Early the next morning.
Yao brought Naruto and Sasuke, both fully prepared to set out, to the mission hall on the first floor of the Hokage Building.
It was busier than usual. Quite a few Chunin and Genin squads were selecting missions or waiting for one.
When the three of them entered, many people cast curious, scrutinizing, or awestruck looks their way—especially at Yao's brand-new Chunin vest.
Uchiha Yao's name was now quite famous in Konoha.
After all, awakening the Wood Release kekkei genkai and suppressing Shukaku single-handedly were major events that couldn't be kept secret.
It was fair to say—
There was hardly a ninja in Konoha who didn't know Yao!
The mission board displayed all kinds of assignments, sorted by rank.
Yao passed over the D- and C-rank missions and headed to the B-rank section.
There weren't many B-rank missions, but each carried considerable risk and challenge, along with extremely generous rewards.
Mission One: Escort important supplies to a border outpost in the Land of Rain
Details: Escort a convoy carrying supplies sealed with special ninja tools through the northern border of the Land of Fire and deliver it to a frontline outpost bordering the Land of Rain.
Note: Border clashes have increased recently. An attack by enemy-nation reconnaissance units or wandering Rogue Ninja cannot be ruled out.
Reward: 220,000 ryō.
Mission Two: Eliminate the Earth Spider Rogue Ninja gang occupying the Valley of Stone
Details: An armed gang of around fifteen people, led by former Iwagakure Rogue Ninja, has occupied a key route through a valley, robbing merchants and attacking patrols. They must be eliminated or driven out.
Note: The gang leader is suspected of possessing a Secret Technique involving Earth Release. The terrain is complex.
Reward: 200,000 ryō.
Mission Three: Investigate recent unusual activity in Kusagakure