Chapter 139: Executing an A-Rank Mission
After training, Kaito's shadow clones could detonate within just two seconds of deciding to self-destruct.
The efficiency of the explosion, utilizing all the clone's chakra, also improved dramatically.
Each explosion now created a crater three meters in radius and ten centimeters deep.
Renjiro said, "That's enough. Don't waste any more chakra."
Kaito nodded, stopping his training.
Renjiro continued, "Shadow Clone Explosion is relatively easy to learn. The difficulty lies in mastering the Shadow Clone Technique itself, so don't expect to learn other A-rank jutsu in a single day."
Kaito nodded.
He thought, Yes, this technique is extremely easy to learn! However, practicing it will be difficult because it consumes so much chakra.
Renjiro said, "There's another important aspect—the amount of chakra you infuse into the clone. During practice, you kept the clone's chakra to a minimum. But if you create a clone with substantial chakra, the explosion will be much more powerful."
Kaito nodded in understanding.
Renjiro continued, "However, don't practice this technique for now. We're leaving for an A-rank mission the day after tomorrow, so you need to ensure your chakra reserves are completely full."
Kaito nodded, thinking, An A-rank mission... I wonder if it'll be as straightforward as the last one.
Renjiro said, "I'll go notify Hodaka and Mieko as well. We'll meet outside the Hokage Tower at six tomorrow morning."
Renjiro was about to Body Flicker away when Kaito called out, "Wait, Sensei!"
Renjiro stopped and looked at him.
Kaito asked, "Sensei, is there a Wind Clone self-detonation technique, like the Shadow Clone version?"
Renjiro nodded, already anticipating the next question.
Kaito continued, "Sensei, can you teach me this technique, or give me a scroll to learn it?"
Renjiro smiled. "Your reward is only one A-rank jutsu. If you want that technique, we can discuss it after you become a jonin."
Kaito gave him a flat look.
It was well known that Konoha was extremely stingy when promoting chunin to jonin.
Even someone as powerful as Itachi, who could single-handedly eliminate the entire Uchiha clan, was officially only a chunin when he left the village!
Therefore, Kaito didn't expect promotion to jonin for several years.
He complained, "Come on, Sensei, don't be so cheap! My Wind Clone is even better at Wind Body Flicker than I am! I can imagine the immense destructive power combining Wind Body Flicker and Wind Clone Explosion would create!"
Renjiro chuckled. "I'm not being cheap. As your sensei, it's my job to motivate my students. The Wind Clone Explosion technique is my reward to motivate you to become jonin sooner. So don't slack off, and reach jonin rank as quickly as possible."
With that, he Body Flickered away, giving Kaito no chance to argue.
Seeing his sensei just flee like that, Kaito was annoyed!
He muttered, "What a terrible excuse! He could totally teach me this technique and then dangle an S-rank jutsu as motivation. Besides, the principle should be similar to Shadow Clone Explosion, so I should be able to figure it out quickly. After all, this technique doesn't require hand seals."
Renjiro smiled after he left.
He thought, This kid always gets his way when asking for new techniques or skills. I need to give him some setbacks, otherwise he'll start knocking on everyone's doors demanding they teach him!
However, the strategy he came up with is quite effective. During previous wars, several Suna ninja used it with devastating results. So much so that every squad deployed to the Sunagakure front required a Hyuga member who could use Vacuum Palm.
Kaito was low on chakra, so he went to get food and then rested for the next two days.
While Kaito trained with Renjiro, four ninja wearing Kirigakure vests silently entered the Land of Fire.
All four wore masks and bore obvious scars, appearing to be fugitives.
A few minutes later, six more ninja in similar attire entered the Land of Fire along the same route without alerting anyone.
They also had injuries, though less severe.
They pursued the first group.
Ten minutes later, the two groups drew very close.
Matsuzaki, from the second group, was a sensory-type ninja.
He smiled. "Kazuki-senpai, I found them! They're about seven hundred meters ahead."
Kazuki smiled back. "Let's move quickly. We need to eliminate them and leave. It'll be troublesome if Konoha intervenes."
They nodded and accelerated.
After all, they were in enemy territory.
Mayu sensed that Matsuzaki was tracking them.
Her expression grew serious.
"Nagaka-sama, they've detected us. They're only seven hundred meters away!"
Sakai Nagaka's face became grim.
