Winning Big Sister Mikoto Over

Qianye Lan sat with Big Sister Mikoto on his left and Kushina on his right.

Once the server brought their food, he discreetly took Big Sister Mikoto's small hand and gave it a squeeze.

Uchiha Mikoto was startled by Qianye Lan's actions.

She first stole a discreet glance at Kushina. Only after seeing that Kushina was carefully savoring her dumplings did she breathe a sigh of relief, then turn and glare fiercely at Qianye Lan.

Qianye Lan noticed Big Sister Mikoto's gaze but did not take it to heart. To him, winning her over first mattered more than anything else.

He curled a finger against Uchiha Mikoto's palm.

The gesture made Uchiha Mikoto's breath catch, and her face instantly flushed red.

Kushina finally noticed something was wrong. As she ate, she asked, "Big Sister Mikoto, why is your face so red?"

At Kushina's question, Uchiha Mikoto first gave Qianye Lan a pleading look.

The moment Qianye Lan saw Big Sister Mikoto's expression, he knew she was no longer angry.

If he kept this up, it might have the opposite effect.

With that thought, he let go.

Uchiha Mikoto immediately breathed a sigh of relief when she felt her small hand regain its freedom.

She raised her small hand to fan herself as she replied, "It's too hot in here..."

Kushina looked at Uchiha Mikoto dubiously and muttered to herself, "Is it really that hot?"

But she did not dwell on it and lowered her head to continue eating.

Meanwhile, Qianye Lan, the culprit behind it all, ate his pork cutlet rice as though nothing had happened.

Inside the Hokage Office, the Third Hokage frowned slightly as he looked at Hatake Sakumo and said, "You're asking whether Kushina can go out on missions alone, correct?"

Hatake Sakumo corrected him. "Not alone. Her teammates from when she was a genin would be going on missions with her."

At his words, the Third Hokage lowered his head in thought.

He had personally watched the combat portion of the Chunin Ninja Exams and taken part in appointing the chunin.

Naturally, this team whose members had all been promoted to chunin had left a deep impression on him.

Especially since it included Qianye Lan, whom he valued greatly.

While watching the Chunin Ninja Exams, the sharp-eyed Third Hokage had already sensed that Qianye Lan was at least at the level of a special jōnin, but protecting Kushina would still be somewhat difficult for him.

Having thought this through, the Third Hokage looked at Hatake Sakumo and said, "I still don't think it's quite appropriate for the three of them to go on missions without you leading them. But you could consider taking them on some more difficult missions."

Hatake Sakumo nodded. "Understood, Lord Third Hokage."

Then he turned and left.

After the Third Hokage and Hatake Sakumo finished their discussion, Qianye Lan and the others had also finished eating and were walking home.

On the way, Uchiha Mikoto recalled what had just happened and did not dare even glance at Kushina.

Kushina looked at Uchiha Mikoto with some concern and said, "Big Sister Mikoto, you really aren't sick, are you?"

Kushina could hardly be blamed for worrying so much about Uchiha Mikoto.

Uchiha Mikoto's face had been red the entire time they were eating at the dumpling shop. It would have been strange if Kushina had not worried.

Seeing Kushina's concern for her, Uchiha Mikoto felt increasingly guilty.

She forced a smile and said, "Don't worry. It was too hot in the shop earlier. I'm much better now."

As a breeze blew past, the flush on Uchiha Mikoto's face had indeed faded considerably.

Only after seeing the change in Uchiha Mikoto's face did Kushina feel reassured.

They each returned home.

Meanwhile, Hatake Sakumo stood in the mission hall, troubled despite the wide array of missions before him.

B-rank missions were too easy for his three students, while there were no particularly suitable A-rank missions.

Hatake Sakumo searched through the missions and finally found a suitable one.

Just to be safe, he made a point of reading the mission carefully.

Following the end of the Second War, Konoha needed to deliver medicinal supplies, medical equipment, and medical personnel to a border medical station within seven days.

However, the route would take them past the base of the notorious Red Sand Mercenary Company.

The mission's ultimate objective was to protect the medicinal supplies, medical equipment, and medical personnel until they reached the border safely.

The scroll also helpfully detailed the Red Sand Mercenary Company's strength.

The Red Sand Mercenary Company's main leaders were mostly rogue ninja from Sunagakure and Iwagakure, along with some wandering samurai.

Their leader, Akasuna Kotsu, had jonin-level strength, and there were also his three key subordinates.

Hino Ryo, Wind Cutter, and Shuo all had chunin-level strength. The remaining rank-and-file members, consisting of wandering samurai, were no cause for concern.

After seeing this lineup, Hatake Sakumo chose to accept the mission.

The mission was not that difficult, making it just right for honing his three students' skills.

But how was he supposed to notify them?

For a moment, Hatake Sakumo actually found himself at a loss.

"If I'd known, I would have told them to meet at the usual place tomorrow morning at nine," Hatake Sakumo muttered to himself.

Finally, he sighed softly and said, "I'll have to do it the hard way."

"An A-rank mission?" Hearing Hatake Sakumo's words, Qianye Lan and Kushina exchanged a glance and spoke in unison.

Looking excited, Kushina said, "Teacher, when do we start the mission?"

Hatake Sakumo replied, "Meet at the main entrance of Konoha Hospital at nine the day after tomorrow."

Then he handed over a scroll and continued, "The specific mission objectives, route, and main enemies for this operation are all in here. Read it carefully and prepare countermeasures. I still have to notify Uchiha Mikoto. See you the day after tomorrow!"

The two waved in response.

"See you the day after tomorrow, Teacher Sakumo."

"See you the day after tomorrow, Uncle Sakumo."

Hatake Sakumo waved back at them, then left.

Qianye Lan took out the scroll, looked at Kushina, and asked, "Want to take a look?"

Kushina nodded, and the two leaned close together to read the mission scroll.

The first page briefly introduced the mission details and objectives.

As she read, Kushina recited, "Escort Konoha's medicinal supplies, medical equipment, and medical personnel to the border medical station..."

While the two were reading the mission details, Hatake Sakumo arrived at Uchiha Mikoto's home.

He knocked lightly on the courtyard gate, and someone soon opened it.

The person who opened the gate looked at Hatake Sakumo in some surprise and said, "Sakumo, what brings you here today...?"

Hatake Sakumo gave a polite smile and said, "Sosuke, I'm here to speak with Uchiha Mikoto about a mission."

Only then did Uchiha Sosuke understand. He hurriedly stood up and called into the house, "Mikoto, your teacher is here to see you about a mission!"

Uchiha Mikoto soon came out. Looking at Hatake Sakumo, she asked, "Teacher, is there a mission?"