A Mission for Four

"That was just a coincidence, a coincidence, that's all." Obito's voice had clearly lost its confidence.

The jonin up front laughed even harder. "Haha, if you fail next time, be careful they don't stop giving you missions altogether. All right, this one should be fine. It might be a little dangerous, but with Kakashi there, you should be okay. Do your best, all of you."

B-rank mission: Emergency assignment, survey and collect samples around Konoha.

Kakashi glanced at the map and studied the mission site, his brow furrowing. "It's a bit far. We might have to spend the night out there, so we should get ready first."

Clearly, this mission would take them several kilometers beyond Konoha. Just getting there and back would take at least half a day, so there was no way they could finish in a single day.

They would have to pack for an overnight trip.

The three nodded and started to leave. Rin Nohara had already begun walking away when something occurred to her. She turned around and hurried back to ask, "Um, Kakashi, should I prepare some Military Ration Pills?"

Kakashi paused for a moment, then said in an unusually cheerful tone, "Yeah, Rin, your Military Ration Pills are really good. It wouldn't hurt to bring a few extra."

"Right, um, sure." Rin Nohara's cheeks flushed, and she left looking delighted.

Yang Xing watched her go, merely pursed his lips, then turned and left in silence.

Back at what could be called his home, he packed some clothes and supplies and prepared some dried food. His eyes fell on the condiments nearby. After hesitating, he tossed them into his backpack too.

Once he'd finished, he headed out again.

Packing had taken only half an hour. By the time he reached the agreed meeting place, the others were already there.

"Hurry up, you! Why are you always so slow?" Obito was clearly the most excited of the group.

Yang Xing quickened his pace and jogged to catch up with them.

The four checked their supplies and set off without another word.

The mission was simple: survey the water sources and trees, look for traces of chakra, and map the terrain. It wasn't considered dangerous.

The only real threats were the possibility of encountering wild animals or bandits, which was why it had been classified as a B-rank mission.

Of course, that was assuming Konoha was in a normal, peaceful period.

Kakashi and Yang Xing both knew better. Neither of them let their guard down during the trip.

This time, I'm going to make a scene no matter what. If only some capable bandits would show up. It'd be the perfect chance to test my enhanced ninjutsu. Yang Xing couldn't hide the grin tugging at his lips.

After presenting their mission acceptance papers, Yang Xing and the others left Konoha without a hitch. They followed a small path toward the mountains and woods.

The land was hilly, and aside from the paths, towering forests stretched in every direction. It was an environment that suited the Warring States period perfectly.

Following the map, Yang Xing and the others made their way at a leisurely pace. The mission wasn't urgent, and there was no deadline. Since it was their first mission, getting lost would be no laughing matter.

They walked for several hours, until the sun was nearly setting and their stomachs began to protest.

Kakashi, who had been leading the way, finally stopped.

"All right, let's find somewhere to rest. We'll continue in the morning." He looked around at the fading light, then headed into the woods.

Obito, following close behind, was clearly taken aback by Kakashi's actions. He hurried after him and asked, "Huh? If we keep going at this pace, won't we have to finish the mission tomorrow afternoon? Doesn't that mean it'll take several days?"

"The mission itself is simple. It won't take long. It's just the travel that'll take some time."

The four reached a fairly open area. There were a few weeds, but not enough to interfere with sleeping.

They needed a fire to keep wild animals away. Obito took care of that with a single Fire Release Ninjutsu, while Yang Xing was put in charge of setting up the tent. Kakashi, meanwhile, checked the surroundings for any danger.

Once they'd finished their assigned tasks, the four gathered together and quietly ate their dinner.

They'd all brought provisions, but one of them had packed some truly bizarre things. Kakashi, Obito, and Rin Nohara stared at him in bewilderment.

"Salt, soy sauce, MSG, chili powder... Nothing's missing. Oh, and a knife." Yang Xing took the items out of his bag one by one, a smile on his face.

Rin Nohara watched him and couldn't help asking, "Um, what are all these for?"

Seeing the three of them staring at him expectantly, Yang Xing shook his head with an air of disappointment. "Why eat dried food when we're out in the wilderness? You're all so lacking in flair. We should be having a feast."

"We're on a mission," Kakashi said flatly, but it didn't dampen Yang Xing's enthusiasm.

"So what? I checked earlier, and it looks like there are animal tracks over there. Maybe we can catch something. Anyone who wants to try some wild game can come with me." Yang Xing took his knife and headed toward the nearby woods.

"Hey, don't go too far. This area's safe, but I can't guarantee what's farther away." Kakashi paused, then frowned as Yang Xing walked off. Without another thought, he followed.

"How sneaky! You two, wait for me." Obito hesitated, put down his dried food, and hurried after them.

Rin Nohara had no choice but to follow, too.

Their destination was actually nearby.

Yang Xing and Kakashi moved so fast that by the time Obito and Rin Nohara caught up, the two of them were already crouching in the grass.

They watched the pair sitting perfectly still. Catching his breath, Obito edged closer and asked, "Hey, you two sure ran fast. What are you crouching here for? A rabbit?"

There was indeed a gray rabbit not far ahead. The sight made Obito's eyes light up.

"A wild rabbit."

"Food!" Yang Xing took out his knife.

Seeing what Yang Xing was doing and realizing he couldn't stop him, Kakashi could only sigh. "Hurry up. We shouldn't stay here too long."

"Huh? What are you talking about? You want me to do it? You have to help, too."

"?"

"Quit talking. It's about to run." Yang Xing glanced at the rabbit, which looked ready to bolt, and patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "You guys catch it. I'll gut it."

At the look Yang Xing gave him, Kakashi hesitated, then stood up and looked at the rabbit. He couldn't help giving a wry smile. "I can't believe I'm going along with this."

"Obito, go around to the right. Kakashi, take the left. Be careful. This might not be an ordinary rabbit. If it's this bold, it must be pretty nimble."

"There are rabbits that aren't ordinary?"

"Quit wasting time and do as I say."