This C-rank mission had originally been accepted by Yubi's three-man squad alone.
It had nothing to do with Sasori.
Sasori had taken a separate mission that just happened to place him alongside them.
Because of the wartime situation and the shortage of manpower, the village was focusing on cultivating young shinobi. No one had expected Amegakure to suddenly launch a war against the Land of Wind.
"You two should return to the village with us," one of the Third Kazekage's guards said.
Both Sasori and Yubi were the village's future. If anything happened to them outside, it would be a great loss.
"My mission isn't finished yet," Yubi replied.
"Special circumstances require special treatment. The village will evaluate your performance based on the mission records and add your achievements to your promotion file," the guard said with a smile, specifically addressing Yubi. "It will also help with your future Chunin Exams."
Sasori was already a Chunin at eight years old.
Yubi was still a Genin.
Yubi had graduated from the Academy only half a year ago. He had completed five D-rank missions and, including this one, two C-rank missions.
Sasori, on the other hand, had already completed many C-rank and B-rank missions, and had even participated in an A-rank mission once.
Compared to him, Yubi's mission experience was thin.
Since his parents' deaths, Sasori rarely returned to the village. He constantly took missions, never staying idle.
That was why he had ended up teaming with Yubi this time.
"I don't need it," Sasori said calmly.
It sounded almost like he was mocking Yubi.
"Yubi, is this your first mission of this kind?" the Third Kazekage asked.
"Yes."
"Araki… you will personally escort the two of them," the Kazekage ordered his guard.
"Ah? Yes!"
This arrangement was clearly meant to nurture Yubi. Sasori didn't need protection.
"Yubi… who taught you your medical ninjutsu?" the Kazekage asked casually.
"I saw others use it during my hospital internship and asked for some pointers. I practiced on my own afterward."
"You learned it by yourself?"
"More or less."
The Kazekage and the guard fell silent.
Medical ninjutsu required extremely precise chakra control. Even experienced Chunin struggled to master it after long training. Yet Yubi had learned merely through observation and practice.
Sasori glanced at Yubi silently.
As Chiyo's grandson, he understood medical knowledge well through puppet research. Techniques like the Chakra Scalpel could not be mastered through observation alone.
Still, he didn't expose Yubi.
After all, "geniuses" broke common sense.
"Impressive… it seems you have exceptional talent for medical ninjutsu," the Kazekage said. "The village has few medical scrolls. If you're interested, you may borrow them."
"Really? Thank you, Lord Kazekage!"
Yubi pretended to be grateful.
With the system, even Konoha's S-rank medical techniques were within reach. But he had to keep up appearances.
Soon, Araki escorted them out.
The meeting had simply been recognition and a small reward.
---
On the way back, Yubi reflected on the Kazekage's demeanor.
The Third Kazekage and Rasa really are alike… decisive and efficient. To the village, even talented youth are tools.
Perhaps that mindset was why Sasori would assassinate the Third Kazekage in the future.
This village lacked warmth.
Everyone was a tool—including Pakura, who would later be abandoned.
This can't continue…
Becoming a "genius" in others' eyes was only the first step of his plan.
To change Sunagakure, he first needed the leadership's attention. Only then would he gain the right to influence the future.
Keeping a low profile wouldn't work in this era.
Now that I've entered the Kazekage's field of vision… the next step is to increase my presence and value within the village.
Yubi finally had a clear goal.