After deciding to accept the B-Rank Mission to Konoha, Shira was not blinded by excitement. He knew clearly that with each increase in mission rank, the risks and uncertainties would increase exponentially.
Although the main task is escorting, anything can happen on the long journey across the Land of Rivers to the Land of Fire. Relying solely on a pair of fists and a training sword is clearly not enough.
In the afternoon, he arrived at the familiar ninja tool shop in the village. The shop owner was a middle-aged man with a scar on his face, but he always had a smile on his face. It was said that he was also a skilled ninja in his youth, but he retired due to injury and opened this shop.
"Yo! It's Shira!" The shopkeeper, who was wiping a Kunai with an oilcloth, greeted him warmly as he entered. "I heard you've got a big mission going on? Heading to Konoha?"
"Yes, we're leaving tomorrow." Shira nodded, her gaze sweeping over the various weapons hanging on the wall. "Shopkeeper, I'd like to buy a handy sword, one that's sharpened and suitable for actual combat."
"Finally, time to replace that firewood stick of yours?" The shopkeeper chuckled, putting down his work and taking a sheathed longsword from behind the counter.
"Take a look at this. It's forged from high-quality steel, with a balanced center of gravity and a well-finished blade edge, guaranteed not to chip! Perfect for a strong young man like you who likes to chop!"
Shira took the sword; it felt slightly heavy in his hand. He drew it from its sheath, a flash of cold light, the blade's lines flowing smoothly. He lightly flicked the spine of the blade with his fingers, producing a crisp hum. He swung it a few times, finding it very comfortable to handle.
"Wow, what a sword!" Shira exclaimed sincerely. "How much?"
The shopkeeper quoted a price. The price was reasonable, but it was still a considerable expense for Shira, who wasn't exactly rolling in money.
He had already given one-third of the rewards from the A-Rank Mission he had completed to his parents to help with household expenses. As for the remaining two-thirds, he carefully planned and invested most of it in his own "strength building"—buying high-quality Military Rations Pill, customizing more suitable weight-bearing equipment, and occasionally buying some medicinal herbs to strengthen his muscles and bones from the village doctor.
This sword will cost him almost half of his current savings.
Seeing Shira's slight hesitation, the shopkeeper patted him on the shoulder and said readily, "Alright, I know you've had a tough time, 20% off! Consider it my investment in the village's future star! Just remember to bring me back some sake from Konoha when you go!"
A warm feeling welled up in Shira's heart, and he thanked her earnestly, "Thank you, boss! I'll definitely bring you the best!" He secretly made a mental note that when he arrived in Konoha, he would definitely bring a decent gift for this boss who always took good care of him.
After paying, she carefully strapped the heavy, combat-ready longsword to her back. Shira touched her slightly empty wallet, and felt a pang of pain in her heart.
But considering the potential role the sword might play in a crucial moment, he felt the money was well spent.
The path to becoming stronger requires the support of resources at every step. This strengthened his resolve to complete tasks efficiently and earn more rewards.
Putting his thoughts aside, Shira made an exception and didn't go to the training ground today. Carrying his new sword, he first returned to the " Shira's Home " shop.
In the afternoon, there weren't many customers in the shop. Mother Rira was doing the accounts behind the counter, while Father Shiya was preparing ingredients for dinner in the kitchen. When they saw their son return, carrying a brand-new sword that was clearly just bought, they both surrounded him.
" Shira, this is..." Rira looked at the sword with some concern.
"I'm going on a mission to Konoha tomorrow. It'll be for self-defense on the way," Shira explained succinctly, her tone light, not wanting her parents to worry.
" Konoha?" Shiya wiped her hands, her brows furrowing slightly. "Be careful on the road."
He knew his son was now a ninja, with his own path to follow, and any further admonitions would seem futile.
"Yes, I know. Dad, Mom, I'll help you with some chores." Shira put down her sword, rolled up her sleeves, and started tidying up the tables and chairs and cleaning.
Rira watched her son's busy figure, her eyes filled with complex emotions—pride, heartache—which ultimately turned into a soft sigh as she continued calculating, a relieved smile playing on her lips.
After helping out at the shop until evening, Shira went to the Ninja Academy again.
On the playground, many students were still practicing after class. The sounds of Shuriken Kunai, footsteps treading on the sand, and shouts of Hand Seals rose and fell. Shira's appearance caused a small commotion.
Many students recognized him—this was the guy who was once ridiculed as a "loser who only Taijutsu," but who had now become the center of attention in the village and even completed A-Rank Mission Genin.
Their eyes no longer held the disdain of the past, but were filled with curiosity, envy, and even a hint of defiance.
"It's Shira!"
"Is the sword on his back new? It looks so cool!"
"I heard he's going to Konoha on a mission tomorrow!"
"If even he can do it... what reason do we have to be lazy!"
Some students chatted quietly, training even harder. Especially for those who weren't particularly talented in Taijutsu or Ninjutsu, Shira's presence seemed to be a beacon in their eyes—even without outstanding talent, with relentless effort, they could surely forge their own path as ninjas!
Shira didn't disturb them, but simply watched quietly for a while, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere. He had once been a part of this place, but now he was gradually moving towards a wider world.
He nodded to a few familiar students who were looking at him, then turned and left.
Night deepened.
Shira returned to his simple hut and placed the new sword within easy reach of his bedside. He carefully inspected every Shuriken and every Senbon needle in his ninja tool pouch, confirmed the number of Explosive Tag and smoke bombs, and placed the Military Rations Pill and first-aid kit in the most convenient location.
After doing all this, he blew out the oil lamp and lay down on the cold bed.
Outside the window, the sky was a clear, bright starry sky, typical of Sunagakure. A cold wind howled as it swept across the rooftops.
Tomorrow, I will embark on my journey to Konoha. The unknown road, the potential dangers, and the anticipation of meeting Rock Lee, who is also striving to prove himself—all these emotions are intertwined in my heart.
He felt no fear whatsoever; on the contrary, he felt an excited anticipation. This would be a test of his spiritual progress, and also an opportunity to broaden his horizons and find new directions.
With a gentle anticipation for tomorrow's journey, Shira relaxed and drifted off to sleep.
The night is still long. But the bugle call for dawn is about to sound.