C-Rank Mission

"Forest of Death? That was no good 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 missions 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 specifics, leaving them in suspense. However, Uchiha You could guess that tomorrow's mission would most likely involve carrying out the lowest-level ninja task.

"Finally, I can become a qualified ninja. This time, I have to make Father look at me in a new light!"

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

"Then I'll see you tomorrow."

After briefly explaining things, Orochimaru vanished from before them.

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

The Hyuga Clan was renowned 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 physical strength. Combined with Tsunade's instruction, he was an outstanding taijutsu ninja.

As for Uchiha You, he was a typical all-around genius. He was highly proficient in taijutsu, genjutsu, and ninjutsu, and he also possessed some basic medical knowledge. Even though Tsunade had not taught him Medical Ninjutsu, that basic medical knowledge was enough to be used on the battlefield.

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

Reiko's eyes had turned into stars. She had the most lively personality among the three.

Unable to resist, she activated her Byakugan and saw the extraordinarily abundant chakra within Uchiha You's body.

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

Noticing the white veins around Hyuga Reiko's eyes, Uchiha You's expression grew solemn as he immediately warned her,

"Using the Byakugan to look at your companions is extremely rude."

There was an unspoken rule in Konoha: the Byakugan could not be used within the village. This immensely powerful bloodline ability could see through the surface of objects.

It was practically made for peeping. Not to mention the major clans, even an ordinary person would not want someone seeing their private life.

"Ah? Sorry, sorry."

She had merely been curious and had not meant to offend Uchiha You. Reiko lowered her head after being reprimanded and understood that she could not use the Byakugan to look at her companions.

"Prepare yourselves for tomorrow's ninja test. Teacher Orochimaru is one of the hawks among the Legendary Sannin 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 hard 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 going to become Hokage. If I can't even complete a teacher's mission, what kind of ninja would I be?"

"Right, right. The elders of the Hyuga Clan have taught me plenty at home too."

After giving them only a few brief reminders, Uchiha You still had much to do. He needed to make every moment count to improve his strength, so after saying goodbye, he returned to his small house.

With Orochimaru becoming his teacher, You carefully considered the reasons behind it and concluded that Danzo was behind it.

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

From what he knew, Orochimaru had always maintained some level of cooperation with Danzo.

Furthermore, Orochimaru was a leading figure in the Hokage faction. If he became Uchiha You's teacher, the Third Hokage would have no other objections.

"Danzo, to pull me into Root, you really will stop at nothing."

"I'll remember this grudge."

A cold gust blew into his room. You raised his head to gaze at the distant sky, his eyes carrying a chilling sharpness.

Early the next morning, You arrived at the outskirts of the Forest of Death. He could already see Orochimaru at the entrance. Hidden within the white mist, Orochimaru happened to look up and spot You approaching.

"Teacher, you came earlier than all of us?"

Orochimaru's presence surprised You. His gaze fell on Orochimaru's shoulder, where he could see droplets of dew hanging from his clothes, proving that Orochimaru had been there for quite some time.

Like a cold, emotionless venomous snake, Orochimaru's gaze remained as calm as ever. He never let his emotions show on his face, and he replied lightly,

"Mm. There is still an hour before the meeting time. We'll wait for the other two first."

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

Whether in personal charisma or leadership ability, he stood among the very best in the entire Shinobi World.

What a pity that Orochimaru's temperament had already changed drastically by then. The position of Hokage was valuable, but he had more important things to do.

Otherwise, it was uncertain whether Minato Namikaze would have become the Fourth Hokage.

Orochimaru, meanwhile, had not been idle. Taking him as a disciple was not only part of his deal with Danzo; the Third Hokage also hoped that through Orochimaru's guidance, Uchiha You 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.

Hopefully, today's training would not disappoint him.

Half an hour later, the remaining two arrived together.

Seeing Orochimaru and Uchiha You, who had been waiting for a long time, the two felt somewhat ashamed that they had made their teacher and companion wait so long.

"Now that you're all here, I'll take you on a ninja mission."

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

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

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

It was within a mountain peak.

Only after they arrived at the location did Orochimaru reveal the mission details.

"This is a C-Rank Mission."

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

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

Orochimaru emphasized it once more, his gaze falling upon the three as he carefully observed their expressions.

Nawaki and Reiko both looked uneasy. Especially upon hearing that they had to kill, terror filled Reiko's eyes.

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