Chapter 132: Rated A+ for Violence and Vibes

Chapter 132 - Rated A+ for Violence and Vibes Once Ren woke up from his sleep, he took a quick bath and made himself some food. After finishing his meal, he headed straight to the basement where his clones were diligently working. Since he had been practicing weapons for quite some time, the number of weapons in active rotation had reduced. Only the more unique ones remained, such as the copies of the Seven Swords of the Mist, the Uchiha clan's Gunbai, and a few other exotic pieces. With fewer weapons in the mix, many of the freed-up clones were reassigned to Fuinjutsu research. The results were evident, his mastery in Fuinjutsu had risen from 51% to 59% in a short span. Ren estimated that once he reached the advanced mastery threshold, he would finally be able to draw the Spatial Anchor Seal without any flaws. Satisfied that the clones were progressing efficiently on their own, Ren turned his attention to the mission reward he had yet to open. Upon doing so, the system displayed his latest gain: [REWARD: 2 S-RANK POINTS] He sighed lightly. 'I wonder what the rewards would've been if my first S-rank mission had been a combat-type instead of a diplomatic one,' he thought. In his system, the Intelligence +20 for 10 minutes boost remained unused. He'd kept it reserved, waiting for the perfect opportunity. Ren had already decided, when the clones could replicate the Spatial Anchor Seal perfectly, he'd use the temporary intelligence boost to deduce the mechanics of the Flying Thunder God Technique on his own. Still, doubt lingered. The boost was one of the best rewards the system had ever given him, it couldn't be wasted. 'I've still got some time before Intelligence hits 79, so I'll think more about how to use this properly,' he decided. He shifted his focus back to the two S-rank points he'd just received. 'The only reason I even got 2 S-rank points must be because my level is still under 70 and I handled the mission completely alone. If I was level 70 or higher, the system probably would've only given 1 S-Rank Point or a bunch of Jonin-level points instead,' he speculated. 'Though honestly, I would've preferred those bunch of points right now.' Shrugging slightly, he allocated both S-rank points to his Vitality, raising it from 83 to 85. No immediate change in chakra followed, and he hadn't expected any. His decision to invest further in vitality was deliberate. He'd already witnessed its positive effects during recovery. Looking at his still-small frame, Ren nodded to himself. 'Having high vitality in a compact body is probably why my regeneration speed has skyrocketed. Add in the constant yang chakra nourishment, and it won't be long before I develop minor regeneration. If I keep pushing this path, I might even reach high-tier regeneration levels eventually.' After reviewing his status screen one last time, Ren closed it and stood up. There was no point in waiting around. Even though Yoru had told him to rest for a week, Ren already felt fully recovered. In his view, taking missions was more beneficial than training at this stage. Missions offered guaranteed stat rewards, while training was a slow process with no clear outcome or timeline. With that, he made his way to the ANBU Command Base. Once there, he changed into his uniform and headed directly for Yoru's office. Ren arrived at Yoru's office and knocked. "Come in," came the usual clipped voice from within. Sliding the door open, Ren stepped inside with both of his masks clipped at his waist. "Reporting in, boss man," he said casually, strolling in with his hands behind his head like he was walking into a friend's house instead of the ANBU commander's office. Yoru didn't even look up. "You're supposed to be resting." "Yeah, yeah," Ren shrugged, "but you know me. I'm restless and I heal fast. Besides, figured I'd come in and lighten your paperwork burden. I can carry some of it for you. Like, out the window." Yoru looked up slowly, the unimpressed stare from behind his mask practically audible. Ren surrendered, "I'm joking. Mostly." Yoru pulled open a drawer and tossed something across the table. It slid to a stop right in front of Ren. A well-worn, matte-black book with a crimson insignia on the cover: the bingo book. Ren's brows rose in interest as he picked it up. "Oh? For me? You shouldn't have." "It's not a gift," Yoru replied. "It's your entry." That wiped the smile off Ren's face for a second. Then, curious, he flipped to the marked page. There it was. His own sketch, a crude but recognizable drawing of him in the Numbers uniform, the mask included. Alias: Blue Menace Affiliation: Konohagakure (Hidden Leaf Village) Classification: A+ Rank Threat Bounty: 15,000,000 Ryo (Kumogakure) / 10,000,000 Ryo (Iwagakure) Known Abilities: Taijutsu specialist, chakra-enhanced physical combat, bladed weapon mastery, possible elemental ninjutsu (unconfirmed). Notable Deeds: Solo elimination of five elite rogue shinobi (Land of Frost Incident). Caution: Extreme physical response time and reflexes. High-speed combatant. Engage with overwhelming force or not at all. Ren stared at it for a moment, silent. Then, "The Blue Menace?" He looked up with an annoyed and betrayed expression. "Seriously, boss? You couldn't have stopped them from giving me a nickname that makes me sound like a particularly angry ocean current?" Yoru gave a disinterested grunt. "Be grateful they didn't go with 'Blue Butterfly' or something worse." "I mean, at least that's got flair," Ren muttered. "Blue Menace sounds like I'm about to sell cough syrup in a scroll. What's next? Azure Annoyance? Sky-Colored Scamp?" Yoru leaned back in his chair. "I'm sorry, I forgot the part where enemy villages consult you for branding approval." Ren opened his mouth to retort, paused, then pointed a finger in defeat. "Okay, fair. Still. They could've at least gone with 'Azure Phantom' or 'Sapphire Storm', something cool. This just sounds like a weather report." "You're a ninja, not an aspiring actor," Yoru said bluntly. Ren held up the book like it had personally offended him. "You sure? Because with this name, I'm halfway to a failed theater troupe." Yoru ignored the quip. "The name's out. Bounties are real. Congratulations. You're officially on the hit lists." Ren gave a mock bow. "Dreams do come true." Yoru reached for a mission file without looking. "Now get out. Your week off isn't over." Ren didn't budge. "Or, hear me out, I could go on a mission." Yoru sighed audibly. "Did you sleep?" "Eight hours. Full cycle. Ate too. Even threw in a bath. I'm clean, fed, and" he gestured to himself, "battle ready." "Mentally?" "More stable than I've ever been." Yoru grunted, "Physically?" Ren replied, "That's debatable." Ren leaned forward on the desk, grinning. "C'mon. You know you've got a juicy A-rank sitting in that folder. Gimme a taste. I promise I'll behave." "You say that every time." "And I only sometimes mean it," Ren said brightly. Yoru stared at him for a long moment, then tossed a file on the desk. "One mission. With 4. You speak one word out of line on this op, I assign you to three months of Genjutsu theory under Itsuki." Ren clutched the folder dramatically. "You monster" though he was going to focus on learning Genjutsu, but that was mostly high rank Genjutsu and yin release, his theory section was already solid, so if he was forced by Yoru, to study theory for 3 months he would most certainly not be able to take. Yoru deadpanned, "That's not a no." Ren flipped the folder open and gave it a skim. "Hm. A-rank. Target monitoring and potential elimination. Suspected Suna cell posing as a traveling merchant group in the Wind border. Oh, this one is identity change and subtlety. I like it." "You're going because your last mission blew up your low-profile status. This will test if you can still operate under subtlety." Ren responded. "You think I can't be subtle? I'm the embodiment of discretion." "You wear a black and red armor set and complain that your code name isn't flashy enough." "...Point taken." Yoru closed another report and looked up. "4 will be in charge. You follow orders. Don't get creative unless necessary." Ren raised his hand. "Define 'necessary.'" Yoru ignored him and continued, "You leave tomorrow morning. Standard infiltration gear, no clan weapons. You're going in as a caravan escort. Stay in character." Ren tilted his head. "So... no mask?" "No mask." Ren raised his hand and touched his hair. "But the hair." "They'll think you're just a flashy Genin. No one is going to think the 5-starmask has a face like this behind the mask, unless they have deeply investigated. It works in our favor." Ren narrowed his eyes. "I feel like this entire plan hinges on me looking harmless." "It does," Yoru said dryly. "Which means you're perfect for it." Ren squinted at him. "I can't tell if that was an insult or a compliment." "Yes." Ren rolled his eyes. "Old people humor. Got it." "Any other complaints?" Ren tapped the bingo book on the desk. "Just one. Can we send a politely worded suggestion to change 'Blue Menace' to something cooler? Please? Just a little nudge?" Yoru stood up and started walking toward the wall of filing shelves. "So, no, then?" Ren asked. Yoru paused. "You want to change your nickname?" "Yes." "Do something more ridiculous next time. They might give you something worse." Ren blinked. "You're not even