Early the next morning, Third Training Ground.
When Tejima Shinichi arrived, he actually saw Kobayashi Takeshi and Satō Yū chasing each other around, having the time of their lives!
'Strange —since when were those two so close!?'
Tejima Shinichi muttered under his breath.
"Shinichi!"
At that moment Kobayashi Takeshi spotted him, stopped at once, and ran over, face lit up with excitement.
"Shinichi! Why are you always so late!"
Shinichi's gaze swept across the empty training ground.
"Yamato-sensei isn't here yet either, is he?"
Kobayashi scratched his head, gave a silly laugh, and instantly tossed the matter aside, leaning in closer.
"Last night the more I thought about it, the more I realized —Yamato-sensei promised to treat us to Yakiniku Q. We've got to make him bleed money tonight!"
Satō Yū, standing nearby, couldn't help chiming in at the words "Yakiniku Q":
"Let's hope Yamato-sensei doesn't forget."
Watching his two teammates' anticipation for dinner, Tejima Shinichi merely smiled faintly.
Yakiniku Q… that place really does deserve its reputation —the meat is tender, the sauce unique, and it's the go-to reward for many Ninja after missions.
The only downside is the price; even an occasional visit feels like a splurge.
Now that Yamato is footing the bill, such a chance is rare indeed.
Right then Yamato's figure quietly appeared in the center of the training ground.
"You're all here." His eyes swept across the trio, lingering a moment on Tejima Shinichi.
Seeing Shinichi's steady breathing and no sign of yesterday's turmoil, Yamato secretly relaxed.
"Sensei!" Kobayashi Takeshi snapped to attention, though his face still brimmed with barbecue hopes.
"Good morning, Yamato-sensei."
Satō Yū greeted respectfully.
Tejima Shinichi also gave a slight nod.
"Good." A hint of a smile crossed Yamato's face. "Then let's get to today's business."
The moment he finished, Kobayashi blurted, "Yamato-sensei! You haven't forgotten tonight's promise, right? Yakiniku Q!"
Though Satō Yū stayed silent, her eyes voiced the same question.
Yamato looked at them, chuckled, and shook his head. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. We… may not be going for barbecue tonight after all."
"Huh? Why?!" Kobayashi yelped, his face falling. "Sensei, you can't go back on your word!"
Satō Yū couldn't help joining in, disappointment clear: "Yeah, we've been looking forward to it all night."
Yamato's smile faded, turning serious. "It's not that I'm backing out. It's because today you'll be—"
He paused, sweeping his gaze over them, then said slowly:
"—heading out on a C-Rank mission."
"A… a real C-Rank?!"
Inside the Hokage Office, two exclamations rang out at once!
Kobayashi's eyes bulged, mouth wide enough to fit an egg. Satō Yū kept her posture, but the hand gripping her ninja tool pouch tightened visibly. Even Tejima Shinichi was startled.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched the youngsters' reactions, the corners of his mouth lifting.
Sure enough, after just one day of tedious D-Rank chores they were already itching for a real Ninja's challenge.
"Correct, a C-Rank mission. In the Land of Fire's east, near the border with the Land of Hot Springs, the Village of Hozumi has been plagued by a band of mountain bandits. The villagers pooled their money and petitioned Konoha."
He slid a scroll across the desk.
"Your job is to escort a shipment of medical herbs and daily supplies to Hozumi Village and help the locals eliminate or drive off those bandits." His gaze shifted to Yamato. "Yamato, you're in full command. Assess the risks and keep them safe."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Yamato stepped forward and accepted the mission scroll.
"The border… bandits…"
Kobayashi licked his lips in excitement, already cracking his knuckles. Satō Yū drew a deep breath, anticipation sparkling in her eyes.
"Details and route are inside," Hiruzen waved. "Prepare quickly and leave after noon."
"Yes, sir!"
The four bowed and exited the Hokage Office.
In the corridor Kobayashi nearly jumped for joy, his face flooded with delight:
"Did you hear that? A C-Rank—an actual C-Rank! No more river-cleaning garbage duty!"
Satō Yū, though more restrained, clenched her fists, eyes shining. "Finally… not a D-Rank." She looked at Shinichi. "What do you think, Shinichi?"
Tejima Shinichi raised an eyebrow and said calmly:
"At least it's more interesting than hauling trash."
Kobayashi nodded vigorously, even more excited. "Way more than interesting! Shinichi, we've got to be the first squad from our graduating class to get a C-Rank —this is awesome!"
Satō Yū agreed, smiling. "Very likely. It's only our second day as Genin, after all."
Watching his eager students, Yamato spoke steadily, "Don't celebrate yet. A C-Rank means real danger —combat, maybe injuries. Stay sharp."
"Yes, sensei!" Kobayashi and Satō Yū snapped back, instantly sobering.
Tejima Shinichi gave a slight nod, gaze drifting toward the Village gate.
"All right," Yamato clapped his hands. "Head back and pack the Ninja Tools and supplies you'll need. Assemble at the gate in one hour—departure on time."
"Understood!"
The three answered in unison, then turned and left.