The graduation exam had finally concluded.
With her newly earned Konoha forehead protector in hand, Rii hopped cheerfully along behind Rinjin, holding the protector up to compare different positions.
"Big brother, where do you think I should wear this? On my forehead? Or on my arm?"
"Anywhere you like."
Rinjin's reply was brief and perfunctory.
He was already mentally shutting down.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt toward Rii's late mother.
Just look at what this kid has become! Bossing people around like a little gang leader, with a whole group of lackeys following her. She's either running around excitedly spitting fire or spitting sticky water everywhere. And the worst part? She actually wins with it!
No! This can't go on!
Rinjin rubbed his face with both hands, trying to put on a kind and gentle expression before speaking warmly:
"Rii-chan, apart from Water Release: Syrup Water Bullet and Water Release: Syrup Binding Rope, what other water-style jutsu do you know?"
Hearing this, Rii puffed out her chest proudly, her face beaming with confidence.
"I also know Water Release: Syrup Iron Cannon!"
You little rascal!
That's clearly a jutsu meant for toads!
I underestimated you. Not only can you spit water, but you can spit a whole mouthful of it!
You really have a thing for spitting, don't you?!
Rinjin's face darkened like the bottom of a pot. He muttered in a deep, muffled voice:
"Rii, I've been thinking… Water Release is just too weak. How about switching to Earth Release from now on?"
Hearing this, Rii immediately pouted in protest, her cheeks puffing up as she glared at Rinjin.
"Big brother, you're so unfair! You were the one who told me to stop using Fire Release and switch to Water Release in the first place.
And now you're telling me to stop using Water Release and switch to Earth Release? Are you messing with me?
No way! I won't change!"
Seeing her resolute stance, Rinjin scratched his head and sighed.
"Alright, alright. If you don't want to change, then don't."
"By the way, I haven't checked the homework I assigned you yet~"
The moment those words left his mouth, Rii's expression shifted dramatically. Her eyes darted around, clearly scheming.
In no time, the little girl put on an innocent, obedient face and clung to Rinjin's arm, pleading coquettishly:
"Big brother, Earth Release is great! It's the best!"
Just as the two were putting on a comical display of sibling antics, a masked ANBU member suddenly appeared before them.
"Rinjin of the North, the Hokage requests your presence!"
Hearing this, Rinjin blinked in mild surprise, then narrowed his eyes slightly and nodded.
"I'll head there right away."
With that, he took Rii along as they made their way toward the Hokage's office.
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was studying a scroll intently.
The scroll contained an evaluation:
Name: Rinjin of the North
Date of Birth: Approx. Konoha Year 10 (exact date unknown)
Comprehensive Strength Assessment:
Ninjutsu: 3/10 (Possesses Magnet Release but rarely uses it; estimated to have limited power)
Taijutsu: 10/10
Genjutsu: 1/10
Wisdom: 10/10
Strength: 10/10
Speed: 10/10
Stamina: 10/10
Hand Seals: 5/10
Total: 59/80 (Recommended rank: Special Jōnin)
Hiruzen frowned slightly as he reviewed the ANBU's assessment.
Overall, the evaluation was accurate.
However, Hiruzen was one of the few who knew what Rinjin had accomplished in Kumogakure.
In his eyes, Rinjin's scores for Taijutsu, Strength, and Speed should each be thirty.
Unfortunately, the scale only went up to ten.
After some thought, Hiruzen picked up his pen and crossed out the word "Special" from "Special Jōnin."
Before long, there was a knock at the office door. From outside, Rinjin's lazy voice called out:
"Yo~ Uncle Hiruzen, long time no see!"
"Come in!" Hiruzen set down the scroll and pen, gesturing for Rinjin to take a seat.
Once Rinjin sat down, Hiruzen lit his pipe and asked casually:
"So, Rinjin, what have you been up to lately?"
"Just some small business ventures. Gotta save up for a dowry," Rinjin replied with a grin.
Hiruzen paused for a moment, then chuckled with an amused expression.
"Have you set your sights on someone? Need me to put in a good word for you?"
"Hehe~ Not yet, but it's never a bad idea to save up beforehand!" Rinjin scratched his head, laughing sheepishly.
"True, true," Hiruzen nodded in agreement.
After some light-hearted banter, Hiruzen's expression turned more serious. He reached into a drawer and pulled out a forehead protector, handing it to Rinjin.
"Rinjin, congratulations. You're now a Jōnin."
