The First Mission
"Young people these days are truly remarkable."
A faint smile played on Kato Dan's lips as he observed the sparring session.
So far, Mingjing had demonstrated multiple C-rank Fire Release (Katon) techniques, proficient shurikenjutsu, and impressive overall combat awareness. Based on that alone, his current ability rivaled that of many chūnin.
From Dan's experienced perspective, Mingjing still lacked sufficient field experience and broader tactical acumen to be considered a true chūnin. However, with a few months of missions and guided instruction, he could easily become a formidable asset to Konoha's forces.
To have mastered so many Fire Release jutsu at such a young age—clearly, this boy lived up to the reputation of the Uchiha clan, especially since he had already awakened the Sharingan. It was no wonder he was being hailed as the most gifted Uchiha of his generation.
In the case of true prodigies, promotion to chūnin often came within a year of graduation. Their strength was already close to the expected standard; they merely needed to build experience in real missions, improve judgment under pressure, develop basic command ability, and learn to function cohesively within a team.
And once promoted, their power often skyrocketed. A gifted ninja might reach jōnin level by thirteen or fourteen. If they kept progressing at that rate, they could even reach Kage-level by their mid-twenties.
As Dan silently admired their performance, a blazing Great Fireball Technique (Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu) surged toward him. Without hesitation, he launched Inuzuka Ryo out of the way with a single well-placed kick, formed a quick sequence of hand seals, and countered with Wind Release: Great Breakthrough (Fūton: Daitoppa).
Wind collided with fire, generating a powerful shockwave of scorching air that forced Aburame Nami's kikaichū to retreat.
"Argh!"
Ryo groaned, having landed roughly on the ground nearby.
"Woof! Woof!"
His ninken partner, Tetsumaru, bounded over and enthusiastically licked his face.
Ryo gave the pup an affectionate rub before glancing at Mingjing, who appeared to be struggling in the ninjutsu clash against Dan.
"Sensei Kato, you're not the only one who knows that technique," Ryo said with a smirk.
Mingjing, his Sharingan spinning with focus, had already analyzed the flow of chakra and copied Dan's Wind Release: Great Breakthrough. He had picked it up during the recent graduation test, where Moonlight Hayate had used it as part of the exam. Later, when testing his chakra nature using a chakra paper, Mingjing discovered he possessed Fire, Lightning, and Wind attributes—perfect for supporting this copied technique.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
A surge of wind bolstered his fireball, making it roar forward with renewed momentum.
The wind fed the flames, increasing their power dramatically.
Dan gave a small nod of approval.
This year's team was promising. Mingjing was already excellent in solo combat, but even Nami and Ryo stood out compared to other recent genin. More importantly, they'd shown signs of teamwork, even if their coordination still needed polishing.
Just as Dan began thinking the bell test was nearly over, Inuzuka Ryo sprinted forward and began spinning, forming a wild rotating attack.
"Fang Over Fang! (Tsuuga!)"
"Trying a sneak attack while I'm occupied with Mingjing's jutsu?"
Dan smirked, forming another set of seals.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall! (Doton: Doryūheki!)"
The fireball-wind combo crashed against the thick earth barrier, scattering chunks of rock but failing to break through. The Earth Wall held firm, absorbing the brunt of the attack.
Dan's left hand rapidly wove another sequence. Chakra surged into his right palm, forming a rock-clad fist for Earth Release: Fist Rock Technique (Doton: Gōremu no Jutsu), which he prepared to use to counter Ryo's strike.
But just before impact, Ryo hurled a white blur forward—Tetsumaru.
The pup twisted mid-air, evading Dan's strike and clamping its jaws onto the bell hanging from Dan's belt.
"YES! We did it!"
Ryo whooped with joy, scooping up Tetsumaru and lifting him up in triumph.
"I knew my newly invented technique—'Super Ultra Infinity Tsuuga Barrage!'—was genius! Hahaha!!"
He proudly accepted the bell from his ninken, waving it in front of his teammates.
Dan crossed his arms, amused. "Well done, all of you."
With his Spirit Transformation Technique (Shintenshin no Jutsu), Dan possessed exceptional sensory perception, one of the reasons he had been assigned to lead a team with strong reconnaissance potential.
Ryo's Inuzuka tracking skills and Nami's kikaichū scouting abilities made them ideal in that regard. Mingjing's Sharingan lacked long-range reconnaissance potential but more than made up for it in sheer combat ability. Together, they formed a well-balanced team.
"But I only see two bells... and there are three of you," Dan said, his grin playful. "How are you going to divide them?"
"Mingjing! Take mine," Ryo offered, uncertain.
Nami lowered her head without saying a word.
After a pause, Mingjing stepped forward. "No need."
He snatched a bell from Ryo's hand, drew a wakizashi, and cleanly sliced it in half.
"This is yours," he said, placing half in Nami's hand.
Then he turned to Dan.
"Sensei, now each of us has a bell—or at least a piece of one. That should count, right?"
Nami stared at the half-bell in her hand before tightening her grip. A small smile formed on her usually expressionless face.
"…Yes. Of course it counts."
Dan's voice was warm, and a proud smile crept across his face.
Lord Third… it seems even without my guidance, this boy already understands the Will of Fire passed down from the First Hokage.
"Congratulations," Dan said, clapping his hands. "You've passed the bell test."
He raised his voice for emphasis.
"Now listen carefully—tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m., report to the square in front of the Hokage Building. You'll be receiving your first official mission as Leaf Shinobi!"