The Hokage's office was far larger than any classroom, its shelves lined with scrolls that seemed to hum with power. Standing before the Third Hokage again so soon sent a shiver down my spine.
"You four," Hiruzen began, his calm voice carrying weight, "will undertake your first official task outside the academy. Consider it… a trial of responsibility."
Beside me, Obito straightened with excitement. Kakashi remained unreadable, arms crossed. Rin nodded nervously.
Hiruzen gestured, and an ANBU stepped forward, holding a small sealed box. "Inside is a scroll containing sensitive records. Your task is simple—escort this scroll to the Records Hall at the far end of the village. Do not open it, do not lose it, and most importantly—do not allow it to fall into the wrong hands."
His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "There are always those who seek to disrupt—even within the village walls."
My stomach tightened. A D-rank mission? Or something closer to a test disguised as one?
The system buzzed.
[Quest Unlocked: Escort Mission – The Fragile Scroll]
Objective: Deliver the scroll safely.
Reward: EXP +200, Bond Points, Hidden Bonus.
On the Road
The streets of Konoha bustled with merchants, shinobi, and children darting between shops. We walked in a tight formation, Rin carrying the box under her arms. Kakashi led at point, eyes scanning constantly, while Obito fumed about being stuck in the middle.
"This is so boring," Obito groaned. "Guarding a box? We're ninja, not delivery boys!"
"Delivery boys don't get killed if they fail," Kakashi replied coldly.
"Wha—! Are you trying to freak her out?" Obito snapped, gesturing at Rin.
Rin shook her head. "It's fine. He's not wrong."
I walked beside her, keeping my voice steady. "Boring or not, this is a test. Trust me—if the Hokage himself assigned it, it won't stay boring."
The system pinged softly.
[Bond Influence: Obito +1, Rin +1]
The First Interruption
We didn't get far before trouble appeared. Two academy students—older than us—stepped into the road, smirking.
"Well, well. What's this? Future shinobi playing courier?"
Obito bristled immediately. "Out of the way! This is official business!"
"Official business?" the taller one sneered. "Then maybe we should… test you."
Kakashi's hand was already on a kunai. "Waste of time."
The system chimed.
[Choice Event: Interruption]
Fight them head-on.
Outsmart them with deception.
Ignore them and move forward.
I weighed the options quickly. Fighting here would only draw attention, but ignoring them could let them follow us. I stepped forward, voice low but firm.
"You can test us when you're worth testing. Right now, you're in our way."
Something in my tone made the taller one hesitate. His smirk faltered, and with a scoff, he stepped aside.
Obito blinked. "H-how did you—?"
Kakashi glanced at me sidelong. "…Not bad."
[Choice Resolution: Deception/Intimidation Success]
Reward: +15 Willpower, +1 Bond (Team)
The Real Threat
The Records Hall wasn't far now. But just as relief began to set in, the system flashed red.
[Warning: Hostile Presence Detected]
Shadows moved in the alley. A masked man in plain civilian clothes lunged forward, shuriken flashing. This wasn't a student—his killing intent was sharp, suffocating.
"Down!" I shouted, yanking Rin aside. The scroll box clattered against the ground but remained sealed.
Kakashi was already moving, intercepting the strike with deadly precision. Obito, to his credit, launched a fireball jutsu—but it sputtered, barely singeing the air.
The masked man smirked. "Kids playing ninja. Hand it over, and maybe you'll live."
My heart pounded. This wasn't just a test. This was real.
System in Action
The system chimed, fast and urgent.
[Combat Sub-Quest: Protect the Scroll]
Suggested Actions: Use new skills. Create openings for teammates.
I clenched my fists, chakra surging. "Clone Jutsu!"
Two perfect clones puffed into existence beside me. The attacker faltered for just a second—long enough for Kakashi to slash forward, his kunai grazing the man's arm.
Obito shouted, throwing another fireball. This one was stronger, forcing the attacker back. Rin darted in to grab the scroll, clutching it tightly.
I activated Quick Step, my body blurring as I rushed forward to tackle the man's legs. He crashed down with a grunt, kunai scattering from his grip.
Kakashi was on him instantly, blade at his throat.
The man froze, then chuckled darkly. "Not bad… for brats." And in a puff of smoke, his form dissolved—a clone.
A test after all.
Mission Complete
We reached the Records Hall without further issue. An ANBU met us at the door, taking the scroll with silent efficiency.
"Mission complete," he said simply before vanishing into the shadows.
Back at the academy, Daichi-sensei gave the faintest nod. "You returned alive. With the scroll. That's what matters."
Obito puffed his chest. "Of course we did!"
Kakashi remained silent, though I caught the flicker of approval in his eye. Rin exhaled with relief, clutching her arms.
The system buzzed.
[Mission Complete: Escort Mission – The Fragile Scroll]
Rewards: +200 EXP
Bond Points: Kakashi +2, Obito +2, Rin +2
Hidden Bonus: Skill Perk – Protective Instinct (+5% defense when near allies carrying objectives).
Quiet Reflection
That night, lying in bed, the weight of the mission pressed on me. It had been called simple. But simple in the ninja world was never safe.
And as I drifted into uneasy sleep, one truth burned in my chest: the next mission would be harder. Much harder.