Rinjin's pupils contracted slightly as he scratched his head awkwardly.
Just like that, I'm a Jōnin?
Unable to hold back his curiosity, he asked directly:
"Uncle Hiruzen, I didn't even graduate from the ninja academy..."
"No matter," Hiruzen said firmly, pushing the forehead protector toward him.
"The mission in Kumogakure was easily an S-rank task.
Your abilities are more than sufficient for a Jōnin. Besides, I'm not so old and rigid as to cling to rules unnecessarily."
Hearing this, Rinjin nodded solemnly and carefully accepted the Konoha Jōnin forehead protector... only to stuff it into his pocket.
For a brief moment, he felt a flicker of loyalty.
But that loyalty lasted less than three seconds before thoughts of negotiation and benefits replaced it.
"Is there something you need me to do?" Rinjin asked tentatively.
Hiruzen gave him a sidelong glance, exhaling a long puff of smoke.
Can't you stay touched for just a little longer?
"There wasn't, but since you asked, there is now."
Setting down his pipe, Hiruzen rummaged through the towering piles of paperwork on his desk.
After a moment, he handed a scroll to Rinjin and began explaining the mission.
"This mission involves the Uzumaki Clan in Uzushiogakure.
Three months ago, members of the Uzumaki Clan began disappearing from their homes, particularly those living on the outskirts of the village.
The disappearances all occurred at night, and there were no signs of struggle at the scenes—only unfamiliar footprints.
We suspect these individuals were kidnapped."
As Hiruzen spoke, Rinjin's mind conjured up information about Uzushiogakure.
Uzushiogakure, located southeast of the Land of Fire, shared a border with it and was situated on a large peninsula.
To its east lay the Land of Water, separated by the sea. To its north, across a smaller body of water, was the Land of Waves.
The village was home to the Uzumaki Clan, known for their longevity and immense chakra reserves. The clan had maintained a close and harmonious relationship with Konoha for generations.
After a brief pause, Hiruzen continued:
"This mission was initially rated as B-rank. However, two Jōnin teams previously assigned to it have gone missing.
Reports from Uzushiogakure confirm that the teams arrived at the village but disappeared after leaving it.
As a result, the mission has been reclassified as A-rank."
Rinjin frowned slightly, his tone questioning:
"Then how was the information from Uzushiogakure relayed back to Konoha?"
"ANBU operatives retrieved it," Hiruzen replied.
Rinjin's mind raced.
*Two Jōnin teams gone. This suggests the culprit is at least Jōnin-level or possesses some unique tools or techniques.
The fact that ANBU managed to return implies the culprit isn't monitoring Konoha continuously.
Of course, there's also the possibility that they're baiting bigger prey.*
After a moment of contemplation, Rinjin nodded.
"Alright, I'll head out now. Maybe I'll be back in time for dinner!"
He turned to leave, but Hiruzen's face darkened.
"Ahem... Wait, Rinjin!" Hiruzen stopped him, adding:
"For this mission, try not to engage directly. You'll be leading a team instead."
A sense of foreboding crept over Rinjin as he hesitantly asked:
"And... who's on the team?"
Hiruzen cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. They're all Chūnin, though Orochimaru is close to becoming a Jōnin. Your job is to ensure their safety."
"WHAT?!" Rinjin clutched his forehead in despair.
"Uncle, they're your students! Why don't you go yourself?!"
Hiruzen waved his hands dismissively.
"I'm swamped with work. Too busy to leave."
After some internal struggle, Rinjin finally nodded.
It wasn't for the Uzumaki Clan, nor was it to scout the Land of Water. He was simply worried about his friends' safety.
Seeing Rinjin agree, Hiruzen sighed in relief and added:
"You'll depart in a week. In the meantime, get to know them better."
Rinjin nodded, said his goodbyes, and turned to leave.
Just as he reached the door, Hiruzen called out again.
"One more thing, Rinjin. Since you're back in the village, you'll be handling communications with Hanzo the Salamander again.
We've recently identified two Rain Village spies in Konoha. Speak to Sakumo about the details."
Rinjin nodded calmly and left the Hokage's office.
As he walked down the hallway of the Hokage building, a sly smile crept onto his face.
*After all this effort and patience, I've finally earned the old man's trust.
Now, the plan...*
______________________________________
New chapter live! Patreon updated to Chapter 147
Join for exclusive content: patreon.com/DarkGolds
Thank you for your support.