Chapter 10: Clear Out the D-Ranks, and the C-Ranks Will Come Naturally

Words : 1213 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Before long, the water-carrying task was completed. "Next task!" "Huh?" Hamura Ritsu was stunned, but under Jiraiya’s gaze, he quickly assigned another D-rank mission. This time, it was chopping firewood. But. It didn’t take long to finish either. "Next one." ... Half a month later. "Lord Hokage, this can’t go on! Please, make him stop. At this rate, we’re going to run out of D-rank missions!" Hamura Ritsu couldn’t take it anymore and went upstairs to complain to the Third Hokage. It couldn’t be helped. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to assign missions, but Jiraiya’s team had cleared more than half of the village’s D-rank missions in just half a month. At this pace, in a few more days, the village’s D-rank missions would be completely wiped out. What would the other teams and regular genin do then? Would they be left without income? This was a serious problem. Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his temples, thinking it over. Jiraiya’s team was indeed exceptionally strong. The leader, of course, was a given. Among the members, there was Kakashi, already a chunin, Kurenai, skilled in genjutsu, and Ryoho Kyohiko... C-rank missions wouldn’t be a problem for them. "Next time, let them take on C-rank missions." "Yes." Hamura Ritsu breathed a sigh of relief. C-rank missions... It wasn’t that he didn’t want to assign them, but the current situation wasn’t entirely stable. Although the nations were at peace, there were still minor conflicts and skirmishes. Not to mention. There were also wandering samurai and bandits left over from the war. Taking on C-rank missions now was far more dangerous than in peacetime. Hamura Ritsu was just the mission desk clerk; he didn’t have the authority to change the rules for new teams. With the Hokage’s approval, he no longer had to push back. ... [As Hokage, you actively contribute to the village, and your efforts are widely recognized.] [Reward: Water Release: Water Gun leveled up by 1.] Huh? In the morning, as Kyohiko waited at the Hokage Building for the team to gather, he was momentarily confused. What’s going on? Where did this reward come from? After grinding D-rank missions for the past half month, he had somehow earned an unexpected reward. He glanced at his status panel. [Name: Ryoho Kyohiko] [Age: 7] [Kekkei Genkai]: None [Skills]: Transformation Technique (Proficient), Clone Technique (Proficient), Substitution Technique (Expert), Body Flicker Technique (Master), Water Release: Water Gun (Proficient), Water Release: Water Wall (Expert) Over the past half month, Kyohiko had mainly focused on taijutsu and his two Water Release techniques, but they had only reached the "Expert" level. Now, Water Gun had directly reached "Proficient." In his mind, a wealth of knowledge about Water Gun surfaced, including some insights into how to better control and utilize Water Release chakra. Water Gun was a basic technique, not involving advanced nature transformation. However. The "Proficient" level techniques could significantly reduce the chakra required to perform the jutsu. In theory, with the same amount of chakra, he could now produce 30% more water than before. Not only that, but many Water Release techniques shared similar principles. Especially Water Gun and Water Wall. The standard versions didn’t involve complex nature transformations. As long as one mastered the basic nature transformation and could extract Water Release chakra, they could easily perform these techniques. Both were like that. Some of the knowledge from mastering Water Gun could also be applied to Water Wall. Kyohiko was secretly thrilled. This upgrade was huge! While ninjutsu might not be as useful in the later stages of high-level battles, for now, he needed to focus on preparing for the Third Great Ninja War. At the level of ordinary ninja, Water Release techniques were incredibly useful. "Kyohiko." A soft female voice called out from behind. Kyohiko turned around— Kakashi and Kurenai were approaching quickly. The three of them gathered. "You’re here early?" Kurenai was slightly out of breath. "Not long. I was running by and decided to wait here." Kyohiko replied. Kakashi hesitated, about to say something, but then swallowed his words. "Hahaha, everyone’s here early!" Jiraiya arrived. He was holding two sets of popsicles, breaking them apart and handing one to each of them. "Let’s go. Time to start today’s mission. The sooner we clear enough D-ranks, the sooner we can take on higher-level C-rank missions." Jiraiya was fed up with D-rank missions. For ordinary ninja teams, D-rank missions might help with teamwork and skill development, but for their team... Forget it. As a chunin, Kakashi already knew all the basics. His issues were more about his mindset, and Jiraiya hadn’t found a good solution yet. Kyohiko— This kid was the least of his worries. Kurenai just needed to improve her abilities, but if she were to lead the team, she still had a long way to go. For them, C-rank missions and above, where they would face wandering samurai, bandits, or even other ninja, were where they could truly learn and grow. If they couldn’t take C-rank missions, they’d just clear out all the D-ranks. Jiraiya was determined. Entering the mission hall, he went straight to Hamura Ritsu. "Give me..." "Lord Jiraiya, the Hokage has approved your team to take on C-rank missions." Hamura Ritsu quickly informed him. Jiraiya grinned. "Really? No more D-rank missions?" "No more. You’ve done enough D-rank missions. Please take a look at the C-rank missions." Hamura Ritsu smiled wryly, handing over the new mission board. Kyohiko glanced at it. It seemed the earlier reward had come from their efforts. Then, he looked at the mission board. Most of the missions were escort missions for merchant caravans. The destinations... Mostly the Land of Rivers, the Land of Waves, and other unstable regions. Missions to the Land of Earth and other ninja nations probably wouldn’t be classified as C-rank. "Let’s take this one." Jiraiya pointed to one— Escort to Tanzaku Quarters to help a creditor collect a debt. He smirked. "This one. Where’s the client?" "This mission was posted yesterday. You just need to go to the Aoiya Inn in Tanzaku Quarters and find a man named Matsuyama Koji." Hamura Ritsu answered. He hesitated for a moment, then added, "However, the payment they’re offering is almost at the level of a B-rank mission. I suspect the debt collection might not be straightforward." "Doesn’t matter. As long as the pay’s good, I know how to get to Tanzaku Quarters." Jiraiya waved his hand, a smile on his face. Kyohiko’s expression turned strange. Tanzaku Quarters wasn’t exactly a wholesome place. Ninja going there risked breaking the three ninja taboos. It was hard not to suspect— Their teacher was less interested in the mission and more interested in having a good time. He couldn’t help but think cynically. Kakashi and Kurenai showed no reaction, either because they didn’t know much about Tanzaku Quarters or simply didn’t care. In any case, Jiraiya happily accepted the mission. But. As he stepped out of the mission hall, a figure blocked his path. "Lord Jiraiya, the Hokage requests your presence upstairs." An ANBU ninja. Jiraiya sighed, nodded, and after saying a quick goodbye to Kyohiko and the others, headed upstairs. "Kyohiko! Kakashi!" While they waited, a voice called out from inside. Kurenai’s expression turned slightly complicated— It was that guy again! Might Gai.

Chapter 10: Clear Out the D-Ranks, and the C-Ranks Will Come Naturally

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