The next morning, at seven o'clock, the sun had not fully risen, yet its golden light bathed all of Konoha. A crisp morning breeze swept through the village gates, where a crowd had already gathered—Uchiha Ran's team, the Eighth Squad under Shinku Yuhi, was assembled.
When Ran arrived, he first greeted his team leader, the jonin Shinku Yuhi, as well as his two teammates, Inuzuka Tsubaki and Doumu Shinno. They exchanged quick reports on their training from the previous night, offering each other encouragement and friendly rivalry.
Noticing that the merchant caravan had not yet arrived, Ran strolled over to the gate and struck up a conversation with the two guard shinobi stationed there.
At that moment, the on-duty gatekeepers were Kanetsugu Kō and Kamizuki Shifu.
As they chatted, Ran found himself talking with them about their children. Kanetsugu and Kamizuki proudly shared how their sons had recently entered the ninja academy, filling their family with joy those past few days.
"Your children, are they…?" Ran asked, curiosity edging his voice.
"Kamizuki Izumo and Kanetsugu Tetsu," they replied, beaming with pride. Their talents were apparent even to their fathers, who could sense that these children's abilities might surpass their own.
"Such strong, reliable names… They're destined to become exceptional ninja one day," Ran remarked with a smile.
"Thank you for your blessing, Ran-san!" they said in unison.
Time passed, and at last the merchant caravan appeared. Konoha's main gates opened wide, and the heavy sound of wagon wheels announced its departure. Shinku Yuhi led the Eighth Squad forward to meet the caravan.
Standing tall in the sunlight, Shinku Yuhi's sharp eyes scanned the approaching wagons. Clad in his green jonin vest, he exuded authority and focus. Seeing the caravan, he guided his three students forward.
"Greetings. I am Shinku Yuhi, jonin of Konoha. These are my three students: Uchiha Ran, Inuzuka Tsubaki, and Doumu Shinno," Shinku introduced to the caravan owner, clarifying who would be responsible for the escort mission.
Introducing his students helped build trust with the client—some employers even preferred certain ninja for their missions.
"Jonin Shinku Yuhi, and esteemed young ninja, greetings. I am Maeda Shinno," the merchant replied with a modest tone. "I merely transport Konoha's specialties to the Land of Fire, yet fortune smiles upon me to have a jonin and such talented young ninja handling this task."
Shinno understood the village's traditions: when a new squad formed, jonin would often bring students on low-level missions for experience. Clearly, hiring a jonin for this simple C-rank escort mission was a major boon.
Escort missions of this rank offered moderate rewards. Typically, a caravan journey from Konoha took over ten days, but C-rank missions rarely involved encounters with hostile ninja, making them suitable for genin.
Since this was Ran's first real mission, Yuhi decided it was wise to begin with a C-rank task, despite Ran's considerable skill.
"All right, Maeda-san. If the caravan is ready, let's depart," Yuhi said decisively.
Hearing the cue, Maeda called out to his caravan, "Let's move! Departure!"
The squad set off, leaving the village behind in a steady procession.
For a typical escort mission, one or two genin would suffice, yet four ninja were deployed this time. Shinku Yuhi, Doumu, and Tsubaki rode atop the cargo of the wagons, while Ran rode at the front, mounted on a horse provided by the caravan.
It was almost unimaginable that in this world, even with advanced technology in places like the Land of Snow, transportation elsewhere still relied primarily on horses.
Maeda, clearly a talkative man, rode up to Ran, beginning a conversation as they led the caravan.
"Remarkable! I heard from Jonin Yuhi that you're a promising young Uchiha!"
"Really? Ran-san hasn't awakened his Sharingan yet?"
"Whoa… the Sharingan is that useful?!"
"Our ancestors had it too, though our family fortune has declined. Still, we're considered minor nobles in the Land of Fire."
"Haha! Well, this mission is just transporting Konoha specialties for sale in the Land of Fire. You know, Konoha tea is famous—only a place like Konoha can produce it!"
"You must know, Ran-san, escort missions have become increasingly dangerous. Several recent missions have encountered thieves. Without ninja protection, losses would've been heavy!"
Since boarding the horse, Maeda hardly stopped talking. Beyond inquiring about Ran's background and the Uchiha's Sharingan, he shared stories of the Land of Fire's customs and its people—noble and common alike.
"Ever considered becoming a personal ninja, Ran-san? The Land of Fire has bustling entertainment districts, and many wandering ninja work for the wealthy!" Maeda chuckled loudly.
Ran remained patient, answering calmly. "Maeda-san, Konoha is wonderful. I have no desire to leave. Besides… I'm an Uchiha."
"Haha! You don't act like one! I once had an escort mission with a lower-rank Uchiha… what a story that was."
Maeda laughed, rubbing his neck as if remembering the past. "That Uchiha put a kunai right at my throat. I even debated whether to call him 'father' or 'grandfather' just to beg for mercy! Such a rascal."
"That's extreme!" Ran commented, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Indeed! I thought all Uchiha were like that! So arrogant, they don't realize who's the client, who holds the money!"
Ran chuckled, shaking his head. "All right, Maeda-san, let's leave it at that. You're speaking to a proper Uchiha now—such words are not fitting. And though you have wealth, ninja control the weapons here."
Maeda froze, eyes wide. "Should I apologize to those ninja now, Ran-san?!"