pretending to help me, are you?" Yoru looked over his shoulder. "Your name's already in circulation, kid. Might as well earn the fear that comes with it." Ren gave an exaggerated sigh. "Fine. But if someone starts calling me the 'Indigo Infant,' I'm blaming you." "Noted." Ren flipped the folder shut and tucked it under his arm. "Alright then, I'll go prep. Gotta get into character for subtlety. Maybe practice my 'I'm totally just a merchant guard' face in the mirror." Yoru shook his head. "Just don't bring that ridiculous whip this time." Ren gasped. "But it's become my favorite!" Yoru turned back to his paperwork. "You can bring it. Just don't use it unless you want people to think your merchant boss moonlights as a circus act." Ren backed toward the door. "I'll take that as a yes." Yoru said nothing. Ren opened the door, waved lazily, and called over his shoulder, "Thanks for the mission, Commander, even though your humor is questionable, you do listen to my request so I won't spread the word." "Out." "I'm going, I'm going!" The door closed behind, outside the door Ren had a smile on his face and thought, 'Hmm, its fun to chat with commander like this, Utakata-Sensei was always serious and didn't respond to me and dad was mostly absent, Yoru is the only one who gives appropriate response.' He opened the door once again to speak something but a kunai was launched at the door so he instantly shut it and went away, 'Guess that's enough for today.' Yoru paused for a moment, then gave a subtle shake of his head. "Blue Menace, tch. More like Blue Headache." ~~~ The mission with Four wasn't particularly difficult. Ren had handled similar assignments during his time with the ANBU, so both he and Four completed the task and returned to the village within a week. After reporting in, they made their way to Yoru's office. Yoru read through the report with his usual quiet efficiency, stamped the completion seal, then glanced at Ren. "Three is back from her mission. You'll begin your Genjutsu training with her tomorrow. She also has other tasks to complete, so don't waste her time." Ren let out a low grumble. "I learn fast, Commander. You've seen it yourself. Wasting time isn't part of the equation." Yoru looked up, completely unfazed. "I'm not talking about your learning speed. I'm talking about your other nonsense. If you eliminated that, your learning would be even faster." Ren opened his mouth to protest, then closed it. He sighed internally. 'These guys just don't know how to have fun. But, I guess it's not their fault. Growing up in a world like this doesn't really leave much room for personality.' Yoru narrowed his eyes briefly at Ren's uncharacteristic silence but said nothing about it. Instead, he gave a short nod. "Alright, disperse. You won't be getting more than 48 hours of rest before your next mission. If you still need time after that, adjust your schedule accordingly." Ren gave a casual nod and left the room. Honestly, he didn't mind the back-to-back schedule. Staying busy helped. He could push himself on the field while letting his clones grind mastery. He preferred it this way, real-time combat for growth, clone-time for knowledge. Back in his room, Ren sat on his bed and opened the system interface. [You have received 1 Jonin-level stat point.] Without hesitation, he invested it into Intelligence, raising it to 73. Originally, he had planned to keep investing in Strength until it hit 70. But after observing how the system behaved with point rewards, he changed that plan. 'Once my level crossed 60, the system stopped giving one point per B-rank mission. I'm pretty sure the same thing will happen with A-rank missions when I hit level 70. If I wait too long, the stat point returns will drop. Better to clear as many A-ranks as possible right now, rack up points, and let Strength grow naturally through training. I'll resume investing in it later.' Having confirmed his new plan, Ren leaned back and allowed himself to relax. Tomorrow, he'd begin learning high-level Genjutsu with Three. A new branch of power, a new challenge. But tonight, there was no pressure. He closed his eyes and let himself drift into a deep, uninterrupted sleep but still alert for danger. ~~~~~ {Writing the interaction between Ren and Yoru is quiet fun and as I said before this interaction is just based on the Gen Z vs Boomers debate but in the ninja world. Also, if you guys have any idea about how to use that +20 INT, then comment here, because honestly, I'm leaning towards using it for FTG, since he'd get a solid base for it, but still, all suggestions are welcome.} {If you want, you can support me on pat-reon} {You know what else} {200 Stones = Extra Chapter} {STONES!!!!}