My Techniques are a bit off

Yakiniku Q Restaurant

"Ahhh, I'm stuffed!" Iris patted his stomach with a satisfied grin. "That was amazing!"

Link let out a small breath, his own belly round and full. With his tight budget, he hadn't had a decent meal in ages. The food he cooked for himself out in the wilderness was barely edible at best.

After the intense battle earlier, being able to gorge on such a feast was pure bliss.

Ami wiped her mouth gracefully and asked, "Ensui-sensei, now that we've passed the test, do we start taking missions tomorrow?"

"That's correct," Nara Ensui replied with a nod. As a single man and a jonin with little personal expense, treating his team to a big meal was manageable. He glanced at Link's damaged, grayish hair and asked, "About your hair—shouldn't you see a medic?"

Turning gray after just one battle certainly seemed abnormal.

"It's fine," Link replied, running a hand through his coarse, uneven locks. While it felt a little rough to the touch, it didn't cause him any discomfort. The transformation was purely a side effect of his Stand and not an actual injury. Any lingering effects would dissipate as soon as the Stand was dismissed.

He thought briefly before adding, "It's just a side effect of the technique. Once my hair grows out again, it should be back to normal."

Shave his head bald at home?

No way. He'd rather deal with gray hair than walk around bald.

Even at nine years old, Link was self-conscious. He was already bothered by his short stature; being a bald kid on top of that was unthinkable.

Absolutely not.

"Alright," Ensui said, letting the matter drop. He took a sip of his cold drink, stood up, and walked to the front to settle the bill. "See you all tomorrow."

The three members of Team Five followed him out of the barbecue restaurant. Just as they were about to part ways, Link called out, "Hey."

Both teammates turned to look at him from opposite directions.

Link's typically stoic face softened into a rare smile. "Let's do our best from now on."

Even though the earlier test was just a training exercise, the fact that his teammates had shielded him without hesitation—even after he'd bullied them a bit—had left an impression.

The word "comrade" carried a deeper meaning when lives were at stake.

Ami glanced at him before turning and walking away.

Iris shrugged in mock helplessness, gave a thumbs-up with a grin, and left as well.

Link didn't mind their reactions. He had never expected to form deep bonds with his team. As long as the relationships didn't become too strained, that was enough for him.

Thanks to the Academy's training, basic teamwork and trust during battle were things even reluctant teammates could achieve, as long as there weren't any major conflicts.

For now, he desperately needed two trustworthy "meat shields" to hold the line while he summoned a powerful Stand.

"Alright. Step one: Become a genin—accomplished."

Link stretched his sore body from the earlier fight, a brighter smile lighting up his face.

"Next step—become a chunin."

…

One Month Later – Mission Assignment Desk

"Another low-paying mission, I bet," Link thought as he watched the cheerful staff member. He sighed internally.

D-rank missions were low-risk, non-combat tasks with rewards ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 ryo. Most were in the 10,000 ryo range, which, after splitting among four people, left very little for each member.

And these missions were rarely quick to complete.

For example, their last D-rank mission was worth 12,000 ryo—a cleanup job in the Naka River. It took them ten whole days to clear the garbage.

The main delay? Iris and Ami spent over five days just learning how to walk on water. Link had to slog through the first three days solo before they joined in. Their combined efforts barely matched his initial contribution.

To be fair, Ensui had been equitable with the payout, giving Link a larger share for his extra work.

Their very first mission had been similar—cutting down and transporting lumber for a construction site. Again, most of the time was spent on Ami and Iris learning to climb trees.

D-rank missions might not be difficult, but they were always time-consuming—tasks that ordinary people either couldn't do or found too troublesome, which was why they hired ninja in the first place.

Today's mission would likely be the same.

"Lord Third, please assign us a C-rank mission," Ensui requested politely.

Huh?!

Link was stunned. He had expected another tedious D-rank assignment.

Ensui turned to him with a smile. "I think you're ready for C-rank work."

C-rank missions carried minor risks of injury but didn't involve enemy ninja. For two competent genin and a third who, when activating his Stand, had the strength of an elite chunin, such a mission should be easy.

"If that's your judgment..." The Third Hokage's ever-present smile didn't waver as he handed over a mission scroll. "Here you go."

Ensui glanced at the details before passing the scroll to Link.

"Clearing out an infestation of wild beasts in the Forest of Death... Reward: 30,000 ryo!"

Hearing the task and reward, Iris and Ami perked up immediately. Tasks that combined training with practical work were enjoyable enough, but D-rank missions were painfully dull.

C-rank meant more excitement and, finally, some combat!

Link read over the scroll, his lips curling into a small grin.

"At last, a real challenge."

~~~

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