Chapter 53: The Temporary Team Is Disbanded and Returns to Team Seven

On a new day, Tetsuya left a letter for Hinata and Ino before heading to the Hokage building. He might be gone for a while this time, so he entrusted them to take care of things in his absence.

As he stood before the task board, he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of missions available. "Can I pick up a few tasks at once?" he asked the staff.

The staff member, puzzled by his request, replied, "No, you must submit the previous task report before you can accept new tasks."

"Alright," Tetsuya sighed, "then I'll take this C-rank mission to clear out some bandits."

The shinobi world seemed to have an endless supply of bandits. They were like weeds—one batch was cleared, and another sprouted up. They served as perfect training fodder for genin.

After leaving the Hokage building, Tetsuya, brimming with energy, was noticed by Hozuki Kosuke. "Why are you so eager all of a sudden? Taking on multiple tasks?"

Tetsuya shrugged, "I'm short on money."

Kosuke raised his thumb in admiration when Tetsuya mentioned he was building a chakra weapon. "Most people make do with simple tools, but you're going all out with chakra metal and a full set, no less."

For the next half month, Tetsuya threw himself into mission after mission. The bandits around Konoha were having a tough time; word had spread about the relentless shinobi in the village. Despite his strength, Tetsuya continued to take on these suppression missions.

Besides low-level missions like bandit suppression, Tetsuya accepted any task involving assassination or long-term assignments. These missions, such as eliminating spies from other villages or noble rivalries, were at least B-rank, with rewards ranging from 80,000 to 300,000 ryo. Knowing Tetsuya needed money, Kosuke even offered to give up his share, but Tetsuya refused. The village usually kept thirty percent of the mission's reward, and the rest was split among the team. Despite Kosuke's generous offer, Tetsuya insisted he deserved his share.

"Lightning Release: One Flash!"

A bolt of lightning flickered, and Tetsuya vanished, reappearing behind his target a second later. The rogue ninja's head fell without a sound.

"Phew, that's done!" Tetsuya sheathed his sword, sealed the head into a scroll, and searched the body. "Only 50,000 ryo? Cheap bastard," he muttered, disappointed.

Makoto Ito, the rogue chunin, had a knack for sweet-talking women, including two kunoichi from Konoha. When his multiple affairs were exposed, the enraged women—led by Chunin Sayuri and Genin Yuko—issued a B-rank mission with a bounty of 800,000 ryo. They had specific requests for parts of his body, with Yuko demanding his head. Tetsuya had swiftly taken up this mission.

"Your swordsmanship is exquisite," Kosuke praised, observing Tetsuya's technique. Over the past weeks, he had watched Tetsuya's sword skills evolve into lethal precision, far surpassing his earlier flashy moves.

"I'm still a long way from your level, Kosuke-sensei," Tetsuya replied modestly. Despite his progress, he knew he had much to learn.

Kosuke smiled, saying something unexpected, "Seeing your growth, I can leave with confidence."

"Where are you going?" Tetsuya asked, surprised.

"You've become a competent ninja. There's no need for me to stay. I should return to my original post," Kosuke explained. He had been stationed at the Fire Country's border with the Land of Earth before teaming up with Tetsuya. With the Chunin Exams approaching, he needed to return to prevent any moves from Iwagakure.

Understanding the situation, Tetsuya bowed. "Thank you for everything, Kosuke-sensei."

Kosuke nodded, smiling.

Back in the village, the Third Hokage looked at Tetsuya with pride. The young ninja's aura was fierce, like an unsheathed sword. "You can return to Team Seven. Their training is nearly complete, and they're ready for missions outside the village."

Tetsuya agreed without objection. After getting their location, he headed to meet them.

By a river in Konoha, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were wading through the water, clearing weeds. Naruto grumbled as he pulled out a clump, "I'm gonna be Hokage, not a gardener!"

"Stop whining, Naruto!" Sakura snapped, though she shared his frustration. Their missions were mundane—weeding, catching cats, babysitting.

Sasuke remained silent, his cold demeanor reflecting his dissatisfaction. He knew Tetsuya was off doing important missions while they wasted time here. When could he finally face Itachi?

On the shore, Kakashi leaned against a tree, engrossed in his book. He glanced up at Naruto's complaint but said nothing.

Just then, a gust of wind blew by.

"Kakashi-sensei, still taking it easy, I see," a mocking voice called out.

The three genin turned to see Tetsuya approaching.

"Tetsuya!"