29 Painting Heist 2 (1/2)
Missions that could be carried by a shinobi was divided into four ranks, from A to D.
D-rank missions had the lowest prestige, although at the same time they posed virtually no risk for the shinobi at all. They were mostly simple labors, perfect for recent graduates to hone their teamwork and learn how the rules work.
C-rank missions, on the other hand, were more geared toward Chuunin-level shinobi, or experienced Genin who had earned the trust of the village council. Unlike B-ranked and A-ranked missions, there was no fear of engaging in combat with shinobi from opposing forces, although there might be a need to fight against other dangerous elements like wild beasts or highwaymen.
”Teacher! What's the mission gonna be?!”
Kiba was understandably ecstatic about it. Hinata and Shino, although not openly showing it on their face, were also shaking with anticipation.
For a shinobi, their first C-rank missions was most likely going to be the first time that they had the chance to prove themselves capable of performing shinobi works. The result of this mission might as well decide their career's future!
”Fufufu, don't get too worked up now. A shinobi has to exercise patience.”
Kurenai threw the scroll to the kids, allowing them to read it. The summary of the mission was written in the topmost paragraph, and it read ”Object reclamation.”
”Eh...?” Kiba frowned. ”This term... isn't this the same thing as searching for missing items?”
”Correct,” Kurenai nodded.
”Wha-? There's no difference with our usual missions, then!”
”Kiba, what determines the rank of a mission is not just the content of the mission, but also its complexity and potential danger. Read further before complaining.”
”Collaborative mission...” Shino murmured.
It was written that aside from their team, two other teams were also assigned to the same mission. Surprisingly, they were made out of Chuunin-ranked ninja!
While they were still staring in shock at the detail, Kurenai abruptly asked a question.
”You guys, do you know what an ukiyo-e is?”
Kiba gave her a blank look, so she turned to Hinata instead.
”U-um... if I r-remember correctly... it's w-wooden block painting...?”
”Correct. While the market isn't as big as canvas-based painting, there are still quite a lot of big names in the world of ukiyo-e. Their paintings are worth millions of ryo.”
”Millions...” Kiba yelped. ”How many steaks could we buy with that...?”
Shino frowned, feeling that the discussion had went off track.
”Teacher, what does the mission have to do with art?”
”A lot, actually. Two days ago, a famous ukiyuo-e painter in the country was murdered.”
The kids' attention was drawn instantly. Death and murder was quite common in this harsh world, but if it ended up with a mission for the village, it could only mean one thing.
”It was done by shinobi, wasn't it...?”
”Correct. Shino. After killing the painter, the murderer had also stolen his latest work, a four-panel painting that was supposed to be revealed this morning. However, because of this incident, the exhibition had to be cancelled. Now, here is the crux of the mission.
The painter has designated a successor, his sole disciple. As it turned out, the murderer had only managed to stole two panels out of the painting. The other one was in the possession of the disciple, while the last one was missing. The disciple said that the master had hidden it by himself without telling anyone. Our mission will be to investigate the location of this last panel.”
”What about the other teams?” Kiba asked.
”One team will be assigned to guard the disciple, while the other will track down the murderer and retrieve back the two panels. Those are designated B-rank missions due to a high chance of entering combat with the murderer and the people behind them.”
”How is it? Still think this is a simple mission?” She couldn't help but teasing them a bit. The pupils shook their head quickly.
”Due to the nature of this mission, we'll have to stay outside of Konoha for a while. We have already informed your family, so there's no need to worry. I'll give you two hours to prepare the supplies that you need to bring. After that, rendezvous at the northern gate. We'll depart immediately after. Any question? Good. Dismissed!”
The kids quickly ran back to their home, eager to start their first C-rank mission.
---
Hana was helping Kiba to prepare for the journey. She knew that if left to his own device, the boy would just bring lots of meat. Aside from spare clothes, she also brought him medical supplies in case anyone in the team got hurt.
”You have to listen to miss Kurenai, okay?”
”I know, big sis! You already said that multiple times!” Kiba scoffed.
Hana sighed. It was her little brother's first actual mission, and it was outside the village to boot. She knew that a Jonin like Kurenai was qualified to keep the kids safe, but she still couldn't help but worry.
Woof!
Akamaru sauntered into the kitchen. A green piece of cloth was tied around his neck, resembling a small pouch.
”Awh, that's so cute! Did you make it for him?”
”I didn't? Hmm, weird...”
Kiba narrowed his eyes at his partner, but the dog just gave him the usual carefree look.
”Eh, whatever. Maybe Hinata did, I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm running late. Thanks, sis! Catch ya later!”
”Remember to wash your hands before eating! Also, don't- ah, he's gone...”
”Can it, Hana. I'm his mother and even I'm not that worried.”
Tsume yawned as she walked in with Kuromaru.
”Well you should be worried a bit more, mom...”
”He's an adult now, he'll be fine. Right, Kuro?” She patted the wolf-like hound by her side.
”Hmm. Akamaru is with him as well. The pup is more reliable than that boy. There should be no problem.”
Something seems wrong with that comment...
Hana slouched over the table. Ger anxiety had managed to tire her out. Maybe she need to listen to her mother and just take it easy.
”By the way, where's that girl?” Kuromaru remarked.
”Hikari?” Hana blinked. ”Come to think of it, after she left to train in the backyard, I haven't seen her again today.”
”Eh, maybe she's out playing in the village. Just leave her be,” Tsume shrugged. ”The Third had Anbu following her around, so she should be safe.”
Hmm...