Hokage's Office.
As the key squad of this graduating class, Team 8 naturally had to make a detailed report to the Hokage after their first C-rank mission, especially since the mission had been so convoluted.
"Masao Ishihara concealed the true target of the mission..."
"Frequent bandit attacks after entering the Land of Rivers..."
"On the fifth day, attacked by a total of seven ninjas led by a Jonin..."
"During the incident, Taiichi saved Saori, disrupting the enemy's deployment. Yohei fought bravely, awakening his Sharingan. Saori fought one against four, stalling the enemy's advance."
"Later, Taiichi saw through the truth and used a clever strategy to deceive the enemy."
"In the final battle, Taiichi killed a Chunin and a Genin, and stalled a Special Jonin. Ultimately, forcing the enemy to retreat and successfully completing the mission."
"On the way back, we encountered our intelligence ninja. Team 8 ambushed and killed one Jonin and three Chunin."
"Taiichi used superb medical ninjutsu to save the intelligence ninja's life and reattach his severed limb."
"That is the full detail of this mission. Below are my personal views on the team members." Captain Yamaguchi, with a serious face, made his final report to the Hokage.
"Taiichi Matsushita's overall quality far exceeds that of an average Chunin. His Taijutsu and Ninjutsu abilities have reached Jonin level, but he is limited by his age and physical fitness, which prevents him from fully utilizing his strength. Additionally, his mind is extremely sharp, and his insight and tactical thinking are top-tier. His medical ninjutsu is also profound. He is an all-around talent."
"Yohei Uchiha awakened his Sharingan during this mission. Although it is only one tomoe, his foundation is solid, and his strength has just reached Chunin level. Unlike other Uchihas, he is more willing to communicate with others. He also focuses more on improving his own strength rather than relying solely on the Sharingan."
"Saori Furukawa is meticulous and serves well as the team's lubricant. Her strength is above average among Genin. Especially in combat, she is fierce and mighty, completely different from her usual demeanor."
"This concludes my report on the C-rank mission and my evaluation of the team members." Captain Yamaguchi summarized.
The Hokage listened to Yamaguchi's report with relish. He beamed with delight, especially when hearing about Taiichi seeing through Masao Ishihara's scheme and devising a counter-strategy to fool the enemy ninjas.
A person with both courage and strategy was exactly the kind of talent Konoha needed. What was more precious was that this talent was his "grand-disciple."
"Very good, Masasuke. You did an excellent job this time. You not only successfully tested the team members but also gave them ample training." The Hokage didn't spare his praise.
"As for this mission, the Ishihara family has also submitted supplementary materials to us. Given that you encountered a Jonin squad during the mission, I will adjust the mission rank to A-rank," the Hokage added.
"Finally, regarding the rescue of the intelligence ninja, considering the importance of the intelligence, it will also be recorded as an A-rank mission." The Hokage gave his final conclusion.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Masasuke Yamaguchi was delighted. He hadn't expected a C-rank mission to turn into two A-rank missions. Even for a Jonin like him, this was a significant gain.
"Alright, you are dismissed. You must be tired after being out for so long. Rest well," the Hokage said with his usual concern.
"Yes!"
Just as Masasuke Yamaguchi turned to leave, he heard the Hokage's final instruction: "By the way, regarding the intelligence ninja, remember to keep it confidential. Inform the three little ones to do the same."
Masasuke Yamaguchi's heart sank. It seemed the matter was serious. He wondered if it would affect their current peaceful life.
"Yes!"
...
One hour after Masasuke Yamaguchi left.
Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado arrived at the Hokage's office one after another. Clearly, a very important matter was about to be discussed.
"Let's hear your thoughts on the intelligence brought back by Sanae Shinkawa." As the Hokage, he spoke first.
"That old hag Chiyo has always been a hawk in the Sand Village. Her leading a team to meet the Daimyo of the Land of Wind... the purpose is obvious." Koharu Utatane broke the silence after a long pause.
"It's a pity Sanae Shinkawa was discovered too early. If only we knew the specifics of their discussion," Homura Mitokado sighed, clearly dissatisfied with the lack of intelligence.
"Shinkawa did very well. Bringing back intelligence from under Chiyo's nose is commendable enough. Besides, if he hadn't met Taiichi's team, even if he survived, his ninja career would have been over."
The Hokage clearly had a different view, though it was unclear if the latter part of his sentence was meant for Homura Mitokado or Danzo Shimura.
Danzo's mouth twitched noticeably upon hearing "Taiichi's team." Clearly, the Hokage's subtle dig hit home.
In Danzo's mind, the Hokage's words translated to: Look, under my cultivation, Taiichi has reached this level of strength and even saved a Jonin for Konoha. How dare you say I can't cultivate talent!
Homura Mitokado stayed silent, recognizing that the Hokage was affirming Sanae Shinkawa's contribution.
"Actually, it's easy to find out. Just observe the movement of supplies in and out of the Sand Village. We can infer their general intentions from that," Koharu Utatane suggested.
"Then Danzo, I leave this task to your Root. You must find out the status of the Sand Village's supplies." The Hokage ordered Danzo.
"Understood. I will arrange for spies to pay attention to this." Danzo accepted the mission readily; this was exactly what he wanted to do.
But his next words darkened the Hokage's face: "However, Hiruzen, aren't we going to make any preparations? The Hidden Stone and Hidden Cloud have been making frequent moves lately, and even the Hidden Mist isn't very stable."
"Sigh. It's only been peaceful for a few years. Is it starting again?" The Hokage picked up the pipe on his desk, walked to the window, and looked at the bustling Konoha, puffing away—puff, puff—until he was shrouded in smoke.
"Slowly acquire daily necessities. Be careful not to attract attention. As for other matters, let's wait until the latest intelligence arrives," the Hokage's voice drifted from the smoke, sounding ethereal.
Danzo curled his lip, clearly dissatisfied with the Hokage's indecisiveness.
"Yes!" x3
The three answered simultaneously, proving that this matter required everyone's cooperation.
...
Meanwhile, a rested Taiichi strapped his short sword to his back and walked onto the streets of Konoha.
After seeing the customs and conditions of the Land of Rivers, Taiichi felt Konoha was even more beautiful upon his return. This wasn't just because he grew up in Konoha, but because of its peace and prosperity.
You could never imagine what it felt like to look up while walking and encounter a robbery.
You would never understand the shock of seeing one street bustling with life while just across the way, it looked like purgatory.
You would never know the sorrow of seeing land full of crops while people sold their children due to hunger.
This was the gap between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Fire, and Taiichi's feeling upon returning. Looking at the endless stream of people passing him with smiles on their faces gave Taiichi greater motivation to improve his strength—because all of this was what he wanted to protect.
> [Epiphany in progress. A blade swung for protection carries greater power. Infusing the intent of protection into your Sword Intent gives the enemy a feeling of impenetrability.]
> [Epiphany in progress. Your skill Advanced Kenjutsu Experience +300]
...