Chapter 147 The New Era: A B-Rank Mission at the Start
Chapter 147 The New Era: A B-Rank Mission at the Start
"Yes, this will be our team's meeting point from now on! Although we all know each other before, we still need to formally introduce ourselves now that we're forming a new team." Under the torii bridge over the babbling river, Ishikawa stopped and smiled as he led Karin and the other two.
Located on the edge of Konoha, less than a kilometer from the four-person apartment, this was the team's meeting point that he had carefully chosen over the past two days.
“Big brother, I’ll go first.” Taro nodded and spoke first, looking at Karin. “I am Yamada Taro, a genin of Konoha. I am 13 years old and I am skilled in fire release and swordsmanship.”
Seeing this, Jiro patted his chest and followed closely behind, saying, "My name is Hei Jiro, I am also a 13-year-old Konoha genin, skilled in water release and swordsmanship."
After a year as ninjas, the two had long since shed their naiveté and stopped shouting slogans and talking about unrealistic dreams. Some things were best kept to themselves; there was no need to blurt everything out like children…
"Well, Karin, don't underestimate Tarojiro. Although they're still genin, they're actually at chunin level." Ishikawa added with a smile, seeing his two underlings speak concisely, before his gaze turned serious. "I'm 13 years old, just like them, a Konoha chunin named Mitarashi Ishikawa. I'm skilled in lightning release, swordsmanship, taijutsu, and have X-ray vision and red eyes. From now on, we'll be partners who can rely on each other!"
"See through red eyes?" Hearing Ishikawa mention an ability that sounded like a bloodline limit, Karin subconsciously adjusted her glasses, her eyes filled with curiosity.
She knew that Hinata Hyuga had the ability to see through things with her Byakugan, and that there was a classmate named Hinata Hyuga in her class, but she had never heard of red eyes before.
"Just think of it as the White Eye, the abilities are about the same anyway," Ishikawa explained casually. This was the only ability he revealed about the Red Eye to others.
To avoid trouble and incurring Hyuga's hostility or being targeted by Danzo, Ishikawa did not demonstrate the full extent of his ability to suppress the Byakugan with his red eyes.
"I see, as expected of Ishikawa-kun, you are so amazing!" Karin's eyes lit up with admiration. "As you all know about my situation, Ishikawa-kun, after joining Konoha, the Third Hokage registered my identity as Uzumaki Karin. I am a 12-year-old Konoha genin."
"My greatest strengths are healing and perception, as well as the sealing techniques I've learned in the past six months. So, I'll take care of everyone's safety from now on. I won't let any of you die before me."
"Uh, actually you don't need to exaggerate like that, Karin." Seeing the girl's resolute expression of determination, Ishikawa coughed and interrupted, not wanting to set any flags here.
"So, today I'm treating everyone to a celebratory meal to celebrate the official formation of the Ishikawa Squad. Starting tomorrow, we'll all be going out on missions together!"
"Yes, brother." Jiro immediately responded upon hearing that there would be a big meal.
Taro, who was standing next to him, flicked him on the forehead, saying, "What are you calling me, Big Brother? In formal occasions, you should call me Big Brother Captain."
Things are different now. They're a Konoha team recognized by the Third Hokage. We can't just call them whatever we want anymore, lest we embarrass our leader!
"Hehe, I'm used to it..." Jiro scratched his head and chuckled. Their playful banter made Karin chuckle as well, which eased the tension considerably.
While Ishikawa was happily preparing for their departure and dinner, the new Team 7 of the Ninja Academy, consisting of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, was also anxiously waiting when Kakashi finally arrived...
"My first impression of you guys, well, to be honest, was pretty annoying." Kakashi sighed in disappointment as he watched the three of them passing the buck after being hit by Naruto's prank eraser.
These three guys don't seem to be as united as Ishikawa and the others!
"Come with me." Kakashi casually called out and walked away, leaving Naruto and Sakura to immediately chase after him and continue explaining.
"Is that guy really a very powerful Jonin?" Sasuke glanced at the blackboard eraser that had fallen to the ground, picked it up, and muttered to himself with disappointment and doubt in his eyes.
However, considering Ishikawa's formidable strength, he gritted his teeth and quickly chased after him...
Night, a time-traveling room.
"He really left. It seems the war over there has reached a fever pitch." Looking at Nohara Rin who hadn't appeared, Ishikawa sighed and stopped thinking about it.
At this point, Rin Nohara already possessed one chakra, just like him, and was also blessed with red eyes, the ability to use the Rasengan, and the strength of a thousand hands. Unless Madara intervened or they encountered a Kage-level opponent, he wasn't really worried about her safety!
"Then, let's continue strengthening White Zetsu while Rin is away. White Zetsu is the most important part of the later plan, and we can't afford to let it fall apart at this crucial moment." After thinking for a moment, Ishikawa muttered to himself, biting his finger and forming hand seals.
He summoned White Zetsu and reached for the doorknob, while Ishikawa himself took advantage of the gap to unleash his Lightning Release and continue training his Lightning Release Armor.
Although he had mastered the Lightning Release Armor and could unleash attack speeds ten times faster than his normal body speed in battle, this was far from the Lightning Release Armor's limit. He was still far from reaching the speed of the Fourth Raikage…
The next day, before dawn.
While Ishikawa was soundly asleep, conserving his energy, the unlucky newcomer from Class 7 arrived at the training ground under the cover of night, excitedly awaiting a certain unscrupulous teacher.
Ishikawa has no intention of getting involved in this part of the story; it's unnecessary and pointless!
Eight o'clock in the morning, in the Hokage's office.
"Lord Hokage, Team Ishikawa has assembled and is reporting for duty." Ishikawa stood in front of the table and called out solemnly, with Karin and Tarojiro behind him looking excited.
This was their first mission since the team became independent, so naturally everyone had to be mobilized.
"Well, Karin will be in your hands from now on, Ishikawa." The Third Hokage said with a double meaning and a kind smile, then handed over the mission request form that he had prepared beforehand. "Although this is Karin's first mission, I have faith in your team's abilities. So, this Rank B bounty mission is yours."
"A Rank B mission!!" Upon hearing that her first mission was a Rank B mission involving a battle against ninjas, Karin couldn't help but gasp, her heart churning with emotion.
However, when she saw Ishikawa's calm and composed demeanor, her anxiety turned into peace and confidence.
If it were Ishikawa-kun, a mere B-rank mission wouldn't seem dangerous at all! After all, the enemies faced in a B-rank mission are at most Chunin-level, while their team is made up of Chunin-level individuals.
"Don't worry, Karin, I'll protect you." Ishikawa took the letter of authorization and turned around with a smile, but inwardly he knew something was terribly wrong!
His initial intention in forming the team was to be able to independently choose to take on low-level tasks to get by, and then use the doorknob to gain an unfair advantage in training or to obtain resources in the Third World War era to enhance his strength.
Judging from the current situation, it's clear that the Third Hokage is focusing his attention on their team. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given them a B-rank mission right from the start, without even providing Karin with a C-rank as a transitional step.
This is troublesome. He, a nobody, has actually become a pillar of Konoha!
"A new era has arrived. If we can just stay peaceful for the next three to five years, Konoha will regain its former peak strength! Ishikawa, you will be a role model for the new generation, shining brightly and protecting the great tree of Konoha." Watching the departing figures, the Third Hokage exhaled a smoke ring with a satisfied expression and murmured to himself.
The new generation of clans such as Uchiha, Hyuga, Inuzuka, Aburame, and Ino-Shika-Cho all graduated this year, making Konoha's future incredibly promising.
It seems this old man should start considering candidates for the Fifth Hokage...
MM Racing