Sakumo had already submitted the promotion application, and Hizashi and Miwako helped Shinji celebrate a little.
None of the three took it too seriously, though. Each of them had already killed more than one chunin, or even jonin.
In terms of strength, they had long since reached chunin level or higher. Wartime regulations had simply left them no time to deal with the cumbersome procedures.
Shinji's promotion process was merely a way to test the waters for the other two.
Yet for Hatake Sakumo's squad, fresh from its baptism of blood and fire, an unexpected interruption aimed at just one member shattered the peace of their recuperation.
Inside the tent, Shinji had just finished his morning chakra control exercises and was carefully maintaining the ninja blade whose edge now bore fine scars from battle.
Hatake Sakumo sat opposite him, his quiet gaze resting on the boy with its usual scrutiny, though there seemed to be a trace of something more complicated in it.
"Shinji," Sakumo broke the silence, his voice as steady as ever. "Command has issued an order specifically for you."
Shinji's hands paused. He looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes.
It was unusual for command to bypass the squad leader and issue an order directly.
Sakumo pushed a scroll bearing command's distinctive seal toward Shinji.
"Mission objective: eliminate the remaining Kirigakure troops at the abandoned No. 3 Iron Mine, a little over ten li east of camp. Confirm the death of their leader, code name 'Shadow Thorn,' and bring back his forehead protector as proof. Mission rank-provisionally B. Execution-solo, within twenty-four hours."
He paused, then added, "The scroll specifies that this operation will serve as the critical field assessment for your promotion to chunin."
"A solo B-rank mission? An assessment?" Shinji frowned.
He quickly unrolled