THE UCHIHA ASCENSION

The next day, the three members of the Third Class did not train, as they needed to prepare for their upcoming mission.

Konoha, Seventh Training Ground

Orochimaru observed his students, who had changed significantly over the past six months, and nodded in satisfaction. Sarutobi Shō had finally improved his chakra control, at least enough to perform three C-rank ninjutsu without exhausting himself. Nawaki Senju had also refined his combat awareness and was now more proficient in the ninjutsu he had learned. As for Uchiha Kiyo, his current abilities ensured that the team had finally matured into a well-rounded squad.

Uchiha Kiyo had roughly gauged the chakra levels of his teammates. His own chakra reserve had surpassed 350 units, allowing him to perform even a ten-meter substitution technique twice or three times in succession. Nawaki Senju's chakra, on the other hand, was five or six times greater than his own, meaning it exceeded 1,000 units—a terrifying amount for a genin. However, due to his lack of chakra control, many B-rank ninjutsu remained beyond his grasp, limiting him to C-rank techniques. As a result, Nawaki had essentially become a walking artillery unit. With that much chakra and only low-cost jutsu at his disposal, most shinobi—especially genin—would find it nearly impossible to escape his relentless barrage. Even chunin would struggle unless they had specialized escape techniques.

Sarutobi Shō had the smallest chakra reserve among them, roughly 200 units. However, unlike Nawaki, he compensated with versatility. While his ninjutsu was not as powerful, his proficiency in taijutsu and weaponry placed him among the top five in their generation.

Orochimaru addressed them with a calm yet commanding tone.

"Yesterday, I accepted a C-rank mission for you. We will depart today. I have already reminded you about the necessary preparations, so let's go meet our employer."

He continued explaining the mission details.

"This is an escort mission. A trade caravan is heading to the Land of Earth to purchase goods. Our task is to escort them there and ensure their safe return to Konoha. Generally, this type of mission is relatively low-risk, though there is a chance of encountering bandits. If we do, eliminating them is part of our duty.

"The base reward for this mission is 70,000 ryō. However, if we encounter bandits, the pay increases accordingly, depending on the strength and number of enemies. In theory, there is no limit—if we run into multiple groups of bandits, the payout could reach two or three hundred thousand ryō. That said, the major nations actively suppress bandit activity, so it's unlikely we'll face that many threats."

As they walked, Orochimaru turned to his students with a smirk.

"As always, you will handle this mission on your own. I won't intervene unless something unexpected happens—like last time. If you make mistakes, you will have to deal with the consequences."

His golden eyes lingered on Nawaki Senju for a moment, his tongue briefly flicking out to lick the corner of his mouth.

Nawaki shivered. He had no intention of facing Orochimaru's "special training" again. Steeling his resolve, he swore to himself that he would be extra cautious this time.

Sarutobi Shō shared Nawaki's unease. He still remembered the grueling extra training Orochimaru had subjected him to after his last failure. That period had been agonizing.

"I need to keep an eye on Nawaki," he thought to himself. "There's no room for error this time."

His wary gaze shifted toward Nawaki, who instantly grew defensive.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that? You think I'm going to mess up again?"

Sarutobi Shō remained silent.

"No, it's just that… statistically, you are the most likely to make a mistake."

Uchiha Kiyo didn't bother softening the truth.

Nawaki bristled at the remark but, after a moment's hesitation, realized he had no solid counterargument. Grumbling under his breath, he decided to let it go.

---

On the Way

As the team made their way through Konoha, Uchiha Kiyo noticed some familiar faces—Uchiha Takao and a few other former classmates.

Unlike Team Orochimaru, most of the genin who had graduated alongside them had not started C-rank missions as early. Their respective jonin instructors had kept them focused on training. This meant that Team Orochimaru rarely encountered their peers outside of the academy.

At first, when the Third Class had been assigned C-rank missions, other genin had clamored for the same privilege. However, after Sarutobi Shō had returned from their previous mission with serious injuries and had to spend half a month recovering, the excitement among their peers had died down. Even those ranked among the top five of their class had reconsidered.

The instructors had been relieved. Having students constantly demand dangerous missions had been a headache. Now, nearly nine months after graduation, the other teams had finally begun accepting C-rank missions.

Seeing their former classmates, Team Orochimaru exchanged greetings.

"Uchiha Takao, are you heading out on a mission?"

"Oh, no, we just returned," Takao's teammate answered before he could respond. "In the past two months, we've already completed five C-rank missions."

Nawaki's eye twitched. He had spent half a year unable to take any missions, and now his pride took a hit. Just yesterday, he had been boasting about finally being allowed to accept a C-rank mission. Now, he found himself envious.

"Hmph! Don't get too cocky! We're taking on missions now too."

He crossed his arms and smirked.

"Besides, don't forget—we completed a B-rank mission before! Five C-rank missions don't compare to that."

Takao scoffed. "That so-called B-rank mission? You guys just got lucky."

"Ha! Jealous, aren't you?" Nawaki grinned triumphantly.

Ignoring the argument, Orochimaru, Uchiha Kiyo, and Sarutobi Shō continued walking.

A moment later, Nawaki realized he had been left behind.

"Hey! Wait for me!" He hurried after them.

"You guys are no fun," he grumbled. "You could at least back me up."

Kiyo rolled his eyes. "Arguing is pointless. If you have that much energy, put it into completing more missions."

---

Meeting the Employer

After some time, the team arrived at the designated meeting point in Konoha. This area was specifically set aside for employers who posted missions. Foreign merchants and travelers often stayed here until a ninja team accepted their request.

Following the mission details, Orochimaru quickly identified their client: a rotund middle-aged man with a cheerful demeanor.

Ishimura Yukio had been conducting business in Konoha for years. Though he didn't recognize Orochimaru by name, he could tell by his demeanor that the team he had hired was in capable hands.

Given his experience, he didn't bother waiting for questions and immediately outlined the details of the mission.

"We need to purchase a large shipment of lumber from Giant Tree City in the Land of Earth. Since it's near the border, we won't be traveling too deep into enemy territory, so the risk level should be low. However, we may encounter bandits along the way. The real danger would be running into shinobi from Iwagakure, but that's unlikely."

After the briefing, he turned to Orochimaru for confirmation.

"So, when shall we depart?"

Orochimaru did not answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Uchiha Kiyo, silently urging him to decide.

Over time, Kiyo had gradually assumed a leadership role within the team. In situations where Orochimaru remained uninvolved, Kiyo was responsible for making decisions.

"It's best not to waste time," Kiyo replied. "We leave immediately."

Ishimura Yukio nodded, showing no objections. As the employer, he held the official authority in the contract, but he understood that strength dictated who truly called the shots.

With that, the group set out toward the Land of Earth.