Stage Mission: First Trial

[Stage Mission: Genjutsu Initiation, Complete!]

[Random Genjutsu Skill Drawing in progress]

[Obtained: Genjutsu · Bringer-of-Darkness Technique]

[Bringer-of-Darkness Technique]: Creates an environment of absolute darkness, stripping the target of all light and sealing their vision. Within this environment, only the caster and their allies can perceive their surroundings.

Ps: (Like a pitch-black silk cloth covering the windows of the soul, savor the despair!)

A technique of the First Hokage.

It seems interesting, but I wonder if such a crowd-control genjutsu can still be effective against the Byakugan and the Sharingan?

Next, new update:

[Stage Mission: First Trial]

Mission Description: After being promoted to Genin, you need to improve your practical combat experience by accepting missions and accumulate merit to advance to higher ranks!

Completion Criteria: Complete one mission rated C-rank or higher.

C-rank mission completion reward: Low-level Contract Scroll, Skill Point +1;

B-rank mission completion reward: Intermediate Summoning Scroll, Skill Point +2;

A-rank mission completion reward: Intermediate Contract Scroll, Skill Point +3;

S-rank mission completion reward: Advanced Summoning Scroll, Skill Point +5.

Mission Status: Incomplete

Ps: (C-rank mission standard: Escort, subjugation, pursuit, reconnaissance, etc., where one might encounter obstruction from non-ninja bandits or robbers.

B-rank mission standard: Escort, subjugation, pursuit, reconnaissance, etc., where one might encounter obstruction from ninja below the Jonin level.

A-rank mission standard: Escort, subjugation, pursuit, reconnaissance, etc., where one might encounter obstruction from Jonin-level ninja or even other ninja groups.

S-rank mission standard: Execution of national wars, ninja wars, Tailed Beast capture, and other related high-level missions.)

After scanning the updated mission panel, Arata sat up from his bed.

However, today he did not go through his usual mechanical morning routine; instead, he silently recalled yesterday.

He had an older brother now.

His brother was the clan's top genjutsu expert, Uchiha Shisui!

This dreamlike reversal left him feeling somewhat dazed, even wondering if he had been placed under "Kotoamatsukami" without realizing it, which was why he had so easily spoken those two words.

But.

Was it really necessary to use Kotoamatsukami on a kid who had just been promoted to Genin?

And for such a nonsensical genjutsu suggestion at that.

He chuckled.

Still.

Having a brother was nice.

The feeling was similar to when he had first arrived in the ninja world and was completely helpless, and Izumi had told him, "Everything will be alright." Having someone who cared and someone who paid attention was truly wonderful.

Patting his cheeks, Arata got up to wash.

The Konoha mission hall opened at seven, but clients usually didn't arrive until after eight or nine. He still had three hours to himself, more than enough to complete his daily routine of weighted running and ninja tool manipulation.

The Vision Pill was orange; after swallowing it, his eyesight would undergo subtle changes. If not for the Sharingan, he might not have noticed, but through the accumulation of days and months, these minute improvements had become quite intuitive.

For instance, if he focused, he could distinguish the patterns on a butterfly's wings from four or five meters away.

As for the Basic Speed Pill, Arata no longer consumed them casually. Their effect was now negligible, so he mostly hoarded them to use as auxiliary pills for adjusting his physical state after training.

"Look, Manager Tang, we're already so familiar with each other. Every time we hire ninja, we prioritize your village. Can't you give us a discount on this mission?"

"We really have a lot of cargo this time, and our capital is a bit tied up."

"Besides, we just passed through the Land of Fields last time. There isn't even a ninja village there; it's really not that chaotic."

When Arata entered the mission hall, flattering voices reached his ears. Following the sound, he saw a chubby merchant rubbing his plump hands together while trying to cozy up to the man in front of him.

Why could Arata tell at a glance that the man was a merchant?

Because the large character "Merchant" was embroidered on his earth-yellow coat.

Of course, one couldn't rule out the possibility that it was his clan crest or totem.

