[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [Thank You For Your Support!]
The Uchiha clan's reputation for the quality of their weapons is well-regarded, and they frequently conduct business with the village.
However, the village's current request for a large quantity of military weapons has been effectively monopolized by Kenji, who managed to secure a Jōnin exam slot in exchange for fulfilling the order—a minor concession for the Uchiha.
As for the mission credentials, Kenji had the clan members sort it out, albeit at a higher cost.
Fortunately, money is not a concern for Yōichi at the moment.
He simply needs to report to Hiruzen to receive his mission, which typically involves completing an A-rank mission that tests the comprehensive abilities of a ninja. While a Chūnin already possesses the qualities needed to lead a team, a Jōnin is expected to delve into more profound aspects.
Such missions might include inter-country tasks or achieving victory on the battlefield. This is why Jōnin are considered a decisive force within the village—they have a broader range of responsibilities.
Of course, strength is the primary consideration; as long as one has the strength, even if lacking in other areas, one can still be promoted to special Jōnin.
Yōichi, aspiring to shine on the battlefield, first needs to attain the rank of Jōnin; otherwise, as a Chūnin, he would merely be following commands on the battlefield.
"Without delay, Elder Kenji, I will go to receive my mission today. If all goes well, I could depart by this afternoon!"
Upon hearing Yōichi's words, Kenji was momentarily stunned, then smiled and said, "That works. The Third has asked for you this morning. But are you prepared? If the mission is too challenging, do you need the clan's assistance?"
Yōichi replied, "I frequently leave the village, so there's nothing specific I need to prepare for. Besides, if the Jōnin exam requires assistance from clan members, how could it be convincing? I'm sufficient on my own."
"Is that so? Well then," Kenji nodded in response and said, "Given your frequent travels outside the village, you should be familiar with such experiences. However, since this Jōnin slot was acquired somewhat dishonorably, they might not make it easy for you. Be careful."
"I understand, Elder Kenji. Don't worry," Yōichi said. His strength had increased significantly over the past year.
His progress was similar to Sasuke's, who had also experienced a sudden surge in strength. The latter, after years of stagnation in the Ninja Academy, became a Jōnin within a year after graduating, thanks to various opportunities.
Yōichi was no different.
With Lightning Release Chakra Mode, the three-tomoe Sharingan, a developing Godzilla-like tailed beast power, swordsmanship, and elite Jōnin-level chakra, Yōichi's strength was undeniably formidable.
Although he had only exchanged one blow with Sakumo during their encounter at the Land of Rivers' daimyo's palace, he felt less pressured than before.
It might have been because Sakumo wasn't serious, but Yōichi's improvement was increasingly evident.
After leaving the Uchiha clan area, Yōichi headed straight for the Hokage's office.
Lately, he had nothing else to do besides train. Whether he left a day earlier or later made no difference. Moreover, he had just asked Kenji to look after Mina in the village, leaving him with little to worry about.
Arriving at the Hokage's office, Yōichi directly sought out the Hokage's office, knocked on the door, and upon receiving permission, entered.
"Hokage-sama!"
"Ah, Yōichi-kun, perfect timing. This mission will require your collaboration."
Upon seeing Yōichi, Hiruzen spoke kindly; the room was not empty but filled with several other ninjas.
Among them, a white-haired, nearly two-meter-tall man with clogs and a red coat, along with a red mark on his face and a forehead protector marked with "oil," caught Yōichi's attention.
One of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya.
Besides Jiraiya, there were the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, Inuzuka Tsume, and Aburame Shibi, along with two other unfamiliar ninjas, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, two advisors also present.
Yōichi began to ponder the complexity of a mission requiring the deployment of one of the Legendary Sannin.
"Since almost everyone is here, let's discuss the operation."
Hiruzen, with his hands crossed in front of him, spoke solemnly to those present. "The negotiations with the Land of Rivers' daimyo and the new daimyo are nearing completion, with the latter leaning towards us. It's time to sign the treaty. The Land of Fire has already sent the Minister of External Affairs to the Land of Rivers, and Konoha has decided to dispatch you."
"The official reason is to protect the Minister of External Affairs, but secretly, you'll also liaise with the new daimyo's ninja faction in the Land of Rivers. With Sunagakure losing the trust of the daimyo's mansion in the Land of Rivers, Konoha's military might has been extended into River Country."
At this point, Hiruzen paused.
