Of course, Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame Hoshigaki didn't think that a C-Rank Mission would be difficult for them. They had their own confidence. However, this C-Rank Mission was obviously a little special.
This was not a task issued by an individual or a small group, but an official task. That's right, the employer who issued this task was an administrative official from a regional capital city under the Land of Water.
The task required was to send the Mist Ninja to investigate an unstable area, which was far from the main island of the Land of Water, yet still under the jurisdiction of that city.
Recently, some very unusual and dangerous incidents have occurred, resulting in the deaths of many people in a short period of time, including some prominent and important figures, whose identities cannot be determined by ordinary means.
As an official of the Land of Water, the governor of the main city naturally thought of Kirigakure, which was under the jurisdiction of his country, as his first thought. If ordinary people couldn't handle it, then hiring ninjas would be the solution; this was common sense in this world.
"So, this is just a survey-based task, Ms. Qing?"
After Qing finished her brief introduction, Qi immediately asked a question.
"Yes, that's one way to understand it for now, but it could change depending on the situation. After all, many people have already died. The castle lord of Fuyuki Castle wants us to investigate the situation and, within reasonable limits, arrest the person behind it all."
Qing nodded slightly and said in a calm tone.
"Then this task can't simply be classified as C-level, right, Ms. Qing?"
Qi frowned slightly, then asked.
"Dozens of people died in just half a month, including the investigating officials and some soldiers sent to the island later. The methods were very clean and efficient, and little useful information was found. Such a situation is very likely the work of ninjas. This certainly cannot be simply classified as a C-rank mission; it must be at least a Quasi-B-Rank Mission!"
Mei Terumi, who was sitting to Kai's left, also looked up and spoke after a moment of contemplation.
"Even if he wasn't a ninja, this guy is definitely an extremely ruthless person, and it's very likely that he's part of a premeditated organization. The people who died all seemed to be people of some renown on the island, right? It's hard not to suspect that there might be some kind of conspiracy involved!"
Kisame Hoshigaki, positioned on the right, also sneered, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes as he spoke.
"Whether ninjas are involved or not, and why, that's our job. Are you afraid?"
Qing leaned forward slightly and spoke with a tone that clearly carried a hint of provocation.
Let alone leading Team 7 on a mere B-Rank Mission, even on an A-Rank Mission, as long as they don't encounter any particularly powerful or outstanding enemies, Qing has enough confidence.
Not to mention, this mission is at best a near-B-rank, and whether any hostile ninjas will participate is still unknown. Besides, so what if there are risks?
This was the fate of ninjas!
It was precisely because this mission had a certain degree of uncertainty that Qingcai chose it as the first mission for his team. This variable was both within his control and could greatly test and train the three of them.
In Qing's view, it's definitely killing two birds with one stone!
The three could clearly tell that this was a very basic provocation from their captain, but not Mei Terumi and Kisame Hoshigaki, but even Kei fell for it.
At this moment.
Qi immediately straightened his posture and replied loudly, "No, Teacher Qing, how could a ninja be afraid of a mission!? It's just that a ninja needs to be fully prepared before carrying out a mission; this is the most basic quality a ninja must possess!"
"Hehe, Teacher Qing, we will definitely complete this task!"
Mei Terumi smiled slightly, her tone calm yet firm as she spoke.
"Ninjas obey all orders!"
Kisame Hoshigaki succinctly and coldly uttered this sentence.
"Hehe, very good, that's exactly right. It's about time, let's set off and get to Fuyuki Castle before sunset!"
Seeing the statements from the three boys.
A faint smile appeared on Qing's usually stern face as he stood up again, his right hand suddenly waving.
"Yes!"
As the three of them responded loudly.
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
With a burst of Chakra from their feet, they followed closely behind Ao, flying rapidly towards Fuyuki Castle, located on the eastern edge of the sea border of the Land of Water's main island.
Because the journey isn't particularly long.
Led by Qing, the three of them arrived at Fuyuki Castle in just over five hours while maintaining a normal, steady pace.
Just as the sun was setting, they met up at the city gate with a very young assistant officer who had been sent by the Fuyuki garrison officer to act as their guide.
Upon seeing Ao, the young officer wore a reserved smile, took a small step forward, and extended his right hand, saying with a smile, "You must be the ninja sent by Kirigakure, Lord Ao. I am Shinji Akita, serving as Captain Saemon in Fuyuki Castle. This time, I have been ordered by Lord Fuyuki-no-kami— Hirogane— to assist Lord Ao and the other Mist Ninja on a reconnaissance mission to Kujiraai Island!"
As a sixth-rank official of the Land of Water, Shinji Akita could be considered a nobleman, possessing the arrogance and self-respect typical of nobles. However, when facing ninjas from Kirigakure that provided the greatest military strength for his country, Shinji Akita still needed to show a certain degree of respect.
Let alone a Jonin like Jonin, even the three Genin like Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame Hoshigaki, Genin of their inner thoughts, Shinji Akita still showed them a certain degree of respect on the surface.
The high-ranking nobles of these countries knew all too well what kind of beings ninjas were and what kind of power they possessed.
"Yes, I am the squad leader for this mission—Ao. Akita, you flatter us. It should be us cooperating with you, Captain!"
Ao, a proper noble official from the Land of Water, rarely showed a peaceful expression, and extended his right hand to shake hands with Shinji Akita.
Following closely behind Ao were Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame Hoshigaki, all with solemn expressions. Outside of the ninja villages, they represented Kirigakure!
We must absolutely not do anything that would damage the village's reputation.
"Haha, Your Excellency Qing is too kind. Let's cooperate and complete this mission together. If Your Excellency Qing doesn't mind, shall we set off now? The city lord has already made other preparations in advance!"
Shinji Akita smiled slightly and looked at Ao.