A True Ninja, Leaving the Village

Shuichi had no idea under what circumstances Orochimaru would make a move. Given his personality, Orochimaru probably would not intervene even if Shuichi ran into an ordinary Jonin.

Although this mission was a real headache, his teacher had already given his word before the Third Hokage. As his disciple, Shuichi could not disgrace him no matter what.

"I'll take it!" After reading the mission details, Shuichi did not hesitate for long before firmly telling the Third Hokage.

"Very well. Shuichi, be careful. Orochimaru, look after him properly as well." Seeing how determined both master and disciple were, the Third Hokage could not refuse.

After sorting through all the intelligence known about the mission, Shuichi and Orochimaru left the Hokage's Office together.

"Then, Sensei, when are we leaving to carry out the mission?" After leaving the Hokage Building, Shuichi began asking Orochimaru about the mission arrangements.

Orochimaru stopped when he heard Shuichi's question. "You are already a ninja. No matter when, you must be able to make your own decisions instead of relying on others to decide for you." Orochimaru looked at Shuichi, and this time there was not the slightest hint of frivolity in his eyes.

"From this moment onward, I appoint you captain of this mission, while I will be a team member. Of course, while carrying out the mission, you may treat me as though I do not exist. At all other times, I will strictly obey your orders." This time, Orochimaru's attitude was completely different from when he taught him before. He seemed somewhat cold and detached.

The moment Shuichi heard this, countless thoughts flashed through his mind. This was the cruel Ninja World, not the peaceful environment of his previous life.

Within the village, Konoha's ninjas protected everyone from the chaos outside. But fledglings would one day need the ability to soar through the sky; parents could not protect their children for a lifetime.

The Ninja Academy protected its children well. No wonder so many ninjas from other villages considered Konoha's Genin flowers raised in a greenhouse.

From this moment on, Shuichi realized that although he was not even eight years old yet, he would someday become a ninja capable of standing on his own. He had to take the profession of ninja seriously.

As though he had completely severed himself from his past life, Shuichi's previously relaxed expression immediately turned solemn. He took a light breath and said, "Since the mission is rather urgent, the sooner we leave, the better. Gather at the village gate in an hour. Any objections?"

Though Shuichi's face still looked childish as he spoke, his solemn expression made it impossible for anyone to feel like mocking him.

"Understood, my captain." A satisfied smile appeared on Orochimaru's face as he watched Shuichi's performance. As expected of the disciple he had taken a liking to.

After returning home, Shuichi packed all the supplies and equipment needed for a ninja mission as quickly as possible, stuffing them into his backpack.

At the same time, he took out a sheet of paper at his desk and began writing something. After finishing, he took down the short sword his father had left behind from the wall and slowly drew its polished, gleaming blade.

Looking at his blurred reflection in the blade, Shuichi firmed his resolve, then forcefully sheathed the sword and securely fastened it along the top of his backpack.

At the door, he looked once at the house he had lived in for over three years, carefully locked it, then left without a trace of reluctance.

The Ninja Academy had not yet let out, so Shuichi raced toward Ishikawa Tatsuki's home as quickly as he could.

When he arrived at the door, he slipped the note he had written into the crack in the door, then quickly ran toward his next destination.

Yūhi Shinkō was walking along a street in Konoha's central district. He had just helped his family buy some daily necessities and was on his way home.

He had been extremely busy over the past year, so at the beginning of this year, he had planned to spend more time with his family.

As he neared his home, he saw from afar a little boy place something on his door before running away.

When he drew closer, he found it was a note. Curious, he picked it up and read it.

"Kurenai, I'm leaving the village to carry out a mission, so don't come looking for me at my house for a while."

"Starting today, I'm a real ninja. Don't worry about me. You know I'm very strong."

"Written by Shuichi."

After reading it, Yūhi Shinkō sighed with emotion. "That child is already ahead of his peers."

After delivering messages to all his friends, Shuichi arrived at the village gate early to wait for Orochimaru. Near the agreed time, Orochimaru appeared on the street.

"Orochimaru-sama!" The two ninjas guarding the gate were not Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane, the famous gatekeepers. The moment they saw Orochimaru arrive at the village gate, they respectfully saluted him.

"We have a mission and need to leave the village." "Yes! We'll complete the registration at once!" Without any delay, the two guards quickly recorded Orochimaru and Shuichi's departure from the village.

"This is a detailed map of the Land of Fire. This one is a detailed route map from Konoha to parts of Sunagakure and Amegakure. I'll leave the rest to you, Captain." Orochimaru smiled as he handed Shuichi his own maps.

Shuichi did not waste words. He took the maps from Orochimaru, unfolded them, and began organizing the mission information and route in his mind as he made a preliminary plan.

Knowing that this was his first time leaving the village, that he was still a complete rookie without even formal marching experience, Shuichi decided not to worry about the mission for now and temporarily set their course toward the village where the incident had occurred.

After carefully recalling what his Ninja Academy teachers had taught him, Shuichi felt that with his current Chakra and physical stamina, he would have no problem even meeting the standards for a Chunin's high-speed march.

"Let's go!" After saying this to Orochimaru, Shuichi began traveling at high speed. Orochimaru silently followed. Judging from his expression, he was looking forward to seeing how Shuichi, still a novice, would perform.

Although he was confident in his stamina, it was better to be conservative on his first journey.

Therefore, Shuichi did not travel especially fast, and he scheduled rather more rest breaks during each hour of travel.

After moving at this pace for more than two hours, Shuichi stopped on a small slope. Not far ahead, he could see a bustling city. According to the map, it was a large city relatively close to Konoha.

Our current speed is around thirty-five to forty kilometers per hour. Shuichi silently estimated his marching speed.

It was already dusk. Since they happened to be passing through this city, Shuichi decided to take care of their food there.

At the same time, they could pick up a few more supplies. That way, they could travel at full speed for the rest of the journey without having to consider hunting along the way.

After a brief rest, Shuichi and Orochimaru set off again, heading straight for their destination. Although they needed to be more cautious at night, they were still within the Land of Fire, so Shuichi maintained the same pace as before.