The sweat on Kiyoshi's forehead had barely dried when the morning sun peeked through the training ground trees. He sheathed his kunai and stared at the wooden dummy, now splintered where his throws had landed.
"Precision's better than force," he muttered to himself.
But there was something missing. Training alone wasn't enough anymore.
Kiyoshi needed field experience—a chance to measure himself against real threats, to get stronger, and most of all, to prepare for the day he'd return to that forsaken valley and unshackle his clan from the chains that bound them.
He recalled what Iruka-sensei said during orientation week:
"If you're not on a team, you can still take D-rank missions as an individual or provisional Genin. Go to the mission assignment hall."
He grabbed his cloak, adjusted the bandages covering the scar on his forearm, and made his way through the village streets. Whispers followed him again, subtle but persistent. A merchant paused mid-shout. Two children playing with a wooden shuriken stopped and stared.
Kiyoshi didn't return the glances. He didn't need their validation.
--Mission Hall - Chūnin Assignment Wing
The hall was buzzing with young Genin teams—some laughing, others bickering about cleaning stables or helping old villagers with harvests.
A bored Chūnin at the front desk raised an eyebrow as Kiyoshi approached. "Name?"
"Kiyoshi Chinoike."
The Chūnin's expression shifted subtly, from tired to curious. "Ah... One of those. You're not with a team?"
"I request solo assignments. D-rank."
The man tapped a few keys on a console behind the desk, then handed over a scroll. "This is a low-risk observation post near the edge of the Forest of Death. You're to report strange chakra movements or unusual activity. It's three hours, no combat expected—but take your gear."
Kiyoshi nodded. "Understood."
As he left the building, he noticed a familiar face sitting near the mission board—a boy from the academy, Sora. Bright, eager, and loud.
"Yo, Kiyoshi!" Sora waved. "Didn't think you'd be taking missions already."
"I need to get stronger."
"Right. Well, stay sharp. Some weird things have been happening near the forest lately—chakra beasts or something. Probably rumors."
Kiyoshi said nothing. But as he tightened his headband and headed toward the eastern checkpoint, a quiet thought whispered in the back of his mind:
"Even a D-rank mission can be a turning point."
Especially for someone with blood as cursed—and powerful—as his.