Naruto Shadow Mage - Chapter 43

Why is being in the Anbu not so easy?

This can be explained by recounting Koshino and Kakashi’s first mission after leaving the Hidden Leaf Village.

Upon leaving the village, Koshino couldn’t help but feel excited, as he was the only one among the group who was venturing out for the first time.

At four years old, ordinary children usually haven’t even mastered chakra, let alone left the village for training. Even children from prominent clans like the Uchiha and Hyuga start strict training at an early age, but they rarely leave the village for missions.

Koshino was making history by leaving the village at such a young age.

However, to avoid irritating Kakashi, Koshino kept his excitement in check, maintaining a calm demeanor. Especially since Kakashi and Guy seemed to be competing with each other, their fast pace left Koshino no time to dwell on his excitement.

“Lightning, Sense, do you guys always travel this fast?”

Wiping sweat from his forehead during a brief rest, Koshino approached Taisuke Raidou and Iwashi Tatami to ask.

Hearing Koshino’s question, the two Anbu exchanged a wry smile beneath their masks. Taisuke Raidou sighed and replied, “Shadow, if we always traveled at this speed, we’d be exhausted by now! The Captain and Guy seem to be competing, which is why the pace is so fast.”

“Looks like our mission is going to be tougher than expected.”

Hearing this, Koshino felt a bit helpless. It turned out the fast pace was due to Kakashi and Guy’s competition.

Initially, Koshino thought that the Anbu’s pace was always strict.

After resting and regaining some energy, Genma Shiranui kindly distributed food and water, giving the team a much-needed break. Koshino noticed that despite his aloof exterior, Genma Shiranui was exceptionally warm-hearted.

Gradually, Koshino built a good rapport with Taisuke Raidou, Iwashi Tatami, and Genma Shiranui. However, as Koshino was about to ask them about mission experiences, Kakashi, who had been keeping an eye on the time, suddenly frowned and said:

“Shadow, Flame, Guy has caused some trouble. Go deal with it.”

“Yes!”

Responding quickly, Koshino and Genma Shiranui hurried towards Guy.

But upon reaching Guy, hidden in the bushes, Koshino was stunned by the “trouble” Guy had caused.

What kind of trouble was this?

Guy was merely helping some refugees within the Land of Fire, offering them food out of kindness.

During wartime, it wasn’t uncommon for refugees to flee their war-torn homes in search of safety in larger countries.

Unfortunately, seeking refuge in a large country often proved to be a mistake.

In the Land of Fire, for example, even regular civilians viewed refugees with suspicion, forcing them to live in forests, struggling daily for survival. Unless they encountered kind-hearted individuals, refugees often faced grim fates, either starving or falling prey to wild animals.

If refugees encountered ordinary civilians or ninjas, they had some chance of survival, as it was forbidden to kill them indiscriminately.

But if they encountered the Anbu, their fate was sealed: death.

Guy’s sharing food with the refugees violated Anbu protocols. Anbu was trained to treat all refugees as potential foreign spies.

As a novice “temp” in the Anbu, Koshino didn’t fully grasp the mission requirements.

But Genma Shiranui, seasoned by his time in the Anbu, understood the protocols.

While Koshino was still processing Kakashi’s order, Genma Shiranui swiftly drew a senbon needle and disappeared from Koshino’s side.

“Is he going to kill them?”

Having just left the village, Koshino was about to witness the harsh reality of the Anbu.

The refugees, weak and desperate, posed no threat.

But under the Anbu’s grim protocols, Genma Shiranui showed no mercy, eliminating them all in seconds. Turning to Koshino with cold eyes, he commanded:

“Shadow, dispose of the bodies. I’ll take Guy to see the Captain.”

“Yes…”

Koshino, hands trembling, took the shovel handed to him by Genma Shiranui and began digging graves for the bodies.

However, Guy’s anger at the senseless killing flared up.

“Why did you kill them? They were just civilians! Damn it!”

Guy lunged at Genma Shiranui, fist aimed at his face.

But before the punch landed, Kakashi appeared, grabbing Guy’s fist.

“I told you before, Guy, you’re not suited for Anbu. Look at Shadow; he’s handling this much better than you.”

“Being Anbu means our duties are different from regular ninjas.”

“So, if you really can’t handle it, Guy, maybe you should leave.”

Turning his icy gaze to Koshino, Kakashi ordered:

“Shadow, make sure everybody is finished off.”

“Leave no one alive!”

“Yes, Captain!”

Having just finished digging the graves, Koshino struggled to overcome his initial shock. But with Kakashi’s harsh command, Koshino mechanically followed through, ensuring each body was thoroughly dealt with before burying them.

At that moment, seeing Koshino’s cold, methodical actions, Kakashi felt a mix of emotions.

Especially noting that Koshino’s hand didn’t tremble as he handled the kunai, Kakashi squinted slightly and gave another order:

“Shadow, there’s a refugee camp 500 meters ahead.”

“You know what to do, right?”

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