Someone Will Die If They Lose

At nine in the morning, Genma and the others met outside the photography studio.

This had been agreed upon yesterday: to take a commemorative photo.

Walking into the studio and arriving at the photography area, Genma saw Namikaze Minato with his hands pressed onto the heads of Kakashi and Uchiha Obito.

Click!

History was frozen in time.

Will fate change?

Genma's thoughts drifted for a moment, then he followed Hatake Sakumo forward to greet Kakashi and the others.

"Senior Sakumo, one day I will become a ninja just like you, earn everyone's recognition, and become Hokage!"

After bowing respectfully to Hatake Sakumo, Uchiha Obito loudly proclaimed his goal.

Hatake Sakumo was slightly taken aback, then smiled: "I believe you will be an amazing ninja, and your achievements will surely surpass mine!"

He could see a burning, unceasing passion and persistence in Uchiha Obito's eyes.

Having received recognition, Uchiha Obito was incredibly happy, then let out a soft huff toward Kakashi.

Kakashi turned his head away, too lazy to pay attention to this idiot.

After this small interlude, Genma and the others took their photo.

Shizune was to Genma's right, her head tilted slightly toward him; Yamashiro Aoba had taken off his sunglasses and stood on Genma's other side, while Hatake Sakumo stood behind Genma.

At this moment, besides carrying the Storm Fang Short Blade on his back, Genma was also wearing iron arm guards.

Click!

The smiles were frozen in time.

Having agreed to return tomorrow to pick up the photos, Genma and the others left the studio.

"Next, we begin our missions."

Hatake Sakumo announced: "I have already accepted today's missions in advance, let's head out now!"

As he spoke, he set off.

The three youngsters followed, though Genma felt something was not quite right.

This first mission wouldn't be something like finding a lost pet, would it?

Soon, the four arrived before a river.

Hatake Sakumo pointed at the river: "This is our first mission."

Yamashiro Aoba pushed up his sunglasses: "Teacher, it wouldn't be picking up trash, would it?"

Hatake Sakumo nodded with a smile: "Having just graduated, you can only start with the lowest-level missions."

"You must accumulate 10 D-rank missions before you can take on C-rank missions; this is the village's regulation, and even I cannot change it."

Genma sighed: "It seems we have no choice but to finish these 10 missions as quickly as possible!"

Shizune felt that starting with simple missions was actually quite good: "Then let's get started quickly!"

Hatake Sakumo immediately pulled several bags from his pocket.

Taking the bags, the three leaped onto the surface of the river, and Shizune and Yamashiro Aoba immediately bent down to start picking up trash.

Genma, however, raised his hands to form seals: "At a time like this, naturally, there is strength in numbers!"

Multi Shadow Clone Technique!

Poof, poof, poof~

A large number of shadow clones appeared on the river surface, and Shizune and Yamashiro Aoba looked up, dumbfounded.

In the blink of an eye, they were surrounded by Genmas in every direction.

"Begin, let's make this quick!"

Genma shouted, and hundreds of shadow clones immediately shouted in unison, then scattered to start picking up the trash.

On the bank, Hatake Sakumo watched this scene with a smile; he was not surprised by this at all.

And so, the mission that was supposed to take half a day was finished in less than an hour.

After Genma and the others climbed back onto the bank, Hatake Sakumo smiled: "Well done."

"Next is the second mission: helping the library organize bookshelves. Let's go!"

The three exchanged glances and set off to the next location.

It was the same human-sea tactic, and they finished the battle in half an hour.

Then, they continued to the next mission.

Helping people find pets, helping farmers in villages near Konoha hunt wild boars that were destroying crops...

It took only two days for Genma and the others to speed-run through the 10 D-rank missions.

Under the setting sun, Hatake Sakumo looked at the three slightly exhausted youths and asked, "How is it? Can you still hold on?"

"We can rest for a day tomorrow, then take on a C-rank mission."

Shizune and Yamashiro Aoba looked at Genma in unison.

They weren't actually that tired over the past two days; Genma, who relied on human-sea tactics, was the one who was truly exhausted.

Facing their gazes, Genma smiled. "I have absolutely no problem. A good night's sleep and I'll be fully recovered."

He now possessed the power of the One-Tail, so of course, he wouldn't have any issues.

No, to be precise, his chakra reserves had already surpassed those of Shukaku.

Over the past year or so, as he grew and developed, coupled with the influence of the Wood Release Chakra Mode, his chakra had increased significantly.

"Teacher, we have no problems either."

Shizune and Yamashiro Aoba stated their positions.

Hatake Sakumo nodded. "In that case, gather in front of the Hokage building at 9:00 AM tomorrow."

"Prepare yourselves in advance; this time, we are leaving the village."

Upon hearing this, the eyes of Genma and the others lit up, and they immediately felt a surge of anticipation.

This would be their first time traveling far from the village.

After the squad disbanded, Genma walked Shizune home.

Upon entering, they saw Tsunade sitting on the veranda, leaning against a pillar. The afterglow of the sunset spilled across her face, giving her a unique, hazy beauty, yet she also carried a hint of inexplicable melancholy.

At that moment, Genma's heart skipped a beat.

Shizune was also slightly stunned, then a look of worry appeared on her face as she whispered, "Lady Tsunade might be thinking of her deceased younger brother."

Genma nodded subconsciously.

How could someone who had lost all their loved ones not feel sorrow?

Comfort her?

How?

Do you also have no family left?

If you haven't lost anyone, how can you claim to empathize or understand?

Genma sighed inwardly, realizing that if he tried to use "talk-no-jutsu" to persuade Tsunade, it would seem particularly hollow, self-righteous, and condescending.

"Let's go."

Pulling Shizune along, Genma stepped forward.

Tsunade, who had been lost in thought, was startled. She immediately reined in her emotions, putting on a lazy expression. "Finished the mission so early today?"

Shizune said, "It's all thanks to Genma's Multi Shadow Clone Technique."

Tsunade glanced at the brat Genma and gave a soft huff. "So, you're executing a C-rank mission tomorrow?"

Shizune nodded, then looked at Tsunade with some concern. "Yes, Lady Tsunade. Teacher Sakumo said we are leaving the village this time, so..."

Before she could finish, Tsunade waved her hand. "I know, stop nagging!"

"You are the ones who need to be taken care of."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Tsunade looked down at the two brats. "Although it's a C-rank mission, you generally won't encounter other ninja."

"But nothing is absolute, so don't be careless."

Genma and Shizune nodded obediently.

Tsunade continued, "Also, although Senior Sakumo is very strong, you must never think of relying entirely on him."

"Any dangerous situation can arise during a mission; you must rely more on yourselves."

Shizune immediately nodded. "Yes, Lady Tsunade!"

Genma also said, "We will be fully prepared."

Tsunade realized she had made the atmosphere a bit heavy, so she laughed, "Let's have a gamble before you leave!"

Genma's mouth twitched.

Hey, isn't this change a bit too fast?

Shizune was also left speechless, then whispered a piece of advice, "Lady Tsunade, you don't seem to have won against Genma even once!"

Tsunade didn't care at all. "Don't worry, I'll definitely win this time."

"Besides, don't worry about me not being able to pay up."

I'm worried about losing!

Genma complained silently.

If I lose, won't someone end up dead?