Mokuton Phantom in Naruto

The day after graduation, Ryuusei, Kousei, and Misaki were summoned to the Hoshikage's tower. The air in the room was tense, and Eizen, the Second Hoshikage, stood before a large map covered with red-marked points.

"The situation is tense," Eizen began, his deep voice echoing through the room. "Conflicts are spreading, and escort missions are becoming more frequent. It's a good opportunity for new shinobi to gain experience."

Ryuusei felt a chill run down his spine, mixed with a surge of excitement. Finally, a chance to prove himself as a true shinobi.

"Your mission is simple," Eizen continued, pointing to the map. "Escort a caravan of goods to Amegakure. The path is relatively safe, but stay alert. War is at our doorstep, and we can't afford mistakes."

Kousei nodded, his expression serious. "Understood. Ryuusei and Misaki will accompany me. This will be a chance for them to learn in the field."

Misaki remained calm, while Ryuusei could barely contain his excitement.

"We won't disappoint you, Hoshikage-sama!" he declared confidently.

Eizen studied Ryuusei for a moment, his gaze sharp. "Remember, this isn't just an escort mission. It's also a show of strength. Hoshigakure may be small, but we are not weak."

On their way home, Ryuusei couldn't stop talking about the mission.

"Can you believe it, Dad? Our first mission together! We'll show everyone what we're capable of!"

Kousei smiled faintly, though his eyes remained wary. "Don't underestimate the mission, Ryuusei. Amegakure is dangerous, especially now. Stay focused and follow my lead."

Misaki walked silently beside them, her expression thoughtful. She understood the truth, this mission was more than a mere escort. It was a test, for both her and Ryuusei.

"I'm ready," she said quietly. "We'll ensure the caravan reaches its destination safely."

Ryuusei glanced at her, admiration shining in his eyes.

"No doubt! Together, we're unstoppable!"

The morning sun hid behind thin clouds as the caravan rolled out of Hoshigakure's gates. Five wagons, each pulled by sturdy horses, trundled along the dirt path winding through the surrounding mountains. The creak of wooden wheels was the most consistent sound, blending with the chill wind descending from the peaks.

Ryuusei strode alongside the caravan, his steps eager and confident. Five days of travel. Five days to show Dad I'm a real shinobi!

He adjusted the forehead protector tied neatly around his head and stole a glance at Kousei, who led the group, ever watchful. His father's posture was rigid, eyes scanning every ridge and shadow, as though expecting an ambush at any moment.

Misaki moved along the opposite side of the caravan, silent as a shade. Her face remained neutral, gaze fixed on the path, and each step seemed deliberately measured. From the moment they'd left the village, she had radiated quiet tension, as if bracing for the worst.

The quiet gnawed at Ryuusei's nerves. He cracked his knuckles, trying to dispel the unease.

"So… five days to Amegakure, huh? Easy!" he quipped, grinning at Misaki.

She nodded slightly, not meeting his gaze.

"Five days there, five back," Kousei corrected without turning. "If everything goes smoothly."

Ryuusei frowned. "If? The road's been peaceful so far. Looks pretty safe to me."

Kousei's silence stretched uncomfortably. Then, quietly, he said, "Danger is rarely where you expect it."

A chill ran down Ryuusei's spine. His father often spoke that way, as though every shadow concealed a threat.

Misaki, characteristically, said nothing.

The second day mirrored the first. Gray clouds blanketed the sky, and the road stretched endlessly through fields punctuated by sparse trees.

Ryuusei's initial excitement dulled with monotony. Still, he refused to show fatigue, determined to prove himself capable in his father's eyes.

The caravan's merchants were a quiet, mixed group, older men and young apprentices, focused on their task. Yet, every so often, their wary eyes flickered toward the horizon, as though expecting trouble.

Misaki's vigilance never wavered. She lingered slightly apart from the group, kunai hidden in her sleeve, eyes sweeping every rise and hollow.

That evening, as they made camp, Ryuusei plopped down beside her, arms crossed.

"You're wound up like we're about to get ambushed."

Misaki's gaze didn't leave the flickering fire.

"You think I'm worried?"

"You act like a whole enemy squad might jump us any second," he teased. "Not everything's life-or-death, you know."

For a moment, she said nothing. Then, her voice cooled.

"That's how they destroyed my village."

Ryuusei's breath caught. Even with his family's efforts to shield him from the truth, rumors of Uzushiogakure's fall had spread far and wide.

Without another word, Misaki rose and drifted away from the group, leaving him alone by the fire.

He clenched his fists. I was just trying to cheer her up…

Yet her words lingered, heavy in his chest.

By the third day, the weather shifted. The clouds thickened, and a damp breeze swept in from the east. Though rain had yet to fall, the air carried the metallic scent of an impending storm.

The road narrowed as it wound through a forest of gnarled trees, forcing the caravan to slow. The world seemed to shrink beneath the tangled canopy.

Ryuusei noticed his father straying farther from the path, patrolling the woods with practiced caution. Every movement, every rustling leaf drew his scrutiny.

Misaki, ever silent, tightened her grip on the kunai hidden in her sleeve, eyes darting ceaselessly.

Though nothing happened that day, the oppressive atmosphere weighed on them all.

On the fourth night, the storm broke. Rain hammered the path, transforming the dirt into a treacherous quagmire. Travel ground to a halt, and the caravan sheltered beneath hastily pitched tarps.

Kousei remained on high alert, barely speaking, gaze fixed on the rain-soaked shadows beyond the firelight.

Misaki, seated near the flames, watched quietly, her pale face reflecting the flickering light, eyes sharp and unyielding.

Ryuusei, once eager and carefree, now shared their tension. What had once felt like a mere journey had shifted into something far more perilous. Even without an attack, dread hung in the air like a storm yet to break.

The merchants, too, grew restless, casting nervous glances into the darkness.

For the first time, Ryuusei understood: The dangerous part of the mission was yet to come.