Chapter 29

Two days later the Be Fong found herself standing in the Hokage's office. They weren't alone as Ibiki flanked the right side of the desk.

"Are you ready to return to the field?" the woman questioned.

Mai actually appeared surprised, having not known this was the reason she was called to this office. She thought they were assigning another C-Ranked mission to her as another test. But the older teen wasn't complaining if the adults had made their decision.

"Seriously?"

The Hokage nodded. "Ibiki has been monitoring your training and has stated you're ready for active duty in the field. This is a team mission, A Plus-Ranked. You'll be undercover so no mask will be needed. Otherwise, you'd stick out like a sore thumb."

"When do I head out?" Mai asked.

"In the morning." The file was slid across the table for the older teen to take. "You're heading to the Land of Forests. It's a protection detail. You'll be the only one from the Land of Fire, but I am offering our services as this group passes through Konoha because those already guarding the client have received threats while on the road."

"Where were they traveling from?"

"The Land of Iron. Mifune needed to make a deal with the country regarding diplomatic relations."

"They traveled far," she muttered, further reviewing the file.

"The threat was made by members from Claw Island."

"Those two lands have never gotten along," Ibiki relayed.

"All the same, we cannot allow them to go through with an assassination attempt."

Mai took into account the ninjas she'd be working with. Two members from the Land of Stone, two from Forest, and an Iwa Ninja.

"They acquired a man from the Tsuchikage upon leaving the Land of Iron to escort them as far as Konoha. A new one has been assigned in his place to complete the mission who was nearby on another mission. But the threats have grown and they've run into some confrontations that were too close for comfort. They will leave through the port in Wave Country. I don't expect it'll get any easier when docking on the island."

"Why wouldn't they be safe in their own country one the group makes landfall?" Mai asked.

"The Land of Forests have ninja," Ibiki spoke up. "But not many. So they won't have a large number to protect their diplomat outside the Village." Because they needed the numbers to man the defenses at home. "The Village of Suga is in the center. The forests are dense. Denser than anything on the mainland, which is why travel may be slow. We have yet to know how those making the threats are moving."

A section in the report drew Mai's attention. "It's a lord's daughter who's traveling all this way?"

"Yes," Tsunade said. "Reagon has a son, but he is too young to handle mainland affairs. The oldest daughter is already married so foreign matters fall to the middle child, Kura."

"How long will this mission last?"

"By our calculations, it could take over a month," Ibiki said. "But the mission will go on as long as it must to make sure Kura returns home safely. This is important, Be Fong. The target must return in one piece or the countries will go to war."

And no one wished to see another battlefield anytime soon.

"You know me, Ibiki. Have I ever failed a mission before?"

No, she never had. But this was the first time she was back on duty. There couldn't be any mistakes.

"I'll protect her with my life."

The next morning, Mai woke early to prepare before the sun was even up. She strapped on the last of her needed equipment after everything was in order and locked up her home. The Phantom Ninja took the back roads through Konoha so to avoid any morning crowds before coming to the Hokage Building. She ran into Shizune halfway there, who carried a stack of paperwork.

"Good morning, Mai," the woman greeted. The Be Fong nodded her head. "The Hokage will be with you in a moment. Please wait here."

Stopping just before the door it closed behind Shizune. The older teen wasn't alone in the hallway. A young man was leaned up against the opposite wall with crossed arms. He wore a black headband with no markings to symbolize where he hailed from, a scar on his chin. Mai was also without a headband to make sure her movements weren't linked back to the Leaf. Dressed the way they were, many would think them to be simple travelers.

"You're from Iwa," she spoke. His attention turned on the Phantom Ninja. "You're far from home."

"Was on a field mission," the young man said. "When it was completed, I went looking for another mission before I headed home since I was in the area already. Guess I found one."

"Wouldn't you want to go home and rest? We're headed in the opposite direction."

It was common that anyone in charge of the ninja operations would allow their members a few days rest at most before returning to the field.

His shoulders shrugged. "There's nothing really waiting for me there. Besides... the traveling is a welcome, ever since the war."

