The Third Hokage flipped through the mission forms on his desk.
"There are still a few D-rank missions. Finding cats, weeding, picking up trash..." He lifted his head and looked at the four people in front of him. "Are you familiar with the mission process now?"
"We're familiar. First, take the mission, then go do it, then come back and report it." Shin-chan counted on his fingers. "Then get paid and buy chocolate sticks."
The Third Hokage was amused by him. He placed the D-rank mission form back and pulled out a new one from beneath it.
"Then try a C-rank mission."
Maruboshi Kosuke's narrowed eyes suddenly opened. "Lord Third."
"Mm?"
"They've only done two D-rank missions."
"I know."
"Isn't it too soon for them to do a C-rank now?"
"Too soon?" The Third Hokage picked up his pipe, then set it down again. "Kosuke, you've spent a few days with them too. Do you think they're ordinary children?"
Maruboshi Kosuke said nothing.
"They are geniuses among geniuses. There is no need to waste their time with more D-rank missions."
Maruboshi Kosuke was silent for a while, then nodded. "I understand."
The Third Hokage pushed the mission form over. "Escort a merchant to the Land of Hot Water. There may be bandits on the road, but there shouldn't be any major threats."
Maruboshi Kosuke took the mission form, read it once, folded it, and placed it inside his robes. "When do we leave?"
"The client is already waiting at the village entrance. Go home and pack your things. Gather at the village gate in one hour."
"Yes." Maruboshi Kosuke led the three children out.
In the corridor...
"Mr. Kosuke." Uchiha Toru caught up to him. "On a C-rank mission, does that mean we might encounter enemies?"
Maruboshi Kosuke nodded. "For missions C-rank and above, there is a possibility of combat."
Uchiha Toru nodded, though no one knew what he was thinking.
Maruboshi Kosuke turned and looked at the three children. "Go home and pack your things. Check your ninja tool pouches. Don't bring useless items. Gather at the village gate in one hour. Don't be late."
"Okay!" Shin-chan turned and ran off, Shiro following at his feet, tail wagging quickly.
In the Hokage's office...
The Third Hokage walked to the window and watched the three small figures run out of the Hokage Tower and disappear into the street.
He raised his hand and made a gesture.
Two black shadows appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee.
"Follow them," the Third Hokage said. "Do not interfere. Do not be discovered. If they encounter danger, protect the children first."
"Yes."
The shadows disappeared as if they had never been there.
At Shin-chan's house...
Shin-chan pushed open the door and ran into the living room.
Misae was curled up on the sofa, one hand resting on her belly, eyes closed.
Shin-chan ran to the side of the sofa, lay down, and leaned close to her face. "Mom, I'm going on a mission."
Misae opened her eyes a crack. It took several seconds before she came back to herself. "What?"
"A C-rank mission," Shin-chan said. "Grandpa Third gave it to us. We're escorting a merchant to the Land of Hot Water."
Misae sat up. "C-rank? Wasn't it D-rank?"
"Grandpa Third said D-rank missions are a waste of time, so he's letting us do a C-rank."
Misae looked at him, then pushed herself up from the sofa. "I'll help you pack."
"I can do it myself."
"You?" Misae glanced at him. "Do you know what to bring?"
Shin-chan thought about it. "Chocolate sticks."
"And?"
"...Chocolate sticks."
Misae sighed, walked into the bedroom, took a backpack from the cabinet, and began stuffing things inside.
A change of clothes. A towel and toothbrush for washing up. A coat in case it got cold at night. A raincoat in case it rained. Bandages and ointment in case he got hurt.
Shin-chan stood beside her, watching as she stuffed things into the bag. "Mom, that's a lot."
"It's not a lot." Misae stuffed in another pair of socks. "When you're away from home, you have to prepare everything."
Misae zipped it shut. The backpack was already bulging like a little mountain.
"There."
Shin-chan looked at the bag, then at Misae. "Mom, this bag is bigger than me."
"That's because you're too small."
Shin-chan sighed and put the backpack on. The bag was too heavy, and he staggered forward two steps, nearly falling flat.
Misae quickly caught him. "Too heavy? Should I take some things out?"
Shin-chan didn't say anything. He took two steps, the bag swaying back and forth on his back like he was carrying a mountain.
Seeing him like that, Misae opened the bag and took out some things she thought were less important.
"There." Misae handed him the now slightly smaller backpack. "If I take out any more, there'll be nothing left."
"Mom, I'm leaving..." Shin-chan put the backpack on. It was still a little heavy, and even talking sounded a bit difficult.
Misae looked at him, and her eyes suddenly turned red. "Be careful on the road."
"Mm."
"Listen to Mr. Kosuke."
"Mm."
"Don't run around."
"Mm."
"Don't talk to strangers."
"Mm."
"Don't eat food strangers give you."
"Mm."
"Don't go with strangers—"
"Mom." Shin-chan cut her off. "You already said that."
Misae wiped her eyes. "Did I?"
"You did."
Misae reached out and adjusted the straps of Shin-chan's backpack. "Come back soon."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Misae went to open the door and found Uchiha Toru standing outside, holding a small bundle.
"Hello, Auntie."
"Toru, you're here."
Uchiha Toru walked into the house and froze when he saw Shin-chan carrying a backpack larger than himself.
"Toru, my mom packed this for me." Shin-chan took a step forward, but failed to keep his balance and plopped down on his butt.
Uchiha Toru was silent for two seconds. "One change of clothes is enough."
Misae stood to the side, looking a little embarrassed. "Well... I was afraid he wouldn't have enough..."
Uchiha Toru reorganized the contents of the bundle, leaving only one set of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a short sword.
"That's enough." He tied the bundle back up and lifted it. It was much lighter now.
Misae watched from the side, still worried. "Isn't that too little? On the road, he might..."
"Mr. Kosuke said not to bring unnecessary things." Uchiha Toru took another small pouch from his robes and handed it to Shin-chan. "This is for you."
Shin-chan took it and looked inside. There were shuriken, kunai, steel wire, and a small roll of bandages.
"A ninja tool pouch," Uchiha Toru said. "I prepared an extra one."
Shin-chan tied the tool pouch to his waist and patted it. "Do I look cool?"
"Cool," Uchiha Toru said with a nod.
Shin-chan turned and ran to Misae. "Mom, look!"
Misae looked at his proud expression and smiled too. "It looks good."
"Then I'm leaving."
"Wait." Misae held him back, straightened his collar, then stroked his head. "Be careful."
"I know." Shin-chan left with Shiro.
Misae stood at the door, watching that small red figure disappear around the street corner.
She stood there for a long time, then slowly walked back into the house, sat on the sofa, and stared blankly at the doorway.