The roaring flames had not only cleansed the mountain bandits' sins, but also washed away the three youths' feelings of guilt.
On their way back, they all felt light-hearted and cheerful. They admired the scenery along the road while engaging in casual conversation.
While discussing the gains and losses from their mission, Aya suddenly asked, "Aozora, when did you learn the Fire Release? That was amazing!"
Upon hearing this, Shibi Aburame and Jifeng instinctively leaned closer to listen attentively. Obviously, they were equally curious.
Aozora replied, "My brother came back on the graduation day. He taught me."
After hearing this, Aya slapped her forehead, "Right! I forgot your brother is Shisui. Shisui the Teleporting Flash! I envy you for having such a talented older brother."
Aya assumed it was entirely thanks to Shisui, believing he was the sole reason behind Aozora's skill.
Shibi Aburame and Jifeng, however, understood that while teachers are important in the learning process, talent is ultimately the key factor.
Mastering the Great Fireball Technique to such a level within merely two or three weeks demonstrated that Aozora's talent for Fire Release Ninjutsu far exceeded ordinary standards.
As his hidden abilities gradually increased, Aozora began showing his potential.
Konoha was short-handed these days, so aside from lowering the Ninja Academy's graduation standards, the village kept fast-tracking ninja promotions.
Those who accumulated sufficient merits and gained enough mission experience would receive opportunities to participate in promotion trials.
Aozora wasn't particularly interested in Ninja ranks; becoming a Jonin wouldn't change anything meaningful anyway.
However, achieving Chunin status would offer many conveniences.
Firstly, Chunin were already considered middle-level shinobi—the backbone of Konoha—with certain autonomy. They could freely accept missions and manage their own schedules.
Secondly, by accumulating merits, Chunin could submit requests to study new techniques from the village. Although high-level Ninjutsu and Kinjutsu remained off-limits, Konoha's vast technique repository still greatly intrigued Aozora.
Never mind other benefits, simply acquiring Bunshin techniques of the five chakra natures could significantly enhance his Embodiment Beyond the Self ability.
Leaving aside these discussions during their journey, Team Three finally returned to the village after an arduous trip, arriving in the afternoon the following day.
After completing their mission, they found that night had already fallen, and everyone was growling with hunger.
Seeing this situation, even the usually stern Shibi Aburame unusually showed kindness, saying, "You've all worked hard on this mission. Let me treat you to dinner."
Kona immediately suggested excitedly, "Let's have barbecue! Barbecue!"
Aozora disagreed, "Barbecue takes too long—we'll starve before anything gets grilled."
Rubbing her stomach, Kona shook her head, "No, I can hold out."
But right after saying that, her stomach betrayed her with a loud growl.
Shibi Aburame said, "Don't push yourself. Let's just eat nearby. Ichiraku Ramen (a famous local ramen spot) isn't far from here."
With its excellent reputation, Ichiraku Ramen met no objection from Aozora and Jifeng. Kona, too hungry to argue further, conceded.
It was peak hour for dinner — the ramen shop was packed, with only four seats left in a corner.
Since they were starving, they headed directly toward those spots.
Approaching, they saw beautiful kunoichi Kona Aizawa and her Team One occupying the table.
"Kona!"
"Senior Shibi!"
The two Jonin greeted each other. Though of the same generation, Shibi Aburame had become a Jonin earlier, so Kona Aizawa held him in considerable respect.
The two jonin team leaders exchanged small talk while the six genin stared at each other awkwardly.
Aozora's group was genuinely happy to see their classmates, but the three from Team One gave them icy stares.
Aya happily greeted her classmate, "What have you guys been up to lately?"
Upon hearing this, Team One's expressions darkened. Their mood was already terrible after working in the fields all day.
Rong Hyuga coldly replied, "Thanks to your 'D-rank Mission-clearing machine,' we've been stuck doing farm work recently."
Although Team Three had already been banned from taking D-rank Missions, the updates hadn't appeared on the official mission list yet, so all the genin had been stuck with labor missions lately.
After discovering who was responsible, the other genin started calling Team Three by the nickname "D-rank Mission-clearing machine."
Aya didn't notice Rong Hyuga's tone; her attention drifted elsewhere. "D-rank Mission-clearing machine?"
"Didn't you hear about it?" Saya Kurama said sarcastically. "It's your team's nickname! And you even have personal nicknames now!"
Unaware of his sarcasm, Aya happily asked, "Really? What is it? Did someone finally recognize my amazing abilities?"
"Hunter Cat-Ninja Inuzuka Aya," Saya Kurama continued. "Surprised?"
Then he turned to Aozora and Hayate Gekko. "You two have nicknames too! Hayate Gekko the Express Courier, and Uchiha Aozora the Street Sweeper."
"Oh wow, such legendary titles!"
Aya scratched her head and laughed, "Haha, we really are famous now! And mine sounds even better than yours!"
Saya Kurama's face twitched slightly as he faced Aya's complete obliviousness.
He'd hoped to see her get mad, but never expected she'd miss his sarcasm completely.
Just as his dark expression returned and he prepared to continue teasing her, a waiter wearing a white hat walked over and smiled, "Welcome! What can I get for you today?"
"Beef ramen!"
"Tomato ramen!"
"Pork broth ramen with extra toppings!"
"Beef ramen with triple meat—feel free to go light on the noodles!"
Without even looking, everyone knew that last order had to be from Aya, the glutton. Perhaps it was due to her daily training, but no matter how much Aya ate, she stayed slim and athletic—like a young cheetah.
Aozora remarked, "Are you ordering ramen or just meat? You might as well order a whole plate of boiled beef instead!"
Aya's eyes lit up excitedly as she quickly asked the waiter, "Do you have boiled beef?"
Wiping a large bead of sweat from his forehead, the waiter replied, "Sorry, we don't have that."
Aya responded with disappointment, "Would've done just fine."
Aozora then told the waiter, "Bro, make hers the regular beef ramen with triple meat!"
After they placed their orders, Willow Seiichiro noticed Saya Kurama getting ready to tease them again. He laughed in an attempt to lighten the mood. "Haha, you guys in Team Three are impressive! So what have you been up to recently?"
Before Aozora and Hayate Gekko could answer, Aya eagerly announced, "We went on a bandit-eradication mission! It was a C-rank Mission!"
"The mission requester was a young man from their village…"
Aya enthusiastically described their first ever C-rank Mission experience, but not one of Team One was actually listening.
At the mention of "C-rank Mission," all three looked like they'd just been hit with a ton of bricks, their expressions dazed.
Among their classmates, the three of them clearly stood out.
Rong Hyuga had always been first in class and was more than qualified to graduate early. Saya Kurama and Willow Seiichiro also possessed extraordinary talent in Genjutsu and Taijutsu, far surpassing their peers.
Yet after graduation, they were left far behind.
Although "D-rank Mission-clearing Machine" wasn't exactly a compliment, their nicknames weren't much better either. Nevertheless, the three of them were undoubtedly the most outstanding graduates of Class 49.
Everyone else mocked them openly, yet secretly felt envious, jealous, and resentful.
Now, Team Three had even taken on a C-rank mission first, widening the gap with their classmates once again.
Thinking about this, none of the three felt like chatting anymore, and they silently focused on eating their noodles.
Team One sat in low spirits, while Aozora and his teammates dared not appear too cheerful either. As a result, the group meal was unusually somber.
Fortunately, Ichiraku Ramen (Yīlè Rāmiàn) lived up to its reputation—its broth was rich and flavorful, the noodles delightfully chewy, and the meat fresh and tender. After finishing their bowls, everyone still wanted more and drank every last drop of the soup.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>