"Although D-rank missions are the simplest, being able to complete twenty D-rank missions in two days is commendable even among Genin," Hiruzen remarked.
"Hokage-sama, does that mean we can take missions above D-rank?" Obito looked at Hiruzen with anticipation.
"Haha, well, that depends on your sensei," Hiruzen chuckled. "After all, I'm not too familiar with your capabilities. If Mutsuki believes you're capable, then I'll specially permit you to undertake C-rank missions."
In truth, he didn't see any issue with it. During the final exam of the summer special training, he observed Obito and Guy's battle, and their abilities were quite impressive. Coupled with Kakashi's experienced Chunin status and Mutsuki's background from the Root, C-rank missions would be a breeze.
Because normally C-rank missions don't typically involve encounters with other ninjas; there may be battles, but the opponents are usually stronger ordinary people or fierce beasts.
"Yumi-sensei, you know us, our abilities shouldn't be limited to just menial tasks," Obito turned to Mutsuki, his eyes brimming with anticipation.
"Third-sama, I believe they are fully capable of completing C-rank missions," Mutsuki replied to Hiruzen as Obito hoped he would.
One crucial aspect of his mentorship program was to prepare them for missions outside Konoha. Within the village, Mutsuki felt constrained; he couldn't unleash his Ninjutsu to its full potential during training. His several Mastery-level Ninjutsu techniques were each more destructive than the last, and attracting the ANBU was a risk he couldn't afford.
Moreover, he truly needed a real battle to understand his true strength, not just sparring sessions. Mutsuki didn't want to end up like Otsutsuki Kaguya, possessing incredible power but unable to utilize it effectively.
"With your assurance, Mutsuki, I feel much better," Hiruzen chuckled, stroking his beard.
"Thank you for your trust, Third-sama. I will definitely protect my students," Mutsuki said solemnly.
Hiruzen nodded with a smile, then turned to the registry ninja and said, "From now on, Mutsuki's team can take on C-rank missions, while the rules remain the same for the other intern classes."
The other intern classes didn't have teammates like Kakashi; whether their mentor could beat Kakashi was still a question.
The registry ninja quickly nodded. Since the Hokage had spoken, he had nothing to say. If anything went wrong in the future, it wouldn't be his responsibility.
Although they were granted permission to take C-rank missions, it was already evening, so it was naturally impossible to take on tasks at this time. Mutsuki led his three disciples towards home.
"Yes!" Obito couldn't help but pump his fist in celebration as they left the Hokage Tower.
"Guy, we are definitely the only two in the fourth grade who can do C-rank missions. Everyone else is probably still catching cats or chasing dogs," Obito laughed heartily.
"It's indeed an exciting thing. It shows that our youth is advancing towards higher goals!" Guy also laughed heartily.
The laughter of the two attracted the attention of some other ninjas who were coming to the Hokage Tower. Kakashi silently lowered his head slightly.
He suddenly remembered his previous teammates. Although they weren't strong, they wouldn't burst into laughter at the entrance of the Hokage Tower.
"Hey, Kakashi, you must have done C-rank missions before. What kind of enemies usually appear in C-rank missions? Will there be Chunin and Jonin?" Obito asked eagerly.
"C-rank missions usually don't involve ninja enemies," Kakashi replied.
"What? There are no enemies even in C-rank missions?" Obito was confused.
He still remembered how determined the registry ninja was just now. They only got to take C-rank missions after the Hokage arrived. The process was so difficult, even involving the Hokage. Obito thought C-rank missions were very dangerous, but Kakashi said they wouldn't encounter ninja enemies.
"It's not that there are no enemies, but generally, you won't encounter ninja enemies," Mutsuki corrected.
"Combat-related C-rank missions usually involve subduing fierce beasts and bandits in the mountains, and neither of these encounters involves ninja," Mutsuki explained. "If there were definitely ninja enemies involved, it would be at least a B-rank mission."
"How disappointing..." Obito sighed. He had hoped to go on missions, defeat enemy ninjas from other countries, and return to tell Rin about his heroic deeds. But subduing wild beasts didn't offer much to boast about. They had already killed a wild boar together during their picnic in the southern forest.
However, Obito's mood improved when they entered Mutsuki's home because he knew he would soon enjoy Mutsuki's freshly cooked dishes.
Mutsuki asked Kakashi and the others to sit in the living room and chat while he started preparing the meal.
"Yumi-sensei, let me help you," Kakashi, who didn't want to be idle, offered.
"Then help me wash the vegetables," Mutsuki didn't refuse. Working together was also conducive to building trust.
Kakashi stayed in the kitchen, observing Mutsuki as he cooked. He was curious about how Mutsuki managed to make such delicious dishes.
