Chapter 43: Chakra Attributes and First Mission

"Wind, fire, water, earth. Haha, kid, you're just like me."

Jiraiya tousled Tatsuma's head even more, then glanced at Minato Namikaze. At that moment, Minato Namikaze was also scrutinizing the test paper in his hand and remarked, "Wrinkle, tear, burn. I should have lightning, wind, and fire, right?"

"Yes, not bad. You're also a ninja with three attributes. Unfortunately, I can't offer you much guidance on Lightning Release. However, I've delved into wind and fire nature techniques quite extensively. Lightning Release will be your own journey of exploration in the future."

Jiraiya felt a bit helpless. Minato nodded, undeterred. After all, he hadn't delved into any nature techniques thus far, and contemplating mastering all three attributes seemed overly ambitious.

Jiraiya turned to the two and inquired

"Do you want to take a few days off, let me draft your training plan, and then integrate practice with your missions? Or are you planning to jump right into missions without a break?"

Usually for regular Genin who have just graduated, there's no need to create an elaborate training plan. Just take them for tree-climbing and water-walking exercises

However, Tatsuma and Minato had already mastered these fundamentals during their time at the Academy. Furthermore, their evaluations from two days ago were scrutinized through the Telescope Jutsu by Jiraiya and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Hence, for these two prodigies, employing an off-the-shelf plan wouldn't suffice. Jiraiya's fervor for his inaugural set of students also prevented him from taking such a shortcut.

Conducting a direct examination of the Chakra attributes of the two, Jiraiya intended to customize their training based on the nuances of their Chakra characteristics. This required some preparation time.

After deliberation, Tatsuma and Minato then addressed Jiraiya, "Jiraiya-sensei, we're ready to embark on missions now."

Minato was eager for the ninja life, while Tatsuma, based on his understanding, knew that freshly graduated Genin typically had to tackle several D-rank missions like weeding and finding lost cats.

"Instead of waiting, it's better to knock out these missions first and then delve into training and take on higher-level tasks," Tatsuma suggested.

Jiraiya nodded and remarked, "I anticipated your choices, so I've already selected a suitable mission for you."

"What mission?" Minato asked eagerly. Jiraiya unfurled a scroll and replied, "It's a C-rank mission: apprehend a C-rank rogue ninja from the Waterfall Hidden Village and dismantle the influence they've established in the Land of Fire."

Upon hearing this, Minato's eyes sparked with anticipation, while Tatsuma was somewhat taken aback. He hadn't anticipated starting with a C-rank mission. Observing Tatsuma's reaction, Jiraiya laughed heartily and commented, "Tatsuma, you little rascal, didn't see that coming, huh? 

Sarutobi-sensei initially had reservations, but considering the talents you two possess, engaging in D-rank missions would be a total waste of time. This mission is just right; the target is only a Chunin. Despite establishing their influence in the Land of Fire after defection, it's nothing more than a few ronin and thugs."

"And I'll accompany you on this mission. However, unless you run into danger, I won't offer any assistance. Of course, considering the nature of this low-level mission, I'll have to question your abilities if you do encounter danger."

Jiraiya spoke with a teasing tone as if attempting to ignite their emotions. However, neither of the two reacted, which left Jiraiya feeling a bit unenthused. Nonchalantly, he inquired, "Are you up for it?"

"I'm willing."

"No problem."

Both nodded, and Jiraiya tossed the mission scroll to them, remarking, "You decide the departure time."

Minato took the scroll and began to examine it, while Tatsuma tentatively said, "Jiraiya-sensei, this is a mission outside the village. Along the way, expenses for food and accommodation..."

Typically, when ninjas undertake missions, accommodations might be informal, and dining out or starting a fire might not be practical. They usually rely on Military ration pills. However, Tatsuma's concern was with the Military Ration Pills, which had to be purchased.

Seeing Tatsuma looking somewhat hesitant yet expectant, Jiraiya scratched his belly and said, "Need a loan?"

"Borrowing for Military Rations Pills is fine."

Seeing Jiraiya getting straight to the point, Tatsuma also spoke openly, and Jiraiya nodded, asking, "Anything else? Ninja tools? Explosive tags? Smoke bombs? Do you need these?"

As the Jonin leading the team, Jiraiya didn't mind the two students spending some money. After all, Tsunade had been unable to come home recently, and no one would be spending his money. His wallet was quite full now.

Tatsuma shook his head and said, "Sarutobi Atoma-sensei has already purchased new ninja tools for us. Explosive tags and smoke bombs are a bit too pricey. We might end up in the red after completing the mission, so it's unnecessary."

"Unnecessary? This is your first mission. Are you sure you don't want to be more thorough in your preparations?"

Jiraiya chuckled while looking at the two. Both shook their heads; after all, their conversation with Jiraiya was framed in a borrowing context. If they borrowed more, they'd have to pay back more.

Being Genin now meant they would lose their allowances starting next month. They'd also be responsible for covering the rent and utilities for their apartments. Since they hadn't completed any missions yet, overspending was a luxury they couldn't afford.

"Alright then, I'll prepare the Military Rations Pills for you. When do you plan to depart?"

Jiraiya didn't attempt to persuade them further. Tatsuma looked at Minato, who had finished reading the mission scroll. Minato lowered his head, contemplated for a moment, and said, "The entire village is being held hostage. Every day we delay brings more danger to the villagers. Tatsuma, can you leave in the afternoon? I don't need much preparation on my end; how about you?"

Tatsuma nodded and replied, "No problem. Our situations are similar. We just need to gather our things when we get back."

Only then did Minato turn to Jiraiya and said, "Jiraiya-sensei, we plan to depart after noon, tentatively around 2 p.m. Is that acceptable to you?"

"You decide; I won't give you advice, and I won't be a burden to you."

Jiraiya shrugged, and Tatsuma and Minato nodded. Tatsuma added, "Alright, for now, let's disband. Minato, plan our route, and I'll head to the Hokage's office to report and pick up the travel permit. We'll rendezvous at the village entrance at 2 p.m."

"No problem."

Minato handed the mission scroll to Tatsuma, who hadn't glanced at it yet. Obtaining the travel permit from the Hokage's office required referencing the mission scroll.

The three swiftly departed. Tatsuma returned home and perused the mission scroll. The destination was a place called Hakusen Village, renowned for its hot springs and cultural industries. Recently, it had fallen under the control of Nasu, a rogue ninja from the Waterfall Village, the target of their mission.

Their task was to apprehend this rogue ninja and dismantle the criminal organization he had established in Hakusen Village. The mission was commissioned by the Daimyo's estate.

After a quick perusal of the mission details, Tatsuma rolled up the scroll and commenced packing his belongings—a sizable ninja tool backpack, two compact waist pouches, and leg pouches. He armed himself with the necessary ninja tools, secured the door, and set out.

Tatsuma initially headed to the Hokage's office to report and acquire the travel permit. Subsequently, he visited the Konoha Archives, the village library, to gather information about Hakusen Village. Following a swift lunch, he hastened to the village entrance for the rendezvous.

Minato was already waiting at the entrance, and the two exchanged information. Jiraiya, arriving with a leap, handed over the travel permit for inspection by the ninja stationed at the village gate. After verification, Tatsuma and Minato took their first steps outside Konoha Village.

---- 

Check out my patreon for more advanced chapters up to 50 at patreon.com/HellGolt