When his students were all asleep, Renjiro decided to visit his old friend to catch up.
He and Akimichi Seiichi talked for a long time, reminiscing about old memories and sharing new things.
After their chat, Renjiro wrote a report and attached it to a carrier hawk. The hawk flew towards Konoha.
After a long sleep, the three woke up. After washing up, they met Renjiro, who was having breakfast with Seiichi.
Akimichi Seiichi looked at them and said,
“Come, eat with us.”
After learning a lot about them from Renjiro, Seiichi’s impression of them improved significantly.
The three didn't stand on ceremony and joined them directly.
However, upon seeing the food on the table, the three had the same thought.
“How can this be called breakfast! The entire table is filled with roasted meat.”
Feng Zheng grabbed a piece of meat and ate it. His expression immediately changed.
“Damn! This is too delicious!”
He ignored everyone else and started eating rapidly!
Hodaka and Mieko looked at Feng Zheng and also took a bite. Then they too began to eat quickly, but still mindful of their manners.
Seeing them all eat so fast, Seiichi chuckled.
“No need to rush, the food won’t run away.”
The three all nodded. Seeing them nod obediently, Seiichi smiled. However, his smile soon faded.
The three children ignored his advice and continued eating at the same speed. Renjiro chuckled at Seiichi’s reaction.
Meanwhile, Feng Zheng thought,
“An Akimichi Clan member saying the food won’t run away… as if anyone would believe that.”
After finishing their meal, Feng Zheng asked,
“Teacher, what are we doing today?”
Renjiro said,
“Take a rest. You can also visit the patrol outpost, and if you’re bored, go on a patrol. It will be helpful if you are assigned to patrol in the future. However, don’t waste Chakra. We will depart tomorrow morning.”
Feng Zheng replied,
“Understood, Teacher.”
He thought,
“I never thought about the Ninja who go out on patrol. I wonder how many Ninja are deployed this way.”
After a moment of thought, he concluded,
“Considering the large number of bandits in this country, perhaps not many. This job seems boring, but it might be a good way to explore the country.”
Seiichi called for Inuzuka Hoka, who arrived quickly. He said,
“Since you all fought together yesterday, I’ll leave you in his care. Hoka, take them to see the outpost and how the patrol teams work.”
Hoka replied,
“Yes, Lord Seiichi.”
He looked at the three and said,
“Follow me.”
Feng Zheng, Mieko, and Hodaka followed him.
While Hoka was showing them around, Hiruzen read the report sent by Renjiro.
After analyzing it, a look of worry appeared on his face.
“The civil war within Hidden Mist is affecting other countries. There may be more such incidents in the future. I should deploy some Anbu squads along the coastline.”
He looked at the ANBU Ninja hiding in his office.
Realizing the Hokage needed him, the ANBU Ninja appeared before Hiruzen. Hiruzen ordered,
“Summon Inuzuka and his Anbu squad.”
The ANBU Ninja nodded and then disappeared.
Hoka led the three on a tour of the patrol outpost. He said,
“This is the command outpost on Konoha’s eastern border, so it’s very large and well-maintained. There are many smaller outposts throughout the country, but they only have basic facilities.”
Feng Zheng thought,
“No wonder. This outpost is really big. I thought it would be a single building at most.”
Hoka showed them the important locations in the outpost and introduced them to some of his friends.
Finally, they climbed a watchtower.
Upon reaching the top of the tower, the three admired the surrounding scenery.
The houses within the outpost were symmetrically arranged, and it was surrounded by lush green forests. Adding to the beauty, the sun was just beginning to rise, and its rays pierced through the treetops.
Feng Zheng, Mieko, and Hodaka all felt an immense sense of peace at this sight. Feng Zheng thought,
“How magnificent! Perhaps, after the Kaguya incident is over, I should travel around this world. I want to know what exists in this world besides the hidden villages.”
Seeing the three children immersed in the scenery, Hoka smiled and said nothing.
After some time, they stopped admiring the view. Mieko said,
“I never thought we’d see such a beautiful view at a patrol outpost.”
Hodaka added,
“Yes, it feels wonderful.”
Feng Zheng nodded.
Hoka chuckled.
“Such scenery is the main reason most people here accept patrol missions. Beautiful views, a carefree life, and relaxed responsibilities are all advantages of this job. situations like yesterday are rare in peacetime. Usually, we just conduct routine patrols and don’t find any disturbances.”
Feng Zheng looked at Hoka, wondering,
“Then how did so many Ninja enter the Land of Fire during the last mission? Was it because the patrol team did a poor job, or were some of them bribed? Hmm, there’s another possibility. That Konoha deliberately let them in, so they could be annihilated without even a chance to escape.”
Hodaka asked Hoka,
“Can you take us on a patrol?”
Hodaka wanted to learn more, as many of his predecessors and Hyuga Clan elders often performed patrol missions.
Hoka nodded.
“Alright, let’s go.”
He jumped down from the watchtower. Hodaka, Mieko, and Feng Zheng followed him.
They left the outpost and entered the forest, running at a moderate speed through the branches.
Hoka said,
“I’m just taking you on a random patrol mission. Usually, all patrol teams have fixed routes they must patrol every day. And several squads will patrol randomly, just in case someone knows our patrol routes and uses them to avoid us.”
Hodaka said,
“That’s very clever. It will make hiding extremely difficult!”
Hoka nodded and added,
“Additionally, each patrol team has a Ninja from the Inuzuka Clan, Hyuga Clan, and Aburame Clan, so our patrol range is much larger, and any intruders who want to avoid us must consider all aspects.”
The three nodded. They understood the specialties of each clan. Hoka led them on a two-hour patrol.
Feng Zheng and Hodaka used their abilities to help Hoka with the patrol mission. But they didn’t find anything unusual. Then they returned to the outpost.
Having nothing else to do, they spent the rest of their time in Meditation. During lunch and dinner, they socialized with the other people at the outpost.
In the evening, an Anbu squad entered the outpost! They walked into the main building.
Renjiro and Seiichi were playing shogi. Both turned their heads at the same time and saw four ANBU Ninja.
The Captain of the four had silver hair and wore a fox mask. Both realized who the Anbu Captain was.