Time-Limited Mission

Time-Limited Mission

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked as he always did, a pipe clenched between his teeth, dressed in the red-and-white Hokage robes, wearing a genial expression.

"Hase Nobuhiko, Shinozaki Raizo, Uchiha Mieko, Hyuga Yuto, Hatake Kakashi." He softly named the five outstanding elites about to be promoted.

Three from "clans," two "commoners." The Uchiha and Hyuga each claimed one spot; through this single jonin promotion examination, one could glimpse the subtle balance within the Hidden Leaf Village.

The five stood with their hands at their sides. Over the years, Sarutobi Hiruzen had combined favor and authority under the name of Hokage, earning great prestige in the Hidden Leaf Village. Even the proud Uchiha would not openly defy him.

"You are all the village's true elite." Sarutobi Hiruzen paused, then said solemnly:

"A tree has roots, a trunk, branches, and leaves. Every part is indispensable."

"If this tree is to flourish and pass down the Will of Fire, someone must step forward to shelter it from wind and rain. I am very pleased that the Hidden Leaf Village is about to gain five sharp blades."

"Chunin and jonin are entirely different. The former are merely squad leaders, while the latter may determine the lives and deaths of dozens, or even hundreds."

"Many times, the outcome of a battle—or even a campaign—rests on a jonin's single decision."

"So, what do you think is most important for a jonin?" Sarutobi Hiruzen posed a question.

"Being strong enough!" A female voice answered. It was Uchiha Mieko.

She had the typical Uchiha looks and temperament—beautiful, black-haired, and full of emotion.

At this point in time, the Uchiha clan had not yet reached the awkward stage of being ostracized on the eve of its destruction. They had not been driven into shutting themselves off, and many clan members were still fairly outgoing.

She glanced at the other four and snorted.

"A jonin must have the ability to solve problems in any crisis. That means being strong enough!"

"Strength?" Sarutobi Hiruzen clapped.

"An excellent answer. That's right. You and the four beside you are all exceptionally talented combat types... Does anyone else have an answer?"

"Completing the mission." Hatake Kakashi lowered his eyelids and said calmly, "No matter what must be sacrificed or paid, a jonin must complete the mission."

Sakumo's death had hit him hard, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly. Without favoring one over the other, he voiced his agreement as well.

The remaining two ninjas also gave their own interpretations. Nothing stood out, but neither answer was wrong.

Soon, it was Hyuga Yuto's turn. He rubbed his forehead protector, hesitated for a while, then spoke in a gentle yet resolute voice.

"Lord Hokage, I believe that only someone recognized by everyone is a qualified jonin."

Someone recognized by everyone... Sarutobi Hiruzen was moved. Just like their conversation in the office half a year ago, this young Hyuga branch family member's answer contained an extraordinary sense of the bigger picture and a generous heart.

"But Yuto, earning everyone's recognition is an extremely difficult thing. It is ten thousand times harder than mastering an S-rank ninjutsu."

"Lord Hokage, when walking the road toward one's dreams, how can there be such a thing as difficulty?"

When Hyuga Yuto finished speaking, he saw Tsunade behind Sarutobi Hiruzen curl up the corners of her lips. Her eyes sparkled as she felt satisfied and gratified by her disciple's answer.

Sarutobi Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe, suppressed his complicated feelings, and continued.

"All five of your answers are good, and all of them are correct. Jonin are a village's most elite ninja. Leadership, mental fortitude, combat ability—every aspect must surpass that of an ordinary chunin."

"You have risen rapidly in recent years, completed many missions, and proven both your combat aptitude and your ability to solve problems. In my eyes, all of you are qualified to become jonin."

"But becoming a jonin requires an examination. This is a rule established by the First Hokage."

"A sparring match of individual combat cannot fully demonstrate your abilities."

"Therefore, I have specially selected five S-rank missions. One for each of you. Once you complete them and return here, you will become jonin of the Hidden Leaf Village."

"Remember, you must complete the mission and return within five days. Even one second late will mean failure."

"Tsunade..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped back, and Tsunade stepped forward.

She took out five scrolls and laid them on the ground.

"Pick one each. Once you open it, you cannot change it."

Uchiha Mieko was still the first to step forward. After picking up a scroll, she did not even look at it. She bowed to Sarutobi Hiruzen and left the underground chamber.

The rest made their choices in turn. Hyuga Yuto remained standing where he was, not moving for a long while as he waited for the others to pick first. This was what was called "being cautious and courteous." Tsunade, the chief examiner, was his teacher. It would not look good for him to choose first, lest others grow suspicious and claim that master and disciple had arranged a mission in advance and rigged the selection.

Only when a single scroll remained on the ground did Hyuga Yuto pick it up.

He opened it before Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tsunade. After scanning it, his expression did not change. He merely said respectfully:

"Lord Hokage... My mission is number four. You surely know its specific details. Before I depart, I would like to ask... How far may I go? Do I need to control the intensity?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen replied calmly:

"Do not worry about any diplomatic repercussions... If you cause trouble, the Hidden Leaf Village will cover for you. Go all out."

Hyuga Yuto could almost smell blood.

Just past fifty, Sarutobi Hiruzen was still near the end of his prime. The cold hardness and iron-blooded resolve deep within him far surpassed the man he would become more than a decade later, when the story began.

Hyuga Yuto bowed, wasting no more time as he swiftly left the underground chamber.

This was a time-limited mission. He had to make use of every second.

In the sealed underground space, Tsunade suddenly sighed.

"Sensei, I don't think I've seen these five scrolls on the village mission board..."

"Yes. Danzo and the others drafted them with me last night." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "Tsunade, although Shimura Danzo is somewhat dark, and I know you have always disliked him, there are times when his words make sense."

"In war, how can one hide inside a shell and wait for others to come attack?"

Hyuga Yuto raced back to the Senju Clan Grounds. He often stayed here now, and had even moved many of his daily necessities and ninja tools next door to Tsunade. His excuse was perfectly sound: training and serving his teacher. Even the Hyuga main family could find no reason to criticize him.

Since this was a five-day time-limited mission, he did not bring spare clothes. He only took his ninja tools and a certain amount of money before leaving the village and sprinting eastward.

[Mission Four:]

[According to top-secret intelligence, the Hidden Mist Village has dispatched an elite squad to the Land of Fire. Its leader is one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.]

[Whatever their purpose, stop them from approaching the Land of Fire.]