As Chunin of Konoha he was required to complete at least 1 C-rank and 2 B-rank missions every year. Shinichi formed a team with Sakumo and completed 1 C-rank and 1 B-rank mission together.
Today, they accepted their second B-rank mission. The mission objective this time was to intercept and kill a B-rank rogue ninja in North West area of Land of Fire.
"This reminds me of last time we went to this area as genins."
"Yes, indeed. That time it was bandits, but now it's a rogue ninja."
"Rogue ninja… Our last mission was lackluster, with no enemy ninjas along our mission."
Their last B-rank escort mission from Konoha to Land of Waves was expected to encounter an enemy ninja but nothing happened during the mission. They came back with no battle experience.
"Well, that is why we decided to take this mission to specifically hunt down a rogue ninja."
"Akashi, a rogue ninja of Iwagakure. It was said that he was promoted to chunin like us this year, although a bit earlier than us. What do you think Shinichi?"
Sakumo spoke as he passed the scroll to Shinichi,
"It is already questionable if he is truly rogue or not. Also, we cannot leave out the fact that he might not be Chunin at all and is hiding this true strength."
"Like you?" Sakumo joked.
"... Yes. Like me."
"pfftt! Ahahaha. Don't give me that face Shnichi. I know that you are hiding your talents and skills to not overshadow us and discourage us too much. I think it is fine if you just be yourself and show your magnificence to others. But, in the end, it is your choice."
"....."
"You are doing it again. Hahaha. I know that you rarely open up to others, and I was really lucky to catch your eyes. Otherwise, I might have not even become a chunin at this age without your help!"
"Sakumo, even without me, you would have reached this point. Your talents are genuine, even before I taught you some tricks, you already beat peers above your age in a fight and won against them in multiple competitions."
"Through games you created."
"…. They also had same starting point as you. So, it was matter of time before you showed your own brilliance, I just noticed earlier."
"Okay, Okay. We are almost approaching our objective. Let's focus now."
As Chunin of Konoha, Uchiha Shinichi was now required to complete at least one C-rank and two B-rank missions annually. He had already completed one of each alongside Hatake Sakumo, his trusted teammate.
Today marked their second B-rank mission.
The objective was to intercept and eliminate a rogue ninja in the northwest region of the Land of Fire.
"This reminds me of the last time we came here as genin," Sakumo said, adjusting his gear.
"Yes," Shinichi replied. "That time it was bandits. Now it's a rogue shinobi."
Sakumo sighed.
"Rogue ninja… Our last mission was lackluster. No enemy shinobi, no combat. Just escort duty."
Their previous B-rank mission to the Land of Hot Springs had promised conflict, but delivered none. They returned without a single clash.
"Well," Shinichi said, "that's why we chose this one. A direct hunt."
Sakumo handed him the mission scroll.
"Akashi. Rogue ninja from Iwagakure. Promoted to chunin earlier this year – same as us. What do you think?"
Shinichi scanned the details.
"It's questionable whether he's truly rogue. And we can't assume his rank reflects his strength. He might be hiding his true capabilities."
"Like You?" Sakumo smirked.
"…Yes. Like me."
Sakumo burst out laughing.
"Don't give me that face, Shinichi. I know you're holding back, trying not to overshadow the rest of us. But honestly, I think you should just be yourself. Show your brilliance. Let people see what you're capable of."
Shinichi didn't respond immediately.
"You're doing it again," Sakumo chuckled. "That quiet stare. I know you don't open up easily. I was lucky to catch your attention. Without you, I might not have made chunin this early."
"Sakumo," Shinichi said, "even without me, you would've reached this point. Your talent is genuine. Before I taught you anything, you were already defeating older peers in sparring and competitions."
"Through games you designed."
"They had the same starting point. You just adapted faster. I only noticed it earlier."
Sakumo smiled.
"Okay, okay. We're almost at the objective. Let's focus."
Shinichi and Sakumo landed atop a tall tree overlooking a modest town nestled between forest and foothills. Form their vantage point, they could see the rooftops, the market square, and the inn listed in the mission scroll.
"It says Askahi was last seen in this town," Shinichi murmured. "He visits regularly to meet an informant. Let's disguise ourselves and gather intel."
Shinichi transformed into a plain-faced traveler, dust smudged across his cheeks and cloak. Sakumo took on the form of a mischievous child, his expression full of exaggerated rebellion.
They entered the inn.
The atmosphere was casual; two or three groups enjoying lunch, the clatter of dishes and low chatter filing the room.
"Well, hello there! You seem new around here. What can I do for ya?" the innkeeper called out.
Shinichi smiled warmly.
"I'm traveling across the Land of Fire. My son and I saved up after last year's harvest. Figured it was time to enjoy some freedom."
"Oh? Hahaha! I feel ya! Sometimes a man's gotta roam. Can't be tied down forever!"
"Exactly. It's been my dream to see the world. And with Konoha keeping things stable, it's finally safe to travel."
Shinichi leaned in, lowering his voice.
"Also.. my woman back home? She's a bit much. Can't even chat with another girl without her breathing fire."
The innkeeper chuckled.
"Hehehe. I know what ya mean, brother. A man's heart is wide – one flame just ain't enough sometimes. So, you need a room or just here to munch?"
"We'll stay a few days. Been walking since the Capital. I'd say three days, but my son here wants more. What do you think, son?"
Shinichi ruffled Sakumo's hair.
"NO! All we've done is walk! I want to rest! Let's stay a week!"
"… Four days. How much?"
"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME, DAD?! ARRGHHH!" Sakumo shouted and stormed outside.
"Oi! Kakashi!"
The innkeeper laughed.
"Let him be! Youth's gotta burn a little. First son?"
"My only."
"Well, he's hit that rebellious phase. You're in for trouble, mister…"
"You can all me Hikaku."
"Well then, Hikaku – four nights, 2400 ryo."
"Hmm? That's it?"
"Yep. Honest price. Breakfast included."
"I guess I'll indulge Kakashi for a bit. 2400 for four nights and breakfast… that's something."
"Capital must be pricey, huh?"
"You have no idea. Two nights there drained me. Had to drag my son's ass all they way here. Never going back."
"Heh~~~. I hear ya. I'll probably never see the capital myself. Well, enjoy your stay, Hikaku!"
"Thanks. Oh, and I'll take three onigiri."
"Sure. That'll be 30 ryo."
"Here."
"Thanks. They'll be out soon. Your room's on the second floor, third door on the right. You'll know it."
---
Shinichi settled near the edge of the room, appearing relaxed. But his senses were sharp, his chakra tuned to every voice and movement within the inn.
'Sakumo's scanning the perimeter. Aksahi was last seen here a week agon. If the pattern holds, he should return within the next few days.'
He chewed slowly on two of the onigiri, packing the third for his "son."
'We have detailed intel on this so-called spy. If our informants are this thorough, why not handle it themselves? Or are they civilians, unable to deal with shinobi threats?'
Shinichi often pondered the inefficiencies of the mission system. Some assignments felt misaligned – either too simple for their rank or too vague in purpose.
But he didn't dwell.
His focus was elsewhere – on growth, on chakra, and on the mysteries of jutsu.
He finished his meal, entered his room, and activated a wind release jutsu, thinning the air to catch vibrations and whispers from the inn below.
'Let's see what secrets this place holds.'