ꜱʜᴀᴅᴏᴡꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍɪꜱᴛ | ᴛᴇɴᴛᴇɴ ꜰꜰ|

Chapter 87

Team 10 was already gathered at the village gate, standing silently beneath the gray morning sky. Each of them carried a sense of quiet resolve as they prepared to set out on their mission, the weight of Asuma's memory pressing down on them. Ino watched Shikamaru flick open Asuma's lighter, the small flame casting a warm glow in the otherwise somber atmosphere.

"Are you ready?" Ino asked softly, her voice breaking the silence.

Shikamaru looked up at her, closing the lighter with a decisive snap. He gave a slow nod. "Yeah," he replied, his tone steady yet filled with a determination she hadn't heard in him before. He pocketed the lighter and paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Is Ugetsu coming?"

As if on cue, footsteps echoed from the path behind them. Ino turned, her heart fluttering with a mix of relief and anxiety as she saw Ugetsu approaching. Dressed in his shinobi gear, he looked worn and weary, but his expression held a quiet intensity that mirrored their own. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, a lingering mark of sleepless nights, yet his presence brought a sense of strength and reassurance that steadied Ino's resolve.

Ugetsu reached them, offering a brief nod to each member of Team 10. His gaze lingered on Ino, and for a moment, the pain in his eyes softened, as if her presence gave him a sliver of peace amidst the turmoil.

"Thank you for coming, Ugetsu," Shikamaru said, his tone both grateful and solemn. Ugetsu returned a faint nod, understanding the gravity of what lay ahead.

Ino stepped closer, catching Ugetsu's hand in her own as they prepared to depart. The warmth of his touch grounded her, providing her with a quiet sense of strength she didn't know she needed. She squeezed his hand gently, a silent reminder that they were in this together, facing whatever awaited them with unity and determination.

Ugetsu glanced down, noticing her hand in his, and for a moment, the flicker of something softer crossed his expression. She met his gaze, offering him a reassuring smile that, while tinged with sadness, held an unbreakable resolve. This wasn't just about avenging Asuma—it was about standing together, no matter what.

Before they could cross the gate, Tsunade's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Stop!"

The group turned around, finding the Fifth Hokage striding toward them with purpose. Her brow was furrowed, and her expression was serious, radiating authority. The sun glinted off her blonde hair, which framed her face, accentuating the steely determination in her emerald eyes. "Where are you going?"

"We formed a new team," Shikamaru replied, a hint of defiance in his tone, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. He squared his shoulders, an unspoken challenge in his posture. "We are going to execute the mission."

"I will not allow selfish action!" Tsunade scolded, her voice firm as she stepped closer, the weight of authority palpable in her stance. "Shikamaru, I will have you join the new unit I formed."

Shikamaru opened his mouth to argue, his dark eyes narrowing. "Our team has already come up with the plan. We can't just abandon it."

"Enough!" Tsunade interjected, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade, sharp and unwavering. "Asuma is dead; there are only three of you now."

Shikamaru's brows knitted together in frustration as he protested, "Ugetsu is here."

Tsunade's gaze fell on Ugetsu, a flash of concern crossing her features as she took in his slightly weary frame. "It's not enough... Ugetsu is still healing from the Kyuubi chakra."

Ugetsu, feeling the intensity of their conversation bearing down on him, let go of Ino's hand and scoffed, his expression hardening into one of resolve. "You think I can't handle this? I've faced death before. I understand the weight of it better than you know."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her mix of concern and sternness evident. "It's not about strength, Ugetsu. It's about readiness. You may want revenge, but your health and mental state are at risk. If you rush into this, you could endanger your life and the lives of others."

"We're not rushing into anything!" Ugetsu shot back, his voice rising in frustration, reverberating through the air. Ino winced at the volume; she had never seen him this angry before. The intensity in his blue eyes sparked, reflecting the turmoil within him—a storm of emotions barely contained beneath the surface.

"Ugetsu," Tsunade continued, her tone softening slightly but remaining resolute, "listen to me. Grief can cloud your judgment. You may think you're ready, but the aftermath of loss can twist your perception. You need to allow yourself time to heal. Asuma wouldn't want you to throw your life away in a reckless pursuit of vengeance."

Suddenly, a relaxed voice cut through the tension. "It's fine if there are five, right?" They turned around to find Kakashi leaning casually against a nearby pole, his visible eye crinkling with amusement. "Sensei..." Ugetsu muttered, caught off guard by the unexpected arrival.

"I will join as the captain of Team 10," Kakashi announced, strolling toward them with his signature laid-back demeanor. The calmness in his presence seemed to diffuse the charged atmosphere. "How about that?"

"Even if you try to stop them, they will still go," Kakashi told Tsunade with a measured tone, his gaze steady. "But if I do, I will supervise them."

Tsunade sighed deeply, rubbing her temples in exasperation. "I got it, you can go." However, her eyes quickly fell on Ugetsu, and before he could react, she swiftly grabbed his ear, her grip firm yet maternal. "And you! Don't be reckless! You are still healing!"

"Ouch!" Ugetsu winced at the sharp tug, his expression shifting from anger to surprise before Tsunade finally released him. "I got it," he muttered, rubbing his ear sheepishly.

Ino giggled, unable to hold back her amusement at the scene. She stepped closer and grabbed Ugetsu's arm, leaning her head on his shoulder, a gesture of comfort. "Don't worry, Lady Tsunade! I'll make sure he won't be reckless."