Can Take C-Rank Missions

The Third Hokage flipped through the task list on the table.

"There are a few more D-level tasks: finding cats, weeding, picking up trash—" He looked up at the four people in front of him, "Are you all familiar with the mission procedures?"

"Once you're familiar with it, first get the task, then do it, and come back to hand it in." Shin-chan counted on his fingers, "Then get your money and buy Chocolate Stick."

The Third Hokage was amused by his appearance, put the D-rank mission sheet back, and pulled out a new one from the bottom.

"Let's try the C-level one too."

Maruboshi Kosuke's squinting eyes suddenly opened. "Third Hokage."

"Um?

"They've only completed two D-level missions."

"I know."

"Is it too fast to reach C-level now?"

"Is it fast?" The Third Hokage picked up his pipe, then put it down again. "Kosuke, you've been with them for a few days now. Do you think they're just ordinary kids?"

Maruboshi Kosuke remained silent.

"They are geniuses among geniuses; there's no need to waste time on D-level missions."

Maruboshi Kosuke was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

The Third Hokage passed the mission order on, "Escort a merchant to the Land of Hot Water. There might be bandits along the way, but they shouldn't pose a significant threat."

Maruboshi Kosuke took the mission sheet, glanced at it, folded it neatly, and put it in his pocket. "When do we depart?"

"The client is already waiting at the village entrance. Go back and pack your things, and meet at the village gate in one hour."

"Yes." Maruboshi Kosuke led the three people out.

In the corridor.

"Mr. Kosuke," Uchiha Toru caught up with him, "C-Rank Mission, will we encounter enemies?"

Maruboshi Kosuke nodded. "Military missions of rank C or higher may involve combat."

Uchiha Toru nodded, seemingly lost in thought.

Maruboshi Kosuke turned to look at the three children. "Go home and pack your things. Check your ninja tool bags; don't bring anything useless. Meet at the village gate in one hour. Don't be late."

"Okay!" Shin-chan turned and ran off, with Shiro following at his feet, its tail wagging rapidly.

The Hokage Office.

The Third Hokage walked to the window and watched the three small figures run out of the Hokage Building and disappear into the street.

He raised his hand and made a gesture.

Two dark figures appeared behind him and knelt on one knee.

"Follow them," the Third Hokage said. "Don't disturb them, don't get spotted, and if you encounter danger, protect the children first."

"Yes." The shadowy figure vanished, as if it had never been there.

Shin-chan.

Shin-chan pushed open the door and ran into the Living Room.

Miya nestled on the sofa, one hand resting on her stomach, her eyes closed.

Shin-chan ran to the sofa, lay down, and snuggled close to her. "Mommy, I have to go on a mission."

Miya opened her eyes a crack, and it took her several seconds to come to her senses. "What?"

"C-Rank Mission," Shin-chan said. "Given to me by my Grandpa Hokage, it's about escorting a merchant to the Land of Hot Water."

Miya sat up. "Rank C? Isn't it Rank D?"

"My Grandpa Hokage said that D-rank missions are a waste of time and told us to do C-rank missions instead."

Miya looked at him, then propped herself up on the sofa and stood up. "I'll go help you pack your things."

"I can do it myself."

"You're doing this yourself?" Miya glanced at him. "Do you even know what you need to bring?"

Shin-chan thought for a moment, "Chocolate Stick."

"Anything else?"

"---- Chocolate Stick."

Miya sighed, went into the bedroom, rummaged through the closet for a backpack, and started stuffing things into it.

A change of clothes, towels and toothbrush for washing, a coat to wear when it's cold at night, and a raincoat for when it rains. Bandages and ointment for in case of injury.

Shin-chan stood beside her, watching her stuff things into her bag. "Mommy, so many!"

"Not much." Miya stuffed another pair of socks in. "When you're traveling, you have to be prepared with everything."

Miya zipped up the backpack, which was now bulging like a small mountain.

"Alright."

Shin-chan looked at the bag, then at Miya: "Mom, this bag is bigger than me."

"That's because you're too young."

Shin-chan sighed, slung his bag over his shoulder, and found it too heavy. He stumbled forward a couple of steps and almost fell.

Miya quickly supported him. "Is it too heavy? Let me take some off?"

Shin-chan didn't say anything, took a couple of steps, and the bag on his back swayed back and forth as if he were carrying a mountain.

Seeing his expression, Miya opened her bag and took out some things she didn't think were that important.

"Okay." Miya handed over the backpack, which had shrunk a bit. "There's nothing left to take."

"Mom, I'm leaving..." Shin-chan put on his backpack, which was still a bit heavy, and even speaking was a little difficult.

Miya looked at him, her eyes suddenly reddening. "Be careful on the road."

"Um.

"Listen to Mr. Kosuke's words."

"Um.

"Don't run around."

"Um."

Don't talk to strangers.

"Um."

Don't eat anything given to you by strangers.

"Um."

Don't talk to strangers...

"Mom," Shin-chan interrupted, "You already said that."

Miya rubbed her eyes. "Did I say that?"

"I already said that."

Miya reached out and adjusted Shin-chan's backpack straps. "Come back soon."

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Miya went to open the door and found Uchiha Toru standing there, holding a small bag in his hand.

Hello, Auntie.

"Xiao Che is here."

Uchiha Toru walked into the house and was stunned to see Shin-chan carrying a backpack bigger than a person.

"Xiao Che, my mom helped me tidy this up." Shin-chan took a step forward, but lost his balance and fell to the ground with a thud.

Uchiha Toru was silent for two seconds. "One change of clothes is enough."

Miya stood to the side, looking a little embarrassed: "Um—I'm worried he won't be enough—"

Uchiha Toru reorganized the contents of his bundle, leaving behind a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a short sword.

"That's enough." He tied the bundle, lifted it, and found it much lighter.

Miya watched from the side, a hint of worry on her face. "Isn't this too little? Will it be too much on the way..."

"Mr. Kosuke said not to bring unnecessary things." Uchiha Toru then took out a small bag from his pocket and handed it to Shin-chan. 66

This is for you.

Shin-chan took it and glanced at it. Inside were Shuriken, Kunai, wire, and a small roll of bandages.

"A ninja tool kit," Uchiha Toru said. "I prepared an extra one."

Shin-chan tied his ninja tool pouch around his waist and patted it. "Cool, isn't it?"

"Handsome." Uchiha Toru nodded.

Shin-chan turned and ran to Miya: "Mom, look!"

Seeing his smug look, Miya smiled and said, "It looks good."

"Then I'm leaving."

"Wait." Miya pulled him back, straightened his collar, and patted his head. "Xin Dian."

"Okay." Shin-chan took Shiro and left.

Miya stood at the doorway, watching the Red Little Figure disappear around the street corner.

She stood there for a long time, then slowly walked back into the house, sat on the sofa, and stared blankly at the doorway.