Orochimaru opened the black scroll that Hiruzen had tossed over. He unrolled it and saw that the assigned mission was to exterminate a bandit group. It was not the simple bell test from his previous life!
Orochimaru keenly sensed that there had to be something suspicious about this bandit group, likely the presence of one or two rogue ninja. If so, this mission would be far more difficult than the bell test, certainly for Jiraiya and Tsunade.
While he couldn't figure out Hiruzen's exact motive for the change, it didn't lessen Orochimaru's interest in the bandit group. He subtly licked the corner of his mouth—unnoticed by others—a long-unseen, bloodthirsty glint appearing in his dark-golden snake eyes. It seems it's been a while since I last killed someone!
Jiraiya and Tsunade both leaned over to look at the mission scroll in Orochimaru's hand.
The typically dense Jiraiya was also stunned after reading the mission. He said somewhat uncertainly, "Exterminate bandits? You mean... we have to kill people?"
Tsunade's small face was also clouded with worry.
Hiruzen stepped forward at the opportune moment. His kindly face was replaced by an expression of unspeakable solemn resolve and imposing authority. He said gravely, "This is a C-rank mission. I don't care how others test their subordinates, but if my subordinates, the subordinates of Hiruzen, are too afraid to kill a few bandits, or can't deal with them, then there is no need for them to be ninja! I've given you the mission scroll. The time limit is three days. Only if you wipe out this bandit group within three days will I accept you three youngsters as my subordinates. Otherwise, remember the consequences I mentioned earlier!"
Orochimaru was the first to stand up. After bowing respectfully to Hiruzen, he used the ninja footwork technique and left the Hokage building.
Without a word, Jiraiya instantly made a face at Hiruzen as soon as Orochimaru left, then followed after him.
Tsunade watched Orochimaru and Jiraiya leave. After a thought, she gave a polite and sincere bow to Hiruzen and quickly pursued them.
On the Hokage building rooftop, Hiruzen watched the three Genin walk away, and his stern expression softened into a slight smile.
A ninja in a black Anbu windbreaker and a raccoon mask suddenly appeared beside him, standing quietly about a step behind. It was Hatake Gen.
Hatake Gen spoke respectfully, "Lord Hiruzen, the Rain Ninja, Hanzo of the Salamander, from the Land of Rivers has sent operatives to intervene in the southern dispute. The Sixth Squad, which was dispatched to investigate, has been recalled after one death and two serious injuries. The Fourth Squad, which was sent as backup, has arrived in the Land of Rivers. I believe one squad may be insufficient. Should we dispatch another?"
Hiruzen replied calmly, "That Hanzo fellow is quite capable, humph. Now he's setting his sights on our Konoha ninja! Tell the Fourth Squad to behave themselves, stay safe, and not tip their hand. I suspect the Land of Wind is already getting involved in this matter. I'll take a team in myself to round them all up once those petty devils show their faces!"
By the end of his statement, Hiruzen's tone was chilling, filled with murderous intent.
Hatake Gen bowed in acknowledgment.
Hiruzen then asked in a relaxed tone, "Gen, what do you think of those three children?"
Hatake Gen pondered the question and answered with one of his own, "Hiruzen, aren't your demands too high for them? They just graduated from the Academy, and you've assigned a C-rank mission. That bandit group could easily turn the situation into a B-rank mission."
Hiruzen smiled faintly and waved his hand. "Don't worry, I will be following them. How can they grow without experiencing a baptism of blood? Besides, I am quite curious about that Orochimaru boy's strength, heh heh! By the way, I heard about Sakumo. Is he alright? That Orochimaru beat your son like that, yet you still worry about the boy."
"Sakumo was too arrogant. He was defeated one-on-one, and he has no one to blame but himself! Moreover, that child's talent and strength are indeed astonishing," Hatake Gen said, his tone subtly revealing something more.
"Oh? Gen, did you clash with the boy?" Hiruzen asked in surprise.
"On the way back the other day, when I reported to you about the Land of Rivers, I happened to see him training and 'played' with him for a bit! It turned out to be a good thing. Inspired by that child, Sakumo has made up his mind recently to start training in the Instant Blade Style," Hatake Gen said, a hint of relief and pride in his voice.
Hiruzen paused at this news. "Oh? The Instant Blade Style? With that child's talent, he might actually succeed! I look forward to seeing the power of the Instant Blade Style! Thinking of those two children, I'm reminded of our own youth, heh heh!"
A look of nostalgia also crossed Hatake Gen's eyes.
Orochimaru led Jiraiya and Tsunade to a restaurant.
Orochimaru told Jiraiya, "My treat. Let's celebrate graduating from the Academy first, and then we'll discuss the mission. Tsunade, you come too!"
Jiraiya naturally and happily agreed wholeheartedly. Tsunade, hearing there would be good food, also cheerfully followed them inside.
After a full meal with drinks, Orochimaru sat cross-legged at the dining table, took out the mission scroll, and said to the other two, "This bandit extermination mission looks like a C-rank, but we cannot rule out the possibility of rogue ninja being involved, which would elevate it to a B-rank mission."
Orochimaru paused, took a sip of tea, and watched their reactions.
Jiraiya was unusually serious, and Tsunade's small face was pinched with worry.
Orochimaru continued, "Time is tight. Tomorrow, we'll take our ninja tools and gear and head there first to investigate the enemy situation and gather intelligence. Then we'll formulate a plan for extermination. What do you think?"
"Good!" Jiraiya immediately agreed. As Orochimaru's friend for so long—and especially recently, having been unable to gauge Orochimaru's strength—he largely agreed with Orochimaru's suggestion. After all, it seemed like the most logical approach.
Tsunade thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement as well.
The three set a time and went their separate ways.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Orochimaru—dressed in a sharp black combat outfit—said goodbye to a reluctant little Maji. The three Genin then gathered at the village gate.
After showing the mission scroll to the Konoha Guard members at the gate, the three left the village.
Unbeknownst to them, shortly after they left, Hiruzen gave a few instructions to the Guard members and followed them.
Using ninja footwork, the three maintained a steady pace for about an hour, finally reaching their destination.
They stopped on a towering tree, looking out at a dimly visible wooden bandit fort on the opposite hillside.
Apart from Orochimaru, Jiraiya and Tsunade were visibly exhausted, and they had little chakra left. The hour-long run would have been taxing even for Orochimaru had his chakra reserves not been much greater and his control skills superb.
The three rested on the tree for a while to recover their chakra.
An hour later, having recovered, the trio quietly headed toward the opposite hillside.
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