446. S-Rank Mission

While the entire shinobi world was focused on the newly revolutionized nations of the Land of Rain, the Land of Rivers, and the Land of Grass, Danzō shifted his attention to another direction—the Land of the Sky.

This was a nation defeated by Konoha during the Second Shinobi World War.

However, as a transmigrator, Danzō knew they hadn't been completely wiped out.

Instead, they had hidden in a remote corner, recuperating and developing advanced technologies far beyond the current era, such as aerial fortresses and the Zero-Tails.


Naturally, Danzō, who was eager to advance Konoha's technological capabilities, couldn't let this opportunity slip by.

After all, while airships could achieve flight, they still had significant limitations.

For example, they lacked rapid mobility, couldn't conduct large-scale attacks, and were easily affected by weather conditions.

If Konoha could acquire the Land of the Sky's aerial fortress and thoroughly study its principles, it would undoubtedly provide a massive boost to Konoha's technological development.

Fortunately, after extensive searches by the Anbu, they finally uncovered some traces of the Land of the Sky.

"According to our intelligence, a man suspected to be the leader of the Land of the Sky's remnants is currently operating in the Land of Earth under the alias 'Shinnō,' posing as a doctor," Kakashi reported during his briefing.

Although Kakashi didn't understand why the ever-busy Danzō was interested in a small, defeated nation, he firmly believed that Danzō had his reasons.

Therefore, he had gone to great lengths to track down this man known as Shinnō.

"Should we capture him?" Kakashi asked.

Even though it was in the Land of Earth's territory, it wouldn't be difficult for Konoha's Anbu to apprehend someone, especially if the target wasn't particularly strong.

To this, Danzō smiled and said, "Kakashi, don't be fooled by appearances. This man possesses a power comparable to that of a tailed beast."

This statement surprised Kakashi.

As a jinchūriki, he was well aware of the immense power of tailed beasts.

If the target truly wielded a force equivalent to a tailed beast, then they couldn't afford to take this lightly.

"I want you to handle this mission personally. Take Team Kabuto and Team Kimimaro with you. The mission rank will be... S-rank."

Danzō's words immediately made Kakashi serious.

He adjusted his mask and frowned, asking, "Isn't it a bit too early to send those six kids on an S-rank mission?"

After all, S-rank missions were tasks that even jōnin might struggle to complete.

Such a rating was typically reserved for missions involving legendary shinobi.

While Kabuto and the others had performed exceptionally well during the Chunin Exams, they were still only chūnin.

Despite their prodigious talents, sending them on an S-rank mission now seemed like forcing them to grow too quickly.

Of course, Kakashi was also reluctant to babysit six kids during a mission, even if they were Danzō's students.

He didn't believe all of Danzō's students were geniuses like Shisui.

However, this time, Danzō ignored Kakashi's reservations.

He patted Kakashi on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Consider it a favor to me. Let those kids gain some experience. And if anything goes wrong, well, that's what you're here for, Kakashi!"

Danzō's tone exuded confidence in Kakashi.

After all, the current Kakashi was no longer the "50-50" fighter from the original story.

As a jinchūriki who had gradually mastered his tailed beast's power, Kakashi's chakra limitations had been greatly alleviated.

His control over the Sharingan had also become more refined, and it wouldn't be long before he could awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan on his own.

Under these circumstances, Kakashi should be more than capable of handling any unexpected situations.

Seeing that Danzō had made up his mind, Kakashi could only scratch his head in resignation.


"Alright, but next time you have a mission like this involving newbies, please consider assigning it to Shisui."

Despite his grumbling, Kakashi dutifully took the mission intel and began analyzing and preparing for it.

After all, it was an S-rank mission, and he was responsible for six kids. He figured it was worth taking seriously.

---

Meanwhile, Kabuto and the others from the two teams had also received their mission notification.

"Yay, it's an S-rank mission!" Chino, the youngest of the group, cheered upon seeing the mission rank.

In contrast, Kabuto wasn't as optimistic.

He adjusted his glasses and calmly said, "S-rank is the highest mission classification in Konoha, and it also has the highest mortality rate. These missions are typically handled by elite jōnin and involve threats ranging from high-level jōnin to Kage-level opponents. This isn't the Chunin Exams or some training exercise. One wrong move, and we could die."

"Moreover, this mission takes place in the Land of Earth, which is currently in a state of chaos. That will undoubtedly complicate our mission. Additionally, our team leader is Hatake Kakashi, the head of the Anbu. I don't think I need to elaborate on how dangerous this mission is."

Kabuto's cold tone dampened Chino's excitement, and the others also grew serious.

At that moment, a lazy voice suddenly sounded beside them.

"Ara ara... Kabuto-kun is right. This mission is extremely important, even pivotal to Konoha's future. So, I hope you all can cooperate and give it your best."

Hearing this, everyone looked up to see a figure perched on a nearby utility pole. The man had white hair, wore Konoha's standard flak jacket, and had a mask covering his face.


His forehead protector was tilted to the side, giving off a vibe of laziness and lack of energy—like someone who had read too much of Jiraiya's *Make-Out Paradise*.

Fortunately, Kakashi didn't seem to mind their odd looks.

He casually adjusted his forehead protector and tossed a scroll down to them.

"This is the detailed mission intel. Pack your gear and supplies. We'll meet at the train station tomorrow morning at six sharp."

After delivering his instructions with military precision, Kakashi disappeared with a Body Flicker Technique, leaving the six of them standing there in a daze.

"Was that... Senior Kakashi?" Haku asked, looking somewhat stunned. The Copy Ninja he had imagined didn't quite match the man they had just seen.

Chino, however, shrugged and said nonchalantly, "That's just how Kakashi is. I heard from sensei that he really likes Lord Jiraiya's *Make-Out Paradise*..."