A Mission? That'll Cost Extra! (Seeking Collections, Seeking Reads~)

At the same time, the expression of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, turned grave.

"However, the crisis facing our Konoha has not truly been resolved! Although the Third Raikage A was besieged and killed by ten thousand Iwagakure ninja, the Fourth Raikage, who inherited the name of A, is a force not to be underestimated. Furthermore, the Fourth Raikage's partner, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki Killer Bee, also possesses formidable strength. The two of them have caused no small amount of trouble for Sunagakure and Iwagakure with their 'Double Lariat.' Now that they are leading an invasion, few on our front lines can withstand them. Therefore..."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, turned his gaze toward Namikaze Minato. "Minato, you shall lead a team to reinforce that front line."

"Lord Third, Minato will certainly not fail this mission!" Namikaze Minato stepped forward with a similarly solemn expression, bowing slightly to accept the order.

Immediately after, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked toward Hatake Kakashi, who stood beside Namikaze Minato. "Hatake Kakashi, you shall go as well."

"Yes!" Hatake Kakashi lifted his head slightly, his voice sounding deeply dejected.

Watching Hatake Kakashi in this state, Namikaze Minato let out a soft sigh, the self-reproach in his heart deepening. If only I had completed my mission faster, perhaps... Rin would have been able to...

As the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi naturally sensed the abnormality between Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he remained silent. After all... on the battlefield, death was the most common occurrence of all. And he did not have much time to dwell on such matters.

"Jiraiya, and Uchiha Chen, you have arrived at the right time; we are currently short on manpower. You two shall be responsible for scouting the movements of Sunagakure!" After glancing at Jiraiya and Uchiha Chen, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, pondered for a moment before issuing the command.

"Fine, I accept this mission. Consider it paying off the debt for you helping to rebuild Chen's house last time."

Seeing that Jiraiya had actually accepted the mission, not only the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, but even Namikaze Minato and Hatake Kakashi felt surprised. After all, ever since the Second Shinobi World War, Jiraiya had been traveling everywhere for various reasons. Since the outbreak of the Third Shinobi World War, this was the first time Jiraiya had appeared in Konoha. However, the people present were all shrewd, including Hatake Kakashi, and they could all hear the key point in Jiraiya's words.

Just as Namikaze Minato and the others turned their eyes toward Uchiha Chen, they saw him wearing a conflicted expression, seemingly hesitating over whether to accept the mission.

"Uchiha Chen, I know that you previously returned from the battlefield due to severe injuries, and it is somewhat difficult to ask you to take on a mission now, but the village is truly lacking in manpower. However, I can promise you that as long as you complete this mission, it will count as an A-rank mission, and I will give you the highest reward: one million ryo!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was an old fox; he immediately thought of a countermeasure. He did not believe that at Uchiha Chen's age, he could refuse the temptation of one million ryo.

Sure enough, upon hearing the mention of one million ryo, Uchiha Chen was clearly moved, but he quickly returned to a look of hesitation. "But... scouting the movements of the main Sunagakure force is very dangerous. If one is not careful and gets discovered, there will be no coming back..."

Just as everyone thought Uchiha Chen was about to refuse the mission, he lifted his head, and his tone shifted. "You'll have to pay more..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi: ...

Namikaze Minato: ...

Hatake Kakashi: ...

As for Jiraiya, he stood with his arms crossed, looking entirely unsurprised. Having spent the last few months with Uchiha Chen, Jiraiya had long since guessed that this scene would play out.

In truth, Uchiha Chen really did not want to take this mission, even though his strength had improved significantly. Compared to doing missions, Uchiha Chen preferred to keep a low profile and develop his strength. Unfortunately, this was a direct order from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi; refusing was impossible. Since he could not refuse, he could only strive for the greatest benefit for himself under the limited conditions.

"Then how much do you want?" Although somewhat surprised, as the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly adjusted his emotions and asked.

"I don't want much. Count it as an S-rank mission, and for the reward, just give me two million ryo." Uchiha Chen did not hesitate in the slightest, holding up two fingers as he spoke eloquently.

Two million ryo, one S-rank mission... Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help but hesitate.

"Old man, what is there to hesitate about? Don't look down on Chen just because he's young; this mission will definitely bring you a surprise." Jiraiya, who had wandered over to the window at some point, leaned against the wall and said nonchalantly.

"Fine, I agree. You all should depart immediately!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi cast a surprised glance at Jiraiya before nodding to issue the order.

Since Jiraiya held this kid in such high regard, he would trust his judgment just this once.

"Brother Chen, I didn't have the chance earlier, but let me properly introduce you now. This is my student, Namikaze Minato."

"Minato, this is my good friend, Uchiha Chen. You two should get to know each other."

At this moment, the group had already left the Hokage's office and just stepped out of the Leaf Village gates, heading toward the battlefield. Jiraiya looked at Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Chen with an excited expression.

"Uchiha Chen, having earned the favor of both Master Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade, I have long wanted to meet you."

Namikaze Minato grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. He looked sunny, handsome, and charming as he extended his right hand.

"Not at all, not at all! The great name of the Yellow Flash is like thunder to my ears!"

Uchiha Chen's eyes lit up as well, and he stepped forward happily to shake Namikaze Minato's hand.

"The Fourth?"

Namikaze Minato was clearly taken aback.

Jiraiya and Hatake Kakashi were also stunned. The Third was still in office, so where did this "Fourth" come from?

Damn it, Uchiha Chen thought, I'm so used to his nickname from my past life that I let it slip. Namikaze Minato isn't the Fourth Hokage yet!

However, it was just a slip of the tongue, and that wouldn't stump Uchiha Chen. He smoothly turned the mistake into a compliment for Namikaze Minato.

"Ah, ahem, what I actually meant was that during this Ninja War, your reputation as the Yellow Flash has spread throughout the entire ninja world. The future Fourth Hokage is undoubtedly you; I just omitted a few words while speaking."

"Haha, Brother Chen, I find you to be a truly interesting person. If it weren't for the urgency of this mission, I would certainly love to have a good chat with you."

Namikaze Minato said with a cheerful laugh.

However, just at that moment, Jiraiya suddenly threw an arm around Namikaze Minato's shoulder.