No more needed to be said. There were plenty of ninjas who never fully recovered mentally. Others would be left with painful memories and scars that would haunt them for the rest of their lives. There were those that were slowly learning to cope. And then there were those that didn't appear to feel any emotions at all on that matter. That was the category the Be Fong fell into. Though that was probably due to repressed feelings. They just hadn't reached the surface yet.

The door opened to the Hokage's office. Shizune emerged. "They are ready for you now," the woman said.

The men from the Land of Stone were tall with broad shoulders and strong stances. Any normal person would be intimidated by their defined muscles and hard expressions should they run into them on the street. But it was necessary for their environment. A rough terrain that was relentless towards its inhabitants. Those that lived there had managed to adapt to living amongst the stone mountainsides.

Then there were the two from the Land of Forests. They were completely the opposite from their company. Lanky builds and of medium height. They were less threatening in appearance, but that didn't mean they weren't deadly. Especially considering they were escorting someone from a lord's household.

"Gentlemen," Tsunade spoke up as the two sides stared at one another, sizing each other up. "This is Mai Be Fong and Jiro Moto. They will be completing the journey with you."

"No offense, Hokage," one of the Stone Ninja spoke up, "but she's tiny and looks like a mere shove would send her tumbling over. We're about to enter into hostile territory. The ninja we need have to hold their own."

"Mai is one of my elite ninjas within the Village. She's completed many of the A-Ranked missions that come through Konoha. And ones that rank even higher than that. She's more than capable, otherwise, I wouldn't have had selected her."

Besides the Be Fong was possibly the strongest out of them all. The woman didn't say that in front of these men since they who would try to test the older teen's abilities just to see for themselves. Everyone needed to be focused on the task at hand, not their egos. One cocked a brow as they continued to size her up beside the Iwa Ninja. At least he appeared to be a strong asset.

"This is Kenji and Masa from the Land of Stone." Masa grunted in greeting. "And Toshi and Seiji from the Land of Forests." From behind the men a young woman emerged. "This is your client, Kura."

Kura wasn't what Mai expected. Normally children of a lords or lady traveled in luxury. Dressed in fine garments to flaunt their wealth, while wearing makeup and with their hair finely done. Kura wore travelers clothing, a scarf wrapped around the neck and pulled up like a hood to avoid gaining too much attention from wandering eyes. The only thing on her person was a pack. The color of all their attire were neutral browns and greys that would allow them to blend into crowds. Mai and Jiro were both dressed in all black, but it would still play to their advantage. The hired help bowed in greeting.

"We'll leave right away," the diplomat stated.

There were no questions and no one spoke as the group left through the East Gate. Mai and Jiro peeled off into the surrounding forest to be sure there was no immediate threat from the shadows. Even if intel said their pursuers wouldn't engage the enemy again till hitting the island, one could never be too careful. These were very hostile, deadly ninja from the reports and past experiences leading to Konoha. Mai and Jiro found nothing out of the ordinary on their first round.

This lasted for three days. There was little communication between the group members, unless it was to report about their scouting when taking turns. The only person to do most of the conversing was Kura with her personal guards Toshi and Seiji. Usually, their conversations were low and quiet so to keep their location secret. Another reason Mai almost enjoyed working with this client. She wasn't stupid and didn't do anything to draw attention to themselves. Even when they came across small towns to gather supplies.

"I have to agree with you," Jiro stated. The two hired ninjas ate dango at a stand, watching the young woman with the Forest Ninjas across the street. "She is our most compliant customer."

"And the ninja with her?" Mai mused.

The young man's brow cocked. "You have reason to suspect they could be working with the enemy?"

"And you don't?"

They looked at each other for a moment before Jiro continued, "I understand your reason for thinking such a thing. But they haven't done anything to make us suspect they would work with Claw Ninja."

"What else do you know about these nations?"

"Stone and Forest have had an alliance for centuries. They hate Claw, even with a body of water between them. Though there was a time where the nations were part of the same island. They were at war for almost a century before Claw Island broke off. Some say it's because the land between them was made weak from all the fighting and just drifted away. Still, old grudges die hard."

