C-Rank Mission

"The Forest of Death? That's no pleasant place."

You's home was nearby, and he often kept company with the animals in the Forest of Death. It seemed Orochimaru's training had skipped right over D-rank tasks like farming and catching cats.

"Tomorrow, there will be an assessment for the three of you. Only those who pass it can become qualified ninja."

Orochimaru did not reveal the details, deliberately keeping them in suspense. However, Uchiha Yū could guess that tomorrow's task would most likely be the lowest-level ninja mission.

"Finally, I can become a qualified ninja! This time, I'll definitely make Father look at me in a new light!"

Hyuga Reiko clenched her fists to encourage herself, eagerly anticipating what sort of test awaited them tomorrow.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."

After briefly explaining the matter, Orochimaru vanished from before them.

The three who remained familiarized themselves with one another and explained the abilities each of them excelled at.

The Hyuga Clan was famous throughout the village for its reconnaissance ninja. Their eyes could spot many useful clues on the battlefield.

Nawaki had inherited the Senju Clan's formidable vitality. Coupled with Tsunade's instruction, he was an outstanding taijutsu ninja.

As for Uchiha Yū, he was a typical all-around genius. He was highly proficient in taijutsu, genjutsu, and ninjutsu, and he also knew some basic medical knowledge. Even though Tsunade had not taught him medical ninjutsu, that basic knowledge was enough for battlefield use.

"As expected of the Ninja Academy's recognized genius. With your skills alone, tomorrow's test is already in the bag."

Reiko's eyes had practically turned into stars. Among the three, she had the most lively personality.

Unable to resist, she activated her Byakugan and saw that the chakra within Uchiha Yū's body was exceptionally abundant.

"The amount of chakra in your body is ridiculous. It feels like you could already take the Chunin Exams."

Noticing the white veins around Hyuga Reiko's eyes, Uchiha Yū's expression grew solemn as he immediately warned her, "Using the Byakugan to look at your companions is extremely rude."

Konoha had an unspoken rule that the Byakugan was not to be used inside the village. This extremely powerful bloodline ability could see through the surfaces of objects.

It was practically made for peeping. Let alone the major clans, even ordinary people would not want others seeing their private lives.

"Ah? Sorry, sorry."

She had only been curious and had not meant to offend Uchiha Yū. Reiko lowered her head after being reprimanded, understanding that she could not use the Byakugan on her companions.

"Be prepared for tomorrow's ninja assessment. Teacher Orochimaru is one of the Three Ninja's hawks and has always advocated strength."

Since they were companions and would be spending a long time together in the future, You did not press Reiko too harshly over the matter. Instead, he deliberately reminded them to prepare for tomorrow's test and not be frightened by it.

"Don't worry. I'm the one who's going to become Hokage. If I can't even complete a teacher's mission, what kind of ninja would I be?"

"Right, right. I've also been taught by the elders of the Hyuga Clan at home."

After offering only a few simple reminders, Uchiha Yū left. He still had many things to do and needed to seize every moment to improve his strength. After bidding them farewell, he returned to his little house.

With Orochimaru becoming his teacher, You thought carefully about the reasons behind it and concluded that Danzō was behind it.

If Tsunade had become his teacher, Danzō would have had no chance to draw him into Root.

From what he knew, Orochimaru had always maintained some degree of cooperation with Danzō.

Furthermore, Orochimaru was one of the standard-bearers of the Hokage faction. If he became Uchiha Yū's teacher, the Third Hokage would not raise any other objections.

"Danzō, you really will stop at nothing just to drag me into Root."

"I'll remember this grudge."

A cold gust blew into his room. You raised his head and looked toward the distant sky, his eyes filled with chilling sharpness.

Early the next morning, You arrived at the outskirts of the Forest of Death. He could already see Orochimaru at the entrance. The man stood hidden within the white mist and happened to look up just as You arrived.

"Teacher, you got here earlier than all of us?"

Orochimaru's presence surprised You. His gaze fell on the other man's shoulders, where he could see dew clinging to his clothes, showing that Orochimaru had been there for quite some time.

Like a cold, merciless venomous snake, Orochimaru's gaze remained as calm as ever. He never revealed his emotions on his face, merely replying, "Yes. There is still an hour before the gathering time. We'll wait for the other two first."

There was a certain pressure in staying by Orochimaru's side, especially when alone with him. It had to be said that the younger Orochimaru, who could become a candidate for the Fourth Hokage, truly possessed exceptional ninja talent.

Whether in personal charisma or leadership ability, he ranked among the very best in the entire ninja world.

What a pity that Orochimaru's temperament had already undergone a tremendous change by then. The position of Hokage was valuable, but he had more important matters to pursue.

Otherwise, it was uncertain whether Minato Namikaze would have obtained the position of Fourth Hokage.

Orochimaru, meanwhile, had not been idle. Aside from his deal with Danzō, the Third Hokage also hoped that through Orochimaru's guidance, Uchiha Yū would develop a sense of belonging toward the village.

He wanted to cultivate You into the next Uchiha Kagami.

Orochimaru had been observing him all along. He truly was an exceptionally promising ninja prospect.

He hoped today's training would not disappoint him.

Half an hour later, the remaining two arrived together.

Seeing Orochimaru and Uchiha Yū, who had been waiting for some time, both of them felt a measure of shame. They had actually made their teacher and companion wait so long.

"Since all of you are here, I'll take you on a ninja mission."

The figures of the three reflected in his cold, merciless eyes. Orochimaru's methods were also the most radical. Even the most outstanding ninja prospects would make countless mistakes on their first mission, and their lives could even be in danger.

If Tsunade had been beside Orochimaru, she probably would have punched him.

Along the way, Orochimaru taught them much knowledge. Each of the three held a detailed map, which marked the location of this mission.

It was within a mountain.

Only after they arrived did Orochimaru reveal the details of the mission. "This is a C-rank mission."

"At the center of the mountain is the gathering place of a group of bandits. Your task is to kill every last one of them in the shortest time possible!"

"No living people are to remain on the mountain!"

After emphasizing it once more, Orochimaru's gaze fell upon the three of them as he carefully observed their expressions.

Nawaki and Reiko both looked uneasy. Reiko in particular turned fearful at the mention of killing.

You's gaze, however, remained indifferent and cold.