Chapter 68

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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)