"Shigure, Hizashi-sensei asked us to gather at the Konoha gate," Hongdie explained. "He says we've received a C-rank mission. But since he couldn't find you, Xiaoxing came looking and found you instead."
Lucien turned to Xiaoxing. "Was there something you needed?"
She shook her head sweetly and pressed a small pouch into his hands. "Nothing… I just wanted to give you these. Ration pills, for your first mission."
His chest warmed at her thoughtfulness. "Silly girl. Don't worry—it's just a C-rank. Wait for me to get back."
Setting Out
Not long after, Team 7 gathered at Konoha's gate, where Hizashi stood tall alongside a broad-shouldered, bearded middle-aged man.
"Akaicho, Kusuo, Shigure—let's go," Hizashi announced. "Because of your exceptional performance earlier, I've secured a C-rank mission for you. Take it seriously!"
The bearded man's face scrunched with doubt. "These three…? Are they reliable enough?"
"As Genin, they're among the best," Hizashi replied calmly, chastising him with a glance. "And your commission isn't worth more than C-rank, Mr. Noguchi."
Flustered, the man grumbled and quieted.
"This is Hideo Noguchi," Hizashi introduced. "You are to guard him from wild animals and bandits. The terrain is within the Land of Fire, so difficulty will be moderate. Normally this would be assigned to Chunin, but with me here as your Jonin, I expect success."
The group walked for hours, the sun dipping westward until dusk fell.
"It's late," Hizashi finally said. "We camp here and proceed tomorrow."
Noguchi's eyes darted nervously. "So long? Why can't we reach the town tonight?"
Lucien's gaze sharpened on him. "…Mr. Noguchi, are you hiding something?"
The man stiffened, forcing a smile. "O-of course not! Nothing at all!"
But suspicion lingered in every mind.
Into the Wolf's Den
As the night deepened, a mournful howl split the silence.
"Awoo—!"
Noguchi trembled. Even Hongdie stiffened, knuckles white on her kunai.
Hizashi activated his Byakugan, veins bulging across his face. His voice was crisp. "Wolves. They're here."
The ground shuddered as shapes lunged from the trees—grey shadows with bared fangs. In seconds, Hizashi vanished under the onslaught, only a wooden log left in his place.
"Teacher Hizashi!" Hongdie screamed, nearly buckling from fear.
Hatake Kusuo's mask dropped in sweat. He swung his blade wildly, cutting two wolves down—but the blood whipped the pack into a frenzy, howls echoing as they closed in.
"Stay in formation!" Lucien barked. His composure cut through their panic. "Hatake, fall back to Noguchi! Surround him, protect the client!"
"R-right!" Gritting his teeth, Kusuo parried another attack and obeyed.
Lucien's voice rang firm: "What wolves fear most—fire!" His seals snapped into place with flawless precision.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
A blazing inferno roared across the grass, incinerating the nearest wolf into ash. The rest halted instantly, instincts ripping through their bloodlust. With fearful whines, the pack scattered into the forest, tails tucked.
Lucien's hand lowered. "Problem solved. Get some sleep."
Even Kusuo and Hongdie gaped, still catching their breath.
"Sleep? But—Hizashi-sensei—" Hongdie turned toward where he'd been struck down, only to freeze at the sight of a substitution log.
Lucien sighed faintly. "…You really thought he'd fall to wolves? He's a Jonin. He was testing us, watching everything."
As if on cue, Hizashi appeared once more before their eyes. His gaze swept across the team—measured, judging—before landing on Lucien.
"Shigure… I saw your leadership, your courage, your calm." Hizashi's voice was even. "You shielded your comrades, defended the client, repelled the enemy. From this moment, you are the captain of Team 7."
He turned to Kusuo. "Charging recklessly endangers not only yourself but everyone you guard. Shigure's call saved you. Remember."
Then to Hongdie. "Ninjutsu isn't enough. A shinobi needs resolve. Your heart faltered tonight. Grow stronger, Akaicho."
Both hung their heads, chastened.
Finally, Hizashi looked to Noguchi. "My apologies for the alarm. But rest assured—we're here to protect you."
The man bobbed his head quickly. "Y-yes, yes…"
That night passed in silence as they took turns keeping watch. By dawn, Kusuo and Hongdie carried themselves with steadier steps, their teacher's words etched into them.
Meanwhile, Lucien's gaze lingered on Noguchi, sharp and unreadable.
You're hiding something, old man. And I'll find out what.
P.S. This chapter marks Team 7's first mission, their first battlefield test. While Kusuo and Hongdie faltered, Lucien proved himself as a leader, gaining Hizashi's formal acknowledgment as team captain. But behind the client Noguchi's trembling smile, Lucien senses the real danger hasn't yet revealed itself.
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