Outside Konoha's Mission Hall.
Before Taiichi even reached the entrance, he heard Yohei Uchiha calling from afar.
"Taiichi, over here! Over here!" Yohei waved his arms excitedly, looking as if he could not wait to accept a mission.
Saori, standing beside him, was much quieter, like a serene lily.
As soon as Taiichi approached, Yohei immediately began boasting. "Taiichi, let me tell you, I've learned several new ninjutsu these past few days. I'll show them to you during the mission. You'll definitely be shocked."
Taiichi could not help feeling puzzled at Yohei's appearance. What incredible ninjutsu had he learned to make him this proud? He turned his questioning gaze toward Saori, but she merely shook her head helplessly. Clearly, she did not know either.
Seeing that, Taiichi stopped paying attention to the excited Yohei and asked Saori, "Have you seen Captain Yamaguchi?"
"No. We just got here too. We were about to enter the hall when we saw you arrive," Saori explained.
"Then let's wait inside." With that, Taiichi led the two of them toward the Mission Hall.
Just as the three approached the Mission Hall, they saw Captain Yamaguchi coming out with a Mission Scroll in hand. It looked like he had already accepted the mission.
"Captain," the three greeted him together.
"Mm." Captain Yamaguchi nodded. "I've already accepted this mission. It's a C-rank bandit extermination mission."
The three exchanged looks, then all turned to Captain Yamaguchi, waiting for him to continue.
"Bandits have been appearing frequently on the trade route along the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Grass. According to those lucky enough to escape, there are around fifty of them. They specifically target small merchant caravans, and their methods are extremely brutal. Other than those who manage to flee, they never leave