C-Rank Mission

"Forest of Death? That wasn't a good place."

Yuu'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 Yuu could guess that tomorrow's assignment 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 both fists to encourage herself, eagerly anticipating what kind 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 got acquainted with one another and explained the abilities each of them excelled in.

The Hyuga Clan was renowned throughout the village for producing reconnaissance ninja. Their eyes could spot countless useful clues on the battlefield.

Nawaki had inherited the Senju Clan's formidable stamina. Combined with Tsunade's guidance, he was an exceptionally skilled taijutsu ninja.

As for Uchiha Yuu, 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 use on the battlefield.

"As expected of the Ninja Academy's recognized genius. With you on our side, tomorrow's test is practically in the bag."

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

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

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

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

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

Konoha had an unwritten rule that the Byakugan could not be used within the village. This powerful bloodline ability could see through the surfaces of objects.

It was practically made for peeping. Forget the major clans—even an ordinary person would not want someone seeing into their private life.

"Huh? Sorry, sorry."

She had merely been curious, not deliberately trying to offend Uchiha Yuu. Reiko lowered her head after being reprimanded and understood that she could not use the Byakugan on her companions.

"Prepare yourselves for tomorrow's ninja test. Orochimaru-sensei is one of the hawks among the Legendary Sannin and has always valued strength."

Since they were companions and would be spending a long time together in the future, Yuu did not press Reiko too hard over the matter. Instead, he deliberately reminded them to prepare for tomorrow's test and not be caught off guard.

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

"Right, right. The elders of the Hyuga Clan train me at home too."

After giving them a few simple reminders, Uchiha Yuu still had plenty to do. He needed to seize every moment to improve his strength, so after bidding them farewell, he returned to his small house.

After thinking carefully about why Orochimaru had become his teacher, Yuu could confirm that Danzo was behind it.

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

As far as he knew, Orochimaru had always maintained a degree of cooperation with Danzo.

Moreover, Orochimaru was a leading figure in the Hokage faction. With him as Uchiha Yuu's teacher, the Third Hokage would have no other objections.

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

I'll remember this grudge.

A gust of cold wind blew into his room. Yuu raised his head to look at the distant sky, a chilling sharpness in his eyes.

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

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

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

Like a cold, emotionless viper, Orochimaru's gaze remained as calm as ever. He never revealed his emotions on his face and merely replied:

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

There was a certain pressure in staying beside Orochimaru, especially when they were alone. Still, the younger Orochimaru had indeed possessed outstanding ninja talent, enough to become a candidate for the Fourth Hokage.

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

It was a pity that Orochimaru's temperament had already undergone a tremendous change by then. Though the position of Hokage was valuable, he had more important matters to attend to.

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

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

He wanted to cultivate Yuu into the next Kagami Uchiha.

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 Yuu, who had been waiting for some time, the two felt somewhat ashamed. They had actually made their teacher and companion wait so long.

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

The cold, emotionless gaze reflected the three of them. Orochimaru's methods were the most radical. Even the most talented 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 that marked the location of this mission.

It was within a mountain peak.

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 this band of bandits. Your mission is to kill every last one of them in the shortest possible time!"

"No living person is allowed to remain on the mountain!"

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

Nawaki and Reiko both looked uneasy. Especially after hearing that they had to kill people, fear filled Reiko's eyes.

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