Chapter 71: The First Mission (Part 1)
Water Style: Wild Water Wave!
Yuhi Kurenai looked at the tree in front of her, forming the hand seals. Chakra flowed, shooting from her throat and turning into a stream of water.
With a crisp sound, a clear mark appeared on the tree trunk.
Kurenai was stunned for a moment, then she turned and ran. She ran up to Hanekawa, excitedly shouting, "I did it! Hanekawa!"
Hanekawa watched her bouncing, especially her swinging ponytail. He couldn't help but reach out, grabbing her soft hair, then ruffling her head. "Congratulations," he said.
Kurenai's face flushed. She lowered her head, letting him do as he pleased.
Just then, Hanekawa noticed Hatake Sakumo walking over from a distance.
"Kurenai has good talent," Maruboshi Kosuke said at the right time. "With more practice, she can become an excellent Water Style ninja in the future."
"Thank you, Uncle Kosuke," Kurenai said, realizing the situation and quickly taking a step back.
Hanekawa casually pulled his hands back.
"It's nothing," Maruboshi Kosuke said with a laugh. "I feel younger just being around you two."
"You're already very young, Uncle Kosuke," Kurenai said sweetly.
"That's true!" Maruboshi Kosuke laughed even harder.
Hatake Sakumo had walked closer but didn't come any closer to interrupt.
"Lord Sakumo," Maruboshi Kosuke greeted him first.
"Kosuke, it's been a while," Sakumo replied with a smile. Although Maruboshi Kosuke was a genin, he was very strong and had been on missions with many jonin.
"I'm looking for Hanekawa," Hatake Sakumo said, stating his purpose.
"Training for today is over," Maruboshi Kosuke said, looking at the sky. "Come again tomorrow."
"Okay," Hanekawa nodded slightly.
"Got it!" Kurenai's excitement hadn't faded, and her cheeks were faintly red, but that was because of Hanekawa just now.
"Uncle Sakumo," Hanekawa asked, feeling puzzled. "Is there something you need?"
"I came to thank you," Hatake Sakumo explained the rumor situation simply.
"I didn't do anything; it was mainly my teacher," Hanekawa shook his head.
"I understand, but it was thanks to your reminder," Sakumo said. He naturally knew Tsunade was the key, as her status and strength were what gave her such influence.
"Then do you know where I heard about it, Uncle Sakumo?" Hanekawa asked directly, not being a riddle-man. "It was Kakashi."
Hatake Sakumo was slightly stunned. It was Kakashi? A warmth flowed through him. While surprised, he felt more proud and honored by Kakashi's thoughtfulness.
"That kid," Hatake Sakumo's lips curled up, and he couldn't hold back a smile. Unlike him, Kakashi was quiet and rarely spoke his mind. He never expected to hear such high praise from Hanekawa. In that moment, he made a firm decision to be a good role model and not disappoint his son.
"Thank you, Hanekawa," Hatake Sakumo said, patting Hanekawa's shoulder. "Kakashi is lucky to have a friend like you."
"It's no trouble at all, Uncle Sakumo. I'm also very happy to be friends with Kakashi," Hanekawa said with a smile.
Just then, two lines of text appeared before his eyes.
D−ranktalent'Kotoamatsukami'effecthasbeenupgraded.Handsealspeedisincreasedby100
An upgrade? Is it because I persuaded Hatake Sakumo? Or because I changed Hatake Kakashi? No matter what, it was a massive gain. A 100% increase in hand seal speed was a real improvement. For example, the Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu usually required 44 seals. With his current speed, Hanekawa could perform the jutsu in the same amount of time as someone doing it with 22 seals. Time is life, especially in a battle.
"Goodbye, Uncle Sakumo," Hanekawa and Kurenai said their farewells and left. Hatake Sakumo had wanted to treat them to BBQ, but Hanekawa had declined, promising to do it next time.
When they reached a fork in the road, Hanekawa stopped. He let go of Kurenai's hand and said, "You should go home first. I'm going to find my teacher."
"Okay," Kurenai was a little reluctant, but she was obedient and didn't act spoiled.
"I'll bring you takoyaki when I get home," Hanekawa said with a smile.
"I'll be waiting!" Kurenai's spirits lifted, and she said happily.
They waved at each other until Hanekawa turned and walked away. Only then did Kurenai look away.
I wonder if Hatake Sakumo will still commit suicide when he encounters the failed mission later on, Hanekawa thought to himself as he walked. He had done his best in this matter. There were many reasons for Sakumo's suicide: his comrades' condemnation, the losses for the Land of Fire, and the silence of the Konoha leadership. In that isolated and helpless state, his resolve crumbled, and he chose to take his own life. Now with Tsunade on his side, it showed a different attitude from the Konoha leadership. Even if he caused great losses, it wouldn't necessarily lead to suicide. Of course, this was all just Hanekawa's guess. He could only wait to see if it would work out. In the original story, the specific mission was never mentioned, so Hanekawa couldn't give an early warning.
"Sensei, I'm home!" Hanekawa pushed the door open and walked into the living room. Tsunade was, as usual, sunk into the sofa, but this time, there was a scroll in front of her. Konoha's scrolls came in various types, such as jutsu scrolls, summoning scrolls, and mission scrolls. This one was a mission scroll. Hanekawa didn't hesitate. He picked up the scroll and opened it. The contents were detailed, but in summary, it was a mission to go to the Land of Water and rendezvous with a Konoha intelligence agent. Since it was a rendezvous, it meant someone was likely in pursuit, and a battle was probable.
"Here you go," Tsunade sat up and pulled out a wallet.
"What's this for?" Hanekawa asked, surprised.
"We're going to the Land of Water, which is far away, so we have to be prepared," Tsunade said seriously. "The Academy should have taught you outdoor survival skills. The money is for you to buy the necessary items for the journey."
"I understand. I'll go right now," Hanekawa knew Tsunade was using this mission to teach him practical skills that weren't limited to just combat.
"If you buy too little, there will be a punishment," Tsunade said, crossing her arms. Her serious demeanor had vanished, replaced by a lazy one.
"Got it," Hanekawa said, taking the wallet and leaving. He went to the shopping district and bought items like a tent, sleeping bags, a map, soldier pills, and smoke bombs.
"Not bad," Tsunade said after checking his purchases, nodding. "Meet me at the village gate at 9 AM tomorrow. Bring all the items you bought." Since this was Hanekawa's first mission outside the village, she planned to walk there.
....
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