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Hizashi Hyuga didn't know much about the specific functions of Shiyu's White Rinnegan. He only knew that the Sharingan could copy abilities, so he didn't say much more.

But Shiyu still felt a little guilty.

"Be careful when you use it from now on. The more of your trump cards you reveal, the more dangerous things become. In the face of absolute strength, everyone is just a paper tiger." Hizashi offered a final reminder, bringing their conversation to an end.

As they walked, Shiyu clenched his fist. His desire to grow stronger was becoming more and more intense. My chakra reserves should be at the peak of Kage Level now. I'm only one wall away from Super Kage. As for my overall combat strength, even an ordinary Jonin probably wouldn't be able to beat me.

If Jonin are divided into Special Jonin, ordinary Jonin, and elite Jonin, then with my trump cards, I could probably reach the elite Jonin level with ease. But... I'm still too weak. In the later stages, even Kage-level fighters are just battle fodder.

Shiyu thought it over. Compared to Six Paths Madara and all the other Six Paths-level figures, I'm still miles behind.

"Geniuses come in two kinds: those born talented and those who become talented through hard work. I believe that with enough effort, I, with Otsutsuki blood, can become the strongest!" Shiyu said with determination.

The four left the mountainous region and entered a lush, densely forested area. They had crossed from Yugakure in the Land of Rivers into Konoha in the Land of Fire.

At last, the four of them reached the Land of Fire, and they encountered no more enemies along the way.

"Getting here wasn't easy. All our enemies this time were strong," Hizashi said. "But it's really gratifying that we managed to complete our first mission so successfully."

"I'd say this mission was probably A-rank. Without Shiyu, even I might have fallen into enemy hands. But I expect the higher-ups will only submit it as B-rank. Don't talk about it when we get back. Missions of this level are usually classified." Hizashi reminded them again.

"Understood, sensei!" The three students answered reliably. They had matured a great deal since the start.

Hizashi smiled in satisfaction, then spoke again.

"Come on! We'll be back in the village soon. How about I treat everyone to a meal once we're there?" Hizashi beamed.

"Sounds good!" Now that they had reached the village, Hinata Kurenai and Kakashi Nao finally let out a sigh of relief.

Shiyu hesitated for a moment, then replied, "Sorry, I might go look for my little sister. I don't know how she's doing."

"Ah, all right, then. That's fine—we'll have time another day." Kurenai looked a little disappointed.

"Hm? Hyuga, you seem a little disappointed that Shiyu isn't joining us for the meal." Kakashi Nao teased her unexpectedly.

"Huh!?" Kurenai's face turned bright red, and she didn't know what to do.

"Haha!" Nao laughed, caught off guard by how exaggeratedly red Kurenai's face had become.

"Kakashi Nao, I didn't think you knew how to laugh!" Shiyu took the chance to help Kurenai out.

"Haha!" All three of them laughed, and the awkwardness faded.

Even so, Kurenai's face still felt hot whenever she looked at Shiyu. Shiyu, meanwhile, just wanted to turn in the mission as soon as possible and go find his little sister, Xiao Xing.

After that, their journey back to Konoha Gate went smoothly. Just seeing the gate made them feel a familiar warmth. They all felt as though they had finally returned home after a long time away.

"It's only been half a month, but I never thought I'd miss the village this much," Kurenai said.

"Yeah. Everyone misses home on their first mission," Shiyu replied.

"Shiyu, is your little sister the only one in your family?" Kurenai asked.

"Yes. I never met my parents after I came to this world. Xiao Xing is the only family I have. So I want to turn in the mission and go find her as soon as possible, to surprise her. There's no one to look after her, and I'm worried someone might bully her." Shiyu answered honestly.

Xiao Xing had been the first person Shiyu met after crossing into this world. He could tell that she truly cared about him, so he naturally treated her like his own little sister.

"Ah, I'm sorry."

Kurenai quickly apologized for bringing up his parents.

"It's fine." Shiyu didn't mind at all.

With that little interruption behind them, the three of them followed Hizashi into the village and headed straight to the Hokage's office beneath Kage Rock.

The Third Hokage was still handling paperwork. The room reeked of smoke, of course. The Third Hokage was a heavy smoker, and he must have been smoking during his break. The room was hazy, with several Anbu assistants beside him.

"Oh? Hizashi, you're back." The Third Hokage looked up, surprised.

"How did the mission go? Did you complete it?" The Third Hokage smiled. "My student didn't cause you any trouble, did he?"

Hizashi shook his head. "Lord Third, Shiyu performed exceptionally well—"

Hizashi was about to give his report when a knock came from the doorway.

"Come in!" the Third Hokage said.

Three people then entered. The first was a kunoichi with long, curly violet hair and an incredibly cute face. She hadn't fully developed yet, given her age, but she already had a very nice figure.

In a few years, she would surely have the legendary combination of a devilish figure and an angelic face.

The second ninja was exceedingly ordinary. Her looks, build, weight—everything about her was plain. Having no distinguishing features was her distinguishing feature.

The last ninja was also a man, the complete opposite of the second. Though still young, he had bulging muscles and a broad, powerful frame. He looked like someone no one would want to mess with.

The last one is probably a Taijutsu ninja. The ordinary ninja seems well-rounded, and the violet-haired girl is probably a genjutsu specialist. Shiyu analyzed their abilities at a glance.

"Violet?" Hinata Kurenai blurted out in recognition.

"Hinata Kurenai!?" Violet recognized her too.

"Oh? Here to turn in your mission?" Violet said haughtily.

This is bad. How did those two end up meeting? Hiruzen seemed quite troubled. He patted his head, then handed out the mission reward as quickly as possible.

"Lord Third, I'll be back soon to give you my report privately!" Hizashi said, preparing to leave. The Third Hokage didn't stop him.

The four of them were able to leave, but even as they walked away, Violet shot Kurenai a challenging look.

Just as Hizashi opened the door and stepped outside, he bumped into another woman.