This was all very interesting. The Phantom Ninja never heard of this in her years at the Academy.

"Honey and Neck are on the same island towards the south, but they are hardly the war type. Still, they would stand with Suga if the time called for it. Same goes for Field, Bean Jam, and Woods off the west coast." Mai's brows raised in mild surprise. "I'm also a terrain analyst when give the task."

She gave a small nod in approval. "I'm not saying I accuse our teammates of anything. Only that it's good to be wary just in case. Sometimes, the enemy hides in plain sight." Their eyes trailed over to Kura and the ninjas. "I can tell she's important to them with the way they carry themselves around her. That's always the first thought that comes to a ninja's mind... I was curious to see what you think."

"They may not be friends, but they are allies. Just like when we were at war. Not all of us knew each other or were on the best terms. Yet we came together for the same cause: survival."

Survival. That was always the reason. It's what made any ninja stronger when up against the odds. Could bring together any side if it meant life or death.

They were less than half a day from the bridge to Wave Country when they stopped for the evening. After taking a ship to the Land of Forest, the rest of the journey would be on foot. It had been days since any of them bathed, taking turns in the stream nearby. No one would allow Kura to go alone so Mai accompanied her.

Masa gripped her arm roughly before leaving. "She is to stay in your sight at all times," he stated. "Protect her with your life."

The Be Fong stared at him for a moment. "This isn't my first mission," she said. "I've been watching this forest the moment we re-entered it."

Kenji observed in interest how the older teen wasn't intimidated by them in the slightest. Not may could stand up to his teammate without trembling.

"We're not being followed, but that doesn't mean my guard is down. You have my word I'll watch her carefully."

The females disappeared into the brush out of sight

Mai and Kura didn't bath directly beside each other to give one another space. Still, the young woman couldn't help but glance over when Mai stood to pull the long sleeve shirt into the water for a wash. There were scars on the surface of the skin. The large one on the arm the most notable. Then there were others that littered the back, some on a hip, and even the back of the hands. For someone so young, Kura was shocked by how much of the field she had seen. Even when staring at the ninja in private from her position amongst the guards, the Be Fong's expression was mostly vacant, emotionless.

"We should head back soon," Mai said. The ninja's voice broke Kura's thoughts quickly, looking away. "Otherwise, your friends are going to come looking."

Kura gave a small smile. "They mean well," she said. "Even if they don't look friendly..."

"I know."

The air was warm when they returned. However, with a now damp top the Be Fong didn't want to make herself sick so she wore only the dark sleeveless undershirt. The rest of the uniform laid out on a rock to dry.

"Nothing to report," the Phantom Ninja stated.

Jiro handed her a bowl of food cooked while the two were gone. The team remained silent as it grew darker, the only light coming from the small fire in the center. To pass the time, Mai performed detail on her weapons as Jiro scanned the forest. But his eyes didn't miss the looks Masa sent towards the Phantom Ninja. And he wasn't the only one.

"Out with it," Kenji stated out of the blue to his teammate. "You've been eyeing her since we left Konoha. Get it out of your system before we head into hostile territory."

All the attention was on them now, Kura listening quietly where she was supposed to be asleep. Mai slipped a kunai back into the pouch.

"What's up with that scar on your arm?" Masa finally questioned. His eyes were trained on the jagged white line that ran around the upper muscle. "Something you thought was cool at the time or was it when you were an idiot Genin because you thought you were a hot shot and all?"

The Be Fong kept a cool head and didn't rise to the jibe. In fact, the lack of a reaction made the Forest Ninjas feel a bit nervous.

"I had my arm severed off during the Fourth Shinobi War because I went up against Madara and Obito Uchiha on the front lines," Mai answered. "This scar is a reminder of that event. I'm lucky to have full function of it."

"How do you even still have an arm?" Toshi asked, now intrigued.

"I sewed it back on as I was bleeding out on the battlefield with Chakra Strings."

"You expect us to believe that?" Masa scoffed. "That much trauma to a person should either render your unconscious right then and there or kill you in the process. And regaining any movement that you presently have would be impossible."

