Another spy? Really?
Nara Shikadan followed Tsunade while scanning the mission info on his panel.
Another B-rank mission?
The B-rank combat mission triggered yesterday was classified that way because the enemy was a Jonin...
Shikadan narrowed his eyes at the new mission prompt.
But today's B-rank mission clearly involves Iwagakure spies whose strength Tsunade said was at most Chunin-level...
Was this a mistake by the [Lazy Ghost System]?
Or... were combat missions and commissioned missions measured differently?
He mentally combed through the features he'd uncovered so far.
On the panel, E-rank corresponds to Academy students, D-rank to Genin, C-rank to Chunin, and B-rank to Jonin. Combat missions seem to follow this power scale strictly.
But what about commissioned missions?
Shikadan recalled what the Ninja Academy taught about Konoha's mission system.
Missions were ranked from D to S-rank:
D- and C-rank missions were usually non-combat.
B-rank missions involved combat, but the enemies were typically Chunin-level or below.
A- and S-rank missions could include Jonin, elite squads, or even Kage-level threats.
That means the system's "B-rank" classification for combat and commissioned missions isn't identical!
A B-rank combat mission might require fighting a Jonin…
But a B-rank commissioned mission? Only Chunin.
A flash of insight passed through Shikadan's eyes. He smiled to himself.
Same rank, different stakes. And best of all—both reward a B-rank ninja secret scroll!
The difficulty of missions couldn't be generalized.
If he had to choose, Shikadan would definitely pick the easier B-rank commissioned mission over the life-threatening combat kind.
Though in exchange, commissioned missions were often more complex. Combat ones were more straightforward...
Still, good job, [Lazy Ghost System]!
Closing the panel, a new question surfaced.
If Konoha can issue commissioned missions... can anyone? Can I commission missions to myself?
Shikadan made a mental note to experiment with the system's "mission commissioning" function later.
For now, he had another task—getting some answers from Tsunade.
"Tsunade-neechan."
He dropped the "-sama" entirely. He wasn't used to repeating honorifics while speaking.
"I've got a few questions."
"Shoot."
Tsunade slowed down so they walked side by side on their way back into the village.
Shikadan stared straight ahead.
"First: if I remember right, B-rank missions are intended for Chunin or higher. I'm just a Genin candidate. I shouldn't be allowed to accept one."
"You're right. That's why I accepted it under my name—you're just assisting me," she replied, hands clasped behind her back with a cheeky grin.
"In fact, yesterday's battle should have been rated A-rank. But Konoha doesn't have a formal system for 'retroactive grading.' At best, you'll get an A-rank note on your record."
Shikadan nodded, accepting that explanation. He went on.
"Second: why me?"
"What do you mean, 'why'?"
Tsunade bent down and flicked his cheek with a finger.
"You were the one who took down the Iwa Jonin! Who else could handle this mission?"
Truthfully, there were plenty of other ninjas.
Missions rarely piled up in Konoha. Many young shinobi waited around for assignments to earn their pay.
Tsunade just happened to grab the B-rank [Spy Capture] mission before anyone else did.
She'd stumbled across it while reporting to the Hokage the night before...
And not just the mission scroll—but also a ninjutsu scroll she didn't mention.
Shikadan silently sidestepped Tsunade's wandering finger.
He really had a thing for big-breasted blondes—and absolutely could not handle Tsunade's flirtatious gestures.
If their relationship really were that close? Shikadan could probably whisper sweet nothings to her nonstop for a month—no repeats, no shame.
He'd put his lips to hers and speak straight into her heart—so intimate there'd be no need for foreplay.
But this was only their second time meeting. Even Shikadan knew better.
He wasn't some edgy lone wolf craving solitude.
When alone in a foreign land, cold and lonely... of course he wanted someone to share warmth with.
But he wouldn't act like some delusional harem protagonist.
Tsunade pulled her hand back, stood upright, and raised her brows.
