Chapter 325: C-rank Escort Mission

Early the next morning, Lian Ye led the three of them to the Mission Assembly Hall.

In the hall, ninjas came and went, most of them being ninja teachers like Lian Ye who lead students.

Before taking a mission, he reminded the three: "From today on, you will officially carry out missions as a squad. Remember, regardless of size, every mission must be given your all."

You can't become a fat man in one bite.

Although the three may one day become the Konoha Three Great Ninja whose names echo through the ninja world, they have not yet matured; they are merely gifted little brats.

If you die by accident, everything's gone.

Know that only those who truly mature can be called geniuses; those who perish halfway are merely unlucky ones with a hint of talent…

Different eras have different teaching methods.

During wartime, ninja are sent to battle, and only those who survive the slaughter can quickly grow stronger.

Of course, the death rate is extremely high.

Even gifted Genin find it hard to survive on a battlefield; most are just cannon fodder.

In peacetime, newly graduated Genin can be given long Development Time; although danger still exists, it's many times safer than wartime.

At least it lets some gifted ninja safely get through their weak period.

"Finally we can show our skills! Lian Ye Teacher, let's take a tougher mission, like subduing mountain bandits!" Zilaoye clenched his fist excitedly.

Gangshou rolled her Byakugan and said with contempt, "Idiot, we just graduated; how could we take such a mission right away?"

"The mission rank should be decided by Lian Ye Teacher… you don't even know that common sense?" Orochimaru gave him a faint glance, "You really are an idiot."

Zilaoye: "……"

You two make me sound so stupid.

He only wanted to demonstrate his worth in front of Lian Ye Teacher, but unexpectedly was slandered on the spot by his two comrades.

Lian Ye ignored their discussion, left them waiting there, and walked alone toward the mission desk.

"Lord Lian Ye." The staff greeted him respectfully, "Your squad's first mission— I suggest starting with a D-rank Mission."

Since the war ended, Lian Ye's standing in the Village has risen dramatically, and his title changed from Jonin to Lord.

Whether by battle achievements or background, he truly deserves the title.

"C-rank then; I want them to get an early taste of real combat," Lian Ye said after a moment of silence.

The three's combat power ranks among the best of their peers; having them chase cats, tease dogs, and watch children would indeed be a waste of talent and time.

Better to send them straight into real combat and see how they perform.

Of course, the difficulty can't be too high; it should give them training without endangering their lives.

Preferably some escort missions and intelligence‑gathering missions.

Even if danger arises, having me there is absolutely fine.

"Very well, Lord Lian Ye, please wait a moment." The staff began searching for a suitable C-rank Mission.

The surrounding Chunin whispered, "New squads rarely get C-rank Missions outright; they usually take D-rank Missions to practice…"

"Who's the squad leader? This is absurd!"

"Exactly, what if the students run into danger?"

"Oh, it's the squad led by Lord Lian Ye, then it's fine."

No wonder the Chunin react strongly; most squad leaders for newly graduated Genin are Chunin.

The Village's Jonin aren't just idle; besides, they're busy training and taking missions, so they have no time to mentor fresh graduates.

Only students with talent and background could have a Jonin as their squad leader.

In any village, Jonin are scarce high‑end combat power and would never babysit a bunch of kids for free.

Unless they truly possess extraordinary talent or a distinguished background…

"Ha ha, great! C-rank Mission!" Zilaoye exclaimed excitedly.

He didn't expect Lian Ye Teacher to give them a C-rank Mission right away; this time he must perform well to earn Lian Ye Teacher's approval!

"Hey, don't get cocky; C-rank Missions carry some risk." Gangshou looked at Zilaoye disapprovingly, "Don't end up dying from carelessness…"

"Gangshou, can't you just wish me well?" Zilaoye said with a black‑eyed expression, "Having teammates like this is really my 'good fortune'."

Orochimaru watched the two bickering and let out a silent sigh.

"Lord Lian Ye, there's a C-rank caravan escort mission here; would you like to accept it?" the staff asked, pulling out a Mission Scroll.

Lian Ye took the scroll, read it; the mission was simple—border bandits have become increasingly rampant, and rumors speak of rogue ninja among them. The caravan boss commissioned Konoha's ninja to escort the caravan safely to River Country.

"Hmm, that'll be the mission." Lian Ye handed the Mission Scroll to the three, "I've chosen the mission; we depart tomorrow morning."

"Yay, finally a chance for real combat!" Zilaoye rubbed his hands excitedly, "Maybe we'll run into bandits robbing the caravan."

He already imagined the scene of the bandits fleeing in terror.

"Hehehe, with me, Zilaoye, here, those petty bandits pose no threat at all!"

Gangshou and Orochimaru watched Zilaoye's goofy grin, sighing helplessly.

"Idiot."

The next morning at dawn, the caravan's carriage slowly left Konoha.

Lian Ye walked at the front of the group, with Zilaoye and Gangshou guarding the sides, and Orochimaru covering the rear.

The caravan boss's daughter peeked out curiously, "Are you really ninja? You look so young!"

"Hahaha, don't judge us by our youth; we'll definitely become powerful ninja someday!" Zilaoye puffed his chest proudly.

He aspires to become a powerful ninja like Lian Ye Teacher, to become the village's hero and earn everyone's respect!

"Ignore that idiot… we'll safely get you to the destination." Gangshou rolled her Byakugan.

"Idiot teammate, only drags the team down." Orochimaru muttered softly.

"Hey, Orochimaru, are you whispering behind my back again?"

"You all be quiet," Lian Ye reminded the few, "We're on a mission."

"Got it, Lian Ye Teacher/Uncle." The three instantly obeyed.

After a day of traveling, the Caravan left Fire Country's territory, and the group entered a canyon region.

Suddenly, dozens of mountain bandits rushed out, blocking the Caravan's path.

The bandit leader sneered, "Hand over the goods and the women! I can spare your lives!"

Lian Ye noticed that the bandit leader was a Genin, and several other bandits were also ninja.

Is the threshold to become a mountain bandit that high these days?

Even though they're just a few wandering ninja, dealing with ordinary people is a piece of cake.

Fortunately this place isn't Fire Country, otherwise these mountain bandits would have been wiped out long ago.

Lian Ye silently fell back behind the Caravan, whispering to the three, "Protect the Caravan and swiftly eliminate the enemies."

The mountain bandits formed by wandering ninja aren't even at his turn to act yet, which is perfect for letting the students practice.

"Got it, Lian Ye Teacher/Uncle!" the three said as they launched their attack.

"You clueless brats, brothers, kill them for me!" the bandit leader shouted, brandishing his cleaver toward the three.

The rest of the bandits, hearing that, immediately joined the attack.

The battle was about to erupt.