While Akira and his team were reviewing the mission briefing scroll, the envoy from the Land of Rice Fields stood nearby, quietly sizing them up. Though he said nothing at first, his furrowed brows and hesitant expression betrayed the unease bubbling beneath the surface.
The Third Hokage, ever observant, caught the man's conflicted gaze and addressed him with calm authority.
"Is there something troubling you? If you have any concerns about this mission, I urge you to speak freely. We value transparency in such matters."
The envoy stepped forward, clearly conflicted. He hesitated for a moment before finally voicing his doubts.
"Hokage-sama... we understand Konoha is under considerable strain these days, and we truly sympathize. But the threat we face is substantial. Dozens of rogue ninjas have infiltrated our land. Sending only one squad from Konoha feels... insufficient."
He looked nervously at Akira and his team again, his voice trailing off slightly.
"If this is a matter of budget, the Daimyo is willing to apply for additional funds. We can increase the mission reward, if that would allow for a larger contingent."
The Third Hokage gave a light, knowing chuckle and gestured toward the small group standing before them.
"You need not worry. Konoha's strength lies not in numbers, but in the caliber of our shinobi. These individuals have undergone some of the most rigorous training in the world. They are not to be underestimated."
His eyes briefly rested on Akira, pride evident in his tone.
"This squad, in particular, is one of our elite units. Their combat ability and cohesion are first-class. I assure you, the mission is in very capable hands."
The envoy's eyes drifted back to the group. He frowned faintly, focusing on the youthful faces standing behind the older figure he assumed was their captain.
"Forgive me, but... they look so young. Are they truly prepared for such a critical task?"
At that moment, the older shinobi, Might Guy, stepped forward with a respectful bow.
"My lord, there's been a misunderstanding. I am not the captain. I'm just a humble Genin."
He then pointed to the smallest figure among them—a boy no older than ten.
"This is our leader, Uchiha Akira."
The envoy's jaw nearly hit the floor.
"H-He's the captain?"
His eyes widened as he stared at the diminutive boy with disbelief. Words failed him.
The Third Hokage could see the growing storm of confusion in the envoy's mind and stepped in quickly to clarify.
"Do not be fooled by his age. Akira is no ordinary child. He is one of the most gifted shinobi Konoha has produced in decades. In fact, I'm certain you've heard of him before."
He smiled knowingly.
"They call him the Konoha Lightning."
Anko, always energetic and ready to defend her captain, jumped in eagerly.
"That's right! Our captain is incredible. He once fought Orochimaru-sama to a draw right after graduating from the Academy!"
"Wait... are you saying... he's that Uchiha Akira? The one who defeated Pakura of the Sand?" the envoy exclaimed, utterly stunned.
When Akira fought Pakura, he had feigned defeat to give Uchiha Kawa an opportunity to step into the limelight. But in the chaos of battle, details blurred. All anyone remembered was that Pakura was gravely injured, and Akira walked away without a scratch.
Pakura, a seasoned elite Jonin renowned across the Five Great Nations, had long been considered an indomitable force. For a child to defeat her? It sent shockwaves through the shinobi world.
Even in the relatively isolated Land of Rice Fields, the name Konoha Lightning had spread like wildfire.
The envoy's initial skepticism melted into a mix of awe and relief. The thought of returning to his Daimyo with news that Akira himself would lead the mission lifted a heavy burden from his shoulders. The Land of Rice Fields had been torn between the need for strength and the limits of their budget. Now, with someone of Akira's reputation involved, he could justify the cost without needing to request more resources.
With a deep bow, the envoy expressed his gratitude and departed separately from the squad, who would travel ahead to avoid unnecessary delays.
Several days later, Akira and his team arrived in the Land of Rice Fields. After a brief period of rest, they were brought before the Daimyo himself.
The Daimyo received the official mission documents with due formality but couldn't mask the confusion flickering in his eyes as he glanced over the young shinobi before him. He turned to his minister with a hint of frustration.
"Minister Suzuki, is this the reinforcement you secured from Konoha? Four people, and three of them are children?"
Before Suzuki could stammer out a reply, the Daimyo turned back to Akira with furrowed brows.
"No offense meant, young man, but we are facing dozens of hostile shinobi. Wouldn't it be wiser to send more forces? Perhaps I should dispatch a contingent of my samurai to assist you?"
Akira, calm and composed, stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for your concern, my lord. But please be assured, we are more than capable. Konoha does not send weaklings to face danger. Each of us here has the strength of ten.
Uncle Guy and I both possess Jonin-level strength. Facing a few dozen rogue ninjas? That is a task one of us alone could handle."
The Daimyo was momentarily stunned by the boy's confidence, but something in Akira's unwavering gaze and calm voice made him pause. This wasn't arrogance. It was conviction.
"Well then," the Daimyo said after a long moment, "If the Konoha Lightning himself has taken up this mission, I will put my worries to rest."
He hesitated, then added, "But what if these attackers aren't mere bandits? What if they are the vanguard of the Land of Hot Water, preparing for invasion?"
Akira met his gaze evenly.
"Then we will find out. Hokage-sama has personally instructed us to investigate this possibility. If it is confirmed that the Land of Hot Water seeks war, Konoha will not abandon the Land of Rice Fields. We will stand with you."
The Daimyo nodded slowly, comforted by the boy's certainty, though doubt still lingered in his heart. After all, Konoha had once failed to protect the Land of Whirlpools, a long-standing ally. History had taught him caution.
Still, there was little choice now but to trust. And in front of him stood not just a squad of shinobi, but a living legend in the making.
With a deep breath, the Daimyo offered his full cooperation.
"Very well. I shall support your efforts in every way I can. Whatever you need, do not hesitate to ask."
And so, with the weight of expectation upon their shoulders, Akira and his team prepared to unravel the truth behind the mysterious attacks—a truth that might change the future of the Land of Rice Fields forever.