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Chapter 7: The First C-Rank
"I'm sorry, I'm late!", hollered Obito as he ran towards his team standing at the gate of Konoha. "An old lady needed help-"
"Just stop with your excuses.", told him Kakashi simply.
Minato-Sensei shook his head at him. "Obito, we need to work on your punctuality."
The Uchiha whined and looked at his two female teammates. Rin gave him a small smile, which made him happy, while Kohana just deadpanned at him.
"Obito you are even late for our first mission out of the village, weren't you all excited about it yesterday?", the Haruno wondered.
Obito sighed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I know, I know. I messed up. I'll do better next time, I promise."
Minato-Sensei nodded, but his expression was serious. "We can't afford to have any more delays, especially on a mission like this."
Rin spoke up, her voice gentle. "It's okay, Obito. We all make mistakes sometimes."
"Next time, I gonna pick you up. Maybe then you won't be tardy.", promised Kohana.
Kakashi remained quiet, but the disapproving look on his face said enough.
"That is a good idea Kohana-Chan.", said Minato-Sensei. "If one of you would pick up Obito for missions till he fixes his tardiness problem would be great."
"I'm not a baby...", mumbled Obito a bit offended. He just liked helping people, was not his fault that it took often time to do so.
The Hatake's disapproving look got denser.
"Then stop acting like one."
"What did you say Bakashi?!"
"Guys, stop!", shouted the girls together.
They didn't need a fight broke out.
"Children, I know you are all high on nerves, calm all down.", told Minato-Sensei.
The four Genin chorused a Yes Sensei together.
It was also nerves that made them lash out at each other.
This was their first C-Rank Mission!
Even out of a Konoha!
And it would help the war effort!
It was nerve-wracking.
"Let's get over the mission details again before we go.", said Minato-Sensei. "Bandit- Camp has made their home on the Konoha border. They disturb our supply line and even manage to steal some precious cargo. Our job is to eliminate the threat. It means you all will probably kill for the first time in your life. Are you ready?"
Obito nodded, a determined look on his face. "I'm ready, sensei."
Rin took a deep breath and nodded as well. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect my village."
Kohana stroked with one hand her armguard.
This was it.
Today she would kill for the first time with the Hidden Blade.
Today it would show if the lessons she learned in the academy about being a Ninja and the lessons she learned from Sakuya's diary about being an assasin she truly learned.
That she was indeed a ninja/assassin.
"I'm ready, Minato-Sensei."
Kakashi simply gave a small nod, but there was a glint in his eye that showed he was ready for action.
Minato-Sensei smiled at them, his team, proud of their determination and bravery. "Alright then, let's go take care of those bandits and protect our village!"
The team made their way towards the Konoha border, keeping a keen eye out for any signs of the bandit camp.
As they walked, Konoha couldn't help but feel a little anxious about what was to come.
Killing someone was something that was part of the ninja and also the assasin way of life.
Some treats, people, didn't see reason and could be only taken care of this way.
It was far from perfect, but in their line of work, it was kill or be killed.
Especially now in wartimes.
And if Konoha had to choose her life and the lives of her team against some bandits, she would always pick the first option.
Rin noticed her unease and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to be scared, Kohana-Chan," she said softly. "But we're all in this together."
Obito chimed in, his voice confident and unwavering. "We've trained for this moment, we know what we're doing."
Kakashi remained silent as usual, but the others could sense his readiness to take action at any moment.
Finally, they reached the outskirts of the bandit camp and took cover behind some trees to observe their surroundings.
Minato-Sensei whispered instructions to his team, outlining their plan of attack and assigning roles to each member.
Obito was tasked with creating a diversion using his fire jutsu while Konoha and Rin snuck around the back of the camp to take out any guards there. Kakashi and himself would lead the charge straight through the front entrance.
With a nod from Minato-Sensei, they sprang into action.
As planned, Obito created a fiery distraction that drew most of the bandits away from their posts.
Kohana and Rin swiftly took out any remaining guards at the back of the camp.
As her Hidden Blade sunk into the guard's neck, the Haruno felt uneasy, but it was a quick death. The bandit didn't suffer.