"It hurt like hell," the Be Fong admitted. "There's no pigmentation because the outer skin is so destroyed."

"And why did you allow your arm to be severed?"

"I did it to protect my friends."

Masa scoffed, "Some friends they are."

"Well, some of them died anyway." Mai stood from her spot. "And some of them lived. But we didn't come out of it the same. I risked it all for a good cause."

"Even if you lost the arm forever?" Seiji asked. "If that happened, you'd never be a ninja again."

"I'd make do with what I had. Adapt. Survive." The determined look in her eyes was unwavering of fear over the matter. "I'll admit, I screamed my head off and wished I had died. Not when it was severed off, but when I cauterized the skin back into place once the stitches were completed."

Kura's mouth parted slightly stunned. While the ninjas hid their reaction to this information a bit better.

"I'll make rounds," the Phantom Ninja said. "Scan the perimeter."

The group watched her go. "She's full of shit," Masa grunted. "There's no way someone could survive that and continue fighting."

"You shouldn't talk to her like that," Jiro stated. "You know nothing about her, her abilities, or what she's capable of."

"If the little lady can't handle tough questions, she shouldn't be here in the first place. Hell, why be a ninja handling missions like this."

"I know the Land of Stone is a bit removed from the mainland, but she deserves respect."

"And what are you going to do if we don't? Throw pebbles at us?" The men chuckled among themselves, except Kura, who continued to silently sit, listening.

"Mai Be Fong. That name doesn't ring a bell to any of you?"

"Is she a fucking Lady or something?"

Jiro's head shook, "You're all clueless."

Their brows narrowed in warning at the insult.

"She fought on the front line of the Fourth Shinobi War and immobilized Madara Uchiha when he was resurrected." Some shifted uncomfortably at the name. "She then faced Obito Uchiha, leader of the Akatsuki and other high profile ninjas part of the resurrected army. She was one of the few to battle against the Uchiha to come out of it alive. Obito Uchiha cut off the arm."

Kura was stunned by what she was hearing. This ninja was powerful. Had to be if able to live and tell the tale. She read the reports from the war, knew the number of lives lost. The hardships all encountered. The enemies... It was alarming that some managed to resurrect an army of deadly ninja – friends or foes.

"Sewing her arm back on in the middle of battle is no joke," Jiro continued. "I witnessed it first-hand. And though she does not remember me, Be Fong saved my life. Along with thousand others on the battlefield that day."

The Rock Ninja gave a dry laugh.

"I dare you to keep mocking her. Maybe then you'll see her for what she really is as a ninja. Maybe you'll get lucky and see her at work before we reach our destination."

"What is it like?" Kura suddenly questioned, startling the ninjas. "Witnessing such power?"

"You should be asleep," Toshi stated. They hadn't meant for her to hear.

"It was terrifying," Jiro answered truthfully. "But it is a sight to behold. I'll never forget it, watching as she ripped through the enemy head on while others ran away for fear of danger. She's not a coward. You're lucky to have her as an asset." He sat on the ground leaning against a tree. "Be Fong has eyes everywhere. That's one of her specialties."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Masa asked annoyed.

"Her strings. They are invisible, that's the Be Fong Clan specialty. If something tries and gets close, she'll either catch them... or rip them in half."

"You idolize her."

"Yes. And I'm certain I'm not alone in that. I can't imagine how dangerous she'll be once our age."

"Leave it alone, Masa," Kenji ordered before the man could continue to taunt. "We weren't in the war, thank goodness for that. But if you keep giving her a hard time... she may end you."

The man scoffed. "You can't honestly believe that that little girl–"

"I can, and I will." There was a tense moment of silence. "She's part of the team, whether you like it or not. Our hired help. If something happens Moto and Be Fong are the ones that will be covering our asses. Do you really want to get on the bad side of the person standing between you and Claw Ninjas?"

"Now you're making us sound cowardly," Masa snarled. "We're Stone Ninja! We never back down from anything."

"Not saying we ever would, but in a life-or-death situation when they attack, wouldn't you want someone watching your back." No one could argue there. "Turn in. We won't get much sleep once we make landfall. Not until entering the gates."