Stillness Breeds Movement

"So, don't judge a book by its cover. Someone who appears calm as a peaceful lake but has thunder rumbling in their chest." The boy paused.

"That's talking about people like Uncle Dai."

Hearing this, Morino Kei froze.

"Is it that exaggerated? To be praised like this by Kai, he must be ridiculously strong." Morino Kei scratched his head, choosing to unconditionally believe his best friend.

"Judging by your tone, it feels like he could take on ten of me..." The tall, sturdy boy pouted, a thoughtful expression on his face.

Uchiha Kai's lips curled. He thought, let alone ten of you, even two hundred of you tied together would be dealt with in one punch.

However, the boy only thought this and didn't say it out loud to discourage his lively friend.

"Oi! What are you guys whispering about?" Aburame Keiichi tilted his head and called out to them, interrupting their hushed conversation.

Suddenly called out, the three youngsters froze like students caught doing something wrong. Their eyes darted around, and after exchanging glances, they came up with a plan.

"Teacher Keiichi~ We missed you so much! Everyone's been talking about you these past few days you were gone. Seeing you back, we were just excited discussing what important things you were off doing~"

Morino Kei stood up, his face not flushing, his heart not skipping a beat, as he spun a tale, showing no stage fright.

Aburame Keiichi's eyebrows twitched stiffly.

"Heh heh... Do you believe that yourself?" the man said, yet the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve up.

"Alright, enough fooling around. I've heard you guys have been complaining that the missions are too easy and too tedious." Aburame Keiichi's tone shifted as he suddenly got down to business.

"Since I'm back this time, you should be somewhat familiar with the mission procedures."

Morino Kei's eyes lit up, and his voice suddenly rose.

"You don't mean...?"

"That's right. This time, I'll take you on a C-rank mission. A true ninja operation, no longer the D-rank trivial tasks with no difficulty or danger." Aburame Keiichi nodded, his tone solemn.

"Really! That's great!" Morino Kei exclaimed with joy, overjoyed.

"Heh heh ha... Naturally, it's true." Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled with narrowed eyes from the side.

"Kōsuke has told me about your usual performance. You're all good kids with decent strength and patience. It's normal to feel restless when things are too quiet. Suppressing you isn't necessarily a good thing."

As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled out a thin scroll from the mountain of documents.

"How can one achieve greatness without trials? After all, you are ninja of Konoha, not flowers in a greenhouse."

"A C-rank mission, to eliminate bandits, requested by the neighboring Land of Hot Water. Recently, a group of unidentified bandits have appeared within its borders, engaging in arson, murder, and looting."

"The Land of Hot Water is a neutral country known for not having wars. This mission is very important due to its implications for bilateral relations. Although preliminary intelligence suggests there are no ninja among these bandits, you must still proceed with caution."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke solemnly, his gaze sweeping over them.

Seeing this, everyone present became much more serious, especially Morino Kei, who had a chuunibyou look on his face.

"This mission is to completely eradicate the bandits and to investigate their origins as much as possible. The requirements are speed, accuracy, and decisiveness." The old man's eyes focused, and he said in a deep voice.

"Team Keiichi, can you do it!" Hiruzen Sarutobi called out loudly.

"We guarantee to complete the mission!" Uchiha Kai and the other two said in unison.

"Good, full of spirit!" Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled with satisfaction.

"Alright, Keiichi, take the children and get ready." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and handed over the scroll, then remembered something and added a reminder.

"And remember what I just told you." The old man turned sideways and whispered.

Aburame Keiichi nodded and took the scroll.

"Team Seven, assemble!" the man shouted.

"Understood!" Uchiha Kai and the other two responded.

The next day, the main gate of Konohagakure.

The gate, primarily colored red and green, was half-open. The plaque above bore the conspicuous character "忍" (Shinobi). Tall ninja statues stood on either side, their gazes occasionally sweeping the surroundings, ever vigilant.

Uchiha Kai and the other two were ready to depart, carrying many bags and belongings.

"Ah... Teacher Keiichi, seriously, he's late again? I knew I should have slept in more..." Morino Kei grumbled as usual.

"Hmph hmph hmph... You want to sleep in more? Save it. The teacher can make excuses for being late, but if you're late, you'll only suffer." Hyuga Rei snorted playfully.

"Maybe Teacher Keiichi will suddenly appear next second, spouting some old bachelor cliché like 'I got lost on the road of youth'." The girl covered her mouth with a sly smile, looking like a cat grooming its paws.

Speak of the devil, the next second a lazy, tired voice came from behind them.

"Yo... you boys have a lot of energy." Aburame Keiichi appeared, dressed as usual.

"Well, I got a little lost on the noisy road of life. You don't mind, do you~" The old bachelor squinted and shrugged.

"What! Just because you're the teacher, you can be so reckless! You have no sense of time!" Morino Kei seized the opportunity and didn't hold back.

"Bang!" With a dull thud, Aburame Keiichi expertly delivered a chop to the boy's head, causing him to wail.

"Objection overruled. You are not to disobey your teacher." Aburame Keiichi said nonchalantly.

"Also, it's just a C-rank mission, why do you need to bring so much stuff? It's not like we're going to the front lines to fight Stone Ninja. What's the use of bringing so much?"

Morino Kei, who was wrapped head to toe as if he were carrying his entire home on his back, caused Aburame Keiichi to pat his forehead in exasperation.

"There are supply points all along the way. Look at Kai, he's traveling light and only brought what's useful," Aburame Keiichi said, pointing to Uchiha Kai as an example for Morino Kei to follow.

Morino Kei rubbed his head, feeling indignant but not daring to retort loudly. He could only grumble, "Isn't this just being prepared for the unexpected... If you don't want me to bring it, fine, I'll send it back then." As he spoke, Morino Kei prepared to head home to return some unnecessary luggage.

The next second, Aburame Keiichi interrupted him.

"No, there's no need to go back. Time is precious. A Ninja must cherish every second. I think what you've brought is fine, just take it with you," Aburame Keiichi paused.

"We'll all use it, and you'll carry it," the man said with a smirk.

"Huh?! Exploiting child labor!"

Amidst Morino Kei's protests, Aburame Keiichi walked unheedingly towards the Ninja guarding the gate, taking out a mission file from his chest to register.

After all, in Konoha, without special circumstances or a mission, Ninja entering or exiting were strictly controlled and recorded.

Suddenly leaving the village without reason was highly likely to be considered a defection, leading to a wanted poster. Of course, some individuals with special identities or great power did not need to abide by these rules.

"Yes, Senior Keiichi, it's been recorded. You may take your students out of the village," the unnamed gate guard said respectfully, clearly recognizing Aburame Keiichi.

"Thank you both, see you later," Aburame Keiichi replied politely.

He then beckoned the three youngsters over and headed towards the village gate.

The next second, two unexpected guests arrived from outside the village.

A long-haired, effeminate man in simple robes led a young girl towards the village entrance.