The following days were indeed challenging.
However, the one experiencing the challenge wasn't Kitagawa Minamoto, but Kakashi...
Kakashi had planned for this expedition to be extensive, intending to train Kitagawa Minamoto while having him execute missions.
Yet, as their journey progressed, he was surprised to find things proceeding much more smoothly than anticipated.
This was not what he had expected—what happened to the promised trials?
Certainly, at the outset of their missions, Kitagawa Minamoto did commit some novice errors due to inexperience.
But he adapted rapidly, and his performance proved quite impressive, which already represented a pleasant surprise for Kakashi.
However, this pleasant surprise transformed into astonishment during their training sessions...
Because Kakashi discovered that Kitagawa Minamoto possessed an incredibly solid foundation and extraordinary talent!
Often, Kakashi needed only to demonstrate the hand seals for a technique and explain how the Chakra should flow within the body, and Kitagawa Minamoto could explore and master it independently.
And his execution was no less proficient than those who had practiced for years!
Even in taijutsu, Kitagawa Minamoto displayed the same aptitude; he managed to learn Kakashi's sword techniques even when demonstrated with a mere kunai...
Throughout this period, Kakashi seemed to comprehend the sentiments of the instructors who had once taught him.
So this is what it feels like to teach a genius?
Moreover, this youth proved even more exceptional than he had been in his day—not only did he learn with remarkable speed, but he also generated numerous original ideas.
Regardless of the technique, he appeared determined to modify it somehow, whether altering its fundamental state or omitting hand seals...
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
After executing a series of clearly abbreviated hand seals, Kitagawa Minamoto expelled a massive fireball.
The blazing sphere roared toward the distant bandit encampment, rapidly transforming into a vast sea of flames!
The bandits within didn't even have time to scream before they were reduced to ashes amidst the inferno.
"Kakashi-sensei, the mission is complete."
Kitagawa Minamoto turned to address the silent Kakashi beside him.
"After reconnaissance, all thirteen bandits were confirmed inside. There were no hostages, so there should be no collateral damage. They've all been neutralized."
"Mm..."
Kakashi nodded numbly, then mechanically offered praise.
"Well done, your progress has exceeded my expectations."
He had uttered similar words so frequently that the phrase was becoming tiresome.
He now truly understood that mentoring a genius might not be as gratifying as anticipated, because they learn with such rapidity that you might soon exhaust your teachings...
"Kakashi-sensei, it appears our C-rank missions are largely complete. Should we proceed with the B-rank assignment?"
Kitagawa Minamoto blinked, inquiring curiously.
"I recall it concerns a noble in the Land of Waves who, for some reason, has been placed on the black market with a substantial bounty, suggesting we might encounter hostile ninjas."
"Yes."
Discussing professional matters, Kakashi immediately regained his composure.
"This mission does present certain complications, as his bounty on the black market is not insignificant; we may well encounter skilled adversaries."
"Huh?"
Kitagawa Minamoto was taken aback; this mission sounded rather formidable.
"Then why is this mission classified merely as B-rank?"
"Because as a noble, he maintains personal bodyguards—individuals capable of manipulating Chakra—and they likely resent outside ninja involvement."
Kakashi shrugged, explaining matter-of-factly.
"This arrangement reduces the perceived difficulty, and furthermore, his compensation is modest, hence the B-rank classification."
"I see..."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, but couldn't suppress an internal critique regarding the nature of this assignment.
Minimal compensation, ambiguous circumstances, and bodyguards harboring antipathy toward ninjas.
Other shinobi might hesitate to accept such a mission, but for a newcomer like himself, it represented a valuable training opportunity.
Fortunately, Kitagawa Minamoto didn't object to such assignments. He blinked and regarded Kakashi expectantly.
"Kakashi-sensei, although this mission doesn't appear overly complex, it is nonetheless B-ranked, so..."
"..."
Upon hearing these familiar words, Kakashi raised an eyebrow. He had encountered similar requests countless times throughout their journey!
"What technique do you wish to learn now?"
"I heard from Guy-sensei that Kakashi-sensei excels particularly in Lightning Release."
Kitagawa Minamoto rubbed his chin thoughtfully before continuing. He had long desired to 'adapt' Lightning Release and experiment with that Purple Electricity!
"After all, that's Kakashi-sensei's signature element, and didn't I demonstrate a Lightning Release affinity during testing?
So, before we venture to the Land of Waves, perhaps you could instruct me!"
"But it's not particularly suitable for your abilities..."
"I understand that. Guy-sensei explained that Kakashi-sensei's Lightning Release techniques are optimized for use in conjunction with the Sharingan, but I still wish to attempt them."
"....."
"Kakashi-sensei, surely you wouldn't want your sole current student to remain unfamiliar with your specialty, would you?"
"......"
.....
"Verification complete, mission accomplished. Collect your payment."
"Mm."
In the underground trading post of the Land of Hot Water, two figures clad in black cloaks adorned with red clouds accepted the payment from the administrator.
They then casually accepted another assignment before departing.
"Another mission successfully completed."
After exiting the trading post, one of them—carrying an imposing sword, sporting sharp teeth, a cross-shaped facial scar, and distinctive red markings—spoke.
"And you're becoming increasingly accustomed to this lifestyle, Itachi."
"It's been over a year. I've long since adapted, Jūzō."
The other man nodded, a scratched Konoha forehead protector displayed prominently, revealing his identity.
Clearly, these two were Jūzō Biwa and Itachi Uchiha!
The Akatsuki organization remained in its accumulation phase, and they continually undertook missions to generate revenue for the collective.
This existence, while relatively mundane, suited both men adequately.
"The next assignment is in the Land of Waves?"
Itachi Uchiha regarded Jūzō Biwa with measured curiosity. As a relative newcomer who had joined merely a year prior, he still frequently deferred to Jūzō Biwa's judgment.
"Yes, hunting a target—apparently a nobleman."
Jūzō Biwa briefly examined the mission details before stowing them away.
"But such particulars are irrelevant to us. The more peaceful the world becomes, the more assignments we receive. We accept commissions without concerning ourselves with extraneous details.
Therefore, regardless of this noble's identity or who desires his elimination, such information is superfluous.
Even if it appears to be a frivolous contract, we need not inquire about the client's identity or motivations. We simply collect the payment and execute the task."
"You've reiterated these principles numerous times."
Itachi Uchiha spoke with characteristic composure, his gaze fixed on some distant point.
"Rest assured, I've internalized them thoroughly."
"Excellent. Let's proceed."
Jūzō Biwa nodded, then advanced without a backward glance.
"The sooner we complete this task, the sooner we can pursue our own interests..."
.....