Chapter 53: A-Rank Mission

"Chūnin Digie."

"Chūnin Simon."

The other two Chūnin introduced themselves one after the other.

"Chūnin Link." Link's expression was calm, but internally, he was lamenting that he hadn't brought his special height-boosting shoes on this mission.

Though he was rapidly growing due to proper nutrition, he was still only nine years old and hadn't even reached 140 cm. In the village, he could wear his secret shoes to fake a taller height, but for missions, open-toe sandals were far more practical.

Ensui-sensei was nearly 180 cm tall. The other two Chūnin were around 170 cm, and Kurenai Yuhi was 169 cm...

While none of the adults paid attention to his height concerns, Digie marveled at the talent of today's youth. Becoming a Genin was easy, but advancing to Chūnin required both skill and intellect. He himself had struggled for years to achieve the rank.

"The client has upgraded the mission to an A-rank," Nara Ensui announced bluntly, dropping a bombshell. "Protect the client while he completes the gold mine purchase."

The two supporting Chūnin didn't react visibly, while Link remained silent. As expected, the situation was taking a troubling turn.

Chūnin didn't have the authority to speak during mission discussions between Jōnin.

"Does he have confidence?" Kurenai Yuhi asked. "How long will it take?"

"He does," Ensui confirmed. "With the Land of Rain merchant dead and the Sunagakure having bribed Land of Rivers officials for priority, the Land of Fire merchant expects to secure the purchase within a week—before any additional merchants from the Land of Wind arrive."

Kurenai nodded, acknowledging the feasibility of the mission.

"Link, any thoughts?" To everyone's surprise, Nara Ensui specifically sought his subordinate's opinion.

Simon's expression turned slightly odd, though he remained silent. A Jōnin's choice of whom to consult was not something he could question.

"..."

Link hesitated briefly, realizing that Ensui's inquiry stemmed from his earlier demonstration of being able to instantly incapacitate or kill a Jōnin. It was a sign that Ensui valued his input.

After a moment of deliberation, he asked, "What about the Sunagakure? Would they take issue with this?" He paused before adding, "I've heard their economy relies heavily on gold dust sales. Losing the gold mine could destabilize their economy."

Economic issues often operated on expectations rather than actual outcomes. Even if the gold mine hadn't yet been fully exploited, the Sunagakure's inability to secure it would likely impact their ability to sell gold dust at competitive prices.

Kurenai and the two Chūnin appeared puzzled, unable to understand why Link had connected the gold mine to gold dust sales.

Nara Ensui, however, gave Link an unexpected look. He had already thought highly of his talented subordinate, but this level of foresight and understanding of larger geopolitical implications was rare even among many Special Jōnin and Jōnin.

Ensui shook his head. "Even among allies, such concerns are not ours to address. In fact, weakening an ally in a controlled manner can sometimes benefit us."

What ally? When war begins, everyone becomes an enemy.

[So, they're not worried about pushing the Sunagakure into desperation?]

Link didn't press further. He had already said more than enough to make his case. Explaining the Konoha Crush Plan, which relied on Orochimaru's manipulation, would sound like pure fantasy to anyone else.

Under normal circumstances, the weakened Sunagakure wouldn't dare act recklessly—but with Orochimaru involved, everything changed.

"That's all," Ensui concluded sternly. "For the next week, I'll be counting on all of you."

…

Five Days Later – Outside the Land of Rivers Official's Residence

"An A-rank mission!"

Iris exclaimed, still in disbelief. He had never imagined that in his first year as a Genin, he'd participate in an A-rank mission—and they were close to completing it.

Ami toyed absentmindedly with her kunai, seemingly lost in thought.

One Jōnin stayed openly by the Land of Fire merchant's side, while the other acted as a hidden guard. Two Chūnin patrolled the area, leaving Link's team to wait with the convoy, ready to provide support if needed.

Since Iris and Ami, as Genin, weren't eligible for B-rank missions, let alone A-rank ones, and Link was a newly promoted Chūnin, their team had essentially become a backup force.

[We probably won't see much of the A-rank mission payout either.]

[I've already proven enough during this mission. No need to overexpose my abilities.]

Link thought to himself, convinced that if Orochimaru was behind all this, the Land of Fire merchant's acquisition of the gold mine would proceed suspiciously smoothly.

Still, even if they failed to secure the mine, it wouldn't change the underlying causes of the Konoha Crush Plan: years of dissatisfaction and the Sunagakure's weakened state. Without a way to eliminate Orochimaru, next year's plan was inevitable.

Yet, chaos could also be a ladder for progress…

Link exhaled slowly, his thoughts drifting to the jutsu he had requested from the Third Hokage. [I wonder how many of them will be approved? Hopefully, a good number.]

The convoy had dwindled to just a handful of surviving members capable of driving the carts. Most of the samurai had perished, and the few who survived were recuperating in the hotel.

Though the Land of Fire merchant was cold-blooded, he had hired physicians to treat the injured samurai once the situation stabilized. Most had survived.

"Boss," Ami spoke hesitantly, as though she had made a decision. "I... I have a friend who's always been harsh to a classmate back at the academy…"

This 'friend,' huh?

"If she feels she was wrong, she should apologize," Link replied plainly.

Ami hesitated briefly, then nodded. "I understand."

"Want us to go with you?" Link offered, sensing her discomfort. Admitting mistakes was a significant step forward, and she shouldn't have to face it alone.

Iris, realizing late what was happening, turned to Ami. "Wait, this 'friend' you mentioned—"

"Shut up!" Ami snapped, her face hardening.

"No way. Oh, I remember now! Back in school, you used to bully—"

"Shut up!!" Ami lunged at him, hands around his neck, shaking him furiously.