Chapter 16: A Quiet Celebration
Ryota, still grinning, said, "I'm just saying, Hokage-sama—A-rank pay for our first real mission? That's gotta be some kind of record, right?"
Mikoto shot him a flat look. "Ryota, show some tact."
"Oh, come on, you're excited too! Admit it!"
Mikoto sighed but didn't deny it. Instead, she crossed her arms and let the smallest smile tug at her lips. "It is fortunate."
Kenshiro rubbed the bridge of his nose, though his expression was more amused than reprimanding. "Alright, alright, that's enough. You heard the Hokage—this mission is classified. Celebrate in silence."
Ryota coughed into his fist. "A silent celebration? That sounds—"
Kenshiro shot him a look.
"—incredibly wise and appropriate, sensei."
Kiyoshi exhaled, the excitement settling into something steadier. An A-rank mission. It was only now sinking in what that meant—not just the pay, but the recognition. The Leaf Village had many shinobi, and new genin were usually treated as disposable, not given real responsibility until they proved themselves. But this… this was different. They had already been tested, and they had come out standing.
He clenched his fists, not in frustration, but in anticipation.
Step by step. First, with or without the help of Gacha, learn everything within the safety of this village so he could survive on his own. Then…
His thoughts were interrupted as Hiruzen leaned forward slightly. The weight of his gaze returned, though it wasn't harsh—just measuring.
"You will have time to rest," the Hokage said, "but not forever. The world is shifting, and war never truly disappears. You three may find yourselves on the battlefield again sooner than you think."
The weight of that statement was enough to quiet Ryota's enthusiasm. Even Mikoto's small smile faded.
Kiyoshi met Hiruzen's gaze. The old man wasn't speaking idly—this was a warning, one laced with expectation.
And Kiyoshi understood.
They weren't just a lucky team that had been in the right place at the right time. They were seen now. And with recognition came responsibility.
"We'll be ready," Kenshiro said, his voice steady.
Hiruzen studied him for a moment before nodding. "See that you are."
He leaned back in his chair, looking older than he had a moment ago. "You're dismissed."
Kenshiro bowed. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
The three genin followed his lead, offering respectful bows before turning to leave.
As they stepped out of the Hokage Tower, the weight of the mission still lingering in the air, Ryota stretched his arms over his head. "Man, I don't know about you guys, but I'm starving. We should go celebrate with food!"
Mikoto sighed. "You just got warned about keeping a low profile."
"What?" Ryota grinned. "We can celebrate quietly. Besides, an A-rank mission means A-rank food. No more sad rice balls for us!"
Kiyoshi found himself chuckling slightly. Maybe he was getting too lost in his own thoughts. Taking things too seriously wouldn't help.
Kenshiro shook his head. "Fine. But eat quickly. You're getting a few days of rest, and then we're training. If you want to keep up with this new rank, you need to earn it."
Ryota groaned. "Man, can we at least enjoy this for one night?"
Kenshiro smirked. "Sure. One night."
The three genin exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
One night. Then, back to training.
Because they all knew—this was only the beginning.
The streets of Konoha bustled with their usual energy, lanterns flickering to life as the sun dipped below the horizon. Vendors called out their evening specials, the air rich with the scent of grilled meat, simmering broths, and freshly steamed dumplings.
Kiyoshi, Ryota, and Mikoto strolled behind Kenshiro, their bodies still sore from the mission but their spirits noticeably lighter.
Ryota stretched, cracking his neck with an exaggerated groan. "Man, a few more A-rank missions and we'll be able to afford a feast every night."
Mikoto rolled her eyes. "You sound like you're in this for the food."
"I am in this for the food. And also for the honor and duty and whatever." He waved a hand dismissively. "But mostly the food."
Kiyoshi smirked slightly at their back-and-forth but kept quiet, his gaze flickering over the different food stalls. He'd only been in this world for a short time, and while he was still adjusting, he had to admit—Konoha had a warmth to it. A safety net, at least for now.
Kenshiro stopped in front of a modest but well-known izakaya-style restaurant, where shinobi often gathered after missions. "This will do."
Ryota's eyes gleamed. "Oh, we're going proper restaurant-style tonight? Sensei, you do love us."
Kenshiro gave him a flat look. "Don't push it."
They stepped inside, greeted by the scent of grilled skewers and miso. The owner, an older man with a scar running down his left cheek, looked up from behind the counter and gave Kenshiro a nod. "Kenshiro. It's been a while."
The jonin nodded back. "Got a team now."
The owner glanced at the three genin and gave a knowing chuckle. "First real mission, huh?"
Ryota grinned. "And an A-rank one at that."
Kenshiro sighed but didn't bother correcting him. The owner merely raised a brow. "A-rank, huh? Either you kids are talented, or the village is running out of capable shinobi."
Mikoto frowned. "It's classified."
That only made the owner chuckle again. "Don't worry, I know how it works." He motioned for them to take a table. "Go on, sit. I'll get you something good."
They slid into their seats, the tension of the mission finally giving way to a more relaxed atmosphere. Plates of grilled meat, rice, and vegetables arrived shortly after, along with a pot of hot tea.
Ryota practically drooled. "Now this is how you celebrate surviving."
Kiyoshi picked up his chopsticks, taking a moment to absorb everything. The flickering lanterns, the sound of distant laughter, the warmth of a meal shared after a dangerous mission.
It felt… real.
Mikoto took a bite of her skewer before glancing at Kenshiro. "Sensei… did your first mission feel like this?"
Kenshiro took a sip of tea, considering his answer. "No."
Ryota blinked. "Wow. No hesitation."
Kenshiro smirked. "We didn't get to celebrate. My jonin sensei threw us into training immediately after."
Mikoto sighed. "I suppose that's what we have to look forward to, then."
"You're already getting a few days of rest," Kenshiro pointed out. "That's more than I ever got."
Kiyoshi listened quietly. He could feel the camaraderie settling in, the unspoken bond that came from fighting together, surviving together. Even Ryota, with all his jokes, had a sharper edge now—he understood, even if he masked it with humor.
This world… it wasn't easy. But moments like this? They were worth holding onto.
Ryota leaned back with a content sigh. "So… do we just enjoy the food, or should we make dramatic speeches about how this is the start of our legendary journey?"
Mikoto shook her head. "Just eat, Ryota."
Kiyoshi chuckled, taking another bite.
Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't such a bad place to be.