Today was no ordinary day for Gojo.
As sunlight spilled into Konoha's streets, painting the Hidden Leaf Village in hues of gold, his heart pulsed with anticipation.
Tsunade had accepted a protection mission—a merchant escort to the Grass Village—and she had chosen him to accompany her.
The mere thought sent a wave of excitement through him.
This wasn't just a mission.
It was the first major step into the world beyond the village gates—a world filled with danger, growth, and potential.
And more importantly, it was a mission that could change someone's fate.
Someone named Karin.
Gojo had done his research.
She was still in the Grass Village at this point, unaware of the painful life that awaited her.
He wouldn't let it unfold the same way this time.
Where would his dignity as a transmigrator go if he missed such an opportunity?
He adjusted his gear, securing the pouches on his waist and taking a final look in the mirror.
The reflection staring back at him wasn't just a young ninja—it was someone who carried the burden of two lives and the ambition to rewrite destiny.
As he arrived at the village gate, a gentle breeze greeted him, tousling his hair.
The sun bathed the entrance in light, making it feel like the world itself was beckoning him forward.
And waiting at the gate were familiar faces—Ino, Sakura, Hinata… and Shizuka.
Her presence made Gojo pause.
Shizuka stood a little apart from the others, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
But as she stepped forward, there was a glimmer of something softer in her eyes.
"Are you ready for your first big mission?" Ino called out cheerfully.
"Totally ready!" Gojo said, his grin widening.
This was more than just bravado—it was a genuine excitement burning through his veins.
Shizuka walked up to him, stopping just a foot away.
"Just… take care of yourself, okay? Who else will stand a chance against me in the future if you get hurt?" she said, feigning indifference.
Gojo chuckled.
"I won't let anything happen to me, Shizuka."
Without hesitation, he ruffled her hair.
The gesture surprised even him.
It was casual… familiar.
Shizuka froze.
Then, her cheeks ignited into a vibrant red.
"Wha—what was that for?" she stammered.
"Just making sure you know I believe in you," he said with a wink.
"Ugh! Just don't do anything reckless," she muttered and turned away hastily, still visibly flustered.
As she disappeared from view, a familiar blue screen appeared before her eyes—only visible to her:
> New Chakra Attributes Unlocked: Wind and Water.
Mission: "Your Duty to Say Farewell to Your Future Husband."
Shizuka rolled her eyes.
"Of course, this is just for rewards," she mumbled—but her smile betrayed her.
Meanwhile, Gojo turned to Ino, Sakura, and Hinata.
Each of them had a different expression—support, curiosity, and concern.
"Be careful out there," Hinata said shyly.
Her hands fidgeted as she looked up at him.
"Bring back something cool!" Ino added, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Don't forget to tell us everything when you come back," Sakura chimed in, giving him a nod of encouragement.
Gojo nodded gratefully.
Their words were like fuel to his fire.
He was determined not to disappoint.
Then, Tsunade approached.
Clad in her usual green robe, she gave off a mixture of power and calm.
"Enjoying the send-off?" she teased, eyeing the group.
"Yeah! They're just making sure I'll come back in one piece," Gojo laughed.
She tousled his hair, mimicking his earlier gesture with Shizuka.
"What's this? Our little Gojo's getting popular?"
He blinked in surprise at her touch but grinned.
"You're the most beautiful woman in the world. How could I be bored with you?"
Tsunade blinked—caught off guard by his sincerity.
Then, her smile softened.
Without a word, she pulled him into a gentle hug.
"You're going to make me cry, you little charmer."
Moments later, the rest of their team arrived—a middle-aged merchant with a kindly face and a horse-drawn cart.
He bowed politely.
"Thank you for your protection. These goods must reach the Grass Village safely. They're rare herbs and spices."
"We'll make sure they get there in one piece," Tsunade said firmly, and the journey began.
As they moved beyond the village's threshold, Gojo took a deep breath.
This was it.
Konoha's towering walls faded behind them, replaced by the vast expanse of wilderness.
Trees stretched endlessly to the horizon.
Birds flitted between branches.
The forest whispered its ancient secrets as they walked the winding path.
Tsunade matched his pace, her hands behind her back as she spoke.
"Every mission has a purpose. Some are straightforward, others… not so much."
Gojo nodded, listening carefully.
"This one may seem easy, but don't let your guard down. Bandits, rogue ninjas, missing-nin—you never know what's out there. Your awareness is your best weapon."
"Understood," he replied. "I'll stay sharp."
She smiled.
"Good. You've got potential, Gojo. But don't let potential become arrogance."
They walked on, the tension easing as the merchant began chatting lightly.
"Back when I was younger, I traveled to the Land of Rain. Nearly got swept away by a flash flood, ha!"
Gojo laughed.
"You've lived quite the life."
"Oh, I've seen things, boy. But you shinobi—your lives are even more unpredictable."
The merchant's stories passed the time pleasantly, and as the afternoon sun dipped lower, they paused for a break beside a shallow stream.
Birds chirped overhead, and the tranquil rhythm of flowing water calmed Gojo's nerves.
He knelt by the stream, scooping cool water into his hands.
His reflection stared back—calm, yet resolute.
He wasn't the same boy who once feared the consequences of his transmigration.
He was stronger now.
Sharper.
Focused.
He recalled his training—his mastery over elemental jutsu, the hours spent refining his Sharingan, and the advice drilled into him by teachers and allies alike.
Every step had brought him here.
"Thinking deep thoughts?" Tsunade asked, settling beside him.
"Just reflecting. I want to make this mission count."
"You already are," she said.
"Sometimes, just being prepared is the difference between life and death."
A shadow fell across the clearing as the wind picked up.
Gojo blinked, alert.
The forest around them had grown… quiet.
Too quiet.
No chirping birds.
No rustling animals.
Just stillness.
Tsunade stood immediately, eyes scanning the treeline.
"Something's not right. Stay close."
The merchant tensed, holding his satchel protectively.
Gojo instinctively activated his golden Sharingan—the tomoe flaring to life.
From the woods, a faint rustle echoed.
Then another.
Tsunade moved to the front of the group.
"Everyone stay alert."
The silence stretched for what felt like minutes—until movement burst from the trees ahead.
A group of rough, armed men stepped into view—bandits.
They looked grimy, unkempt, and confident in their numbers.
"Well, well," the leader sneered.
"Looks like we've got ourselves a jackpot."
"Hand over the merchant and the goods. Now."
Gojo's eyes narrowed.
His body tensed.
The anticipation he'd felt earlier sharpened into clarity.
This was it.
His first real fight outside Konoha.
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End of Chapter 38