Chapter 244: S-Rank Mission: Aid the Sand
A week had passed since their duel. Kakashi had visited the Uchiha compound several times to discuss with Kyosuke how to further refine the White Fang sword style. Seeing Kakashi transform from the "Copy Ninja" into a full-fledged samurai gave Kyosuke a strange sense of temporal dislocation. But it was unavoidable. With the original timeline so drastically altered, Kakashi had never lost his right eye, and Obito had never had the chance to give him his own. It was only natural that Kakashi would follow in his father's footsteps.
And it wasn't a bad thing. While the Sharingan was powerful, Kakashi had never been able to truly master it. It had been more of a burden than a blessing, a constant, guilt-ridden reminder of his failure. Now, free from that burden, his potential was limitless.
"Kyo-su-ke... Sen-sei!" a cute little girl said, her hands on her hips, glaring at the slightly embarrassed Kyosuke.
It was, of course, his only female student, Mitarashi Anko. The reason for her anger could be gleaned from the empty snack wrappers scattered at Kyosuke's feet.
"Ahem." Kyosuke cleared his throat, pretending to look around. "Oh? Is the mission already complete? Excellent! Your efficiency is improving. You all deserve praise."
Seeing that her glare was having no effect, Anko sighed, about to let her thick-skinned teacher off the hook. But then, an idea sparked in her mind. "Kyosuke-sensei," she cooed, her voice suddenly sweet and syrupy.
"Wha- what is it?" Kyosuke asked, a muscle twitching in his cheek. He had a bad feeling about this.
Ignoring his wary expression, Anko picked up an empty snack bag from the ground and shook it, the meaning of her gesture perfectly clear. "How much longer are we going to be doing these boring missions? Don't you think..."
She shook the bag again.
Shisui and Yamato, who had been standing quietly by, now looked at their teacher with expectant eyes.
Kyosuke chuckled to himself. With their current strength, they are indeed ready for higher-level missions outside the village. And with me there to assist, there shouldn't be any danger. Of course, the most important thing is that higher-level missions mean more experience points.
"Let's go submit the mission report," he said, turning and walking toward the mission assignment office.
The three of them exchanged excited glances and hurried to follow.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was dealing with his usual mountain of paperwork.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in," he said without looking up.
The door opened, and Kyosuke entered with his three students.
"Lord Hokage," he said respectfully.
At the sound of his voice, Hiruzen looked up. He gave the three young shinobi a grandfatherly smile. "Kyosuke. What brings you here today?"
"It's like this..." Kyosuke explained his request for higher-level missions and then stood silently, waiting for the Hokage's decision.
Hiruzen tapped his fingers on the desk, lost in thought.
The three students stood nervously behind their unflappable teacher, exchanging worried glances.
"Do you think he'll agree?" Anko whispered.
"Sensei wouldn't have brought us here if he wasn't confident," Shisui whispered back.
"I don't know," Yamato said with a shake of his head.
"...Forget I asked," Anko grumbled, rolling her eyes.
After a long moment, Hiruzen finally spoke. "Normally, at their age, they would not be permitted to take on missions outside the village. But with you leading them, I see no problem."
"Yes! Awesome!" Anko cheered.
Hiruzen smiled at her enthusiasm, then his expression turned serious. "The world outside the village is a dangerous place. You are to obey your teacher's orders without question. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" they all replied in unison.
With a satisfied nod, Hiruzen took a file from his drawer and handed it to Kyosuke.
A request for aid from the Sand... Kyosuke scanned the document, his eyes quickly picking out the keywords: "Sand," "Shukaku." He had a good idea of what the mission would entail.
"That's right," Hiruzen said, standing and walking to the window. He looked out at the bustling streets below. "This may displease you, but Konoha cannot afford another war."
...So, you want me to help the Sand seal their Tailed Beast, Kyosuke thought with an inward sneer. He said nothing, waiting for the Hokage to continue.
"With the war over, the Sand's strength is at an all-time low. If we extend a helping hand now, we will gain a powerful and loyal ally. Surely you can see that, Kyosuke," Hiruzen said without turning around.
"Besides..." He let out a small, bitter laugh and turned to face him. "Most of the Sand's top shinobi were killed by you. They wouldn't be in this position if it weren't for that. It's only right that you go and help them, wouldn't you agree?"
With the Hokage putting it like that, Kyosuke had no room to refuse. He met Hiruzen's expectant gaze and gave a single nod.
"Good, good," Hiruzen said, his expression turning serious once more. "Team Kyosuke is hereby ordered to provide aid to the Sand Village. You are authorized to act as you see fit according to the situation."
"Mission rank: S!!!"
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