After leaving the Hokage building, Izumo paused and turned to his team. "I'll go meet with the caravan leader to gather all the necessary information—where they're headed and what their objectives are."
As the captain of the team, this was naturally Izumo's responsibility, and none of them had any objections. Everyone nodded in agreement, trusting him to handle the details.
Seeing their approval, Izumo gave a satisfied nod. "Alright then, let's regroup at training ground number 5 this evening. I'll brief you all on the mission details then."
With a quick exchange of glances, the team agreed, and in a flash, they dispersed, disappearing into the streets with swift, silent leaps.
That evening, they met as planned in training ground number 5, a secluded spot where the quiet allowed them to focus. The sun was sinking low, casting long shadows as they stood in a loose circle, waiting for Izumo's report.
Izumo began, his voice calm but serious. "I spoke with the caravan leader. The caravan will be traveling to Kusagakure, the Hidden Grass Village. The leader is a businessman heading out on a trading expedition."
Kotetsu furrowed his brow. "But this sounds risky. Entering the territory of another village can be dangerous. We might run into Kusagakure ninjas—or worse, Iwagakure shinobi, who are often active in that area. This mission feels like it should be ranked higher than C."
Izumo nodded, anticipating Kotetsu's concern. "It would have been, if this were a time of war. But we're in an era of peace, and Konoha has good relations with Kusagakure. That's why the mission is ranked as C. I don't expect much trouble. Of course, if unforeseen circumstances arise, that's a different story."
Kosuke chimed in, his voice steady and reassuring. "If we do face enemies stronger than what's required for a C-rank mission, the mission level will automatically increase. So we don't need to worry too much about that. We'll handle things as they come."
Izumo glanced around the group. "So, does anyone have any issues with the mission?"
Inoiki was the first to speak, his tone confident. "No issues here."
Kotetsu and Kosuke both nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute.
"Good," Izumo said, satisfied with their readiness. "Then we'll meet at the Konoha gate tomorrow at nine o'clock sharp. The caravan departs at nine-thirty."
Everyone nodded, acknowledging the plan. With that, they dispersed once again, each disappearing into the fading light with a swift leap, ready to face the challenge ahead.
When Inoiki returned home, he found his mother in the kitchen, humming quietly as she prepared dinner. He approached her and spoke casually, though there was a hint of excitement in his voice. "Mom, tomorrow I'll be leaving the village for a mission."
His mother, startled, turned to face him, her hands pausing mid-action. "This soon?" she asked, her brow furrowed with surprise.
Inoiki grinned, the pride clear in his expression. "You know your son, Mom—I'm too talented for simple tasks. I completed the basic missions in just a week, and now I'm moving on to a C-Rank mission."
His mother smiled fondly, though a touch of worry flickered in her eyes. "That's impressive, Inoiki. But make sure to take care of yourself. Missions outside the village can be dangerous." She paused, her practical nature kicking in. "Come with me to the market. I need to buy some dry food for you—things you can eat while you're on the road. You won't always have access to hot meals during the mission."
Inoiki chuckled, following her as she grabbed her shopping bag. "We won't need too much dry food, Mom. Kosuke is coming with us. He's an expert at foraging and hunting. He'll make sure we eat fresh meals every day."
His mother's expression softened at that. "That's good to hear," she said, relieved. "Still, better to be prepared."
They headed out to the market together, spending the next hour gathering supplies. As they walked through the stalls, the familiar smells and bustling crowds filling the air, Inoiki couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. It would be his first time leaving the village for an extended period, and though he was confident, part of him knew he'd miss the comfort of home.
Just as they returned home, arms full of provisions, the door burst open and Ino walked in with Shikamaru and Choji in tow. She stopped in her tracks when she saw her brother and their mother preparing for a trip.
Ino learned that Inoiki will be embarking on a C-Rank mission tomorrow.
"Brother, are you really going on a C-Rank mission already?" she asked, wide-eyed with surprise.
Inoiki smirked, enjoying her reaction. "That's right. I'm heading out tomorrow."
Ino crossed her arms, determined. "Well, if you're going on a C-Rank mission, then I'm going to ask Asuma-sensei to take us on one too!"
Hearing this, Inoiki let out a laugh and knocked her gently on the head with his knuckles. "Don't be ridiculous," he said, smiling. "When the time is right, your sensei will take you on a higher-ranked mission. You can't rush these things."
Ino pouted but nodded, knowing her brother was right. Their mother looked between them, shaking her head with amusement. "Enough of that, you two. Inoiki, finish packing. And Ino, let's focus on dinner."
The evening passed in warm conversation, though an air of anticipation lingered. Inoiki knew that tomorrow, his journey as a shinobi would take another step forward.
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