"Oh, I've been here before!" Obito exclaimed the moment we stepped across the threshold of the burger joint. He looked around with such a proprietary air, you'd think he'd personally inspected the quality of the kitchen stoves.
I simply smirked as I walked inside. The dining area was flooded with midday sunlight, and the scent of searing meat immediately made everyone's stomach growl in hungry response.
"Order whatever you want," I said, waving a hand generously. "Today's my treat."
Out of the eye, I noticed another group in the far corner. Familiar faces sat at a large table: Asuma, Kurenai, and Raido. Seeing us, they quieted down, clearly mid-discussion about their own results.
"Hey, let's go sit together!" I suggested to my group, pointing toward them. We piled in like a noisy crowd, shoving tables together to make room.
"Oh, did you guys decide to celebrate too?" I asked as I sat down. "Yeah, figured we'd take a breather," Asuma replied, chewing on a toothpick.
My gaze snagged on Raido's shoulder. There it was: a fresh green flak jacket, the fabric still stiff and not yet creased by the straps of a gear bag.
"Raido, congrats! I see you've got the vest now," I noted. "Thanks, Hagane. You too," he nodded, looking unusually serious.
"Oh, you fought against Aoba!" Kurenai remembered, watching me with those striking crimson eyes.
"I did," I replied as I took the order to the counter. "If I'd been fresh, I would've had a better shot."
We placed an order for all nine of us. The table was soon buried under burgers, mountains of fries, and ice-cold juice. Conversation flowed effortlessly: Obito, mouth full of food, tried to convince Kakashi that his "almost-win" was actually a brilliant strategic maneuver.
But one thought wouldn't leave me alone. I looked closely at Asuma and Kurenai. Raido had a vest, I had a vest... but they didn't. Kurenai's situation was clear—she withdrew before the finals. But Asuma?
"He showed Chunin-level skill," I mused, mechanically chewing my burger. "It's not just about power; it's about his understanding of combat. Something's off. Either the Hokage decided to keep his son close a bit longer to keep him out of the first wave of the front lines, or this is some 'Dad's' cunning disciplinary plan."
I didn't say a word out loud, of course. The Hokage's family is a slippery topic, and Asuma is a proud guy; no need to poke a sore spot.
The meal stretched on for two hours. I felt my wallet emptying rapidly, but it was the best possible promotion for my reputation.
"Thanks for the lunch, Kotetsu!" Obito shouted, running off after Rin and Kakashi. I waved them off, said goodbye to Asuma, and headed toward the library.
Throughout the meal, I had been practically vibrating in my seat, wanting to bolt. The moment I turned the corner and was out of sight, I couldn't hold back anymore—I just took off. In a few moments, I covered the distance to the archives, nearly knocking over pedestrians in my haste.
I was shaking with anticipation. Quickly, barely suppressing the tremor in my hands, I passed all the badge verification procedures and finally stepped into the hall.
"YES! Finally!" flashed through my mind as I pushed open the heavy doors.
The hall was twice as large as the one for Genin. Security was tighter here—two masked ANBU shinobi stood as silent shadows by the entrances—and the official time limit had been extended to two hours. But the main thing was the information.
I practically ran past the shelves. It took half an hour just to give the rows a cursory glance. It had everything: advanced strategy materials, sections on tactics for anomalous environments, and detailed advice on team coordination involving medics or sensors.
Finally, I reached the section that made my heart beat even faster: The Section for Exchanging Mission Points for Jutsu and Unique Knowledge.
"What do we have here?" I hungrily scanned the first row.
Available lots for exchange:
• Advanced Elemental Analysis (Wind, Water, Earth, Lightning, Fire): Detailed works from past masters. 30 pages of theory and practice for each element. Price: 30 points per scroll.
• Jutsu Development Methodology: How to evolve a C-rank technique into B or A-rank by altering chakra form or density. Price: 20 points.
• Stealth Potential: Advanced methods for masking chakra and scent. Price: 15 points.
• Genjutsu as a Primary Style: The theory of layering illusions onto reality. Price: 15 points.
• Spatial Manipulation (Theory & Realization): Basics of barriers and sealing. Price: 10 points.
• Physical Vessel Latency: Methods for strengthening chakra pathways for extreme loads. Price: 25 points.
• Fuinjutsu as a Primary Style: Theory of layering seals and arsenal expansion. Price: 70 points.
Moving a bit further to check the prices for specific C-rank techniques, I felt my eyes slowly widen. "Are they serious?!"
I had been naive enough to think that Chunin status would instantly turn me into a walking arsenal. Now it's clear why most shinobi spam the same two or three basic moves for decades. To build a proper "kit," you either have to slave away on missions for years or be a genius.
I reread the list, unable to believe my eyes:
I reread the list once more, unable to believe my eyes:
Prepared Needle Shot — 70 points. A technique for a hidden senbon attack directly from the sleeve. Is it convenient? Yes. Is it worth seventy points when you need to survive on the front lines? That's debatable.
Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu — 100 points. A C-rank classic, powerful and flashy, but the price... it's an absolute fortune!
Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique — 100 points. A basic genjutsu used to disorient the enemy. The price makes you wonder if the price tag itself is an illusion.
Senbon Shower — 80 points.
Water Style: Water Bullets — 100 points.
Earth Style: Hiding in Rock Technique — 100 points.
"They're trolling me," I muttered bitterly, rubbing the bridge of my nose. A C-rank mission earns an average of 2 personal points. How long would I have to play "delivery boy" just to learn how to spit water?
The village was essentially saying: "We won't give you the fish for cheap. But we'll sell you the fishing manual, and you can figure out how not to die."
I looked at my notes. The fact that "Spatial Manipulation" costs only 10 points compared to 100 for "Water Bullets" felt like a gift from fate. Likely because anyone can read theory, but realizing it without talent is nearly impossible.
Kotetsu Hagane
Ninjutsu — 2.5
Taijutsu — 2.5
Genjutsu — 1
Intelligence — 3
Strength — 1.5
Speed — 2.5
Chakra — 1
Seals — 2.5
Total — 16.5
Mission History
Total Missions — 90 (D-rank: 39, C-rank: 37, B-rank: 13, A-rank: 1, S-rank: 0)
Available Points — 164
Techniques
Body Replacement Technique — E-rank
Clone Technique — E-rank
Transformation Technique — E-rank
Wind Style: Great Breakthrough — C-rank
Wind Style: Hail of Weaponry! — Rank?
String Light Formation — D-rank
Wind Style: Weapon Coating — Rank?
Body Flicker Technique — D-rank