Chapter 44: Killing to Protect Life, The Ethics of a Ninja

Tetsuya felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of leaving the village for the first time. Until now, the farthest he had ventured was the Konoha Forest. This mission represented a significant departure from his usual routine.

Before setting out, Tetsuya meticulously checked his ninja kit: detonating tags, kunai, shuriken, and some ration pills. Although his chakra capacity meant the pills would only provide a small boost, they could be crucial in a pinch.

When he arrived at the Konoha gate, Maru Xing Kosuke was already there, a cauldron strapped to his back.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kosuke-senpai," Tetsuya said apologetically.

Kosuke waved it off. "I just got here myself. Let's head out."

After registering at the guard post, they left Konoha. Tetsuya finally met the legendary Konoha Gatekeepers, Izumo and Kotetsu, known for their vigilance.

The two moved at a steady pace, with Kosuke sharing his mission experiences as they walked. Tetsuya listened intently, knowing that Kosuke's insights were invaluable. The ninja world was vast and filled with unknowns. Overconfidence could be deadly.

They reached the base of Niutou Mountain by nightfall. According to their information, the area was infested with bandits notorious for their cruelty. They had terrorized countless innocent villagers, prompting a collective plea to Konoha for help.

Kosuke explained, "Our mission is to eliminate the bandits. They're all ordinary people, but they've taken many hostages. This mission is entirely yours. I'll follow your lead."

Tetsuya nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I understand. I'll handle it. Please cover me, Kosuke-senpai."

"No problem," Kosuke replied, ready to assist.

Tetsuya's system issued a task:

[Task: This world is deformed and needs your healing. The first step is the bandits in front of you.]

[Killing life to protect life, killing business is not killing people! Please kill all the bandits and save the innocent villagers.]

[Task reward: 200 points.]

Tetsuya knew this mission was a test of his skills and his resolve. If he failed to consider the hostages' lives, it would prove he wasn't fit to be Hokage. Konoha needed a leader who valued every life.

"I can handle this alone. Kosuke-senpai, please watch my back," Tetsuya said.

Kosuke agreed. "Understood."

With the cover of night, they approached the bandits' hideout. Kosuke identified the location of the hostages, guarded by a dozen bandits.

Tetsuya activated his Lightning Style Chakra, infusing it into his blade. He moved swiftly, dispatching the guards silently. Their bodies fell before they could sound an alarm.

However, Tetsuya intentionally allowed some noise to draw out the remaining bandits. It worked; they rushed out, weapons drawn.

"Kill him! He's alone!" one of them shouted, attempting to rally the others.

The bandit leader, meanwhile, tried to slip away. Tetsuya's Sharingan caught the movement. With a flick of his wrist, a kunai found its mark in the leader's throat.

Tetsuya faced the remaining bandits, his blade a blur. The scene turned gruesome as he cut through them, their bodies falling in pieces. Blood and viscera splattered the ground, but Tetsuya felt no revulsion, only a heightened sense of clarity.

His Sharingan evolved, the tomoe spinning and merging into a new pattern. He felt a surge of power and purpose.

The bandits, seeing their leader dead and their comrades falling, charged in a final, desperate assault. Tetsuya met them head-on, his movements precise and deadly. Each swing of his blade ended a life, and his Sharingan ensured no attack went unnoticed.

When the last bandit fell, Tetsuya stood amidst the carnage, his breath steady. The system chimed in his mind:

[Congratulations, Host, for completing the task. You have earned 200 points.]

Kosuke approached cautiously. "Tetsuya, are you alright?"

Tetsuya smiled, sheathing his blade. "I'm fine, Kosuke-senpai. It was necessary. These bandits deserved worse for what they've done."

Kosuke studied Tetsuya, noting the calm in his eyes. "You've done well. Let's free the hostages and return."

Tetsuya nodded. "Let's go."

As they released the captives, the young women looked at Tetsuya with a mix of fear and gratitude. He reassured them with a gentle smile, his thoughts already on the next challenge.

Kosuke couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Tetsuya had faced his first true test with a strength and resolve beyond his years. The path to becoming Hokage was fraught with trials, but Tetsuya had taken his first steps with confidence and skill.