My Techniques are a bit off

"Are you going to take the Chunin Exams, or would you prefer a C-rank mission?"

Nara Ensui posed the question directly.

Chunin Exams or a C-rank mission?

Link paused, weighing the pros and cons.

Both options were clear paths to advancement. The Chunin Exams would be more challenging, requiring him to fight other ninja and prove his worth in a high-profile setting. Success could fast-track his promotion. In contrast, C-rank missions wouldn't involve ninja combat but would focus on gradually accumulating experience and mission completions.

"So, does this mean our next mission is a C-rank?" Link asked after only a moment's thought, a smile spreading across his face.

There was no need to participate in the Chunin Exams. For ninja, intelligence was critical. Battling publicly under so many watchful eyes would inevitably expose his abilities and techniques. While grinding through missions to earn promotion might take longer, it was safer and allowed him to maintain his strategic advantage.

Ensui caught the underlying message in Link's response and was a bit surprised. He had assumed that his ambitious subordinate would jump at the chance to compete in the exams.

But this choice was sensible.

"Then it's settled," Ensui said. "Would you like to explain this to the others?"

By granting Link this level of decision-making power, Ensui was signaling his intent to groom him for leadership. With just one or two successful out-of-village missions, even a less-than-stellar performance would likely be enough to solidify Link's promotion to Chunin.

"Understood." Link nodded, watching his sensei turn to leave. After a brief pause, he added, "Thank you, Sensei."

Ensui didn't turn back but waved a hand in acknowledgment before vanishing with a quick Body Flicker Technique.

Finally...

Link clenched his fists, unable to contain his excitement. The prospect of becoming a Chunin was unfolding much faster than he had anticipated.

As he walked home, he barely restrained himself from humming aloud.

And no, it wasn't out of tune.

With his mood greatly improved, Link made a small detour to Amaguriama, a famous confectionery on Meicha Street, to reward himself with a chestnut yokan.

(Amaguriama: Known for chestnut yokan and pastries. Meicha Street: A central district in Konoha filled with tea houses and dessert shops, offering views of the Hokage Rock.)

Chestnut yokan wasn't cheap, especially at such a renowned shop in the heart of the commercial district. But it was worth it.

Delicious beyond belief.

As a growing child who trained extensively every day, Link's love for sweets was practically instinctive. Ever since Ami had once brought him a box of treats from Amaguriama, he had been hooked.

Now that he was on the cusp of C-rank missions and potential promotion to Chunin, celebrating with his favorite dessert felt appropriate.

"So expensive, but so good…"

Initially planning to savor the yokan at home with some tea after dinner, Link couldn't resist the temptation. Checking to make sure no one was watching, he broke off a piece and popped it into his mouth.

(It was the kind of yokan that came in a block you had to cut yourself.)

One piece turned into two.

Then three.

The rich aroma of chestnuts and the velvety sweetness were utterly irresistible. By the time Link neared home, he reached into the box for another piece and froze.

"...?"

Where's the rest of my yokan?!

Frantically rummaging through the box, Link realized he had eaten the entire thing on the way home.

Heartbroken but still craving more, he trudged into his house, clutching the now-empty box. As he was about to toss it in the trash, a thought struck him. There must be some crumbs left!

Opening the box, he tilted it into his mouth, catching the last bits.

Delicious.

Satisfied at last, he discarded the box, sat cross-legged on his bed, and began pondering what to make for dinner. He glanced at his hands, which still carried the faint scent of chestnuts.

"Cough~"

A soft cough escaped him as he brought his fingers closer to his nose. He was home alone, after all, so…

…

Initially, Link's goal was to become a Chunin before the Konoha Crush, giving him three years to climb to Jonin rank before Shippuden events began.

Now, with this opportunity arriving over a year ahead of schedule, his margin for error was significantly larger.

Becoming a Chunin meant he could begin formally applying to the village to learn new jutsu. His first target was:

Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique.

A C-rank jutsu with a manageable learning curve and low chakra consumption. Judging by the name, it might even mutate into something particularly useful.

More importantly, this technique shared similarities with other earth-based stealth jutsu like Headhunter Jutsu, Hiding in the Rock Technique, and Underground Projection Fish Technique—all designed for underground movement and surprise attacks.

Since Link already knew the Headhunter Jutsu, he could likely master Hiding Like a Mole with ease.

Other advanced techniques like Chidori, Flying Thunder God, or Strength of a Hundred could wait. They were lofty aspirations, but pursuing them now was impractical.

Under normal circumstances, this technique might be available for purchase. However, it was considered outdated and rarely seen on the market.

Most earth-based stealth jutsu, like Hiding in the Rock, liquefy the soil for seamless movement. In comparison, Hiding Like a Mole transformed the ground into loose sand, requiring users to dig and tunnel their way through.

The differences were stark:

Hiding in the Rock offered smooth, effortless travel.

Hiding Like a Mole relied on brute force and was effectively dismissed as a lesser alternative.

Still, Hiding Like a Mole had distinct advantages. Its tunneling allowed for greater depth, making it ideal for avoiding sensory ninja and enabling more advanced ambushes or escapes.

And with its minimal chakra requirements, the technique was energy-efficient—though the physical effort of digging took its toll.

In specific scenarios, Hiding Like a Mole could shine. But compared to other earth-based jutsu, it simply wasn't versatile enough to gain widespread popularity.

For Link, however, its unique traits made it the perfect addition to his repertoire.

~~~

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