"Let's stop and set up traps. We need to make enough noise in this battle to attract Konoha's attention. Once Konoha clashes with them, we can escape. Ideally, Konoha will kill them!"
Her subordinates nodded and began preparing traps.
Soon, the six Kirigakure ninja loyal to the Mizukage caught up.
They were greeted by dozens of shuriken and kunai.
However, they successfully dodged and blocked all projectiles.
But suddenly, three kunai with explosive tags appeared near them.
They quickly scattered.
Sakai Nagaka Body Flickered in front of an enemy and sprayed scalding steam at him.
The Kirigakure ninja cried out and retreated.
He was burned across his entire body!
Even parts of his clothes melted.
Kazuki and another jonin quickly attacked Sakai Nagaka.
She merely stepped back, and her teammates appeared beside her for support.
Battle erupted!
After several minutes of stalemate, Sakai Nagaka and her team suddenly retreated to a specific location.
She formed several hand seals, then released steam across the entire area!
Kazuki and the others gathered together and countered with Water Release techniques.
However, after using her Vapor Style jutsu, Sakai Nagaka and her team quickly retreated.
Before their opponents could react, the entire area exploded!
Kazuki was enraged!
He yelled, "Those traitors planted explosive tags everywhere!"
Although the forest was destroyed, Kazuki's group was unharmed.
However, they faced two problems.
Their targets had escaped their sight again.
And more importantly, this massive explosion would surely attract Konoha ninja!
As Kazuki expected, the huge explosion was detected by a Konoha patrol team five kilometers away!
They immediately reported to their superiors and rushed to investigate.
Two days later, at 5:55 AM, Kaito appeared outside the Hokage Tower.
Renjiro, Mieko, and Hodaka were already there.
Mieko looked irritated.
She asked, "Aren't you excited about an A-rank mission? Why didn't you arrive earlier?"
Kaito shrugged. "Haven't we already completed one A-rank mission? Besides, I'm already early!"
Mieko complained, "Only five minutes early!"
Kaito chuckled. "That's enough time for me to defeat you."
This remark infuriated Mieko!
She was about to retort when Renjiro interrupted, "Alright, enough chatting. Time to see the Hokage."
Mieko turned away from Kaito and continued walking.
Kaito watched her with slight disappointment, thinking, Too bad she doesn't have steam coming out of her ears when angry, like in anime.
The group entered the Hokage's office and greeted Hiruzen.
A chunin stood in the room holding documents.
Hiruzen asked, "Are you ready for your A-rank mission?"
The three immediately nodded.
Hiruzen smiled. "I wish you good luck. Hatake Takao will explain the details."
Hatake Takao, the chunin, stepped forward. "The mission assigned to you has two parts, each an A-rank mission in itself."
"Two days ago, two groups of Kirigakure ninja clashed within our borders. We dispatched several reconnaissance teams to track them but couldn't locate them. However, we believe they haven't left the Land of Fire. The first part of your mission is to find and eliminate or capture them."
Takao handed a document to Renjiro. "The clash occurred near our eastern coast, about seventy-five kilometers north of the Land of Waves port. Blood samples were collected at the clash site, so they may be injured. However, we don't know the identities of these Kirigakure ninja."
Renjiro took the document with a puzzled expression.
This wasn't the mission he'd selected for his squad.
Hiruzen said, "There are border patrols in that area—you can coordinate with them. If the mission exceeds your capabilities, retreat and notify us to send appropriate reinforcements."
Renjiro nodded.
He understood these protocols.
Hiruzen's words were directed at the students.
The three realized this and listened carefully.
Takao continued, "The second part of your mission takes place in the Land of Hot Water. A dozen rogue ninja have entered and are causing chaos around Niigata Town in the south. According to our intelligence, these rogues are from Kirigakure. You'll coordinate with the local team to eliminate them."
Renjiro nodded.
This was the mission he'd chosen for his students.
Hiruzen added, "The second mission depends on your condition after completing the first. If anyone is injured or unable to continue, you'll hand the mission to Akimichi Seiichi and monitor border patrols in his place."
Renjiro nodded.
Mieko quickly added, "Hokage-sama, don't worry. We'll easily complete both missions."
Hodaka and Kaito nodded in agreement.
After all, undertaking A-rank missions was invaluable experience.
Renjiro looked at his students. "Let's go."
The three nodded and followed him out.
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