She would think about this when his death would haunt her.
The girls hide the bodies in some bushes and Konoha says for the first time in her life the words assasin spoke when they killed a target: "Requiescat in pace."
Surprised Rin looked over her.
"Konoha-Chan.", she whispered. "What kind of language was that? I never heard it."
This made Konoha frown.
It was a different language?
For her, it was natural to speak it.
Strange that she never picked it up.
"It's a language my ancestors spoke.", she explained to Rin. "You say it after you kill. It means Rest in Peace."
The brunette nodded.
"I guess this is a good way to elebaeret this death. I mean, I'm still under adrenaline, but I will probably cry after I realise what I just did. Killing is never fun. Even if they are our enemies we can wish them to Rest in Peace."
Now the green-haired girl nodded.
"You are right, Rin-Chan."
After Rin wished her kill a Rest in Peace, the girl joined Kakashi and Minato-Sensei in charging headfirst through the front entrance.
The bandits were caught off guard by their sudden attack and were quickly overpowered by them.
Within minutes, they had eliminated all threats and secured any stolen cargo that had been taken from Konoha's supply lines.
Exhausted but triumphant, they made their way back towards Konoha with pride in their hearts knowing that they had protected their village once again from harm's way.
As they walked back home under the setting sun, Konoha couldn't help but reflect on how much she had grown since becoming a Genin just a few short weeks ago.
She knew that there would be more challenges ahead of her in her journey as a ninja and assasin but felt confident knowing that she had a fantastic team by her side every step of the way who would always have her back no matter what came their way!
They arrived back at Konoha, exhausted but triumphant, with the stolen cargo secured.
As they made their way to the Hokage Tower was then that it sank in what the four Genin did.
Konoha threw up, Rin started to cry hysterically, and Obito fell down to the ground hyperventilating, only Kakashi seemed calm, but his tight fist spoke another language.
They had just killed people.
It was something that they knew might happen in their line of work, but doing it was a different story.
Konoha couldn't shake off the feeling of unease and guilt that washed over her. She wondered if this was what being an assassin meant - taking lives without remorse or hesitation.
Rin's tears and Obito's panic attack clearly indicated that they were struggling with what they had just done.
Even Kakashi's clenched fist spoke volumes about his inner turmoil.
"It's okay kids, come here.", Minato-Sensei cooed at at.
The Haruno didn't know how he did it, but Minato-Sensei managed to hug all of them to himself and whisper comforting words to them.
She gripped his flack jacket, crying in it in earnest. Rin and Obito joined her with their wails.
"It will never be easy, killing is never easy.", shared Minato-Sensei with them. "But with time you learn to better elaborate it. But never lose the respect of the lives you take. That makes us human. If killing would be easy, we would be monsters."
The team nodded in agreement, feeling comforted by Minato-Sensei's words.
They knew that what they had done was necessary to protect their village and loved ones, but it didn't make it any easier to cope with the aftermath.
As they started again to walk towards the Hokage Tower, Konoha couldn't help but feel grateful for her amazing team who had supported her through this difficult experience.
They may have taken lives, but they had done it to protect their village and its people.
It was a necessary evil, yet one that came at a great cost.
Nothing is True.
Everything is permitted.
This is the central credo of the Assassin Brotherhood.
But what does it mean?
Well, my great-great-I-don't-know-many-times-uncle the legendary Ezio Auditore, Mentor of the Italien Brotherhood once explained it like this: To say that nothing is true is to realize that the foundations of society are fragile and that we must be the shepherds of our civilization. To say that everything is permitted is to understand that we are the architects of our actions and that we must live with their consequences, whether glorious or tragic.
I always repeat this to myself after every kill I have done and have to do.
Those who choose the assasin way of life must realise what responsibility it is.
Not only do we decide if someone should be allowed to live, but we have also to protect the peace.
A paradox, isn't it?
But all our lives are made out of paradoxes.
How can we want peace if we kill?
We want peace because we believe that every life is precious.
We kill only when it is necessary to protect the innocent and preserve the greater good.
