Chapter 24

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"Let's stop here. I've pretty much grasped your strength. That'll be it for today. Rest up well, and we'll pick up the mission tomorrow," Yoichi signaled to Kakashi after ceasing their sparring. After five days of training together, he felt he had a good understanding of Kakashi's abilities.

Kakashi demonstrated proficiency in Lightning Release and Earth Release ninjutsu. His primary combat technique was the Hatake Sword Art, and his coordination between ninjutsu was commendable. His control over split-second moments during combat was also impressive.

This level of strength was respectable among chuunin and would make for a reliable ally on missions.

Yoichi hadn't slacked off either these past few days. In addition to perfecting his swordsmanship and Lightning Release chakra mode, he had also been honing his proficiency in the Sharingan genjutsu.

Naturally, Kakashi served as his sparring partner.

Kakashi had a decent understanding of genjutsu and knew how to defend against and dispel them. However, he found himself somewhat helpless against Yoichi's Sharingan genjutsu these past few days.

Though Yoichi had only mastered two Sharingan genjutsu techniques so far, they posed several times more difficulty for Kakashi to handle than before.

Kakashi couldn't meet Yoichi's Sharingan gaze directly and had to be wary of his line of sight, making it extremely uncomfortable for him to deal with.

After falling victim to Yoichi's Sharingan genjutsu four or five times, Kakashi refused to engage in sparring with Yoichi anymore. Once caught in the Sharingan genjutsu, he found it nearly impossible to break free, and Kakashi had already lost five or six times.

"What time do we gather tomorrow?" asked Kakashi.

"Nine o'clock, at the Hokage Tower!"

"Got it. I'll head back for today then."

After bidding farewell, Kakashi departed.

Yoichi also left. The matter with the Root had fizzled out after his visit to the Elder, as it seemed he had resolved it.

Rumors in the village had significantly decreased as well. The Uchiha Police Force had arrested over a dozen individuals who were spreading the most malicious rumors and had posted notices detailing their dissemination of rumors about Yoichi.

To ordinary people, they were meaningless in the presence of shinobi, especially Uchiha with their Sharingan, capable of easily discerning one's inner thoughts through genjutsu.

The rumors had died down, but Yoichi's reputation had taken a slight hit. When Yoichi walked the streets, he could see fear in the eyes of the common folk.

But to Yoichi, the Uchiha clan had no need for the admiration of these villagers.

Those who wield power should be revered by the common folk. What qualifications did a group of people who could only survive under the protection of shinobi have to disrespect the Uchiha clan?

Never tasted the iron fist of the Police Force, huh!

As for who would practice the Lightning Release chakra mode, Yoichi couldn't care less. Training in this ninjutsu was incredibly difficult, almost on par with the difficulty of mastering the Gentle Fist, requiring the release of chakra from most of the body's major acupuncture points.

Yoichi's chakra ninja sword had also been delivered. However, it wasn't Uchiha Kanrin who delivered it but Uchiha Masato.

It seemed the Elder had taken charge of all matters, hence why his son was sent to deliver the sword.

The chakra ninja sword was excellently crafted, infused with some conductive minerals, making it both durable and capable of conducting chakra. With just a bit of chakra attached, Yoichi could unleash a dazzling display of lightning on the blade.

Yoichi named this chakra ninja sword 'Raiden', somewhat reminiscent of one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Mist, but he didn't mind. (T/N: I love Metal Gear!)

In the end the fame of a weapon ultimately depended on its wielder.

---

The next day, both of them arrived at the Hokage Tower at nearly the same time and proceeded inside after exchanging greetings.

Upon reaching the mission desk, the people inside looked uneasy upon seeing Yoichi.

Especially Sakaguchi, who had his two ribs broken by Yoichi last time. He had spent several days in the hospital recovering. Afterward, he learned that Yoichi hadn't faced any punishment. Instead, those who spread rumors were caught by the Police Force and harshly punished.

This filled Sakaguchi with extreme anger. His friend died in Yoichi's squad, and he had his two ribs broken by Yoichi. He could even be arrested by the Police Force for merely speaking ill of Yoichi.

Now, seeing Yoichi, Sakaguchi's eyes held both resentment and fear, and he was afraid that Yoichi might attack him again.

"Take the missions. B-rank, assassination missions are prioritized. Personnel: Uchiha Yoichi and Hatake Kakashi."

Yoichi glanced at Sakaguchi and didn't pay him any further attention, instead approaching a nearby mission desk ninja.

The ninja, upon regaining his senses after Yoichi addressed him, hurriedly said, "Wait a moment, let me check for you."

"There are quite a few B-rank missions available, with some being assassination missions. You can choose from these."

Yoichi took a look and noted that there were still plenty of assassination requests for Konoha, and B-rank missions already involved shinobi, as indicated on the mission briefings.

"I'll take this one and this one. Please record them."

"You want to take two B-rank missions?"

"That's correct. Please record them."

"This doesn't seem to be in line with regulations. I need to consult with the Hokage."

The mission desk ninja looked troubled. Seeing Yoichi's lack of reaction, he stood up and headed towards the Hokage's office.

Seeing this, Kakashi approached and whispered, "Why don't we just take one mission for now? It's safer."

"No need. These two missions are conveniently located in the Land of Grass and the Land of Earth. Taking them separately would waste an additional seven or eight days on travel."

Kakashi gave him a deadpan look. His team leader showed no concern about the possibility of mission failure, only thinking about saving time.

Nevertheless, one involved a minister from the Land of Grass, while the other was an undercover agent from Iwagakure. At first glance, the missions didn't seem too difficult.

After a while, the ninja returned to the mission desk. He informed Yoichi and Kakashi, "The Hokage has approved it. I'll process them for you."

---

Hidden Base in the Depths of Konoha

This was Root's headquarters. When it was established, Danzo proclaimed it to be the Root that nourished and protected Konoha, hence why even the base was built underground.

"Leaving the village? Hmph, it's hard to make a move within Konoha, but once you're outside..."

A cold glint flashed in Danzo's eyes. Uchiha Kenji, that old fool, was protecting Yoichi, preventing Root from taking action within the village. But outside the village...

"Lord Danzo, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Yoichi are teaming up. If we were to take action..."

"Who said we're going to take action? That wicked Uchiha has been practicing the cloud shinobi's secret technique. With Raikage's foul temper, do you think he'll let this slide?"

"Is Lord Danzo suggesting..."

"Sell the information to Kumogakure and have a Root team follow behind. We'll provide the final support!"

Danzo tapped his cane and smirked. "With a 2 Tomes' Sharingan, a decent talent, but unfortunately unfit for Konoha's use."

(End of Chapter)