NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

"Finally, we can take on missions again. Staying in the village all this time has left my body feeling rusty," Kurenai Yuhi complained. Though her words were exaggerated, she couldn't deny the monotony of training endlessly within the village.

"My apologies, my apologies. Please accept this as a token of goodwill," Hyuga Mirai said with hands pressed together in an apologetic gesture. She then handed out fifteen healing talismans, five each. "I made these myself, and they work quite well."

Akimichi Fuu accepted them without hesitation. These healing talismans were highly sought after among Jonin, essentially akin to having a personal medical ninja on hand. Due to their limited supply, even high-ranking Jonin had trouble obtaining them. Strategic reserves, the ANBU, Root, and the major clans absorbed most of the production. Only when taking on high-priority A-rank or S-rank missions could a Jonin manage to apply for a few. Otherwise, they had to wait until Konoha had surplus stock to sell them gradually. 

Being lifesaving tools, these talismans were far more valuable than explosive tags. Fuu didn't even consider politeness when it came to accepting them. Kurenai and Kiyo Hyuga, also aware of the talismans' worth, received them with smiles and carefully placed them into their ninja tool pouches.

"Alright, let's discuss our mission," Fuu said, clapping his hands to gather the group's attention. "With your current abilities, you're just one Chunin short of being able to independently take on B-rank missions. Therefore, I've decided that once the team completes a sufficient number of missions, I'll recommend Hyuga Mirai for the Chunin Exam. Do either of you have any objections?"

The question was directed at Kurenai and Kiyo, particularly the latter, as Fuu was uncertain how the Hyuga clan's main family might feel about a branch family member taking leadership.

"I have no objections," Kiyo said. Although her own abilities didn't match Mirai's, he had to admit that under his leadership, missions were completed effortlessly. Whether it was reconnaissance, setting up camp, or other logistics, her arrangements were flawless. She doubted she could handle the role as effectively as he did.

"I agree as well. Mirai is far more meticulous than I am," Kurenai added with a smile, raising her hand.

"Good," Fuu said, nodding. "In that case, after one more B-rank mission and five C-rank missions, I'll recommend Hyuga Mirai for the Chunin Exam. Although, honestly, I suspect it'll just be a formality."

Combat prowess wasn't the only factor for promotion. Mirai's expertise in medical ninjutsu and tactical planning already met the requirements for Chunin. She would likely breeze through the process and possibly even receive a direct promotion.

"Let's head to the Hokage's office," Fuu said. The group made their way to pick a mission. Since B-rank missions often took significant time, Fuu carefully reviewed the list before selecting a mission to escort a merchant caravan.

The caravan was influential within the Land of Fire and was transporting a valuable cargo of chakra metal. Their task was to escort it to the border with the Land of Earth, where Iwa-nin would take over.

In the ninja world, assassination and escort missions were the most common. Fuu hoped to have Mirai, Kiyo, and Kurenai gain as much experience in these areas as possible before his eventual departure from the team.

"This mission isn't ours alone," Fuu informed them. "Another team will be joining us. We'll meet tomorrow at 1 PM at the village gate. Dismissed."

With the mission details in hand, the three dispersed to prepare. A B-rank mission often involved combat against other ninja. Fuu had already informed them that he would not intervene unless their lives were in danger, nor would he offer any hints. They had to rely on their own skills and preparations.

As for Mirai, she headed to Konoha Hospital to inform Shizune and Tsunade of her upcoming mission. She also intended to use the hospital's chakra paper to create additional healing talismans—a bit of "misappropriation" she had perfected over time.

Upon arriving at the Konoha Hospital, Hyuga Mirai informed Kimura of his upcoming mission. Kimura's face showed clear disappointment after hearing the news. She had been planning to petition the Third Hokage to transfer Mirai to the hospital, letting him start as an attending physician, become a department head in five years, and potentially take over the hospital in a decade. However, neither the Third Hokage, the Hyuga clan, nor Mirai himself seemed interested in such a path, and Kimura's hopes were dashed.

Mirai, on the other hand, cared only about access to the hospital's laboratory. As for working at the hospital? He had no interest whatsoever. Now that he had secured the right to use the lab, why would he want to take on the burdensome task of saving lives?

"Is Lady Tsunade in?" Mirai asked, thinking about all the useful things he had learned from her over the past few days. Despite her habit of frequently destroying his shadow clones, her teaching was earnest enough to warrant a farewell.

Kimura nodded. "She's here. This morning, Lady Tsunade mentioned she had paperwork to handle, so she should still be working."

Shaking his head, Mirai replied, "You might want to temper your expectations, Deputy Director. She'll probably just move the paperwork around and hand it back to you later."

Kimura refrained from retorting, though she wanted to mention that it was often her who had to retrieve the paperwork. As a subordinate, she chose not to speak ill of Tsunade behind her back.

When Mirai reached Tsunade's office, he knocked twice but received no response even after waiting for a few seconds. Raising his voice slightly, he called out to her and, receiving no reply, pushed the door open and walked in. Over the past few weeks, he had often encountered Tsunade napping, so he had grown accustomed to entering unannounced.

Upon seeing him enter, Tsunade jolted awake, glaring at the door. When she realized it was just Mirai, she let out a sigh and asked, "Oh, it's you, kid. What do you want?"

"Lady Tsunade, you promised Deputy Director Kimura that you'd handle the paperwork," Mirai said, his tone blunt.

"I am handling it right now," Tsunade replied, her voice defensive.

"There's still drool on your face," Mirai countered mercilessly.

Tsunade immediately raised her hand to wipe her mouth but stopped mid-motion when she realized he was bluffing. "You brat!" she growled.

Seeing Tsunade clenching her fist, Mirai quickly said, "I'm heading out of the village tomorrow for a mission. Since you'll probably be leaving soon too, I thought I'd stop by to say goodbye."

Tsunade snorted. "So, even a brat like you noticed?"

"It's no secret," Mirai said with a shake of his head. "Anyone who's been around you can tell."

Tsunade gave him a sharp look. "You don't have anything you want to say to me?"

"Something to say?" Mirai thought for a moment, his expression growing slightly more serious. Then, looking directly at her, he said, "You should stop gambling. You're hopeless at it."

Bam! Tsunade slammed her fist down on her desk, glaring at him. "You little Byakugan brat, are you insulting my gambling skills?"

What gambling skills? Mirai's expression said it all, and Tsunade's temple throbbed with frustration. Still, realizing she would soon be gone, she decided to let the remark slide this time.

"I thought you'd be like the old man and try to talk me into staying," Tsunade said, her voice softer now.

Shaking his head, Mirai replied, "Why would I? Just do whatever you want. Living for others is exhausting."

Tsunade was taken aback by his response. His words struck a chord with her, and she couldn't help but ask, "Hey, kid, would you consider becoming my—"

"Please forgive me, Lady Tsunade, but I must decline," Mirai interrupted firmly before she could finish. "Our philosophies are too different. There's no way I could ever be your disciple." 

(End of chapter)