NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

B-rank missions, involving battles between ninjas, had already caused Akimichi Fuu to put aside his usual lighthearted demeanor. His expression grew serious as he imparted experience to the three members of Hyuga Mirai's team.

Starting B-rank missions at just over eight years old might be considered pushing things, but the three of them had exceptional talent. Having completed numerous C-rank missions beforehand, it was after careful consideration that Akimichi Fuu decided to assign this task to them.

The mission was to patrol the four intelligence-gathering outposts in the Land of Grass set up by the Land of Fire. According to the reports from the stationed ninjas, signs of Iwa Ninja activity had been detected. Akimichi Fuu's team was tasked with ensuring the safety of the outposts while investigating the movements of the Iwa ninjas.

Since Hyuga Mirai and Hyuga Kiyo both possessed the Byakugan, the Third Hokage had specifically entrusted this mission to Akimichi Fuu's team. After receiving the mission at the Hokage's office, the group solemnly packed their things before gathering at the gates of Konoha.

Becoming a Jonin meant adopting a certain level of responsibility. After leaving Konoha, the four of them moved quickly, balancing speed and stamina, with Akimichi Fuu teaching them how to maintain this balance. However, as they traveled, Hyuga Mirai couldn't help but think to himself: "The technology in the ninja world is ridiculously backward. There are trains, and plenty of telephone poles along the roads outside the villages, but they don't even improve transportation. Instead, many merchants still use horse-drawn carts to transport goods. It's utterly absurd."

He considered complaining to Hyuga Kiyo, but her response was, "Ninjas don't need that sort of thing, right? We should be able to travel faster than a train." With such differing views, he let the conversation drop there. 

Even while traveling, Akimichi Fuu's team maintained formation. Hyuga Mirai and Kurenai Yuhi took the rear positions on either side, with Hyuga Kiyo, whose Byakugan had a longer range, leading the way. Akimichi Fuu stayed in the center, always ready to assist either side.

In just a few days, they reached the Land of Grass. Before entering, Akimichi Fuu asked the three to disguise themselves; otherwise, their famous Byakugan eyes would attract attention. Once everyone was prepared, the team split into groups and infiltrated the Land of Grass, staying within the visible range of the signal flares.

Once they arrived at the designated location, Akimichi Fuu pulled out a map and began assigning tasks. 

"This is our intelligence-gathering point in the Land of Grass. According to the last report, Iwa ninjas were spotted six days ago. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of the personnel here, and then we will search for the Iwa ninjas. The signal flares I gave you should be sufficient for communication."

"Split into two teams—Kiyo and I will work together, and Mirai and Kurenai will pair up."

Hyuga Kiyo frowned slightly at the division of teams. To track Iwa ninja, they needed to split up the two Byakugan users, so although she wasn't thrilled, she said nothing. After all, this was a mission.

"Here," Akimichi Fuu said, handing over something. "We just need to check this area for Iwa ninja. If you find any, immediately withdraw and notify the other team. Understood?"

When he spoke the final sentence, his gaze focused on Hyuga Mirai. Out of the three, Mirai was the one he trusted the most, as he was always measured in his actions and attentive to detail. Akimichi Fuu was considering recommending Mirai for the Chunin exam if he could complete this task successfully.

"Understood, Captain!" Hyuga Mirai responded solemnly. After confirming the plan, the four of them immediately went their separate ways.

Since they could encounter enemy ninjas at any moment, Kurenai Yuhi was no longer as relaxed as she had been before. This was no C-rank mission, and the possibility of a ninja battle loomed at all times, especially since she and Mirai were only Genin.

"Don't worry, Kurenai. We're just gathering intel. It's not guaranteed we'll have to fight," Hyuga Mirai whispered to her, sensing her tension. With his words of reassurance, Kurenai calmed down, though she still looked nervous. Her anxiety was evident, and it would be too easy for anyone to pick up on it.

In populated areas, they used Transformation Jutsu to blend in. Mirai, having performed for the Hyuga clan for years, was a master of disguise. Dressed as commoners from the Land of Grass, no one would recognize them.

"Mirai-kun, why are we here?" Kurenai Yuhi whispered in confusion. This small town in the Land of Grass wasn't on their mission's list, and their detour felt out of place.

"It's safer to move slowly toward the outpost from here. The Iwa ninjas are unlikely to pass through Konoha's intelligence outposts. If they need supplies, nearby towns would be their choice," Mirai explained. However, he suddenly furrowed his brow, feeling as though someone was watching them.

He casually draped his arm around Kurenai Yuhi and subtly pulled his head back, using her cheek to obscure his face. 

"Mirai-kun?" Kurenai Yuhi blushed instantly at the closeness, feeling his breath on her skin. Of course, this was a misconception on her part. Mirai could control his breathing so finely that she couldn't feel it, but Kurenai wasn't aware of this.

"Stay calm. Someone is watching us. I'll activate my Byakugan." Mirai whispered, and in the next instant, his hands moved to form a seal in his sleeve. Under the brim of his hat, his chakra network pulsed. He activated the Byakugan, and within seconds, everything within a 2.5-kilometer radius was within his sight—except for a small blind spot behind him.

"Who is she!? How does she have such enormous chakra!" Mirai immediately noticed the woman behind them. Her chakra was so overwhelming that it was even greater than Akimichi Fuu's by nearly a hundred times. 

He deactivated the Byakugan a minute later to avoid drawing attention from maintaining it too long. Despite this, he had already seen the woman who had been eyeing him.

Nonchalantly, Mirai turned his head to meet her gaze. The woman had ragged clothes and a dirty face, but her bright red hair was unmistakable. Combined with the terrifying amount of chakra he'd sensed, Mirai immediately thought of the Uzumaki clan.

The woman, who looked like a beggar, also noticed his gaze and quickly lowered her head in a startled manner.

"Mirai-kun, did you find something?" Kurenai Yuhi whispered, her hand already on her kunai, ready for action.

"It might have been just my imagination. Let's continue the mission," Mirai replied casually. He took another quick glance at the woman and concluded that she was likely not from Iwa or the Grass ninjas. Judging by her filthy appearance, it seemed like she hadn't joined the Land of Grass yet. 

With her face so covered in dirt, Mirai couldn't determine her age, but he wondered if he might return to investigate further after the mission. The thought of her being an Uzumaki made his curiosity grow.

The Land of Grass, the Uzumaki clan… Everything began to connect in his mind.

(End of Chapter)