Chapter 14: This Mission is Out of Your Depth

"Sigh... There's just no helping it."

Seeing the disheartened looks on Kurenai and Asuma's faces, Shinku sighed with resignation.

"Today, let's check out the mission hall and see if there's a suitable C-rank mission for us."

"What?! Really?!"

Hearing Shinku's words, Asuma and Kurenai immediately perked up, excitement lighting up their faces. Were they finally moving on to C-rank missions? Fantastic!

Unlike D-rank missions, C-rank tasks not only offered better pay but also presented significantly greater risks. Guarding, hunting down wild beasts, escorting classified documents… these were missions where life-and-death battles could happen at any time.

"Alright, let's go."

Glancing at Mirai, whose expression remained calm and steady, Shinku felt a flicker of pride. Initially, he had worried that Mirai's lineage might make things difficult. But so far, Mirai had proven to be the most dependable member of his team. Shinku couldn't help feeling pleased to have such an outstanding student.

With Shinku leading the way, the group arrived at the mission hall. Inside, it was packed with shinobi of all ranks. Recently, the ninja world had grown increasingly restless, and as the strongest village, Konoha's workload had surged.

"Hello, could you check if there are any C-rank missions suitable for my squad?"

Shinku approached the mission desk and asked directly.

The receptionist's face brightened upon seeing Shinku.

"Ah, Shinku! Just a moment, please."

It wasn't long before the staff member pulled out a mission slip from the hefty mission log.

"There's a request from a small village in the northern part of the Land of Fire. They report that a band of bandits has been causing trouble in the area."

"Please take a look at the mission details."

Shinku took the mission slip, scanned it briefly, and nodded in agreement.

"This will work. Thank you."

"You're too kind."

As the two conversed, Obito suddenly stormed over.

"Hey, didn't you just say there weren't any missions for us?"

"Why didn't you assign us that bandit extermination mission?"

Annoyed by Obito's outburst, the receptionist waved him off dismissively.

"All missions are assigned based on careful evaluations. If you don't like it, don't take it."

"What? You jerk!"

Seeing Obito's frustration, Mirai sighed softly. The rule of the strong over the weak applied everywhere. The more powerful a shinobi was, the better resources they could access. In the shinobi world, having special abilities wasn't everything, legacy mattered too.

"Obito, maybe your team just isn't ready for this level of mission. If you become skilled enough, you'll get your shot eventually."

Asuma's words had a bit of an arrogant edge as he addressed Obito.

"Hmph! You're only saying that because you're the Hokage's kid. Stop acting so high and mighty!"

Obito didn't hold back, going straight for Asuma's sore spot.

"What? You loser, you wanna fight?"

"Bring it on! You think I'm afraid of you?"

"Ugh!"

"Idiot!"

Just as the two were about to go at it, Minato and Rin rushed over to intervene.

"Shinku, I'm really sorry about this. Obito's a bit impulsive, but I'll work on it," Minato apologized with a good-natured smile.

Meanwhile, Rin yanked on Obito's ear. "Obito! Stop causing trouble!"

"Ow! Okay, okay, Rin, I get it. Just ease up a little, please."

With Rin around, Obito didn't dare put up much of a fight.

"Baka," muttered Kakashi, shaking his head. He honestly couldn't understand why someone as skilled as Minato-sensei would choose a hopeless underdog like Obito as his student.

"Kakashi!"

Obito, barely calmed down, flared up again. "It's because of your 'too-cool-to-care' attitude that we keep getting stuck with such missions!"

"Excuse me, were you interested in a bandit extermination mission?"

A man wearing a green jumpsuit and sporting a thick beard approached them.

Mirai's mind stirred at the sight. That outfit… could this be… Might Duy?

"Yeah, what about it?" Obito responded, looking at Duy.

"Ah, well, you're in luck! I happen to have a mission that might suit you better. How about we make a trade?"

"For real?" Obito's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Of course," Duy said, his face serious. "Take my advice—this mission is way beyond your depth. Only a veteran like me, with years of experience, could pull it off."

Obito looked to Minato for confirmation, who gave him a slight nod. A mission to take down bandits was perfect for newly promoted genin to gain experience in real combat, with only moderate risk involved. There was no reason to refuse.

Seeing Minato's approval, Obito eagerly swapped mission slips with Duy.

"Thanks, old man! I think I've found a real friend in you."

Obito grinned, clearly thrilled. Finally, they were free from those pesky D-rank missions. Now they could really show what they were made of!

After Obito and his team departed, Duy walked over to Mirai.

"So, you're Uchiha Mirai, right? My son Guy talks about you often. He's made it his life's goal to catch up to you one day."

Duy chuckled warmly, as if they were already old friends.

"Honestly… I think Kakashi's a more fitting rival for Guy," Mirai replied coolly. Being the target of Guy's ambitions wasn't exactly something to celebrate. Kakashi was much more suited to the role.

"Heh, you're saying if Guy can't surpass Kakashi, he doesn't even have the right to challenge you?"

"Impressive! Just thinking about it gets my blood pumping. That's the spirit of youth! Alright, I'll pass along your words to Guy. Farewell for now."

Duy strode off with his mission slip in hand, leaving Mirai shaking his head. Did he really say all that?

"Is that the legendary 'eternal genin'? He does seem… a bit odd," Asuma muttered, barely concealing his amusement.

"Asuma," Shinku said sternly, "never underestimate anyone."

Despite Duy's unassuming appearance, Shinku sensed something formidable about him. This man was definitely more than he seemed.

"I was just being honest," Asuma replied with a shrug. "How impressive could he be, staying a genin at his age?"

"What do you think, Mirai?"

Asuma's question prompted Shinku to turn to Mirai. As a transmigrator, Mirai knew all too well what Duy was capable of. This was the man who'd nearly wiped out the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist by himself.

Without hesitation, Mirai replied, "Ignorance isn't what kills shinobi. Arrogance is."

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