She really liked shy, awkward little boys like this!
"I'll reluctantly accept that answer," Shikadan said at last.
He took a breath.
"Third question: do you have a plan for dealing with the enemy?"
"Why would I, when I've got you?"
Tsunade beamed.
"You soloed a Jonin! And your Nara clan's secret techniques are... uh, sneaky. Sneak-attacking, backstabbing, binding—whatever!"
...I graduated yesterday, and you're already using me as your combat lead?
Shikadan's mouth twitched.
But she wasn't wrong.
The Nara clan's [Shadow Secret Technique] was tricky to defend against.
And paired with Shikadan's [Lacquer Eye]—which bypassed the hand seal delay entirely—it became almost unstoppable.
Even Jonin would be vulnerable if they let their guard down.
So... dealing with a Chunin?
Perfect sparring material to test his current strength.
"One last question—"
"Why do you have so many questions today? Ugh, fine. Ask."
"Today's the Ninja Academy's graduation and team placement. I don't need to be assigned, but I do have to report to the animal taming and rehab division."
"Nope. Not anymore."
"…Huh?"
"You haven't reported to the Medical Corps yet," Tsunade said, smug.
"And I'm the director of the Medical Corps!"
She tilted her chin up and jabbed a thumb at herself.
"Understand? You're now an intern under the medical director, a.k.a. me!"
"So follow your supervisor, little intern, and let's go catch spies~"
Inside Konoha Village
According to the intel Tsunade provided, the two soon arrived near their first target's hideout.
"My identity's too obvious," Tsunade said, patting Shikadan's shoulder like a superior officer. "If I walk around with you, it might compromise the operation—so I'll—"
"Transformation Jutsu."
"…Huh?"
"You can just use Transformation Jutsu to turn into someone my age," Shikadan said with a straight face.
"Two kids walking together won't raise suspicion."
You're kidding me?
She brought this B-rank mission to him, and now she wanted to slack off?
Not happening.
He hadn't even slacked off yet!
Tsunade locked eyes with him and... lost.
"Ahhh…"
Life wasn't easy for a fat sheep.
"Transformation Jutsu!"
A puff of smoke later...
The rich, bodacious older sister became a poor, flat-chested golden-haired loli.
Shikadan's heart was instantly cooled.
"Let's move."
He made a tactical hand gesture. "Little Tsunade" gave him a sullen look.
She instinctively tried to puff out her chest to show some authority—but her "authority" had disappeared with her curves.
For some reason, Tsunade felt like Shikadan's attitude had shifted the moment she shrank.
What a cold little Nara! I should've just run off!
Pouting, she reluctantly followed behind, her stubby legs hurrying to keep up.
A few minutes later.
Using the character profile sketch they'd received, Shikadan and loli-Tsunade quickly identified the Iwagakure spy nearby.
They acted like ordinary kids shopping and playing as they approached the target.
Just as they passed the spy—snap—their shadows intersected.
[Shadow Binding Technique]!
A dark glint flashed in Shikadan's eyes as he triggered the jutsu.
The Iwagakure spy—disguised as a civilian—was instantly immobilized, his limbs refusing to respond.
Why can't I move?! Has my cover been blown?
Trained Iwagakure spies had excellent mental fortitude.
The man quickly realized he wasn't being attacked—just immobilized.
I need to cause a panic and flee!
He opened his mouth and bellowed:
"Help! Help! Konoha ninja are attacking civilians!"
Shikadan flinched.
Damn it, the [Shadow Binding Technique] stops movement but not speech…
Amateur mistake, Tsunade sighed, palm to forehead.
She flickered forward. Her hand brushed the spy's neck with gentle force—but a flood of chakra surged into the man's nervous system.
His eyes rolled up, and he collapsed like a rag doll.
But it was too late.
The scream had already drawn attention.
A black-haired, red-eyed figure in a green vest rounded the corner—
The Uchiha Police Force had arrived.