Boom…

An enormous explosion covered the area as Village Chief Hisen used his enhanced chakra prowess to carry the enemy shinobi further away from the village. ​​

A large pillar of light engulfs us as I create some earth walls together with my skeletal Susanoo to protect myself. I can see an extensive amount of high energy radiation particles shooting towards us.

The earth walls blocked most of the radiation, but still, a fair amount of radiation escaped and bombarded my Susanoo. The penetration of these things is too high, and only pure chakra constructs could stop them.

The explosion lasts for a while as the tall pillar of green light finally disappeared, leaving lots of deadly radiation behind. A major outer area of Takigakure got annihilated in the process, though the village is unharmed from the explosion.

I checked all of my teammates and I could see large amounts of radiation in their body. If they aren't treated quickly, then they might die real soon. I hope Tsunade can figure out a way to save them. For now, I will give them basic treatment to prevent further damage to their cells.

I heal my teammates using Medical Ninjutsu. Takigakure jounins also lined up in front of me for treatment.

I checked the body of Village Chief Hisen and shook my head.

"He is a lost cause. The Hero Water and Radiation have done extensive damage to his meridians and vitality. He won't live for long. I would advise you to groom a successor for your position."

Hisen sighs after hearing my words,

"I knew such a day would come eventually. I have protected the village in past years from lots of invaders, and continuous use of Hero Water took a toll on my body. I have finally reached my limit. Could you tell me how much longer would I live?"

"You have a year at most. If you use Hero water in this interval, then you will die immediately." I warn him.

"Also, this radiation has done extensive damage to bodies of involved jounins. I would recommend getting treated immediately, otherwise all of you will follow Hisen's footsteps."

My warning scared them as they frantically begin to question me. I answered their questions one by one. Now it is time for our remuneration.

"Hokage-sama demands a gourd of 'Hero Water' as our compensation for this mission." Our team captain informs Hisen.

"It's fine with me. I will provide you with a gourd of 'Hero Water' tomorrow. I hope it will improve our relationship with Konoha in the long run."

"Of course, Konoha will be ready to help Takigakure anytime, if the situation demands it." The Captain answered.

All of us returned to our lodgings to relax. We will depart for Konoha tomorrow.

"Village Head Hisen-sama, I oppose using 'Hero water' as a reward for the mission. The 'Hero Water' is limited and is a source of strength for our village. It is isn't wise to give it away just like that." Suien disagrees with Hisen's decision.

"We will be able to forge a good relation with Konoha with 'Hero Water'. It is such a small cost to pay to get their support." Hisen assures Suien.

"But they are part of a Large Nation and you can never trust them…"

"I have made my decision and I don't want to hear any further argument on this subject." Hisen cuts off Suien.

In the next morning,

They invite captain and me to the village head's house by a jounin. We follow the jounin to visit Hisen.

Village Chief's residence is a wooden cottage built near some trees with a sign 'Taki' in kanji engraved on the entrance. The interior of the cottage seems to be rather spartan. It doesn't contain much space or unnecessary furniture, like a table or chair. Hisen sat on a raised Dai on the floor as he welcomes us.

"It was nice to have you here. Once again, we thank Konoha for their support. I hope our relation with Konoha will prosper in the future."

Hisen passes a gourd with crystal clear 'Hero Water' to us together with a scroll.

While returning a kid collides with me and fells down on the floor.

"I am sorry." The kid immediately bows and apologizes to me.

"It's fine." I inspect the kid.

He has ink-black eyes and long, dark brown hair similar to Hisen. He is around my age, albeit a bit older.

"He is my son, Shibuki. He will be my successor in the future."

Hisen introduces the kid. The kid hides behind his father as he stares at us.

'He has a cowardly nature.' This is my impression of the kid.

'Well, I ain't have anything to do with this kid.' I walk out of Village Chief's residence.

Takigakure's shinobis escorted us out of the village through another passage. We start our return journey to Konoha.

On our way back, Captain coughs up some blood. He rests against a tree as another Anbu questions him,

"Are you alright, Captain? You don't seem to be in excellent condition."

After coughing for a while, the Captain takes a deep breath and assures us,

"I am fine. The earlier injuries flared up. I will visit Village Hospital for treatment."

I secretly investigate his body. I am shocked to see his condition. Large amounts of Radioactive particles are deposited in his lungs. They are corroding the alveoli of his lungs.

'Captain was closest to explosion after Village Head Hisen. Looks like he suffered a lot of damage from the radiation. If he isn't treated on time, he will lose his life in the next few years.'

---------

Inside Hokage's office,

I start to report the details of the mission to Minato and Hiruzen. The captain and the rest of my team are admitted to emergency wards inside the Konoha Hospitals. Tsunade is trying to figure out a cure for them.

'Maybe I shall help her later.'

After hearing my report, Hiruzen mumbles.

"I remember that village. Twenty years ago, our village was engaged in a war against them. They possessed a powerful Kinjutsu capable of blowing an entire village. It is the same 'Radiation Release' you mentioned earlier. Many small villages were struggling with the possession of remaining tailed beasts.

They used this forbidden Kinjutsu to annihilate another small village in the Land of Forests. Our village had to step in to prevent them from further devastating other small villages.

We successfully repelled them, but the village suddenly disappeared in thin air. I never expected there to be survivors and the cause of their destruction to be a rogue ninja Kakuzu from Takigakure.

Anyway, I am quite surprised by your performance Izuna. I would promote you to the rank of Vice-Captain of Team Ro. I hope you continue to do well in the future."

Honestly, I am surprised by this promotion. Now, I have a higher level of clearance and I can have access to more forbidden Jutsu.

'I hope I can find something useful among them.'

I return to Uchiha compounds as it has been a while since I got some free time. The rest of my team excluding Kakashi are hospitalized. I can take a break and check Shisui's progress.

After Izuna's departure, Hiruzen passes a scroll to Minato as he informs him,

"Recently a group of Ame shinobi's formed a group called Akatsuki. This group was active during the Third Shinobi War, and they recruited lots of Ame shinobi during this time.

We aren't sure about their motives, but I don't think Hanzo of the Salamander would like the idea of a separate organization residing within Amegakure.

I have left Root to take care of this matter. I hope Danzo won't disappoint me in this matter."

"I agree with your arrangements, Lord Third. But I would also like to receive intel regarding Akatsuki. I heard Jiraiya-sensei trained some orphans in Amegakure during his stay. So, I am a little curious about the motives of this organization."

"Very well, I will talk with Danzo regarding this matter. How is the situation at borders?"

"There isn't much improvement in the situation. Many shinobis from small nations are still invading our borders. My hands are full dealing with this situation.���

Minato looks at the large stack of Paperwork and sighs.

"Lately, I have spent no time with Kushina."

"These are the duties of a Hokage. Paperwork is one of the major trouble, you will soon get used to it." Hiruzen advises Minato.

"Well, let me finish this stack of paperwork and I will return home."

------------

Inside Uchiha compounds,

I visit Shisui's house, but he isn't present there. Aunt Fumiko informs me of Shisui's location.

"Shisui is training Itachi in training ground three. You should meet with them. Recently, Shisui has been complaining a lot about you. Spend some time with them, your Uncle Yagami is out on a mission."

I enter training ground three and hide myself to monitor Shisui and Itachi.

'Thankfully, a certain pervert has stopped his peeking.'