Chapter 25: Everyday Missions

Though he despised what Konoha's top leadership had done, Uchiha Aozora still dutifully made his way to the Hokage Tower the next morning for the meeting.

He no longer wanted to involve himself in the power struggle between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's top leadership. After all, he had already said everything that needed to be said—the way things developed from here was entirely up to Fugaku Uchiha.

He was just a low-ranking genin, and chose not to concern himself with clan affairs anymore, let alone issues involving Konoha's top leadership.

Aozora returned home after causing a stir a couple of days ago and immediately felt deep regret.

Since arriving in this world, he hadn't participated in any major events, so the timeline in his memory had remained relatively intact. However, after stirring things up at that clan meeting, he completely lost track of how the Ninja World would develop from this point.

If this led to the premature destruction of the Uchiha clan, then he really would have sabotaged himself.

This inner fear about the future made him even more determined to grow stronger. At present, the safest and fastest way to improve was through cultivating divine techniques using the Heavenly Book.

Gongde played a crucial role in empowering the Heavenly Book, so obtaining Gongde became a top priority for Uchiha Aozora.

Missions could provide generous rewards while also offering chances to obtain Droplets of Gongde. Since it served both purposes simultaneously, Aozora naturally wouldn't miss out on such opportunities.

Seeing Aozora bursting with energy, Shibi Aburame found it quite surprising.

After all, he knew just how unfair that relocation plan was for the Uchiha clan.

In his opinion, someone as young as Aozora might've gone on a rampage upon hearing about the plan—showing mere displeasure was actually considered well-mannered.

"Does Aozora even know about the relocation plan?" He thought curiously.

Although puzzled, Shibi simply put on his shades like nothing fazed him, maintaining an indifferent expression while assigning a new D-rank mission to the three genin.

This mission differed from the one they accepted last week—it involved cleaning the river channel.

Faced with the stinky little river, the trio were on the verge of crying out in despair, their prepared mental defenses once again shattered by Shibi.

Pinching their noses, they braced themselves and prepared to fish out garbage from the river.

Shibi wasn't heartless, though—he taught them methods to walk on water and hold their breath underwater before starting the cleanup.

The methods were good, but not everyone could master these water-walking and breath-holding techniques as quickly as Aozora did.

Aozora stably walked across the water's surface while holding his breath, easily scooping up piece after piece of trash and tossing them onto the riverside.

Inuzuka Aya and Hayate Gekko, unwilling to let Aozora shoulder the entire task alone, hesitantly began picking up debris after some practice, struggling to stay above water.

However, before they managed to retrieve much garbage, Inuzuka Aya failed at holding her breath—the powerful sense of smell came into play again. The stench overwhelmed her senses instantly, causing her to faint right away.

If it weren't for Shibi's quick reflexes, she would've nearly drowned in that stinky ditch.

Hayate didn't fare much better either.

His ability to hold his breath was decent, but his chakra control was poor. While fishing debris from the river, he miscalculated his footing and fell straight into the water. After swallowing some filthy water, his frail body was immediately sent to Konoha Hospital.

Not long after the mission began, only Uchiha Aozora remained working atop the smelly river.

The two had to withdraw due to illness, so Uchiha Aozora had no choice but to create Kage Bunshin to keep up with the schedule. Relying solely on his exceptional chakra control, he performed Hold Breath perfectly, not flinching as he completed this difficult task alone.

Although performing Hold Breath had made him immune to the stench while cleaning the river, afterward his clothes were completely ruined—the acidic smell just wouldn't wash out.

And if it weren't for circulating scorching-hot chakra throughout his body to expel toxins, Aozora felt he himself might've started reeking too.

Even so, Aozora was genuinely happy because, the instant he finished cleaning the river, he received three golden Droplets—whether as a reward for environmental protection or from Hayate Gekko and Inuzuka Aya remained unclear.

There was no time to experiment; the next day Team Three smoothly took on their second mission: capturing a runaway pet cat.

Over the following days, Team Three completed one mission daily—delivering letters, retrieving lost items, and clearing training grounds.

During these missions, Shibi Aburame continuously took every opportunity to guide the trio.

While catching the runaway cat, he taught them how to track an enemy's trail, conceal themselves invisibly, and coordinate teamwork.

While delivering letters, he guided them on how to maintain stamina during long-distance runs, when to properly consume soldier pills, and how to conserve and apply physical strength effectively.

When searching for lost objects, he trained them in observation and reasoning skills.

And while clearing the training ground, he taught them battlefield dangers, trap setups, and taboos of field cleanup.

Moreover, if they finished tasks early, Shibi would deliberately stay behind to give them extra lessons on practical combat experience, such as the timing of ninjutsu releases and the rhythm of battle.

Though tired from spending the whole week doing foundational tasks, Uchiha Aozora and the others never felt bored again.

Under Shibi's careful instruction, each day left them feeling fulfilled and aware of their progress.

The setting sun bathed drifting clouds in radiant light, turning them into brilliant flames of crimson.

Aozora used a Kage Bunshin to retrieve the last Explosive Tag detected and let out a sigh of relief, saying, "Looks like we've cleared the training ground."

Inuzuka Aya sniffed the air and said, "I don't think there are any more Explosive Tags around."

Hayate Gekko held up the magnet in his hand and said, "All scattered ninja tools have been collected."

"Great! Then I declare the training ground cleanup mission complete."

"Let's go report back!"

"There's no need now—the Mission Hall closes at six sharp!" Shibi Aburame suddenly appeared atop a tall tree.

Aozora glanced at the sky—it was dusk.

Though some daylight still lingered, summer days in the village were known for their long evenings—and it had clearly passed six o'clock now.

"Well done!"

After praising them, Shibi continued, "Although you haven't done every D-rank Mission yet, you've already completed all the major types."

"From now on, you can choose your own assignments."

"See you next week!"

With that, Shibi faded away like an illusion from the tree branch.

Seeing this, Uchiha Aozora sighed, "Teacher's Shunshin is truly amazing!"

[Shifting Body Technique?] Inuzuka Aya looked at Uchiha Aozora with suspicion.

Uchiha Aozora nodded and said, "That's right, it was the Shifting Body Technique!"

"Just now, the ancient tree slightly trembled. That must've been from the teacher's chakra surge."

Hayate Gekko couldn't help giving Uchiha Aozora a thumbs-up. "Aozora, your observation skills are getting stronger and stronger!"

"Who knows if he's just lying through his teeth!" Inuzuka Aya still refused to believe.

Uchiha Aozora shook his head. Chakra exploded beneath his feet, and in a flash, he appeared far away. After two or three blurs, he disappeared from their sight.

After a while, Inuzuka Aya stiffly turned her head and asked Hayate Gekko, "Did he just use the Shifting Body Technique?"

Hayate Gekko, who had also been stunned wide-eyed, replied uncertainly, "I guess so!"

After saying that, they looked at each other, both seeing doubt in the other's eyes.

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