Naruto: The Teaching System - 262

Chapter 262: B-Rank Escort Mission

Kisame's body had become like that of a puppet. Another Yin Release chakra seal marked his forehead courtesy of Sawada. He could no longer resist. His eyes stared ahead, empty and lifeless.

"Alright," Sawada said softly. The surrounding Anbu shinobi quickly put away their scrolls and sealing formulas.

"Sawada, this—" Inoichi stepped forward, examining Kisame. The man's eyes had lost all spark and consciousness.

"Senpai Inoichi, he'll answer any question you ask him now. Don't worry," Sawada said, spreading his hands as he prepared to leave.

"Wait, aren't you staying?" Inoichi looked confused. What would they do if the person controlling him left?

"Don't worry. As long as I don't release the seal, he can't escape," Sawada replied, waving his hand dismissively. This is the most terrifying part of Yin Release: Spirit Awakening. Even Sawada wouldn't use it lightly. Unless the target was destined to die anyway.

For now, it was better to let Konoha's interrogation team handle him. That way, there wouldn't be confusion later about what happened.

"Besides, when it comes to interrogation, the Morino clan is the best suited," Sawada said. After speaking, he left without looking back.

"Captain, what should we do?" A ninja from the intelligence department asked with concern.

"What can we do? Get Morino Ibiki down here and have the sealing squad stand by," Inoichi replied. Though Sawada said everything would be fine, they still needed backup. Better safe than sorry.

The Next Day

Hokage Building, Mission Desk

Sawada brought Neji to the mission assignment hall. Yusuke and Yamanaka Koto were already waiting. Muta was still recovering from injuries, so Neji would take his place on the team.

After introducing Neji to Yusuke and Koto, Sawada walked to the registration desk. "Do you have any C-rank missions available?"

With Neji now on the team, he needed time to acclimate to actual missions. Additionally, with a jōnin and special jōnin leading, C-rank missions could be completed relatively easily. This way, Neji could get experience while training in a real environment.

"Sawada-sama, let me check for you," the registration clerk said, immediately opening the ledger.

After searching for a while, the clerk's expression grew concerned. "Sawada-sama, I'm afraid there are no regular C-rank missions left." The new batch of genin graduates had already begun accepting C-rank assignments, leaving only B-rank and above.

"Then we'll take a B-rank mission," Sawada said without hesitation. With him and Yusuke on the team, even with Neji as a genin, their overall capability far exceeded a typical chūnin squad.

The clerk glanced back at Neji, then at Sawada, his face conflicted. "Sawada-sama, while you're certainly qualified for B-rank missions, technically having a genin on the team—"

"Doesn't meet regulations," Sawada finished, understanding immediately. The clerk wasn't trying to be difficult—he had to follow protocol. If something went wrong, he'd face consequences.

"Alright, Neji. Wait here with the others," Sawada said, rubbing his forehead. What can I do when the clerk is so responsible?

Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared at that moment, his hands clasped behind his back. "What seems to be the problem?"

The clerk immediately breathed a sigh of relief and began explaining the situation. Hiruzen listened carefully, then examined Sawada's team composition with a thoughtful expression. A jōnin and two special jōnin taking a B-rank mission seemed excessive on the surface. But with Neji, a genin, in the group, it created an unusual imbalance.

"Sawada, what's your take on this?" Hiruzen asked.

"A B-rank mission is appropriate. It'll provide good pressure for Neji's growth," Sawada replied evenly. Yusuke and Koto exchanged glances, silently wondering about the hardships of being Sawada's student.

Neji, however, didn't object. His Sensei would never push him beyond what he could handle.

Hiruzen lightly tapped Sawada on the forehead in a gesture of acknowledgment, then turned to the clerk. "Assign them a B-rank mission."

"Yes, Third-sama!" The clerk, now having Hokage approval, had no further objections and resumed searching the mission records.

"Third-sama, there's one available: Personal Bodyguard Duty," the clerk announced, quickly retrieving the request. Hiruzen reviewed it, then nodded approvingly before handing it to Sawada.

Sawada read through the details. The request involved escorting a noble from a minor country who had offended the main branch of his family. The main house feared ambush during travel through hostile territory and had hired Konoha for protection. This was acceptable work.

"No problem. We'll take it," Sawada agreed.

"Then let's go meet the client," he said, leading Neji and the others away.

The clerk's mention of meeting the Hokage made Sawada reflect. Did they really think everyone was like Naruto? If not for Naruto being a Nine-Tailed Jinchūriki—which made him a security concern—every mission wouldn't require this protocol. Most missions were handled at the desk level. Only special A-rank and S-rank assignments required meeting the Hokage directly and reporting back. Otherwise, Hiruzen would work himself to death.

Reception Room

"This is truly kind of you, honored shinobi!" A young man in noble attire bowed respectfully to Sawada and his team.

"Before we begin, I have a question," Sawada said, raising a hand. "You mentioned possible shinobi involvement. Which ninja village specifically?"

The young nobleman paused, then nodded toward an attendant.

The attendant stepped forward after receiving the signal. "Honored shinobi, we only suspect. Our young master hasn't been home much recently."

"Suspect?" Sawada couldn't quite hide his amusement. Even small country nobles could be overly cautious when it came to business.

"Yes. Our main company supplies goods to the Land of Water, which has abundant resources. We've had dealings with shinobi from that region, so we suspected—" the attendant explained carefully.

Sawada nodded. The Land of Water was one of the Five Great Nations. Despite internal conflicts, their shinobi were formidable—far stronger than smaller ninja villages.

"Do you need us to escort him only to your destination? Or would you prefer additional security once you arrive?" Sawada asked this deliberately. If they truly feared ninja attacks, wouldn't they want protection even in their home country?

The attendant hesitated, unsure how to respond. But the young nobleman had no such reservations.

"This time I've returned to settle matters," he said coldly, a slight smile crossing his face. "Once we reach the Land of Vegetables, my father's supporters won't tolerate the main family's interference any longer." His tone suggested this was more than a simple business dispute—it was a family power struggle, and blood would likely spill.