Chapter 34: Jūrokuya's Power, The First C-Rank Mission

Chapter 34: Jūrokuya’s Power, The First C-Rank Mission

The evolution of his eyes had granted Jūrokuya’s Rinnegan a newly awakened ability—one distinct from Shinkurō Ōtsutsuki’s. This power was remarkably stable, too. Even if his body suffered severe damage, the Rinnegan’s strength wouldn’t fade.

It would only recede into his Byakugan state when his chakra reserves and dōjutsu energy were completely depleted.

Once Byakugan evolved into Rinnegan, his eyes continued absorbing chakra secreted by his brain, like a battery charging. When the energy reached full capacity, his second awakening would arrive.

Just as his Byakugan had taken two years to evolve into Rinnegan, Jūrokuya sensed his next awakening would also demand time. But for now, achieving Rinnegan at age twelve—still the tail end of childhood, with adolescence beginning at fifteen—was more than satisfying. By nineteen, even without combat experience, he’d only need a pair of high-purity Byakugan implants to master otherworldly forces.

If Shinkurō Ōtsutsuki, with just one red inherited trait, could reach such heights, then Jūrokuya—blessed with multiple red traits—would surpass him effortlessly. Rinnegan at twelve? Proof of cheating, plain and simple.

---

“Jūrokuya, are you the real you this time?”

Having survived his first awakening phase, Jūrokuya returned to Team Eight. The moment he reappeared, Shino Aburame noticed his insects trembling instinctively, his expression shifting to shock.

The bugs… were afraid?

Had he grown this strong in just two weeks? What technique had he been developing?

“Yep. My jutsu’s perfected, so I’m back,” Jūrokuya said with a grin.

“What were you training?”

Kurenai Yūhi couldn’t see Shino’s face behind his sunglasses and high collar, but she caught his curious tone.

“Secrets make men more attractive.” Jūrokuya raised a finger to his lips, teasing. “You’ll see someday. Promise it’ll drop your jaw.”

“Has anyone ever told you how much you deserve a beating?” Kurenai’s forehead twitched with a visible bead of sweat.

Jūrokuya turned to Hinata Hyuga. “Do I seem that annoying?”

“No,” Hinata shook her head honestly.

“You two aren’t dating, are you?” Kurenai echoed the same accusation from their Academy days.

Jūrokuya chuckled. Hinata’s cheeks flushed.

---

After the banter, Team Eight resumed their D-rank missions. Some days one task, others two or three. Sometimes missions paused for days before resuming. Whether cleaning trash, babysitting villagers, or tending crops, they completed every assignment flawlessly, earning universal praise.

Kurenai Yūhi tried offering her genjutsu techniques, but Hinata and Shino declined, preferring their clan’s secret arts. Jūrokuya refused too.

Before his awakening, he might’ve accepted her help. But despite his impressive red inherited traits, his power growth had focused on perception and healing. Without his Super Hurricane Barrage or nearly completed ultimate jutsu, his arsenal was limited to basic Wind Release from his father and Fire Release from the Uchiha clan.

With Multiple Shadow Clone and those techniques, he could already rival any jonin. Once his ultimate jutsu finished, he’d be an elite jonin capable of threatening Kage-level opponents, like Kakashi Hatake.

But now? Rinnegan awakened, wielding graviton and repulsion abilities, he’d become Pain’s Deva Path without Chibaku Tensei—equal to a Kage. Attack, defense, support—he needed nothing else.

Kurenai settled into her role as mentor, guiding them in becoming proper ninja.

---

By May 1st, the team gathered at their usual spot.

“You’ve all done exceptionally—no complaints on any mission,” Kurenai announced. “As a reward, I’ve secured a higher-level task.”

Hinata brightened. Shino’s eyes gleamed behind his glasses, his lips subtly lifting.

“A C-rank?” Jūrokuya asked, feigning ignorance.

“Correct.” Kurenai nodded. “Genin usually handle D-ranks. Only experienced teams or those with jonin mentors qualify for C-ranks. These missions often leave the village, risk unknown enemies, and can threaten your lives.”

“You’ve only graduated a month, so technically, you’re unqualified. But your performance speaks for itself. Come on—Hokage Tower.”

---

Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed his pipe, studying Jūrokuya and Hinata’s towering statures compared to peers. Time had flown—those chubby-cheeked kids were now adults-in-training. Remembering Jūrokuya’s effortless dominance over Sasuke Uchiha’s Sharingan-wielding form, he nodded.

“Assign them a C-rank. Every mission they’ve done earned praise. If their jonin believes they’re ready, who am I to refuse?”

He retrieved a large scroll, skimming its contents before halting.

“Their perception skills are sharp. This one fits them perfectly.” He exhaled smoke. “A mining crew requests Konoha’s protection to return to the Land of Rivers—they fear bandits or rogue ninja.”

Jūrokuya’s team remained silent as Hiruzen sealed a smaller scroll into existence with chakra.

“Details are here. Negotiate with the client.”

Kurenai bowed. “Understood, Lord Third.”

---

Outside, Kurenai opened the scroll, leading them to an inn.

“Wait here. I’ll speak with the client.”

She approached a carriage outside, its banner marked with a single iron kanji. The iron ore caravan’s destination was clear—this iron had nothing to do with the Iron Country. Likely, they’d mine iron in the Land of Rivers.

Jūrokuya, Hinata, and Shino exchanged glances.

The Land of Rivers, known for dense forests and mountainous terrain, seemed ripe for ambushes. A classic C-rank mission—routine, yet laced with danger.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end