The morning air smelled of dew and pine as our small Genin team assembled at the village gates. Today was our first official field mission, assigned by Hiruzen himself. I adjusted my staff, feeling the hum of chakra resonate through it—a comforting reminder of the system upgrades and jutsu I had unlocked during training.
Tsunade bounced on her heels, excitement lighting up her face. "I can't wait! Maybe we'll encounter some bandits! Or rogue Genin! This is going to be fun!"
Orochimaru, as always, moved with calm precision, his dark eyes scanning the horizon. "Do not underestimate the situation. The mission is reconnaissance. Speed, discretion, and observation are our priorities. Violence is only a last resort."
I took a deep breath, letting the system run quietly in the back of my mind:
[System Update – Mission Initiated]Mission Type: Field ReconnaissanceDifficulty: Low – Early GeninTeam Members: Jin Sarutobi, Tsunade, OrochimaruObjectives: Patrol outskirts, identify unusual activity, return safelyReward: Jutsu/Attribute Points upon mission completion
Abilities Checked:
Shadow Step Clone: Ready
Chakra Infused Strike: Ready
Staff Resonance: Level 11 – Stable
Reflexive Guard: Passive Active
The path ahead was dense with underbrush and twisting trails. My system alerted me faintly to small chakra fluctuations nearby—nothing hostile, but enough to keep my senses sharp.
"Jin," Hiruzen's voice echoed in my mind via a silent reminder (father's favor extending to guidance for this mission), "observe your surroundings carefully. Lead when necessary, but trust your teammates."
I nodded slightly. "Understood."
We moved silently, weaving between trees and rocks. Tsunade occasionally whispered questions, brimming with curiosity, while Orochimaru's eyes never left the shadows.
Then it happened. A small group of bandits, clearly low-level but coordinated, appeared up ahead, blocking the path and eyeing us with interest.
System alert: Enemy Detected – Level Low. Recommendation: Non-lethal engagement.
I raised my staff, feeling it vibrate with chakra. I signaled Tsunade to flank left and Orochimaru to flank right, my staff humming as I initiated the first technique.
"Shadow Step Clone!" I shouted softly.
A translucent clone appeared, mirroring my movements precisely. I twirled my staff, striking the first bandit with a controlled burst of chakra, sending him sprawling into the underbrush. The clone mirrored my strikes, blocking and nudging others away, giving Tsunade and Orochimaru the openings they needed to disarm their targets.
System update: Team Coordination +1 → Level 4. Staff Resonance +1 → Level 12. Shadow Step Clone Mastery +1. Mission Experience +5.
The fight was over almost before it began. None of us were hurt, and the bandits fled once they realized we weren't ordinary children. I lowered my staff, feeling a surge of pride as the system updated: New Jutsu Unlocked – Staff Spin Strike (C-Rank), allowing rapid multi-angle staff attacks infused with chakra.
Tsunade bounced, clearly impressed. "Wow, Jin! That was amazing! Your staff… it's like it's alive!"
Orochimaru's smirk was faint but approving. "Not bad. Control and anticipation—very efficient. You're leading the team well."
I glanced at both of them, my staff humming softly in response to my pulse. "We did it together. That's the important part."
By the time we returned to the village, the sun was dipping toward the horizon. Hiruzen waited near the gates, his calm presence reassuring.
"Well done, Jin," he said, voice soft but proud. "You coordinated your team, handled a threat efficiently, and minimized risk. Tsunade, Orochimaru, you performed admirably as well. But Jin, your growth is… noticeable."
My system chimed quietly, reporting rewards: Chakra Control +1, Taijutsu Precision +1, Staff Resonance +1, Team Coordination +1. New Jutsu: Staff Spin Strike (C-Rank).
Biwako appeared behind him, smiling warmly. "My son, you've done well. But remember, each victory is a lesson. Never become complacent."
I tightened my grip on the staff, feeling the hum settle into my bones. This was just the beginning.
That night, alone in my room, I reflected on the day. Tsunade and Orochimaru were both strong, capable teammates, but I could feel the system guiding me, sharpening my instincts, and rewarding every successful action.
[System Notification]: Daily Mission Completed. Rewards Allocated. Suggested Training: Shadow Step Clone Enhancement & Staff Spin Strike Mastery.
I smiled faintly, gazing at my staff leaning against the wall. Soon, I'll surpass expectations. Not just my father's, but my own. Jin Sarutobi, son of Hiruzen, will carve his path.