Yorinaka Village, nestled in the heart of the Land of Soups, presented a picturesque scene as the team and their escorted merchant, Hozuki Fakinshi, approached its boundaries.
It was surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, the village boasted a serene ambience that belied the bustling life within.
The village was a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and practical design. Wooden structures with sloping roofs stood in clusters, adorned with vibrant banners that fluttered in the gentle breeze.
Streets weaved through the village like intricate webs, and lanterns dangled from awnings, casting a warm glow as the day began to wane.
As they ventured deeper into Yorinaka, the aroma of simmering soups wafted through the air, creating an olfactory tapestry that defined the culinary essence of the region.
Small shops and stalls lined the streets, offering an array of ingredients that reflected the village's dedication to the culinary arts.
'I guess from the name of the country, I should expect good soups.' Renjiro mused.
Hozuki Fakinshi, navigated the familiar terrain with ease, leading them through the heart of the village. The village's central square, adorned with a communal cooking area, stood as a testament to the culinary expertise that defined Yorinaka and the Land of Soups in general.
Upon reaching the heart of the village, Hozuki Fakinshi exchanged pleasantries with the local authorities, finalizing the completion of the mission.
As the paperwork was concluded, Riku acknowledged the successful completion of their mission despite the disturbance, they had along the way to Yorinaka.
"Take this evening to rest and rejuvenate," Riku addressed his team, the corners of his eyes softening with understanding. It was already getting late and after what the genins had gone through, it would be better to give them a breather.
"You've earned it. Tomorrow, we will start our journey back to Konoha."
'Ahh yes, there he goes again.' Renjiro thought after hearing Riku.
If he could describe Riku in one word, it would be Enigma. This is because he was unpredictable.
You never knew what to expect from him. One day was the good side, the next a calm side, and the other a sadistic side. The latter is shown mostly during their training. The former would actually make you forget he is a cold-blooded killer.
'Anyway, He gave us some time to rest. Can't complain.'
The Genins were grateful for the respite. They dispersed into the heart of Yorinaka Village, each choosing their own way to unwind and absorb the unique atmosphere of the Land of Soups. Of course, they took on different appearances.
The village leadership had already prepared lodging for them, so they did not have to worry about that and they chose sightseeing. There was not much to see in the evening and after some time they both retired back to their rooms to rest. It was a long couple of days with the travelling and the fighting in between.
The dawn of the next day found the genins, led by their Jounin sensei Riku, embarking on the journey back to Konoha from Yorinaka Village.
The serene landscapes of the Land of Soups gradually transformed as they retraced their steps, leaving behind the picturesque charm of Yorinaka and headed back to the land of Fire.
The return journey was faster as compared to when they set out from Konoha. Without a civilian slowing them down, Riku was determined to make them reach the village as soon as possible.
Not due to some urgency, but because he just wanted to push them to their limits. Breaks for stopovers were few and far between, the emphasis shifting towards efficiency as they covered the distance with remarkable speed.
The genins adapted seamlessly to the brisk pace set by their sensei. They did not have any other option, as Riku threatened to leave them behind.
That was not the bigger issue because they believed in their strength to survive in the wilderness. The issue was that they would be branded as deserters which was not good for any of them.
The uneventful nature of their return journey stood in stark contrast to the challenges encountered during their mission to Yorinaka. Renjiro even got himself wishing for some action. Any action.
But the minute he realized what he was wishing for, he drove those intrusive thoughts away.
Upon their return to Konoha, They wasted no time in heading directly to the mission centre within the Hokage Building.
"Mahito," Renjiro began when they reached the Mission centre. "We are done with the mission."
"Aah... Riku, you should have returned a day ago. Were there any delays?"
"About that.."
The genins stood as witnesses to the process, observing with keen interest as Riku engaged in the mission report protocol. The Jounin efficiently conveyed the details of their escort mission, detailing the challenges faced, adversaries encountered, and the successful delivery of Hozuki to Yorinaka Village.
When Mahito heard of the attack, as well as Chakra Metal being involved, his face darkened as his gaze fell on the genins.
'A C-rank Mission at the start? To put inexperienced Genins in a such a situation is not good at all. It can't be helped, we live in difficult times. I just hope this does not scar them for life.'
As the mission report concluded, Mahito processed their mission reward. The initial remuneration set at 10,000 Ryo underwent a significant adjustment, reflecting the increased complexity of the mission. The revised compensation was now standing at 70,000 Ryo.
Once the evaluation and remuneration adjustments were finalized, Mahito handed over the allocated funds to Riku.
"Here is your wages. It has been increased due to the mission rank being upgraded from D to C-rank. About the other matter, you will have to inform Lord Third about it."
Riku nodded as he took the money from Mahito.
'70,00 Ryo? How do I split it? They are still kids. They don't need this much money, right?'
Riku took the lion's share of the reward as he had most of the heavy lifting by defeating the jounin, chunin and even some genins. His share was about two-thirds of the whole amount, and he left the remaining third for the genins to share equally.
''So much money!'' Aiko remarked after everyone got their share which was approximately 8,000 Ryo.
Renjiro could understand her. If he, who was getting a monthly allowance from the Uchiha clan could live off the amount for months, then the money could help an orphaned civilian girl.
'But it is still not enough.'
When you accounted for all the ninja tools that they needed to replace after the mission, the money left would be barely enough to live off for a month.
"You've done well. Take some time to rest and recover. We'll reconvene for further training the day after tomorrow," Riku said before flickering away.
As the Genin began to disperse, Riku did not waste time as he headed towards the Intelligence Corps to drop the bodies and to the Hokage's office for obvious reasons. Chakra metal was an important issue.
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