Chapter 45: The Reward for an S-Rank Mission
Both sides of the village path were packed with civilians, colorful banners fluttering in the gentle breeze as waves of cheers thundered so loudly they nearly shook the rooftops lining the street.
Children clutched paper flowers painted with the symbol of Konoha, their small feet racing alongside the marching formation. Their clear, shining eyes were filled with awe and longing, fixed on the figures they saw as heroes.
Izumo walked within Team 8's formation, wearing a freshly pressed Chūnin uniform. The red spiral insignia of Konoha on his shoulder gleamed brightly under the morning sun.
Hagane Kotetsu wore a wide grin as he swung his arms with unrestrained enthusiasm, not even bothering to wipe the beads of sweat from his forehead as he loudly responded to the villagers' cheers.
Yuhi Kurenai kept her gaze slightly lowered, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. Each time her eyes passed over Izumo, the corners of her gaze curved into a gentle smile, like a spring breeze rippling across the surface of a quiet lake.
After returning to the village, everyone went their separate ways.
Specks of light filtered through the wooden window slats, swaying across the tatami floor. Izumo had just leaned against the low table to rest when his eyes suddenly snapped open.
A shadow slowly emerged from the darkness. The upper half of the figure's face was covered by a porcelain mask painted with a cat motif, and even his breathing was nearly impossible to hear.
"Kamizuki Izumo. Lord Hokage summons you. Please report immediately."
The voice was slightly muffled by the mask, yet every word came through with absolute clarity, carrying not the slightest hint of hesitation.
Izumo raised a hand to straighten the collar of his uniform, smoothing out the faint creases in the fabric. He then gave a small nod toward the ANBU operative.
"I understand."
The moment the words left his mouth, he looked up again—only to find the figure already retreating into the shadowed corridor, as if melting into the darkness itself. In the blink of an eye, the presence vanished without a trace.
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat behind a broad sandalwood desk. His fingers held his familiar pipe, pale blue smoke curling around him, making his deep-set eyes appear even calmer and more composed.
Namikaze Minato, Akimichi Doto, and Inuzuka Ago stood straight in front of the desk, their expressions serious, as if they had been in the middle of an important discussion.
"Izumo, you're here." The Third Hokage slowly lifted his gaze toward him, and a fleeting, almost imperceptible sense of pride passed through his eyes.
Izumo bowed respectfully.
"Minato, you speak first." The Hokage gently tapped his pipe against the desk, signaling him.
Minato nodded and stepped forward. His blue eyes met Izumo's directly, his voice calm yet carrying undeniable authority.
"Kamizuki Izumo. During the campaign in the Land of Grass, your performance was outstanding. You repeatedly eliminated Chūnin and Jōnin from Iwagakure. At the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, you took part in the core sabotage operation, providing a decisive contribution that helped turn the tide of the war. Even when facing the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, you remained composed and broke through to protect your comrades, ensuring that the intelligence was delivered safely."
He paused, his tone growing more solemn.
"After discussing this with the three Jōnin present—myself, Akimichi Doto, and Inuzuka Ago—we unanimously agree that you already possess the strength and awareness of a Jōnin. Therefore, we formally recommend to Lord Hokage that you be promoted to Jōnin of Konoha."
Akimichi Doto immediately stepped forward to add on, admiration clear in his voice.
"Izumo is my student. His Taijutsu and agility far surpass those of ninjas his age and have already reached Jōnin level. More than that, on the battlefield, he consistently makes optimal decisions, showing exceptional intelligence and strong leadership. He fully meets every criterion to become a Jōnin."
Inuzuka Ago touched the burn scars on his body, his voice rough like sandpaper scraping against stone.
"I acknowledge Izumo's strength. If not for him, I might still be a prisoner of Iwagakure. With his power, he deserves to carry the title of Jōnin."
Hearing the words of all three, the Third Hokage smiled, lightly tapping his pipe against the desk.
"Izumo, your achievements have been witnessed by all of Konoha. Your mission to deliver critical intelligence in the Land of Grass and the destruction of Iwagakure's supply routes have both been evaluated and officially classified as S-Rank Missions."
He paused, his tone carrying the warm generosity of an elder.
"After discussion, as a reward for completing two S-Rank Missions, you are permitted to choose any two Ninjutsu from the village's current technique library. This is the list. Take a look."
Izumo accepted the list from the Hokage's hands and bowed once more.
"Thank you very much, Lord Hokage. May I return and consider my choices before making a final decision?"
"Of course." The Third Hokage turned toward Minato and the others. "As for Izumo's Jōnin promotion, although he meets the minimum recommendation requirement from three Jōnin, the number of Jōnin slots is limited. To be officially promoted, he still needs to complete one final test mission."
Then he looked back at Izumo.
"Izumo, these past battles must have been exhausting. Go back and rest for now. Once you've chosen your Ninjutsu, I will arrange your test mission."
"Yes, sir!" Izumo replied, saluting once more before turning and leaving the Hokage's office.
When he arrived home, Izumo closed the door behind him. A pale blue proficiency panel immediately appeared before his eyes.
His gaze swept across it, stopping on his Substitution Technique, which was sitting at 999/1000.
He headed straight into the yard. His fingertips moved swiftly as he formed hand seals, Chakra surging through his body in a powerful burst.
His figure blurred in an instant.
The next moment, he had swapped places with a stone at the corner of the yard. The substitute created from the rock didn't just match his original body's shape and Chakra fluctuations—it even mimicked the motion of his raised hand.
He had broken through the limit.
[Substitution Technique: Expert (999/1000) → Master (1000/10000)]
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