"Mutsuki, are you back?" Minato's voice came from outside the door.
"Minato, come on in, I'm cooking," Mutsuki said, turning around.
After getting Mutsuki's approval, Minato entered Mutsuki's home.
Upon entering, Minato noticed that there were two other young boys inside. Obito and Guy also noticed Minato's arrival.
Obito gazed at Minato's dazzling golden hair, blue eyes, and that familiar warm smile, instantly superimposing Minato's and Mutsuki's faces.
"Hello, I am..." Minato began, ready to greet the two.
"I know, you must be Yumi-sensei's twin brother!" Obito interjected.
"Looks like Yumi-sensei without glasses!" Guy felt Obito's speculation made sense.
"He looks like Yumi-sensei with or without the glasses. Just look at that smiling expression and that warmth," Obito analyzed meticulously. Nobody understood Mutsuki better than him.
Although misunderstood, Minato was somewhat accustomed to it; he had been teased similarly by many acquaintances during Jonin meetings. So, Minato smiled and explained, "I'm Minato Namikaze, a friend of Mutsuki's."
"Eh, isn't your surname Yumi?" Obito now felt that Minato and Mutsuki were long-lost brothers.
"Minato, sorry about that. They are all my disciples, visiting my home today," Mutsuki explained.
"It's okay. After all, we do look alike sometimes," Minato said with a smile, showing he wasn't bothered.
He was quite open-minded about this. If he looked like a person with a bad personality, he might care a bit more. But resembling someone as gentle and kind-hearted as Mutsuki only felt like fate to him.
Kakashi, having finished washing the vegetables, curiously stepped out of the kitchen and glanced at Minato, catching him smiling while explaining. Instantly, Kakashi understood why Obito thought Minato and Mutsuki were twins. Their expressions did indeed resemble each other, and their hair and eyes were similar too. That was the impression he got at first glance.
Upon closer inspection, Kakashi could still discern the differences: Minato's demeanor carried a bit of a naive feeling, unlike Mutsuki's.
"Mutsuki, do you need any help?" Although Minato asked, he was already heading towards the kitchen.
"Minato, perfect timing. Help me with these vegetables, trim off the parts we don't need," Mutsuki assigned tasks to Minato.
The two had been neighbors who often shared meals for quite some time now. They had cooked together many times, but most of the time, Minato was assisting.
"Minato, I mentioned the internship program to you before. I'm also responsible for leading a class,team"
"I remember, but why does one of them already have a forehead protector?" Minato nodded curiously, asking.
"His name is Hatake Kakashi. It's a bit of a complicated story due to unexpected circumstances, but he's now a member of my team" Mutsuki replied.
"Hatake..." Hearing this surname combined with Kakashi's white hair, Minato suddenly recalled some unpleasant memories, so he didn't ask Kakashi any further questions.
Next, Mutsuki introduced Minato to the disciples.
"Minato is a very strong Jonin. Many powerful Jonin in the village feel inferior when facing Minato," Mutsuki praised with a smile.
"Wow, so he's super strong," Obito exclaimed, listening to Mutsuki's praise of Minato. Combined with Minato's resemblance to Mutsuki, Obito instantly felt that Minato must be just as strong as Mutsuki.
"It's not as exaggerated as Mutsuki says. There are still many Senpai in the village worth learning from," Minato modestly replied.
"Mutsuki, about today, I..." Minato started to feel a bit embarrassed. He felt awkward for always getting free meals and taking leftovers home.
"I know, I've already packed it for you," Mutsuki handed the bento box to Minato.
"Thank you," Minato expressed his gratitude.
He felt that Mutsuki might have figured out something, it was indeed suspicious to take leftovers home every day.
If he was busy, how could he come over to pack food? If he wasn't busy, he used busyness as an excuse to pack food every day.
But Minato had no choice. If Mutsuki guessed it, so be it. This couldn't be said explicitly. Kushina's identity was too sensitive. It would be harmful and useless to tell Mutsuki about it.
All Minato could do was to share his training experience with Mutsuki as much as possible, making Mutsuki stronger to safely pass through this dangerous period.
"Yumi-sensei, I think you should investigate. Maybe he's your long-lost brother," Obito suggested.
Smack! Mutsuki's two fingers accurately landed on Obito's forehead.
"If you don't eat now, Kakashi and Guy will finish all the food," Mutsuki reminded.
Only then did Obito notice that Guy and Kakashi were actually eating voraciously while he was speaking, leaving traces of their chopsticks on the table.
"You guys leave some for me," Obito said, not caring anymore and quickly started eating.
After Mutsuki arranged for a Shadow Clone to deliver food to Shisui and Rin, he also started eating.
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