"So it's Suzuki-sensei…"
The female jōnin who appeared was none other than Suzuki Saori, famed across Konoha for her beauty and skill. With her commanding aura, long violet curls, and mastery of genjutsu and Water Release, she naturally stood as the leader of her three young genin.
"Oh, it's Hizashi," Saori smiled, her tone edged with pride. "I heard you took on a mission with your team? Let me guess… one of those little D-rank assignments, right?"
She grinned before continuing boastfully, "Meanwhile, my squad of genin just completed a C-rank task! That's something usually reserved for chūnin, and my students accomplished it already. Isn't that impressive?"
Her words, sharp with provocation, made Hatake Kusuo's anger flare.
Violet added with a sneer, "Hongdie, lots of girls envy you for being on this team. But I don't. Do you know why? Because your group is weak."
Suzuki piled on with another jab. "Finished your D-rank mission, did you? Running off in such a hurry to hide your failure? Don't worry—we won't laugh at you."
"Suzuki Saori," Hizashi's expression cooled, "don't go too far."
"Oh please, don't show me that glare," Suzuki replied with a half-smile. "Why would I bother fighting someone who only knows taijutsu?"
"That's too much!" Kusuo snapped, unable to restrain himself. "What's wrong with taijutsu? It's still enough to defeat enemies!"
The hulking genin beside Saori stepped forward, muscles rippling. "Hatake Kusuo, if you're so confident, then let's prove it. I have no plans this afternoon. Meet me at Training Ground Four, and we'll see whose taijutsu is better. I've never liked how highly you've placed yourself at the top of the academy's rankings."
"Matsuyama Hideichi… I'll be there," Kusuo shot back, his pride igniting.
Lucien gave Kusuo a sharp look and then turned away silently, leaving the Hokage's office with their team. Hideichi grinned after them.
"Don't chicken out now! Whoever doesn't show up is a turtle!"
He and his companions chuckled.
"I'll never understand how Hatake thinks he's number one," Hideichi muttered with disdain.
"And Hinata Hongdie, acting so high and mighty as the Hyuga's daughter," scoffed Katori Sumire. "She can't understand us civilian ninjas. I'll deal with her myself."
"Yoshida Kappei?" Saori looked at the silent member of her team. "You've been quiet. What do you think?"
The plain-looking boy gave a faint smile. "There's someone on that team who hasn't spoken yet. If I'm not mistaken, he's the one truly worth watching…"
"You mean Uchiha Lucien?" Violet frowned. "That guy was dead last at the academy. If not for his lucky break in the graduation exam, he wouldn't even be a ninja."
"Luck, or something else?" Yoshida smirked knowingly. "We'll find out sooner or later."
Saori quickly hushed them. "Enough. Don't stir trouble in front of the Hokage. A spar will do—let them know how strong we are, but remember, we're still comrades of the same village."
Still, curiosity sparked in their eyes.
Before leaving, Saori doubled back to check the records of Hizashi's squad mission. Moments later, her confident grin faded.
"They completed… a B-rank mission. The full details are confidential. Even I don't have clearance to read them."
"What!? A B-rank!?" Violet gasped. "Isn't that reserved for jōnin!?"
"Saori-sensei, you must've misread it!" Matsuyama blurted.
But Saori shook her head. "No mistake. They really completed a B-rank assignment."
Disbelief spread across the group.
"Then it must've been Hizashi himself pulling all the weight, protecting Hyuga's daughter," Sumire insisted. "That has to be it."
"Yes, exactly," Hideichi agreed quickly. But Yoshida Kappei only smiled in silence, a look of intrigue sparking in his plain eyes.
The rivals left to prepare for the afternoon spar.
Meanwhile, Lucien had rushed home. Unlocking his small house, he found everything cleaned spotless—the floor swept, the windows shining, every corner tidy. He froze for a moment before understanding dawned.
So Xiaoxing comes by to clean every day. This little girl… always thinking ahead, waiting for me to come back.
On the wooden table lay a neatly folded letter.
"Brother Lucien," it read in Xiaoxing's careful handwriting. "If you're reading this, you've returned home from your mission. I'm not there right now—I've started taking odd jobs to help you. Ninjas can get hurt, even die. If I earn some money, maybe you won't have to take dangerous missions. Hehe~ Come find me! I'm working at 365 Konoha Street!"
Lucien laughed softly, his chest warm. "Such a young girl already trying to support the family… and even carrying my worries for me. It's too hard on her."
Without delay, he made his way down Konoha's bustling streets, eventually reaching a humble little grocery shop. The number matched what was in the letter.
Pushing the door open, he spotted Xiaoxing dusting shelves inside.
"Brother Lucien! You're back!" she exclaimed, eyes shining with joy.
"Mission accomplished," he smiled. "And look at you, dressed up for work. It suits you."
"Hehe, I'll surprise you later, but first—I have a customer! Wait for me, okay?" She darted away eagerly.
Lucien leaned against the wall, amused, watching her bustle about.
"Welcome, how can I help you today? What would you like?" Xiaoxing greeted the man who entered.
But the customer, wearing a hat and sunglasses, only looked her over with disdain. His silence dragged on until Lucien's brow furrowed slightly. This guy… is he here to cause trouble?
Then his voice cut the air coldly. "I want everything here."
"Eh? Everything?" Xiaoxing blinked, startled. Then she brightened. "Alright! I'll pack it all up for you, but it'll take some time. Please wait a bit!"
She passed by Lucien, whispering excitedly, "Brother, I got a big order!"
Her joy filled the shop as she hurried to box every item on the shelves.
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