Shikaku then asked, "If that's the case, it will surely provoke a strong response from Sunagakure. Third Hokage, has there been any movement from Sunagakure recently?"
"Exactly because there hasn't been any movement, I'm unsure of Sunagakure's intentions."
Hiruzen shook his head, continuing, "The Anbu have reported that the Third Kazekage had intentions to visit the Land of Rivers, but there has been no movement from Sunagakure for a long time, nor any news of the Third Kazekage. He seems to have disappeared suddenly."
"Is the intelligence reliable? Or did the Third Kazekage cancel his plans, returning to Sunagakure to deceive us?"
"The Anbu lost two members obtaining this information, so it's accurate. As for cancelling the decision, that would mean abandoning the peace negotiations with the Land of Rivers."
Hiruzen thought for a moment, then shook his head again, "Sunagakure shows no signs of war, so it's unlikely they will resort to warfare. Moreover, waging war would result in greater losses for Sunagakure."
"And after the Third Kazekage's sudden disappearance, Sunagakure sent another delegation to the Land of Rivers for negotiations, specifically requesting the presence of someone from Konoha Village!"
Jiraiya then asked, "Old man, what is Sunagakure planning?"
"I'm not sure, which is why you're being sent to the Land of Rivers to investigate thoroughly."
Hiruzen looked around at everyone and then continued, "Jiraiya, you, along with Shikaku, Inoichi, and Chōza will deal with the Sunagakure delegation. The rest of you will infiltrate the Land of Wind to gather information on the Third Kazekage's situation. The Anbu will provide support for you."
"Yōichi-kun, this will also be your Jōnin exam task."
After Hiruzen finished speaking, almost everyone in the room turned to look at him. Undergoing the Jōnin exam at the age of fourteen, if successful, he would become another prodigious Jōnin.
The last Jōnin to achieve this feat at such a young age was Minato.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
Yōichi responded calmly and decisively.
He and Elder Kenji had anticipated that the Konoha leadership would not make his Jōnin exam easy, but they had not expected them to be so underhanded.
Investigating the whereabouts of the Third Kazekage was far beyond an A-rank Jōnin exam task; it was essentially an S-rank mission suited for a Jōnin squad.
Gathering information on a Kage was no simple feat, especially since he was not a reconnaissance-type ninja.
If it weren't for the possibility that the Third Kazekage might be in trouble, Yōichi would not have agreed so readily.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] [Thank You For Your Support!]
Gathering intelligence on a village leader is never an easy task. Could even Hiruzen have his whereabouts easily uncovered by spies from other villages? Without some clairvoyance, this mission would be impossible to complete.
Failing to complete the mission might give him a chance to slow down or persuade Mina to join the medical team, offering him another opportunity for the Jōnin exam.
Due to their relationship, Yōichi could only think with a somewhat darker mindset.
However, knowing that the Third Kazekage might have fallen at the hands of Sasori made things easier; knowing the outcome meant they only needed to trace the process leading to it.
Yōichi remembered that the Third Kazekage had been missing for a long time. Since his body was never found, the Sand Village refused to believe that something had happened to their strongest Kazekage ever.
The village eventually had to go to war due to the internal strife caused by the relentless search for the Kazekage.
For this Jōnin exam mission, finding a clue related to Sasori was enough. Anything beyond that, the higher-ups of Konoha could investigate themselves.
After finalizing the details, Shikaku asked, "Jiraiya-sama, when do we depart?"
"It's eleven now. We'll leave precisely at two in the afternoon. However, once we reach the border of the Land of Rivers, we'll have to split up."
Jiraiya's last statement was directed at those ninjas like Yōichi who had reconnaissance tasks. Apart from Yōichi, the other five ninjas each had their squads, specialized in gathering intelligence.
This arrangement made Yōichi suspect the true intentions of Konoha's higher-ups.
"Let's get ready and meet at the gates of Konoha."
After the meeting, including Yōichi, the ninjas left to prepare their equipment for the mission. Being a long-term mission, they had to ensure they were fully equipped with soldier pills, kunai, shuriken, etc.
Yōichi, besides leaving his Raijin at home, packed everything else, including medical supplies prepared by Mina, which were sufficient for treating general injuries. (I like the name Raijin more)
"I should say goodbye to Mina before I leave."
Yōichi thought to himself, as he would be away for at least a month or two, especially since he received this mission suddenly in the morning.
Upon arriving at the Konoha hospital, Yōichi learned that Mina was in surgery, so he waited outside for her to finish.
