Chapter 35: 34: First Mission
In the morning, Ayane playfully interacted with a caged bird in the corridor, a gentle smile gracing her fair and pristine face.
At the other end of the corridor, Hiashi, who had already finished getting ready, witnessed this scene. The beautiful image froze in his mind, leaving him momentarily captivated.
At that time, Hiashi never imagined that Ayane would remain by his side and become his maid.
"Good morning, Hiashi-sama," Ayane greeted calmly, rising from her place, no longer teasing the caged bird. Her smile was warm and respectful, reflecting all the beauty in the world in her pure white eyes.
Every time Hiashi saw Ayane's eyes like this, he couldn't help but question deep within.
Has she accepted her fate of separation? Does she genuinely submit to the main family?
There was no trace of resentment or animosity in her eyes.
It seemed that years of companionship had allowed her to let go of her prejudice against the main family.
"Good morning, Ayane," Hiashi responded. He wasn't intentionally aloof, but neither he nor Ayane fully understood this about themselves.
However, it is precisely because of his gentle nature that Hiashi inadvertently exudes a serious and cruel image. His gentleness may prove disastrous for the Hyuga clan and may cause harm to others.
His tenderness had once wounded his younger brother, Hizashi, and he didn't want Ayane, his maid who had been faithfully by his side for many years, to suffer the same fate.
"I heard you're going on a mission, right?" Hiashi inquired.
"Yes, Hiashi-sama. I apologize, but I may not be able to serve you at all times in the future," Ayane bowed apologetically.
"It's alright. Our Hyuga clan is a part of Konoha too. Don't worry, your team leader, Sakumo Hatake, is an exceptional ninja."
It seemed that Hiashi knew something.
"Did Hiashi-sama discuss this matter with the clan head?"
Ayane's pure white eyes filled with gentle hues without any impurities.
Hiashi didn't answer. He walked past Ayane, his expression impassive.
Ayane glanced at the time; it was almost time to gather. She was about to leave.
"By the way..."
Hiashi's voice came from behind.
Ayane turned her head, looking at Hiashi with curiosity.
Hiashi didn't turn around; he kept his back to Ayane.
"Take care of yourself."
After uttering those words, Hiashi suddenly quickened his pace and disappeared at the end of the corridor.
Unlike the indifferent and arrogant clans, Hiashi always harbored a soft heart.
Ayane wore a soft smile on her face as if she had heard Hiashi's words, yet it seemed as though she hadn't heard them.The original appearance of this chapter can be found at Ñøv€lß1n.
Adjusting her forehead protector, her long black hair cascading down, she lingered in the corridor for a moment before raising her footsteps and leaving the Hyuga clan.
'I don't deserve such treatment, Hiashi-sama.' She held these words in her heart.
....
Following the barbecue from the previous day, the team's atmosphere had become relatively harmonious.
The four of them landed in a clearing and stopped.
"Let's rest here for now."
Discipline is crucial within a team. As the leader, Sakumo's commands are followed unquestioningly by Shiraishi and the others.
After taking a seat, Sakumo spoke: "Further ahead lies a dangerous area where we may encounter enemy ninjas lying in ambush at any moment. You three have excelled in theory during your schooling, and you should be familiar with the fundamentals of team cooperation. Let's work together."
"Are you referring to the three rules of medical ninjas?" Shiraishi asked.
Sakumo nodded.
The three rules of medical ninjas are guidelines set forth by Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin.
First Rule "No medical ninja shall ever stop medical treatment until the lives of their teammates have come to an end."
Second Rule "No medical ninja shall ever stand on the front lines."
Third Rule "No medical ninja shall ever die until they are the last of their team."
Therefore, avoiding combat isn't a disgrace for a medical ninja, nor is it shameful to rely on others for protection.
"In that case, I'll take charge of the vanguard. Ruri and Ayane, your priority is to stay by Shiraishi's side at all times. Even if the surroundings appear to be safe, do not prioritize battle. If a situation arises where you have to fight, Ruri, you'll handle the offense, while Ayane will focus on protection."
"Yes!"
Understanding and executing are two different matters, but Sakumo can only trust that the three of them will cooperate effectively.
After a brief rest, Sakumo led the team forward.
As Sakumo had mentioned, the further they proceeded, the more dangerous the area became, and battles could erupt at any time and anywhere.
"At one o'clock, approximately 2,300 meters ahead, seven Suna ninjas are lying in ambush. Two are concealed underground, three are hiding behind trees, and the other two are hidden in the grass."
Ayane, who had kept her Byakugan active, shared the information she gathered through her vision.
"Let's move," Sakumo's pace quickened abruptly as he sprinted towards the one o'clock direction pointed out by Ayane.
Under the insight of the Byakugan, all ambushes and hidden positions were exposed, with nowhere to hide.
The distance of 2,300 meters wasn't too great, and they reached the enemy's ambush in less than three minutes.
"Sakumo-sensei, should we proceed with caution..."
Just as Ayane was about to say something, Sakumo had already disappeared from her sight.
Under the Byakugan's detection, all Ayane saw was a flash of sword light, and the chakra signatures of the five Suna ninjas vanished instantly, leaving behind lifeless corpses.
The remaining two fled towards their location, seemingly terrified by Sakumo's surprise attack.
"The two targets straight ahead were specially sent by sensei for us to practice. Let's handle them using fire escape."
Ayane sighed.
Where the enemy came from, the number of targets, and the best methods to neutralize them were all visible.
This wasn't much of a battle.
Ruri had already formed the necessary hand seals.
Two large fireballs erupted from her mouth in quick succession.
The two fleeing enemies had no idea that fireballs would arrive so precisely, catching them off guard and reducing them to ash.
