"Well, shinobi-san, you must be tired after your journey. Let's head to my inn and rest for the night. We'll set out tomorrow morning."
Ryuga finished the last of his sake, stood up, and motioned for Kakashi to follow.
Kakashi, though slightly hungry, decided that resting and preparing for the mission took precedence over satisfying his appetite.
As they walked, Kakashi quickly noticed something unusual. Despite Ryuga's attempts to suppress his chakra, Kakashi could sense its presence and realised that this man was a shinobi—a skilled one, likely at Jōnin level.
Still, Kakashi chose to remain silent. There were no rules preventing a shinobi from hiring another shinobi for a mission, and calling Ryuga out would change nothing at this stage. He resolved to observe quietly and uncover Ryuga's intentions.
After a short walk, they arrived at a modest inn. Two guards stationed at the entrance greeted Ryuga with deference.
"Ryuga-san, you've returned."
"Good work, you two. This is the shinobi-san who will be accompanying us tomorrow," Ryuga introduced Kakashi with a smile.
The guards exchanged sceptical glances, their doubts about Kakashi's youthful appearance evident.
"Ryuga-san, isn't this shinobi a bit too young?"
"Don't worry," Ryuga assured them. "Konoha wouldn't send him if he weren't capable of handling this mission."
Kakashi remained quiet, but Ryuga's confidence puzzled him. Did this man already know who he was?
Inside the inn, Kakashi and Ryuga sat down to discuss the mission.
"Ryuga-san, while I've reviewed the mission details in the scroll, I have some questions," Kakashi began.
"Please, go ahead," Ryuga replied.
"This mission is to protect the caravan en route to a village in the Land of Wind, correct?"
"That's right."
"Such missions are typically ranked as B-level. Why was this one classified as A-rank? Do you have reason to believe shinobi will target your goods?" Kakashi's gaze sharpened as he studied Ryuga.
Ryuga smiled faintly, unfazed by Kakashi's scrutiny. "What do you think, shinobi-san?"
"Ryuga-san, withholding critical details about a mission is grounds for a shinobi to refuse it entirely. If there's something you're not telling me, now is the time to speak," Kakashi pressed, his tone firm.
Ryuga sighed. "As expected of Kakashi of the Sharingan. Your reputation for observation and analysis is well-earned."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "You know who I am?"
"Of course. Silver hair, a mask, and still in your teens—there's only one Hatake Kakashi in all of Konoha," Ryuga replied, his tone matter-of-fact.
Kakashi relaxed slightly but kept his guard up. "I am confident you are also shinobi. So why?"
"Indeed. I used to be, but I've retired. As for why, my goods—a shipment of rare metals—are valuable, but not so much that major villages would take interest. I suspect shinobi from Ochagakure, a struggling minor village, might attempt a robbery," Ryuga explained.
"Ochagakure?" Kakashi echoed, his surprise evident.
Ryuga nodded. "I once helped an injured shinobi from Ochagakure, but rather than showing gratitude, he betrayed me. He spread word about my shipment, hoping to draw others to attack. I discovered his plot and eliminated him, but not before the news spread."
Kakashi weighed Ryuga's words carefully. While some parts rang true, others seemed deliberately vague.
"Thank you for your honesty, Ryuga-san. I'll do my best to see this mission through," Kakashi finally said.
Ryuga smiled in satisfaction. "That's all I ask, Kakashi-san. Your reputation precedes you, and I'm confident you'll rise to the occasion."
With their discussion concluded, Ryuga showed Kakashi to his room.
That evening, Ryuga stood by his window, gazing at the night sky. His expression was a mix of nostalgia and anger.
"Ochagakure… It's been a long time. Our unfinished business will finally reach its conclusion," he murmured.
Meanwhile, Kakashi returned to his room after grabbing a quick meal. He chose not to train that night, knowing that the mission demanded he be in peak condition.
As he lay on his bed, Kakashi reflected on the journey ahead. Missions like these were not just about earning money but gaining invaluable experience. Real combat offered lessons no training ground could replicate.
For Kakashi, this mission was more than just work—it was an opportunity to test his limits and sharpen his skills.