Ch-31 Going to the battlefield.

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"And not telling the real mission to your teammates isn't a good thing. I know you've been with the ROOTs, but you also have to remember that ROOT operates on entirely different principles than this. You made a mistake, so you will receive punishment for it, and you won't receive a penny upon completing this mission. The money will be divided based on the contributions of the rest of your teammates," said Hiruzen.

Nakamura nodded and replied, "I'll keep this in mind and won't repeat such things."

Hiruzen nodded and added, "Okay, you may go. And yes, remind Michikatsu that this was his first mission, so I'll overlook the matter of burning the bodies of the ninja. However, this should not happen in the future, or else it will affect his career and his chances of promotion."

"Yes, I'll inform Michikatsu," said Nakamura as he got up and bowed before leaving the office using the 'Body Flicker technique.'

When Michikatsu returned home, Kiyomi was happy to see her son return unharmed. Although this was just a C-level mission, it was a time of war, and anything could happen.

After spending some time with Kakashi and Kiyomi, Michikatsu continued his training. Although his speed was fast, it wasn't enough to kill a Chunin instantly, not without using his 'Blood Demon Art.' He still had a long way to go before becoming one of the strongest.

"For now, although I can't combine the 'Blood Demon Art' with Chakra to enhance it further, I can try to integrate and enhance my 'Breathing Technique' with chakra, like that guy Shira who created the 'Seven Heaven Breathing Method," thought Michikatsu, and he started working on it because he had already mastered the 'Total Concentration Breathing' and had a chance to master this new technique.

The next day, Nakamura met with Michikatsu, Nawaki, and Matsuda.

"So here is the remuneration for your mission," said Nakamura while distributing the money.

Michikatsu received the most, getting 50% of the remuneration for the mission. As he looked at the amount, he was confused because he received 150,000 ryo. Nawaki and Matsuda were also puzzled as they received 75,000 ryo each.

Nakamura, looking at their confusion, said, "As punishment for hiding the mission details from all of you, the Hokage has ordered that I am not allowed to take a single penny from this mission. The reward will be distributed among you three based on your contributions, and since Michikatsu had the most significant contribution, having killed all the ninjas so he will receive the most remuneration."

Everyone nodded after hearing this, and Nakamura continued, "By the way, Michikatsu, the Hokage has warned you not to burn the bodies of the ninjas. If you do this again, it might affect your career and chances of promotion."

Michikatsu nodded in response.

Nakamura then said, "Tomorrow, we will embark on another mission, which is also an A-level mission. We have to apprehend a team of ninjas who have invaded the Fire Country."

After Nakamura briefed them on the mission, he left.

Michikatsu's life continued like this. He was either on a mission or training to create a breathing technique that surpassed the 'Total Concentration Breathing,' or he was at home spending time with Kiyomi.

But this routine was broken after 20 days, just a day before Nawaki's birthday. As usual, Nakamura called for a team meeting, and everyone was present.

Nakamura said, "So, you've all been working together for a while now, and your teamwork is now excellent. I won't beat around the bush; technically, you are ready for the battlefield. We will be departing for the battlefield tomorrow at noon, with the reinforcement squad to Amegakure."

This news came as a surprise to both Nawaki and Matsuda, and they had different reactions. Matsuda was nervous about going to the battlefield, whereas Nawaki was excited. He saw this as an opportunity to earn merit and build a reputation, which he believed was the first step toward achieving his dream of becoming a Hokage.

After explaining the details and instructing them to meet him tomorrow at noon, Nakamura left.

++++

"Michi, you don't seem to be surprised by this," asked Nawaki as he and Michikatsu walked together.

"What is there to be surprised about? After all, this is a time of war, and as long as you're a ninja, you have to fight, regardless of your age," said Michikatsu calmly.

"I've always envied how you remain so calm. Okay, then let's meet at the Konoha gate tomorrow at noon," said Nawaki.

Michikatsu nodded and continued walking. As he walked, he thought, "It was during this time that Nawaki died, just the day after his birthday, which is the day after tomorrow. But how did Nawaki die? Was it an ambush by the enemy or an incident within the village? We will find out about that."

After reaching his home, Michikatsu went to meet Kiyomi. After all, he had to inform her about his departure to the battlefield.

At this time, Kiyomi was playing with Kakashi, and Michikatsu gently rubbed Kakashi's head as he said to Kiyomi, "Mother, I have something important to inform you. I am going to the battlefield tomorrow."

"What!? But why so soon? It hasn't even been a month since you became a Genin, and now you have to go to the battlefield," said Kiyomi in shock, her voice almost a shout.

"Calm down, Mother. You knew this would happen once I graduated. I'm already a Genin, and I have to go to the battlefield regardless of my age. Not to mention, I've demonstrated the strength of a Chunin, so this is inevitable," said Michikatsu.

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