"Ten B-rank missions, sixteen C-rank, five D-rank… it sounds unbelievable, but the results don't lie!"
"Even among your generation, the most talented can only handle C-rank missions right now. But you? You've already cleared B-ranks on your own. Natsume Yō—calling you a genius isn't an exaggeration at all."
The Third Hokage flipped through Yō's mission reports again and again, each time more satisfied, more delighted. Who would've thought the boy he hadn't paid much attention to before would end up bringing him such a surprise?
Perhaps this is fate itself… even the heavens are lending me their hand, Sarutobi thought, quietly pleased.
But while the Hokage rejoiced, Danzō's expression darkened like storm clouds. He, too, hadn't cared much for Yō at first—but now the boy's growth was like a wild horse with its reins cut, charging forward without end.
"Natsume Yō… you're only ten years old and already this monstrous. In time, you'll stand in the way of my path to Hokage."
"One Kakashi is troublesome enough. With you here too, things become… inconvenient."
A flash of killing intent shot through Danzō's eyes. He already wanted Yō dead.
But he wasn't reckless. Now isn't the time. Konoha still needs every bit of strength it can get. When this long war is over… then your death will come.
—
By the end of October, the tension had only escalated. November arrived, and the whole shinobi world grew taut as a bowstring. Konoha and Sunagakure's battles were heating to their peak.
"So that means… the Battle of Kikyo Mountain isn't far off?"
Which also meant—Kakashi.
Yō's lips curved into a grin. Good. I've been itching to see how close I've gotten to you.
Kakashi had earned his jōnin rank just before Kannabi Bridge. That wasn't far away now. And Yō himself was closing in on that level fast.
"And Uchiha Shisui… can't wait to cross blades with you too."
Despite his strength, there was still no system chime declaring his "Stand Above the Crowd" side mission complete. Which meant he wasn't yet on par with Kakashi or Shisui.
叮!System Notification: Warning, Host—you are on the verge of surpassing Uchiha Shisui. Keep pushing forward!
And then… silence.
"…That's it? No reward? No details? Damn stingy system." Yō muttered, clicking his tongue. "Guess I'll just have to adapt."
But first, there was someone else he had to face.
"Two months of nonstop missions, and I haven't seen Chiba once. She's probably sulking. Better go check in before she explodes."
He rubbed his chin, scheming. "This time of day… she should be in class. Perfect. I'll swing by the academy and surprise her."
After changing into fresh clothes, Yō carefully checked his appearance in the mirror—everything sharp, nothing out of place. Only then did he head out.
—
Ninja Academy.
"Look, look! A handsome guy just showed up!"
Yō finally tracked down Wada Chiba's classroom. But just as he found it, a chorus of squealing girls spotted him first.