37. First Mission [1]

MrProper

"With the introductions out of the way, it's time for your first mission" (Tango)

"Eh?!" (Tai)

"Right now?" (Suzu)

"Not even some tests or last minute evaluations for our skills?" (Rei)

{I thought we'd be doing something like Kakashi's bell test}

"Heh, the academy took care of that for me. I already know plenty about your abilities. Now lets begin the mission briefing" (Tango)

Tango took out a map and laid it in front of the trio

"A, let's say 'facility', of Kumogakure is under siege and inside is something the village needs protected. We've been tasked to deal with the chaos and expect a hostile response" (Tango)

"What is this thing that needs protection?" (Tai)

"It is a sacred site that has been in our village's hands for generations" (Tango)

"What kind of environment should we prepare ourselves for?" (Suzu)

"A jungle/forest like environment. It also causes much signal interference so don't expect to rely on radios" (Tango)

"Do we know exactly who is attacking the site?" (Tai)

"That has yet to be confirmed. Our exact job is to infiltrate the location, identify and remove the perpetrators from the sacred site, and defend it from any other attacks until reinforcements arrive. If the final task proves too difficult to accomplish, we retreat and report our findings" (Tango)

{Something's wrong. If this sacred site is so important, why trust it's safety to a newly formed team of Genin with a Jonin leader young enough to look like he just came out of the Academy?} (Rei)

"Um...Sensei...what exactly is the rank for this mission?" (Tai)

"This is a C-rank mission. Due to the lack personnel, many teams like yours will be getting higher rank missions than the norm" (Tango)

"Tango-sensei...is the lack of personnel the reason this site was so poorly guarded?" (Suzu)

"...Yes. The war may be over, but its repercussions are not done with us yet" (Tango)

"..." (Suzu)

"Years later and yet we still..." (Tai)

"It may seem unfair but you must remember, this is nothing compared to what you'll face on the path ahead" (Tango)

Tango wore a stern look on his face

"I understand" (Tai)

"When we make it to the location and secure the site, I will stand guard near the site and coordinate while you three act as varying lines of defense to deal with any attackers" (Tango)

"Sir? Even if we manage to take the site, how will you 'coordinate' the three of us? According to this map, we'll have a lot of ground to cover. So much that communication will be next to impossible without being able to use radios" (Suzu)

Tango smirked and made a hand sign

⌈Like this⌋ (Tango)

"?!" (Rei, Tai, & Suzu)

Shocked, the students heard Tango's voice in their heads

"This is..." (Tai)

"The ability to communicate via one's thoughts, Chakra Transmission" (Suzu)

{To be able to use this technique at such a young age, now I understand how this kid could distinguish himself on the battlefield and earn the rank of Jonin. But it still doesn't change the fact there's something fishy going on...} (Rei)

"Alright, are there any other questions? Rei? You've been silent for a while now" (Tango)

"No, I think I've heard all I'm going to hear" (Rei)

"...Okay then. Let's move!" (Tango) Tango picked up the map and put it away

"Yes sir!" (Rei, Tai, & Suzu)

DASH! The new team set out for their first mission

{Let's see how long this team lasts} (Tango)

♦♦♦

The team left the village, heading southeast towards a shoreline port where several Kumo Shinobi were stationed

One of the shinobi called out Tango when he saw him

"Hm? Hey Tango! You the one going to the 'Island' to get things under control?" (???)

"Yeah, with my new team. Here's my pass along with approval from the Raikage's office" (Tango)

"Hmmm, alright. Looks like the paperwork is in order. Please follow me, we still have one boat available for you" (???)

"Thanks, will you be taking us Funsui?" (Tango)

"Mhm" (Funsui)

{Only one boat?} (Rei)

Tango shook his head, seemingly looking for something

"Something wrong?" (Funsui)

"Where's Hikaru? He's the last person I'd expect NOT to be here" (Tango)

"He's dealing with some problems on the Northwest border. Everyone's busy these days, and we're heavily understaffed right now" (Funsui)

"You must be if you only have one boat available" (Tango)

Sighing "You don't know the half of it" (Funsui)

The group departed on the boat. Tango spoke with Funsui while the Genin stood on the other side of the deck

"We've got some time before we reach our destination so make yourselves comfortable" (Funsui)

"Thanks, I'll let you know if we need anything" (Tango)

Funsui gave them some privacy and went towards the lower deck of the ship

"Haaah" (Tai)

"Nervous?" (Rei)

"A little bit I guess, what about you?" (Tai)

"The mission results don't scare me. I'm only concerned about staying alive" (Rei)

"...Right..." (Tai)

"I see no point in worrying. We all knew what we were in for when we decided to enter the Academy. Close your heart to all 'what ifs' and doubts if you wish to succeed" (Suzu)

To their surprise, the unsociable Suzu gave them some advice

"Well said!" (Tango)

Tango approached the three and gestured them to sit down

"We have some time before we arrive, so how about we go over our formation" (Tango)

"In that case Sensei, I'm a- " (Tai)

"Like I said before, I've already been briefed on each of your abilities so there's no need to explain Tai" (Tango)

"Oh...okay then" (Tai)

"When we make it to the island, our first priority will be to make as little noise as possible during our advance to the site. You all have been taught about 'Y Formations' have you not?" (Tango)

"Yes" (All of them)

"Good. Rei! Having the best Taijutsu, you'll be in the front next to me. You're job is to be the tip of the spear as we puncture our way to the site" (Tango)

"Got it" (Rei)

"Suzu, your job will be just as difficult as Rei's. Positioned in the back, you're to keep all enemies at bay. Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, use every means at your disposal. Preferably, in the directions of 4, 6, and 8 o'clock" (Tango)

"Understood" (Suzu)

"Tai, as a herbalist you're the closest thing we have to a Medical-nin, so you'll remain on support in the middle. Stick to mid and long range attacks if you can. Maintain a mindset that you must be the last person in our squad to get hurt" (Tango)

"Yes sir!" (Tai)

"That will be our main formation, now let's go over the others. When we get to the site I want you all..." (Tango)

They continued their discussion on strategy for the next two hours until a bell sounded off

"Oh good, looks like you guys are ready" (Funsui)

"Yes, we've arrived at our destination" (Tango)

"Huh?" (Rei)

Rei was confused by their words as even with his enhanced eyesight, he couldn't see anything with all of the fog around them. Funsui noticed this and sought to inform the team

"Heh, the birds tell us everything we need to know. Just wait for it" (Funsui)

Moving through the fog, a massive location came into view much to their surprise

"Unbelievable..." (Suzu)

"What the?! How could something so huge remain so concealed?!" (Tai)

"Hahaha! That's the whole point!" (Funsui)

"..." (Rei)

What awaited them was a gigantic island as Tango spoke again

"Everyone...welcome to Genbu Island"