Special Mission, Team Cooperation

Tenten watched from the side, a flicker of excitement in her eyes.

Even though she had already examined the blade several times before Yamei arrived, she found herself falling in love with it every time it was unsheathed.

As the long sword was drawn, Yamei swung it around casually a couple of times, feeling the blade cut through the air resistance. He then tapped the blade, nodding in satisfaction.

"Tenten, I have to say, your family's ninja tools are amazing!"

Tenten immediately puffed out her chest with pride. "Of course! When it comes to ninja tools, my family is number one! Not many people dare to claim second place!"

Seeing Tenten's demeanor, Yamei chuckled. He even wondered if Tenten's family hailed from the Land of Iron, as they were renowned for crafting ninja tools.

"Um... Yamei..."

At that moment, Tenten nudged Yamei, looking a bit shy.

"What's up? If there's anything, just tell me."

"Well... I used your blueprints to make another sword, and I was wondering if I could use it?"

Tenten felt a little embarrassed. After all, he had provided the blueprints, and forging a sword without his permission felt a bit out of line.

"Of course, no problem. I just provided the blueprints, it's not a big deal," Yamei said, waving his hand.

"Thank you! But I'm not using it for free. Consider this sword a gift from me to you!"

"Are you sure? This sword must have cost a fortune to make."

"I'm sure," Tenten nodded seriously.

"Then thank you." Yamei didn't refuse. Glancing around the ninja tool shop, he added, "Could you please prepare some senbon for me as well?"

"Huh? You're skilled with senbon too?"

Tenten was quite surprised. While many ninjas used senbon, their low lethality meant they were mostly used as a backup. Training ninjas specifically for senbon was difficult, so their sales weren't high.

"I can use them, I guess. Just to add to my attack methods."

He possessed not only the Sharingan but also the Byakugan!

With the Byakugan's insane visual control and perception, how could Yamei not try to incorporate ranged attacks?

However, with his current strength, adding ranged attacks was merely icing on the cake, so Yamei was only experimenting.

Soon, Tenten returned with the senbon. As Yamei reached out to take them, their hands brushed, and Tenten flinched back like a startled fawn.

"Ahem... Uh, how much is it..."

Yamei quickly caught the nearly dropped bag of senbon and asked awkwardly.

"Eight... eight hundred Ryo..."

Tenten's voice was barely a whisper, her face flushed crimson, and she dared not meet Yamei's gaze.

"Here's the money. I'll be going now."

Only after Yamei put down the money and left did Tenten look up...

"I'm so embarrassed! What will he think of me now!" Tenten covered her face with her hands and hid on the ground.

For the next month, Kurenai led the trio on D-rank missions, submitting them at the Hokage's office.

As they reached the entrance, they could hear Naruto's complaints from inside the Hokage's office.

"Ugh! More of these boring missions? Aren't there any challenging, more meaningful missions?"

"Reporting to the Third Hokage, the mission is complete."

Kurenai entered the office with Yamei and the others, submitting the mission scroll.

"Yamei, you guys are here!" Naruto and Sasuke greeted Yamei upon seeing him.

"Mhm..." Yamei responded briefly.

A moment later, after Hiruzen Sarutobi confirmed the mission's completion, he took out another scroll from his pocket, looking at Kakashi's team and Kurenai's team.

"I'm happy to see you all growing step by step, and I know you're no longer satisfied with D-rank missions."

Hearing this, Yamei immediately knew that the real missions outside the village were about to begin!

He was curious about how things would change without the Land of Waves mission.

As everyone watched with anticipation, Hiruzen handed the scroll to Kakashi, his voice tinged with seriousness. "Therefore, I have a C+ rank mission for you!"

"This is a Special Mission. It's difficult and dangerous, and it might even require two or even three teams to undertake it together!"

"So now I'm giving you a choice: either continue with D-rank missions for a while longer, or cooperate to take on this C+ rank mission!"

Hearing the Third Hokage's solemn tone, everyone immediately understood the challenge of this mission.

Kakashi and Kurenai remained silent, leaving the decision to the youngsters.

The atmosphere suddenly became quiet as everyone fell into thought...

Then, a strange scene unfolded as the gazes of the two teams almost simultaneously fell upon Yamei.

"..."

Yamei's lips twitched slightly.

No! Why are you all looking at me! You figure it out yourselves!

Besides, Hiruzen Sarutobi is right here. Your reactions like this… I'm afraid I'll get on the old man's radar!

What, the old man might not make it through the year?

But it's still troublesome, okay!!

Kurenai and Kakashi exchanged a look. While they knew Yamei had a significant influence among the current batch of rookies, they had clearly underestimated him now.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was also one of surprise, but he quickly composed himself, his deep eyes appraising Yamei for a moment.

Being stared at by so many people, Yamei couldn't stay silent any longer and could only brace himself and ask, "Excuse me, Lord Hokage, can our two teams alone complete this mission?"

It wasn't Yamei's fault. Konoha's C-rank missions were just too unpredictable! Who knew what kind of monsters might pop out.

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, seemingly surprised by Yamei's question.

After a moment of thought, he replied, "It will be difficult! Adding another team would make it about right."

"Then can we ask the Ino-Shika-Cho team? If they join us too! We'll choose to take on this mission!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent. After a moment, he nodded, "Asuma is busy with something recently, so the Ino-Shika-Cho team is free for the next couple of days. I'll call them over, and you can discuss it yourselves if it's acceptable?"

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

A short while later, a bewildered Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji were summoned to the Hokage's office.

"Everyone's here!" Ino said, a little surprised.

Looks like something troublesome is about to happen… A premonition flashed through Shikamaru's mind.

As expected, after Sakura and Hinata's explanation, Shikamaru and the other two understood the reason for their summons.

"We're going on a mission with Yamei? That's great!!" Ino exclaimed excitedly.

Shikamaru shot Yamei a resentful glance. You guys really dragged us into this, huh? This is going to be so troublesome…

Choji…

He was eating, looking as if it had nothing to do with him.

"So, Shikamaru, what's your decision?" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the three of them.

"Sigh, since everyone's already agreed, we'll take it on."

"Good! Then this C+ rank Special Mission is officially assigned to you! The Special Mission Team is hereby formed!" Hiruzen Sarutobi declared.

"Awesome! Finally, an exciting mission! And with everyone together!"

Naruto became incredibly excited and looked at Kakashi, urging him, "Teacher Kakashi! Hurry up and let's see what the mission details are!"

Everyone's gaze converged, filled with curiosity.