Chapter 70: Chapter 72: The First Mission (*Chapter 71 is Nothing Story*)
Water Style: Water Trumpet!
Kurenai Yuhi faced a tree and formed the hand seals. She channeled her chakra, and a stream of water shot from her throat. With a crisp sound, a distinct mark was left on the tree trunk.
Kurenai froze for a moment, then spun around and ran. She dashed up to Haneul, shouting excitedly, "I did it! Haneul!"
Haneul watched her bouncing happily, especially her swinging ponytail, and couldn't help but reach out. He gently took hold of her soft hair, ruffled her head, and said, "Congratulations."
Kurenai's face turned red, and she lowered her head, letting him do as he pleased. Just then, Haneul noticed Sakumo Hatake approaching from a distance.
"Kurenai's talent is quite good," Maruboshi Kosuke said at the perfect moment. "With hard work, she can become an excellent Water Style user in the future."
"Thank you, Uncle Kosuke," Kurenai said, realizing they had an audience and quickly hopping a step back. Haneul nonchalantly withdrew his hand.
"It's nothing," Kosuke laughed heartily. "Being with you two makes me feel much younger."
"You're already very young, Uncle Kosuke," Kurenai said sweetly.
"That's true!" Kosuke's laugh grew even happier.
Sakumo Hatake had drawn near but didn't interrupt them.
"Lord Sakumo," Kosuke greeted him first. "Kosuke, long time no see," Sakumo replied with a warm smile. Although Kosuke was a Genin, he was powerful and had been on missions with many Jonin. "I'm here for Haneul," Sakumo stated his purpose. "Let's call it a day for today's training," Kosuke said, glancing at the sky. "You two can come back tomorrow." "Yes, sir," Haneul nodded slightly. "Okay!" Kurenai's face was still flushed with excitement, though the blush was mostly from Haneul's actions.
"Uncle Sakumo," Haneul asked, a little puzzled, "did you need me for something?"
"I came to thank you," Sakumo said, briefly explaining the situation with the rumors.
"I didn't do much. It was mainly my master," Haneul said, shaking his head.
"I understand, but it was thanks to your reminder," Sakumo said. He naturally knew that Tsunade, with her status and power, was the key figure.
"And do you know where I heard about it, Uncle Sakumo?" Haneul didn't play games and said directly, "It was from Kakashi."
Sakumo was taken aback. It was Kakashi? A wave of warmth flowed through him. He was surprised, but even more, he felt proud of his son's thoughtfulness.
"Kakashi cares about you a lot," Haneul said pointedly. "He truly respects your beliefs and wants to become a ninja just like you."
"That kid..." A smile tugged at Sakumo's lips, and he finally couldn't hold back a full grin. Unlike him, Kakashi was quiet and rarely expressed his inner thoughts. He never expected to hear such high praise for himself from his son, relayed through Haneul. At that moment, he resolved that he absolutely could not let his son down; he had to be a good role model.
"Thank you, Haneul," Sakumo said, patting his shoulder. "It's Kakashi's honor to have a friend like you."
"You're too kind, Uncle Sakumo. I'm also happy to be friends with Kakashi," Haneul said with a smile.
Just then, two lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[D-Rank Talent Trait 'Kotoamatsukami Mouth' effect upgraded.] [Hand Seal Speed increased by 100% from its base rate.]
It upgraded? Is it because I convinced Sakumo? Or because I changed something for Kakashi? In any case, it was a huge win for him. A 100% increase in hand seal speed was a solid, practical improvement. Take the Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique, for example. It normally required forty-four hand seals. According to Canyon Theory, Haneul could now cast it in the time it took to form twenty-two seals. In battle, time is life.
"Goodbye, Uncle Sakumo." Haneul and Kurenai took their leave. Sakumo had wanted to treat them to barbecue, but Haneul declined, saying "next time for sure."
When they reached a fork in the road, Haneul stopped. He let go of Kurenai's small hand and said, "You head home first. I'm going to find my master."
"Okay," Kurenai said, a little reluctant but obedient.
"I'll bring you some takoyaki when I get home," Haneul said with a smile.
"I'll be waiting!" Kurenai's spirits lifted immediately. They waved at each other until Haneul turned and left.
"I wonder if Sakumo will still commit suicide when he faces that mission that leads to his failure," Haneul pondered as he walked. He had done all he could in this matter. Sakumo's suicide was caused by many factors: the condemnation of his comrades, the loss to the Land of Fire, and the silence of Konoha's leadership. Isolated and with his spirit broken, he chose to end his life. Now, with Tsunade's intervention, the attitude of Konoha's leadership was different. Even if he caused a major loss, it might not necessarily lead to suicide.
Of course, this was all just his speculation. The specific details of that mission were never mentioned in the original story, so Haneul couldn't warn him in advance.
"Master, I'm back!" Haneul pushed open the door and walked into the living room.
Tsunade was, as usual, sunk into the sofa, but this time, there was a scroll in front of her. Konoha had several types of scrolls: ninjutsu scrolls, summoning scrolls, and mission scrolls. This was a mission scroll. Haneul walked over and opened it without ceremony. The contents were detailed, but the summary was simple: go to the Land of Water to rendezvous with a Konoha intelligence operative. Since it was a rendezvous, it likely meant the operative was being pursued, and a battle was probable.
"Here," Tsunade said, sitting up and handing him a wallet. "What's this for?" Haneul asked, surprised. "The place we're going is the Land of Water. It's a long journey, so we must be prepared," Tsunade said in a business-like tone. "The Academy should have taught you wilderness survival skills. I'm giving you money to buy the necessary supplies for the trip." "Understood. I'll go now," Haneul said. He knew Tsunade was using this mission to teach him practical skills, not just combat. "If you buy too little, there will be a punishment," Tsunade said, her arms crossed, her serious demeanor vanishing as she returned to her usual lazy posture. "I know, I know." Haneul took the wallet and left.
He went to the commercial district and bought a tent, sleeping bags, maps, soldier pills, smoke bombs, and other items.
"Not bad," Tsunade said, checking his purchases with a nod. "Meet at the village gate tomorrow at 9 AM. Bring everything you bought." Since it was Haneul's first mission outside the village, she planned for them to travel on foot.
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