Konoha: Who Says the Shinobi World Can't Play Hunter?

Chapter 43: C-Rank Mission

Konoha's missions are divided into four ranks. For the past few months, Hayate's squad had been exclusively handling D-rank missions, the kind meant for beginners to gain experience. Surprisingly, none of them seemed in a rush to take on higher-ranked assignments. They had been methodically grinding through every available D-rank task, completing them multiple times over.

Under normal circumstances, Hayate would have gradually transitioned his squad to C-rank missions after a brief period of team-building. However, after considering Kazama's advice—and given the lack of urgent missions—he noticed that his team wasn't eager to level up yet. So, he didn't push the issue.

Besides, it wasn't like Hayate was suffering. On the contrary, these past few months had been the most relaxed period of his career. Every day, after assigning missions, he simply supervised, occasionally giving pointers to his students. Some days, he just napped until the afternoon. He watched his students improve, enjoyed their respectful attitude, and even collected a share of the mission rewards—all while barely lifting a finger.

It was such an easygoing lifestyle that Hayate actually felt guilty. But then he'd remember Kazama's logic—"D-rank missions build experience, train techniques, and steadily increase both skill and finances. Why rush?"—and the guilt would vanish. Sure, he might be getting too comfortable, but why mess with a good thing?

Today, as usual, he planned to pick up another D-rank mission. However, he was unexpectedly summoned by the Hokage.

"Hayate, how is your squad's progress?" The Third Hokage asked, his voice as warm as ever, yet carrying the weight of authority.

"Reporting, Lord Hokage. My students are diligent, and they've improved significantly over the past few months." Hayate's words were sincere. Some ninja made rapid progress due to talent, but his students had earned their growth through relentless effort. That alone made him proud.

"Oh? I see you're quite pleased with them." The Hokage chuckled.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had, of course, looked into the backgrounds of Hayate's team. To him, none of them had the innate talent to become exceptional shinobi. That was why their team had been formed the way it was. Kazama was an outlier in his graduating class, lacking strong social connections. Ichirō and Nobuko, both orphans, had no clan backing.

But this was precisely why the Hokage had placed them together—to cultivate another Maruboshi Kosuke.

A strong village wasn't just built on prodigies. It needed self-made shinobi, warriors who proved that strength wasn't limited to elite bloodlines. If more ninja like Kosuke rose, Konoha wouldn't be dominated by clan politics. This was why he had also supported shinobi like Jiraiya and Minato, both of whom were of civilian descent.

Hayate's team was another attempt at this philosophy. If they succeeded, they would serve as a symbol that "even those without a clan can rise."

"I've reviewed your team's mission records. The clients speak highly of you, and you've taken on quite a number of assignments. Don't you think it's time to raise the difficulty? Only through diverse missions can one grow into a true shinobi."

His message was clear—D-rank missions had served their purpose. It was time to move up.

"Understood. Starting today, my squad will take on C-rank missions."

"Good. That's the spirit. Choose your first mission carefully—start with something manageable. And be cautious."

"Yes, Lord Hokage. Thank you for your guidance."

Hayate left the office, his usual relaxed demeanor replaced by a more serious expression.

"Listen up. Orders from the Hokage—we're moving on to C-rank missions."

"Yes!" Nobuko cheered, jumping up excitedly.

But no one else joined her enthusiasm. The atmosphere turned awkward.

"Did… did I say something wrong?"

"Do you remember why we were doing D-rank missions in the first place?" Kazama asked.

"To train."

"Exactly. To strengthen ourselves. But do you know what C-rank missions entail?"

"C-rank missions are just…" Nobuko trailed off.

Ichirō hesitated before speaking. "When we first left the village, it was for a C-rank mission. But… our teacher and teammates never came back."

His words hit like a punch to the gut, completely erasing Nobuko's excitement.

"Missions in the village are ranked from D to S." Hayate took the opportunity to explain.

"D-rank missions are low-risk and mostly take place within the village. That's what you've been doing so far."

"C-rank missions involve a moderate level of danger. This includes hunting bandits, dealing with wild beasts, or escorting clients through mildly dangerous areas. These missions may involve combat, but primarily against non-shinobi threats."

"B-rank missions often involve combat against enemy ninja. These could include espionage, assassinations, or operations in hostile territories."

"A-rank missions are high-level assignments that have political, military, or economic ramifications. They almost always involve clashes with elite ninja."

"S-rank missions are the highest tier—top-secret, life-threatening assignments undertaken by the strongest shinobi."

"So, for the first time… you'll be entering a mission where combat is a real possibility. Bloodshed is inevitable. Are you ready for that?"

Kazama's tone was calm, almost indifferent. But those who knew him well understood—this was when he was dead serious.

Nobuko fidgeted uncomfortably. "What if… we just stick with D-rank missions?"

"And what about the future?" Kazama countered. "We're ninja. We won't always get to choose our assignments. Sooner or later, you'll have to face the reality of battle."

Silence fell over the group.

Hayate broke it by flipping open the mission ledger. "Let's take a look at the available missions."

He glanced at Kazama, almost instinctively seeking his input. "Which one?"

Kazama smirked. "Since we can't avoid it, let's rip off the bandage quickly. Pick something that involves combat."

Hayate sighed. "You're ruthless… but I agree. It's better to ease them into it now than throw them into the deep end later."

He pointed to a mission listing. "This one—Bandit Extermination."

"Tomorrow morning at 8 AM, meet at the village gates. Full combat gear. We're leaving the village, and we'll be camping out. Prepare accordingly. Dismissed."

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