This is the burden of being an assassin, to carry the weight of life and death on our shoulders.
It is not a choice for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to make the hard decisions when no one else can.
We are not murderers, but guardians of humanity.
And in this way, we live by the creed: Nothing is true, everything is permitted.
With a deep shuddering breath Konoha hugged the dairy of Sakuya to her chest.
The written words of her ancestor gave her the calm of mind she so desperately needed.
She knew that being an assassin was not an easy path to take, but it was one that she had chosen for herself.
The burden of taking lives weighed heavily on her shoulders, however, she was reminded that it was necessary to protect those she loved and cared for.
As she closed Sakuya's diary and looked up at the stars, Konoha couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in herself and her team.
They had faced their fears and conquered them together, and in doing so, they had protected their village from harm's way.
It was a difficult journey ahead of them, yet Konoha felt confident knowing that they would face it together as a team.
It was then that she saw someone she knew pass by her house, seeming deep in thought.
"Obito?", she mumbled to herself.
Shouldn't he be in bed, well like herself?
What was he doing out this late walking the village streets?
Konoha didn't think long, gripped a jacket she could put over her nightgown and put her ninja shoes on. Silent as she could she opened her window and then jumped down the street.
"Obito.", she called out softly to him. "Are you okay?"
Suprised Obito turned to her.
"Huh, Konoha-Chan? What are you doing here?"
"Here is my house. The question is what are you doing out so late and far away from the Uchiha District."
Obito looked down at his feet, a pained expression on his face.
"I couldn't sleep," he admitted. "The weight of what we did today is just too much to bear."
Konoha nodded in understanding, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I know how you feel," she said softly. "But we have to remember that what we did was necessary to protect our village and its people."
Obito looked up at her, gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Konoha-Cha. It's good to know that I'm not alone in feeling this way."
Konoha smiled back at him, feeling a sense of camaraderie between them.
They may have taken lives today, but they had done it together as a team and had each other's backs through the aftermath.
"Come on," she said, gesturing towards the Uchiha District. "Let's get some rest before tomorrow's mission."
Cutely Obito turned red.
"I'm not a little girl, I can walk alone."
"Are you implying, girls are weak."
Konoha's voice promised pain if he said the wrong thing, that Obito could hear loud and clear.
The Uchiha quickly backtracked, realizing his mistake.
"No, no, of course not! I didn't mean it like that," he said, flustered. "I just meant that I don't want to be a burden on you."
Konoha chuckled, shaking her head. "You're not a burden, Obito. We're a team and we stick together through thick and thin."
With that settled, they walked back towards the Uchiha District together, chatting about nothing and all.
It was calm and peaceful.
The moon shone down on them.
Did Konoha say that it was quite romantic?
She did feel a bit flustered to walk with her crush to his home.
"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?", she heard herself say to Obito.
What the heck?!
When did she get so daring?!
Everybody and their mother know that this was a code for: I love you!
And she just said it to Obito!
Obito looked up at the moon, a small smile on his face.
"Yeah, it is," he said softly. "I used to come out here and watch it with Rin when we were younger."
OF COURSE!
What else did she expect?
He would take it literally and not think about the hidden meaning.
Konoha felt a pang of jealousy at the mention of Rin's name but quickly pushed it aside. She was happy that Obito had someone he could share moments like this with.
"Maybe we can all watch it together sometime," she suggested, trying to keep her voice casual.
Obito turned to her, surprise written all over his face. "Really? You'd want to do that?"
Konoha nodded, feeling a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Sure, why not? We're friends and teammates after all."
Obito smiled back at her, a warmth in his eyes that made Konoha's heart skip a beat.
"Thanks, Konoha-Chan," he said gratefully. "That means a lot to me."
As they reached the entrance of the Uchiha District, Konoha bid Obito goodnight and watched as he disappeared into his house.
She couldn't help but feel grateful for their friendship and hopeful for what the future might hold for them both as ninjas and as friends...
Yeah, right.
"Uchiha Obito you are so stupid!", she hissed quietly and had to stop the tears that sprung into her eyes.
Dear Kami, what does she need to do when Obito finally takes note of her?!