After waiting for about ten minutes, Yōichi suddenly spotted a familiar figure, strikingly white and eye-catching under the sunlight.
Tsunade spotted Yōichi at the hospital entrance as well. The two had a cooperative relationship, and Tsunade had received three million from Yōichi, easing her financial strain.
Thus, there was no hostility as exaggerated as their first encounter. Approaching him, she asked, "Uchiha brat, are you waiting for Mina?"
"Yes, I'll be leaving the village this afternoon and might not return for a long time, so I came to tell Mina. Tsunade-sama, have you been drinking?"
Yōichi sniffed, detecting a faint smell of alcohol, as if she had been trying to sober up outside.
"Mind your own business. I can't let it go to waste, brat!"
Tsunade's expression soured as she swung her fist in a warning gesture. It was nothing for the brat to comment on her smell, especially since she only had a couple of drinks left from yesterday, which she finished off in the morning without wasting.
Tsunade's visit to the Konoha hospital today was to check for any medical requests. The three million she had previously won was almost gone after only two gambling sessions.
Yōichi had no intention of meddling further. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered something and stopped. Turning to Tsunade, he asked, "By the way, Tsunade-sama, would you be interested in taking on a commission? It's well-paid."
"What kind of commission?"
Tsunade was about to leave but stopped at the mention of money. If it was as simple as taking a couple of photos for three million, like last time, she might consider it.
"Provide some guidance on medical ninjutsu to Mina, just an hour a day for two months. I'll pay one and a half million per month."
This sudden commission was borne out of concern that Mina might face a gap in her training after finishing with Morimoto.
In Konoha, if anyone wasn't afraid of the higher-ups, it was Tsunade.
After hearing Yōichi's proposal, Tsunade couldn't help but feel annoyed, "Brat, I wanted to take her as my apprentice, but she refused. And now you're willing to pay me to teach her? Having second thoughts?"
"It's not quite like that. It's more akin to how a Jōnin squad leader would guide their team. If you're not interested, forget it."
Yōichi was just asking casually. If Elder Kenji had other contacts, Tsunade wouldn't be necessary.
"Hmph, if you're willing to pay, I have no objections!"
After huffing, Tsunade continued, "I've told her before that she could come to me for advice, but despite several visits to the hospital, she never approached me. Is she afraid I'll persuade her to join the medical team?"
Yōichi didn't respond, but his expression gave him away.
"I only asked her once, and you all are so guarded. Tell that girl to relax; I've lost interest in meddling in your affairs."
Tsunade clicked her tongue, "Pay up, and have Mina come to me when she has time."
Last time, Tsunade was merely intrigued by Mina's unique chakra and impulsively wanted to take her as an apprentice. But she didn't expect the girl to be so reliant on this Uchiha brat.
If it weren't for the bizarre pig transformation incident, she wouldn't even know this Uchiha kid and wouldn't bother getting involved in village affairs.
"I didn't bring any money. Mina will pay you tomorrow."
Seeing Tsunade reaching for payment, Yōichi rolled his eyes but then remembered he hadn't used his pickpocketing ability yet today.
Stealing anything from the Senju lineage, whether it be Yang Release chakra, medical ninjutsu, or her monstrous strength, would be a win.
With that thought, Yōichi reached out and grabbed Tsunade's hand, diverting her attention, "Then it's settled, Tsunade-sama."
'Activate!'
After activating the ability, Yōichi suddenly felt something extra in his other hand, seemingly a piece of cloth, made of cotton, and still warm.
This theft immediately gave Yōichi a bad feeling.
He quickly let go, saying, "Since we've agreed, I have some things to take care of, so I'll be leaving now."
After saying this, Yōichi turned and left swiftly, clenching his fist tightly, not daring to open it.
"Hmph, this kid, making a handshake so formal. But wasn't he supposed to wait for Mina?"
Tsunade scoffed, shaking her head as she prepared to enter the hospital, "Well, it's none of my business anyway."
'Why does something feel off?'
Tsunade hadn't walked two steps before she suddenly felt like she was missing something from her lower half, a sort of emptiness.
"No, could it be... Did I forget to wear them when I left? Impossible, that's absolutely impossible. How could I have not worn them?"
Tsunade's face turned pale as she quickly tightened her legs together and hurried to her office.
Once there, Tsunade slammed the door shut, pulled the curtain closed, and then reached down to check.
"Where... where is my underwear?"
(End of Chapter)
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT