"S-rank mission? Times two?"
Naruto and Karin repeated the words in unison, exchanged a glance, then looked at Soji at the same time.
The difference was that Naruto's face showed barely concealed excitement, while Karin looked somewhat worried.
To Naruto, being assigned an S-rank mission meant that his strength had earned Sensei's recognition.
Besides, Naruto was naturally adventurous. He had no interest in taking on ordinary low-rank missions.
It could be said that the moment he realized Soji might be assigning him a difficult mission, Naruto became extremely excited.
Karin's worries, on the other hand, had their own reasons.
Aside from the fact that an S-rank mission was far too difficult for her, Soji had just said that it was related to Kusagakure.
Kusagakure was Karin's nightmare.
An S-rank mission was already highly dangerous, and now it involved Kusagakure. How could Karin not feel afraid?
If she could, Karin would never want to think of that nightmarish place again for the rest of her life, much less return to Kusagakure.
Both of their expressions fell fully into Soji's eyes.
He could more or less guess what the two youngsters were thinking.
"Well? Do you dare take it?"
Soji asked the two with an amused smile.
"No problem! Leave it to us!"
"I..."
Naruto's answer was exceptionally firm, and he even patted his chest.
Karin, however, clasped her hands beneath her chin, looking somewhat hesitant.
It was clear that she was still wavering.
For her, life was already wonderful now. She did not particularly want to take risks, especially not by going to that nightmare of a place, Kusagakure.
However, when she thought about how Naruto would have to risk his life alone if she refused, Karin gritted her teeth and made up her mind.
"Sensei, I'm willing to go too!"