Arata didn't bother investigating their negotiation; he walked straight to the mission counter and scanned the various mission scrolls placed on the desk:

D-rank mission: Help Madam Shijimi, wife of the feudal lord, catch her runaway cat, Tora. Reward: 1000 Ryo. (Image: A rebellious cat)

D-rank mission: Help Grandpa Wang at the east end of the village clear weeds from his courtyard. Reward: 200 Ryo.

D-rank mission: Help Grandma Li at the west end of the village mend clothes. Reward: 200 Ryo.

Arata frowned and skipped over these bizarre tasks. His goal this time was simple: a C-rank mission would suffice, and it was hard to say whether they would even grant him anything higher.

C-rank mission: Escort the Fujiwara Merchant Group to the capital of the Land of Wind, reward 50,000 ryo.

C-rank mission: Escort the Daimyo Palace's gifts to the capital of the Land of Earth, reward 100,000 ryo.

C-rank mission: Serve as a guard for the Daimyo Palace for one month, reward 50,000 ryo.

Missions above B-rank were not placed on the public table, likely for the sake of confidentiality.

"Manager Tang, I saw it just now; the commission for the Fujiwara Merchant Group is only 50,000 ryo. Please, just help me out this time."

Not far away, the chubby merchant was still haggling.

Arata, however, picked up that very escort mission and walked toward the registration clerk.

"That won't do. The Land of Wind is our ally and the risk factor is very low, which is why the price is set there. Look, the mission to the Land of Earth is already 100,000 ryo."

"And the route to Kumogakure is even longer, passing through the Land of Fields where rogue ninja frequently appear. Giving you a price of 100,000 ryo is already quite conscientious."

The man addressed as Manager Tang crossed his arms, tapped his fingers against his bicep, and shook his head in refusal.

"How can this be?"

"The last time the Hokage was here, the price was still this much."

The chubby merchant's expression collapsed; he was indeed a bit strapped for cash right now.

"What? Are you implying that I'm intentionally raising the prices?"

Suddenly, the voice of Manager Tang, who was dressed in a standard-issue long robe, rose a notch.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

"I'll go back and discuss it further then."

He began to compromise.

"Sorry, you aren't qualified to accept this mission. Newly promoted genin need to start with D-rank missions, and C-rank missions require a team to accept them. Where is your team leader?"

Over here, Arata also encountered an obstacle.

The clean-faced staff member pushed his ninja registration back toward him.

"A team leader?"

"He doesn't even have teammates, let alone a team leader?"

"Trying to take a C-rank mission alone? How interesting!"

A mocking voice came from behind; it was the voice of Naiki Uchiha.

"I suggest you contact your academy instructor first to form a squad before coming back to take missions. After all, C-rank missions still carry a certain level of risk."

"Or, you could start with some D-rank missions to practice."

Seeing that Arata did not retort, the staff member added in a gentle tone.

He had felt it was strange when checking the ninja credentials; it was truly rare to see someone come to accept missions at only eight years old, and to become a genin at such an age during a time of peace.

"Escorting the Fujiwara Merchant Group to the Land of Wind... hmm, seems a bit easy. I'll choose this for my next mission."

"Arata, they're right. Don't try to bite off more than you can chew; start with D-rank missions. I heard the Daimyo's Wife's little tiger has escaped again; that would be a decent mission."

Naiki Uchiha casually picked up the C-rank mission from the table, not forgetting to taunt the boy beside him. After all, his team leader was right behind him—a powerful Special Jonin!

Arata ignored him and turned around directly, as if he were about to give up and leave.

"Tch, I'd like to see who else in the clan is willing to team up with a lowlife."

Naiki, clutching the mission sheet, had cold eyes.

The shifting reputation of Arata within the clan these past few days really made him unhappy.

Jealousy burned like fire.

Clearly, his own aptitude was quite good as well!

However, the voice that suddenly reached his ears caused Naiki Uchiha's mood to churn once more.

That guy actually hadn't given up!

"That uncle."

"Give the mission to me. Half price will do."