Chapter 9: Tasks for the Village

“Teacher, these two types of Water Release techniques only require basic attributes, and as long as I possess the corresponding attributes, I can use them, allowing me to grasp them quickly. In reality, I’m still far from mastering them…” Jing Yan summarized his thoughts. He understood. Senju Tobirama’s Water Wall can rotate to enhance its defensive effect. The other Water Walls can also be taller and larger. In comparison, his application of Water Release is merely at the beginner level. The attribute system on the panel confirms this as well. The two prominent beginner-level evaluations stand out. Kakashi couldn’t help but say, “That’s already very impressive!” He thought about himself… When he first used Lightning Release ninjutsu, he wasn’t able to use B-rank ninjutsu as quickly as Jing Yan. Kakashi began to understand how his peers felt when they looked at him back then. It’s really uncomfortable! Yugao’s feelings were even more complicated. Both Jing Yan and Kakashi are undeniable geniuses, and it’s only natural for them to become Lord Jiraiya’s subordinates and disciples. But what about her? She stared blankly, lost in thought, and remained silent for a long time. In the ninja academy, she had been an excellent student, always ranking at the top of her class, but after leaving the academy, it was inevitable that she would compare herself to Jing Yan and Kakashi, which took a significant toll on her confidence. Jiraiya glanced over and couldn’t help but sigh—Yugao isn’t that bad, but being around Jing Yan and Kakashi is indeed quite uncomfortable. However, what surprised and pleased him the most about Jing Yan was that he was even more mature than he had imagined. If it were an ordinary genin, mastering B-rank ninjutsu on the first try would probably make them over the moon. But this one is different. He doesn’t need me to criticize him; he’s already self-reflecting and summarizing. What he needs to do… is receive the ninjutsu scroll from me and then learn how to practice and study it. That’s a relief! Jiraiya sighed inwardly while nodding calmly on the surface. “As long as you understand, this level is far from that of a true genius. When I used Water Release like this back then, my teacher would definitely ask me if I was distracted.” “Yes.” Jing Yan lowered his head, looking respectful, suppressing a smile. Jiraiya was definitely not referring to himself but to Orochimaru. Back then, Orochimaru’s performance was indeed more outstanding than Jing Yan’s and Kakashi’s; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so highly regarded by Hiruzen Sarutobi. Jiraiya remained unflustered. He cleared his throat, looking at Kakashi and Yugao. “Kakashi, if you have any questions, feel free to ask me later.” “Yes.” Kakashi replied respectfully. Finally, it was Yugao’s turn… Jiraiya’s expression turned serious. His choice of Yugao wasn’t just because she was pleasing to the eye. As a genjutsu user, her chakra control was undoubtedly excellent, and having trained in her family’s genjutsu for many years, she was definitely a strong candidate for mastering medical ninjutsu. “Yugao, during this time, improve your physical abilities, and then go back and study this ninjutsu.” He took out a scroll. Yugao opened it—it read, “Ninjutsu: Lion’s Barrage Technique.” “This is…” Yugao widened her eyes in disbelief. She had heard of this technique. It belonged to Jiraiya and had played a huge role during the morning assessment. “As a genjutsu user, your chakra control is very impressive; learning it should just be a matter of time. Additionally, if you have time, you can study and learn some medical ninjutsu.” Jiraiya said seriously, “It doesn’t have to be too in-depth, and I will write you a letter of introduction.” “Thank you, Teacher.” Yugao bowed deeply. Lion’s Barrage Technique. Genjutsu. Medical ninjutsu. With this direction, she was aiming to become a versatile support ninja. “You must believe in yourself; you have the potential to become a ninja like Tsunade, which is why I chose you.” Jiraiya generously offered motivational advice. Yugao was thrilled and nodded repeatedly. The three continued training. Jing Yan was still practicing Water Release ninjutsu. As he said, although he had already learned how to release ninjutsu, he was still quite far from “mastering” it. At the very least—the Water Wall needs to reach the “proficient” level, right? “Alright, everyone, let’s train. Starting tomorrow, we’ll have to begin executing missions.” … As evening approached, the team split up. Many people in Konoha couldn’t sleep that night. Jiraiya once again led the team, including the genius ninja from the Hatake clan, and even appointed a civilian ninja. Many people started asking around, but in the end, they all looked confused. Who is Liangfeng Jing Yan? For those peers attending the ninja academy, when asked, everyone’s answer was very consistent—no impression at all. How could such a ninja become Jiraiya’s disciple? Especially for Jing Yan’s classmates, many couldn’t sleep all night. They pondered and could not understand how someone who was previously invisible suddenly became an unreachable “genius.” … The next day, in the ninja academy, in the classroom where Jing Yan used to be. “Have you heard? After graduating, Jing Yan is actually being led by Lord Jiraiya as a team leader.” “What?” “Is that true?” “My father said so yesterday.” The classroom was in an uproar. The Legendary Three Ninjas. For them, these were figures that seemed out of reach, but now, one of their peers had become their disciple, making it hard to believe. “What’s the big deal? I also know Kakashi is one too!” another person said. Sarutobi Asuma’s eyes flashed with envy. He hadn’t chosen to graduate this year. If he had known that Jiraiya would be teaching, and that Yugao would graduate this year and become Jiraiya’s disciple… “Sigh!” The youth showed a troubled expression, sitting by the window, gazing out forlornly. The minds of children are all different. What is the same is that today, the previously unknown “Liangfeng Jing Yan” suddenly became the topic of discussion for everyone in the school. However, on this day, the much-discussed Jing Yan was arguing his case with Jiraiya in the Hokage’s hall about the mission. “I’m the teacher of the team; I think we can take a C-rank mission directly!” Jiraiya banged on the table. Bin Ye had cold sweat dripping from his forehead, but he still gathered his courage. “Lord Jiraiya, new teams must take D-rank missions; that’s the rule. Even you can’t break it.” He was just a Chunin. Saying this in front of one of the Legendary Three Ninjas took a lot of mental preparation. Jiraiya still wanted to “argue his case.” Jing Yan stood in front of the mission board for a long time and finally walked over to say, “Teacher, D-rank missions are fine; after all, they’re all for the village’s contribution.” “What this person said is absolutely right; no matter the rank of the mission, everyone is serving the village. Lord Jiraiya, please don’t make it difficult for us.” Bin Ye pleaded repeatedly. Jiraiya smacked his lips and had to nod, “Alright then, let’s start with a water-fetching task.” After leaving the Hokage building, “Our team has Kakashi; taking on a C-rank mission would be more than enough. I was actually planning to go find the old man…” Jiraiya still felt regretful. Kakashi and Yugao didn’t respond. The former was fine with sticking to the rules, no matter what. The latter had no objections. Jing Yan whispered, “Teacher, we shouldn’t directly make exceptions; let’s do more D-rank missions. Once the numbers go up, we should be able to take on C-rank missions. Additionally, we can also train during the D-rank missions; the difference isn’t that big.” “That works.” Jiraiya waved his hand, “Then let’s get started!”

Comments