hesitant to share her thoughts—. It won't be the same without you. We've always been in this together.

Yuta gave her a tired smile, gently stroking her hair.

—I know, Naruko. But this is your time. You've worked hard to get here, and I know you'll be a great kunoichi. I... I'll find my way.

Naruko wanted to say something else, but at that instant, a figure emerged from the mist, approaching with firm, silent steps. It was Akane, her expression serious as always, but there was something else in her gaze: a mix of determination and concern.

—Yuta, the Mizukage has decided your fate —Akane announced bluntly.

Yuta's heart skipped a beat. He knew the time would come, but he wasn't prepared to hear it so soon. Naruko looked at him, her eyes reflecting the fear and uncertainty she felt as well.

—My fate? "Yuta asked, though he already knew it wasn't a simple team assignment that awaited him.

"The Mizukage and the council have determined that your situation is… exceptional," Akane said, choosing her words carefully. "You will not be part of any regular team. Instead, you have been assigned a special mission. One that you will undertake alone."

The silence fell between them like a slab. Naruko stepped forward, her voice filled with indignation.

"Alone?! Why does he have to go alone? That's not fair, he's passed the Test of Blood as well!"

Akane looked at her with compassion, but her tone remained firm.

"Yuta demonstrated unique strength by defying the norms of Kirigakure. However, that makes him a complicated figure within the village. The council believes it is best to test his loyalty this way. This mission will be a test of both his strength and his devotion to the village."

Yuta closed his eyes, processing Akane's words. She knew this was a strategy to keep him in check, a way to show him that even though he was still alive, he didn't have the same right as everyone else. But she also understood that it was an opportunity. If he completed the mission successfully, maybe he could start to change things for the better.

"What kind of mission is it?" he asked, determination firm in his voice.

Akane sighed, knowing it wouldn't be easy to tell him what was to come.

"You are to investigate a series of disappearances in a village near the border. Outside forces are suspected to be involved, possibly rogue ninja. It is a dangerous mission, and you will not be given support… nor will you be expected to return if you fail."

Naruko clenched her fists, her face filled with suppressed rage. Yuta looked at her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Naruko," he said, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll do it."

Akane watched him for a moment, then nodded.

"You leave at dawn." I'll be waiting for you at the entrance of the village.

Yuta nodded, and with one last look at his sister, he turned around and began walking towards his home, where he would spend the rest of the day preparing.

Naruko followed him, her silence filled with unanswered questions, but she knew that he couldn't stop it.

As the fog enveloped the village again, Yuta felt reality reminding him of the truth each time: in Kirigakure, only the strong survive, but he was willing to be more than strong. He was willing to change the fate of the village, even if he had to do it alone.

The next day, the fog would rise over Kirigakure, and with it, Yuta would set out to find his own path, a lonely echo in the fog.