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Gathering intelligence on a village leader is never an easy task. Could even Hiruzen have his whereabouts easily uncovered by spies from other villages? Without some clairvoyance, this mission would be impossible to complete.
Failing to complete the mission might give him a chance to slow down or persuade Mina to join the medical team, offering him another opportunity for the Jōnin exam.
Due to their relationship, Yōichi could only think with a somewhat darker mindset.
However, knowing that the Third Kazekage might have fallen at the hands of Sasori made things easier; knowing the outcome meant they only needed to trace the process leading to it.
Yōichi remembered that the Third Kazekage had been missing for a long time. Since his body was never found, the Sand Village refused to believe that something had happened to their strongest Kazekage ever.
The village eventually had to go to war due to the internal strife caused by the relentless search for the Kazekage.
For this Jōnin exam mission, finding a clue related to Sasori was enough. Anything beyond that, the higher-ups of Konoha could investigate themselves.
After finalizing the details, Shikaku asked, "Jiraiya-sama, when do we depart?"
"It's eleven now. We'll leave precisely at two in the afternoon. However, once we reach the border of the Land of Rivers, we'll have to split up."
Jiraiya's last statement was directed at those ninjas like Yōichi who had reconnaissance tasks. Apart from Yōichi, the other five ninjas each had their squads, specialized in gathering intelligence.
This arrangement made Yōichi suspect the true intentions of Konoha's higher-ups.
"Let's get ready and meet at the gates of Konoha."
After the meeting, including Yōichi, the ninjas left to prepare their equipment for the mission. Being a long-term mission, they had to ensure they were fully equipped with soldier pills, kunai, shuriken, etc.
Yōichi, besides leaving his Raijin at home, packed everything else, including medical supplies prepared by Mina, which were sufficient for treating general injuries. (I like the name Raijin more)
"I should say goodbye to Mina before I leave."
Yōichi thought to himself, as he would be away for at least a month or two, especially since he received this mission suddenly in the morning.
Upon arriving at the Konoha hospital, Yōichi learned that Mina was in surgery, so he waited outside for her to finish.
After waiting for about ten minutes, Yōichi suddenly spotted a familiar figure, strikingly white and eye-catching under the sunlight.
Tsunade spotted Yōichi at the hospital entrance as well. The two had a cooperative relationship, and Tsunade had received three million from Yōichi, easing her financial strain.
Thus, there was no hostility as exaggerated as their first encounter. Approaching him, she asked, "Uchiha brat, are you waiting for Mina?"
"Yes, I'll be leaving the village this afternoon and might not return for a long time, so I came to tell Mina. Tsunade-sama, have you been drinking?"
Yōichi sniffed, detecting a faint smell of alcohol, as if she had been trying to sober up outside.
"Mind your own business. I can't let it go to waste, brat!"
Tsunade's expression soured as she swung her fist in a warning gesture. It was nothing for the brat to comment on her smell, especially since she only had a couple of drinks left from yesterday, which she finished off in the morning without wasting.
Tsunade's visit to the Konoha hospital today was to check for any medical requests. The three million she had previously won was almost gone after only two gambling sessions.
Yōichi had no intention of meddling further. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered something and stopped. Turning to Tsunade, he asked, "By the way, Tsunade-sama, would you be interested in taking on a commission? It's well-paid."
"What kind of commission?"
Tsunade was about to leave but stopped at the mention of money. If it was as simple as taking a couple of photos for three million, like last time, she might consider it.
"Provide some guidance on medical ninjutsu to Mina, just an hour a day for two months. I'll pay one and a half million per month."
This sudden commission was borne out of concern that Mina might face a gap in her training after finishing with Morimoto.
In Konoha, if anyone wasn't afraid of the higher-ups, it was Tsunade.
After hearing Yōichi's proposal, Tsunade couldn't help but feel annoyed, "Brat, I wanted to take her as my apprentice, but she refused. And now you're willing to pay me to teach her? Having second thoughts?"
"It's not quite like that. It's more akin to how a Jōnin squad leader would guide their team. If you're not interested, forget it."
Yōichi was just asking casually. If Elder Kenji had other contacts, Tsunade wouldn't be necessary.
"Hmph, if you're willing to pay, I have no objections!"
After huffing, Tsunade continued, "I've told her before that she could come to me for advice, but despite several visits to the hospital, she never approached me. Is she afraid I'll persuade her to join the medical team?"
Yōichi didn't respond, but his expression gave him away.
"I only asked her once, and you all are so guarded. Tell that girl to relax; I've lost interest in meddling in your affairs."
Tsunade clicked her tongue, "Pay up, and have Mina come to me when she has time."
Last time, Tsunade was merely intrigued by Mina's unique chakra and impulsively wanted to take her as an apprentice. But she didn't expect the girl to be so reliant on this Uchiha brat.
If it weren't for the bizarre pig transformation incident, she wouldn't even know this Uchiha kid and wouldn't bother getting involved in village affairs.
"I didn't bring any money. Mina will pay you tomorrow."
Seeing Tsunade reaching for payment, Yōichi rolled his eyes but then remembered he hadn't used his pickpocketing ability yet today.
Stealing anything from the Senju lineage, whether it be Yang Release chakra, medical ninjutsu, or her monstrous strength, would be a win.
With that thought, Yōichi reached out and grabbed Tsunade's hand, diverting her attention, "Then it's settled, Tsunade-sama."
'Activate!'
After activating the ability, Yōichi suddenly felt something extra in his other hand, seemingly a piece of cloth, made of cotton, and still warm.
This theft immediately gave Yōichi a bad feeling.
He quickly let go, saying, "Since we've agreed, I have some things to take care of, so I'll be leaving now."
After saying this, Yōichi turned and left swiftly, clenching his fist tightly, not daring to open it.
"Hmph, this kid, making a handshake so formal. But wasn't he supposed to wait for Mina?"
Tsunade scoffed, shaking her head as she prepared to enter the hospital, "Well, it's none of my business anyway."
'Why does something feel off?'
Tsunade hadn't walked two steps before she suddenly felt like she was missing something from her lower half, a sort of emptiness.
"No, could it be... Did I forget to wear them when I left? Impossible, that's absolutely impossible. How could I have not worn them?"
Tsunade's face turned pale as she quickly tightened her legs together and hurried to her office.
Once there, Tsunade slammed the door shut, pulled the curtain closed, and then reached down to check.
"Where... where is my underwear?"
(End of Chapter)