Chapter 53: The Temporary Team Is Disbanded

(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)

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On a crisp morning in Konoha, Colt walked to the Hokage building after leaving a detailed letter for Hinata and Ino.

He anticipated a prolonged absence, so he entrusted the two kunoichi with managing his house affairs. Or in other words, taking care of his dog.

The bustling village streets came to life as vendors set up stalls and ninjas hurried to their duties.

In the mission assignment room, Colt's eyes were drawn to the scrolls on the task board. Each represented a potential adventure, a chance to hone his skills and earn money.

Feeling ambitious, he approached the desk. "Is it possible to take on multiple missions at once?" he asked hopefully.

The staff member looked up, confused. She'd never received such a request before.

After a moment, she shook her head. "I'm sorry, but that's not allowed. You must submit the report for your previous mission before accepting a new one."

Colt's shoulders slumped, but he quickly regained composure.

"I understand. I'll take this C-rank bandit cleanup mission."

Accepting the scroll, Colt mused on the persistent bandit problem in the Land of Fire.

For every group they eliminated, another emerged. Still, they were reliable for gaining experience and improving his skills.

Leaving the Hokage building with a spring in his step, Colt's enthusiasm was palpable.

Kosuke Maruboshi, waiting outside, raised an eyebrow. "You seem unusually eager today,"

Kosuke observed. "What's got you so worked up about taking on multiple missions?"

Colt grinned sheepishly. "I'm in dire need of funds. I've got big plans."

He thought of the chakra weapons he intended to craft, an ambitious project requiring significant time and resources.

Kosuke's eyes widened as Colt shared his vision with him.

The older ninja once he heard what Colt had said, extended his thumb in admiration.

"You never do anything by halves. Most would be satisfied with a chakra-infused kunai or two, but you're aiming for a full set. Impressive!"

For the next fortnight, Colt immersed himself in missions. He was a constant presence at the mission desk, accepting tasks with determination. The bandits soon learned to fear a certain relentless shinobi disrupting their operations.

While Colt didn't shy away from mundane D-rank missions, he was drawn to higher-risk, higher-reward tasks.

Assassination, espionage, and long-term reconnaissance became his focus. He eliminated spies, carried out precision strikes, and gathered crucial intelligence, shaping Konoha's foreign policy.

These high-stakes missions, often involving enemy ninja confrontations, were classified as B-rank minimum.

The pay reflected the danger, with rewards ranging from 80,000 to 300,000 ryo. It was lucrative but demanding work.

Kosuke noticed the toll these missions took on Colt.

Knowing Colt's financial needs, he offered on a certain day, "Why don't I give up my share of the mission rewards? You're doing most of the heavy lifting anyway."

Colt was taken aback. He knew the payment structure: 70% of the reward to the team, and 30% to the village.

Normally, Colt and Kosuke would split the team's share, meaning Colt would pocket just over 100,000 ryo for a 300,000 ryo mission.

After consideration, Colt shook his head.

"I appreciate the offer, Kosuke-san, but I can't accept. You've been an invaluable mentor and partner. Your share is well-deserved."

Kosuke nodded, pride and respect evident in his eyes. Although he truly meant what he proposed, he was nonetheless pleased with Colt.

He admired his sense of fairness, even in personal need.

Colt's skills sharpened as the days passed. Each mission honed his abilities and expanded his tactical repertoire. It all resulted in the conceiving of a high-stakes assassination technique.

And this time he was putting it to the test.

"[First Form: Thunderclap and Flash]!"

The air crackled with electricity as Colt invoked his signature technique. In a blinding flash, he reappeared behind his target, a rogue Chūnin. The ninja didn't register the danger before Colt's sword had struck.

Catching his breath, Colt sealed the head in a scroll and after steeling his resolve, he searched the body for valuable intelligence or assets.

"Tch, poor bastard," he muttered, finding only 50,000 ryo in crumpled bills.

"Is this really all a Chūnin is worth these days?"

The mission had been commissioned by a group of scorned women from a village. The target, Chūnin Makoto Ito, had charmed and manipulated numerous women, including two respected kunoichi.

When his lies unraveled, a coalition of spurned lovers issued a B-rank mission with a bounty of 800,000 ryo.

The mission parameters were specific and macabre. Various clients requested body parts as trophies, requiring precision. Yanagi Kazane contributing the lion's share of the bounty, demanded Makoto's head.

Recognizing the mission's lucrative nature and the chance to refine his techniques, Colt volunteered.

As he secured the remains, Kosuke approached, admiring Colt's skill. "That was some exquisite swordsmanship, Colt. Your progress is remarkable."

Over the past two weeks, Kosuke watched Colt evolve. The young ninja distilled his combat experience into a lethal style, prioritizing speed and precision. It was a far cry from his earlier flashy moves.

Colt remained humble. "I still have a long way to go, Kosuke-san. This technique is still in need of some work. There's so much more to learn."

Kosuke smiled proudly. "Seeing your drive to improve, I can leave with confidence now."

Colt's head snapped up very quickly. "Leave? Where are you going?"

Kosuke's smile turned bittersweet. "You've become a qualified ninja, Colt. My role as your mentor and partner is no longer necessary. It's time for me to return to my original post."

Kosuke explained his previous station at the Land of Fire and the Land of Earth's tumultuous border. With the Chūnin exams approaching, tensions rose, and Iwagakure's potential aggression required his experience.

Understanding dawned on Colt, mingled with sadness. He bowed deeply.

"Thank you for everything, Kosuke-san. Your guidance has been invaluable."

Kosuke returned the bow, smiling warmly. As they returned to Konoha, they reflected on their journey and the paths ahead.

Upon their return, they were summoned to the Hokage's office. Hiruzen Sarutobi regarded Colt with a penetrating gaze.

"I've been following your progress, Colt. The change in you is remarkable. Your aura became like a living blade, honed to perfection."

Colt accepted the praise with a respectful nod.

"I believe it's time for you to return to the team 7"

Hiruzen continued. "Your teammates have made significant strides. Their teamwork has improved, and your experience will guide them through new challenges."

Though accustomed to solo missions, Colt didn't object.

He was curious about his teammates' development.

After receiving permission to leave, Colt set out to find his team. A quick inquiry led him to a nearby river, where Team 7 cleared weeds, a familiar and slightly comical scene.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura stood knee-deep in the water, frustrated.

Naruto yanked out the river grass.

"Damn it! I want to be Hokage! Why am I stuck doing these boring tasks?"

Sakura whirled on him. "Shut up, Naruto! Stop being lazy! We all have to do our part!"

Sasuke remained silent, his indifference evident.

Colt felt sympathy for his teammates, knowing the monotony of the D-rank missions.

His gaze drifted to the riverbank, where Kakashi Hatake lounged, engrossed in his copy of "Make-Out Paradise."

As Naruto's complaints peaked, Kakashi's eye lifted slightly, but he made no move to intervene.

Deciding to make his presence known, Colt stepped onto the river's surface. A breeze carried his voice to the group.

"Kakashi-sensei, you seem quite relaxed. Enjoying the show?"

The effect was immediate. Kakashi straightened, alert. In the river, the genin spun around, eyes wide.

"Colt!" they exclaimed; their frustrations forgotten in an instant.

Colt, balancing effortlessly on the water's surface, smiled.

It was good to be back.