The four travelers follow the genuine supply road north, leaving the scorched shelf behind. By dusk, the smaller nation’s guarded command post rises beside a dry riverbed.
A middle-aged woman in a sand-colored command coat meets them beneath the gate tower, her weathered face framed by gray-streaked hair and a brass insignia at her collar.
The Courier
The road beyond the lower bend is undefended. Scouts marked it for an attack, and these witnesses stopped them before the wagons arrived.
Mara Vey
The coded map was destroyed with its carriers, but I saw the scouts approach. The warning is true.
The command officer records their testimony, compares the black paint fragment with the road marks, and sends runners toward the threatened supply route.
The Masked Challenger
Your obligation is fulfilled, Leaf shinobi. The courier and I will remain until the route is secured. Mara will guide the first patrol.
At dawn, Ren leaves the command post alone and turns east toward Konohagakure. Far across the border road, a folded message waits at the next checkpoint with his name on it.
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn what the folded message contains.
“I approach the next checkpoint and ask for the folded message bearing my name.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -3)
Ren reaches the eastern checkpoint beneath a patched timber arch. A young adult woman guard, lean and sharp-faced, watches from a sand-colored cloak, one pale scar crossing her brow.
Ren Uchiha
I am Ren Uchiha. I was told a folded message bearing my name is waiting here.
Checkpoint Guard
Ren Uchiha of Konohagakure. Hold there while I verify the seal.
She checks a slate, then retrieves a folded paper from a locked iron box beneath the watch table. Its outer fold plainly bears Ren’s name in dark ink.
Checkpoint Guard
This is yours. Sign the receipt, and take it east. The courier who left it warned us not to delay you.
Ren receives the message, but the guard records his name, clan, direction, and arrival time in the checkpoint ledger. Her suspicion is now part of the road’s official record.
Ren Uchiha
The fold is sealed with Leaf wax, but the paper smells faintly of smoke.
Quest Complete
Warn the smaller nation’s superiors about the undefended supply road.
Skill Upgrade: Tactics Mediocre
+ New Item Acquired
Folded message