Born To Rise In Konoha Chapter 109

As she watched Saitama and his unit disappear into the distance, Tsunade’s stern expression gradually softened.

"They’ve gone. You can co out now," she called toward the tent behind her.

"Ehh?"

The flap of the tent lifted, and a hesitant figure peeked out. Shizune stepped out quietly and made her way to Tsunade’s side.

"Everyone’s gone. Aren’t you going to go see them off?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Why would I?" Shizune blinked, feigning confusion, her eyes darting toward Tsunade’s chest as if to deflect the question.

"Oh, co on. Weren’t you the one constantly praising him these past few days?" Tsunade shot her a sly smirk that sent goosebumps crawling up Shizune’s arms.

"I only asked Saitama to teach a few self-defense techniques. We’re not even that close!" Shizune insisted, averting her eyes.

"If I hadn’t stayed up late recently, I wouldn’t have realized soone’s been sneaking out every night to go ’make friends.’"

Tsunade emphasized the words "make friends," fixing Shizune with a knowing look.

"It’s not like I have ti during the day! Besides, I’m learning real combat techniques!" Shizune’s cheeks flushed pink, and she tried to stand her ground.

"Alright, alright. No need to explain to , Miss ’Out-All-Night.’ Go sort your gear."

Flustered by Tsunade’s teasing gaze, Shizune stamped her foot and stord back into the tent.

"Kids these days..." Tsunade crossed her arms and turned her gaze back toward the road out of the base.

She’d noticed Shizune sneaking out at night for a while now—always returning sweaty, yet smiling in a way she couldn’t quite hide. Curious, Tsunade had followed her one night and discovered Shizune eting Saitama in secret training sessions outside camp. It wasn’t just once—it had clearly beco a routine.

Tsunade hadn’t interrupted them, just watched silently from the shadows. Afterward, she asked Shizune about it in a roundabout way. Shizune didn’t try to lie. She admitted to training with Saitama, wanting to beco more capable and resilient as a dical-nin.

Though she said nothing else, Tsunade could read between the lines. It wasn’t just about training.

In truth, Shizune had co to see Saitama as a close companion—soone her age in a sea of older shinobi. The connection was natural, and Tsunade, seasoned by life and loss, recognized the spark before Shizune herself did.

Tsunade never brought it up again. But after that, Shizune stopped sneaking out and beca more open about her etings with Saitama.

The more ti she spent with him, the more she respected his strength. Despite being a chūnin, Saitama’s ability clearly put him on par with many elite jōnin.

And Saitama, for his part, often boasted about his training thods—sotis bordering on arrogance. Shizune rolled her eyes at him when he did, but in front of Tsunade, she would inadvertently praise his skills.

Tsunade’s decision to appoint Saitama as vanguard commander hadn’t been made lightly. It wasn’t just Shizune’s glowing remarks—though those didn’t hurt.

Saitama had earned it.

Young, yes—but experienced, sharp, and composed under pressure. He had the qualities of a rising star. Even though the village elders like Koharu and Homura opposed her decision, Tsunade stood firm.

"This is a test for him," Tsunade whispered to herself.

A mont later, she turned and walked toward the larger part of the encampnt. More troops were assembling. It was ti to give the order. The mission to destroy the Mist’s coastal stronghold had to proceed flawlessly.

---

Scene: Reconnaissance Before the Battle

"Do you see it?" Saitama crouched in the grass, his voice low but focused.

Unlike the last mission, this ti he was more cautious. Alongside him were mbers of the Hyuga and Abura clans, providing both vision and recon. Their approach had remained undetected thus far.

The shinobi beside him gave short nods.

"Yes," one of the Hyuga said. "The enemy presence in the bay is significantly heavier than before."

Saitama observed through his own scope. Dozens of tents, watchtowers, and soldiers lined the camp periter. The defenses were tight—sentries placed every few steps.

"Their numbers have grown," he muttered.

He turned to an Abura shinobi, a man with sunglasses and a stoic face.

"Status of the support units?"

"They’re in position. We’re waiting on your signal." The man’s voice was flat, emotionless.

The others subtly shifted away from him. Even among shinobi, the Abura’s insect-based jutsu unsettled people.

Saitama glanced at him again. Yamanaka? No, Abura... Zhiwei, was it? The na tugged at his mory. Shino’s father, maybe?

"In that case," Saitama said, "Hyuga will maintain surveillance. Abura, send your insects to map enemy positions. We’ll attack once we have confirmation."

"Understood."

Thousands of kikaichū scattered across the terrain, crawling and flying with eerie coordination. The Hyuga activated their Byakugan, scanning for chakra signatures, traps, and hidden units.

Ti passed slowly as they waited, still cloaked in silence and grass.

"They’re returning," Zhiwei said.

His fingers lifted slightly. Insects sward around him, whispering secrets only he could understand.

"There are nearly twenty chakra signatures consistent with jōnin," he reported. "Fifty others are likely chūnin or genin. The enemy is well-prepared."

Saitama grinned.

"Good. That’s more than we expected... but nothing we can’t handle."

He turned toward the Hyuga.

"This is the trap layout?"

"Yes. They’re concentrated on the northern edge—our approach path."

A Hyuga shinobi handed over a crude but functional map. Saitama morized it at a glance.

"Pass these sketches to the rest of the team. We’ll distribute to the support squads."

"Yes, sir!"

The orders rippled quietly through the ranks.

They were ready.

The assault would begin soon.

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