"This mission is a C-rank."
"And it's one you'll be completing independently."
"Escort the target safely to the Land of Rice Fields, exchange the mission scroll, and return to Konoha. That's all."
In an open clearing, Itachi accepted the mission scroll from his Jonin instructor, his heart stirring slightly.
Three months of routine missions had finally paid off.
Today, they would undertake their first independent C-rank mission.
To qualify for the Chunin Exams, a Genin needed a solid record of completed missions.
If they could excel in this one...
He'd be one step closer to becoming a Chunin.
The client had requested a departure time of 3:00 PM. They still had... two hours to prepare.
"Everyone, the journey to the Land of Rice Fields isn't short. Make sure you're fully prepared."
"Yes!"
The three young Genin scattered to gather their supplies.
Itachi turned and left swiftly—
But not toward the Uchiha Compound.
Instead, he headed for the residence of one of the Sannin: Orochimaru.
His first mission outside the village...
This was news worth sharing with Haruko.
Soon.
He arrived at his destination.
The sound of clashing metal reached his ears—unceasing.
It seemed Orochimaru was still training Haruko...
A flicker of disappointment crossed Itachi's face.
Though he wanted to tell Haruko about his upcoming mission, he didn't want to interrupt her training.
I'll have to tell her when I return, then.
Fair enough.
Resolved, Itachi turned to leave and prepare for the journey.
But then—
The lazy voice of Haruko's senior, Anko, suddenly called out from the side.
"Oh? Little Itachi's back again?"
Her tone was playful, her expression brimming with mischief.
Teasing this "golden boy and jade girl" pair was a pastime Anko never tired of...
"Yes, Anko-senpai."
Itachi scratched his head awkwardly, but his eyes soon brightened.
"I'm about to embark on a C-rank mission. Could you let Haruko know?"
"I should be back in about three days."
"Please!"
He bowed formally, his seriousness only amusing Anko further.
"I refuse... just kidding! Who could say no to you?"
"If Haruko gets mad at me, I'll be in trouble!"
With a dramatic wave, Anko patted her budding figure. "Leave it to me!"
"Go get ready. I'll pass the message along!"
Itachi finally relaxed.
Haruko's senpai is so mischievous...
But she seemed reliable.
Itachi trusted her.
"Thank you, Anko-senpai!" He bowed again, his manners impeccable.
---
*"Scatter, Senbonzakura!"*
In the courtyard.
Haruko, panting heavily, forced a smile.
It was strained, but with the last of her spiritual energy, she could manage one more Shikai release!
"Even if you force it out, if you can't match my speed..."
"Your swordplay and genjutsu are meaningless, Haruko."
Orochimaru's voice was calm as he shifted his gaze.
His movements were fluid, dancing through the storm of pink petals.
Haruko's limits stretched a little further with each training session.
It was still astonishing...
But Orochimaru was beginning to anticipate her growth.
Watching her improve daily had become his greatest pleasure.
"Talk too much, and you'll get cut, you know."
"Orochimaru-sensei!"
Haruko's smile remained strained.
The petals surged toward Orochimaru with renewed speed—
Even faster than before!
Orochimaru's serpentine eyes narrowed.
"Underestimated your growth again, did I?"
"But..."
"You're still far from ready, Haruko."
His tone was as detached and teasing as ever, but a hint of surprise lingered.
At this rate, his taijutsu alone wouldn't be enough to challenge her for much longer.
Orochimaru knew his strengths lay elsewhere.
But those strengths weren't what Haruko needed to learn—not the way Anko had.
This was enough.
Letting her grow through battle was all that mattered...
No longer holding back, Orochimaru's speed exploded.
In an instant, he was right in front of Haruko!
"We'll stop here for today, Haruko."
"Don't make that face... Your senpai, Anko, seems to have something to tell you."
"Farewell."
His voice faded like the wind as his body melted into the ground.
Left behind.
Haruko gritted her teeth in frustration, utterly vexed—
But even so, she maintained that damnable smile...
"Wow... You're improving scarily fast, Haruko."
"At this rate, I'll need you to protect me soon!"
Anko sidled up, wiggling her eyebrows.
Haruko kept smiling, silently watching her.
Finally.
Anko pouted, popping another dango into her mouth.
"Itachi came by again. He didn't want to interrupt your training, so he asked me to pass along a message."
"He's heading out of the village for a C-rank mission. Wanted you to know."
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