As she walked back to her house, Konoha couldn't help but feel a sense of longing in her heart.
She had always admired Obito from afar, yet it seemed like he only saw her as a teammate/friend and nothing more.
She knew that being a ninja/assassin meant sacrificing personal relationships for the greater good, however, it didn't make it any easier to bear.
The Haruno sighed heavily and entered her house, ready to rest before their next mission.
While she lay in bed, unable to sleep, she couldn't help but wonder if there was a way to balance her duty as an assassin and her desire for love and companionship.
Perhaps one day she would find the answer.
"Carina, you need to get under people or you gonna die an old virgin."
"When I die, I will take some Templars with me, Rebecca. I have not exactly planned to die peacefully."
"Still, you only read fanfictions, you know what I mean and that's not healthy."
"And coming from our computer expert it must be true. Why don't you check the Animus again, Desmond seems a bit unwell."
"Haha, so funny. All is good with my baby."
"Girls, what are you discussing?"
"Sorry, Lucy, Bec wants me to go out with some guy she knows, but I don't think it the time for it."
"We will not stay hidden here away from ABSTERGO forever, I'm just planning for the future."
"Bec's leave Cari alone, okay? She knows what is best for her."
"You are only on her side because you have a crush on her, Lucy since Cari is a real-life Auditore!"
"That's not true, Rebecca. I just think it's important for Carina to focus on her safety and well-being before worrying about romantic relationships."
"Well, I think it's important for all of us to have some fun and enjoy life while we still can. But don't worry, Carina. If you're not interested in my friend, I won't force you."
Carina made it clear again that she was fine the way she was.
Besides they had to first save the world and well, her dream man was fictional.
No one could reach Obito Uchiha's level.
"So..."
"Yes, Mito?"
"Uchiha. Uchiha Madara?"
"Are you judging me, my friend?"
"A tiny bit."
"Mito!"
"Don't use that tone on me Sakuya. I mean there are Uchiha's who are not so...intense then Madara."
"Love finds you in the strangest of places or what is with you and Hashirama? Hashi is my friend but he is a blubbering mess."
"I...I have nothing to say against it."
"Pardon, ladies, I didn't think this room was occupied."
"Tobirama, good! Tell Sakuya that her liaison with Madara is...erm..."
"A horrible decision? Yes, it is."
"Tobirama, I thought you were my friend!"
"And as your friend I have to ask, have you lost your mind Sakuya? Madara is the worst of the Uchiha Clan. Why do t you go out with Kagami's father?"
"The man is married?"
"Polyamory is not frowned upon in the Uchiha-Clan."
"You are joking, Tobirama."
"I'm not joking, Sakuya. And besides, Kagami's father is a much better match for you than Madara ever could be."
"I'll...I'll think about it."
To hell with thinking about it.
Sakuya loved Madara and Madara loved her.
When she was Carina she never thought of finding love and then even in Madara Uchiha!
She was an Obito-Fangirl, but truly getting to know Madara had changed her.
The Mito/assassin was sure she could change the future and build a life with Madara.
Konoha opened her eyes and blinked up at her room ceiling.
What the heck?
Did...did she just live out the love life of Carina/Sakuya?
What was this supposed to mean?
Her ancestor from another world had loved Obito too, but then when she met Madara for real, she truly fell in love.
Wanted her brain to show Konoha how ironic it was that the descendant of Carina/Sakuya was also in love with Obito.
Konoha couldn't shake off the strange feeling that lingered in her mind.
She wondered if there was a deeper meaning to her dream.
Was it a message from her ancestor?
Or was it just a random occurrence of her subconscious mind playing tricks on her?
Or was there something more to it?
Why was she so connected to Carina/Sakuya?
It was like...like in the Animus!
Yes, the strange device from Carina's world, which lets you live out the memories of your ancestors!
And Konoha experienced it naturally?
How was this possible?
The green-haired girl had a feeling that Sakuya's diary was the answer to it, but there were so many.
It would take time to find it.
Suddenly she had an idea.
There was another source she could maybe check.
Maybe it could shine a new light on Sakuya!
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