Konoha, Training Ground 3.
Utaha reached into the ninja tool pouch on her belt, pulled out three shuriken in each hand, and flung them toward a wooden stake dozens of meters away.
Swish, swish, swish—
Five hit, one missed the target.
"How rare. Utaha actually missed."
Megumi, who had been practicing Ninjutsu nearby, walked over, her tone flat but with a hint of surprise.
Everyone knew that at the Ninja Academy, Utaha's shuriken scores were second only to Sasuke.
Utaha flicked her bangs, which were stuck to her forehead with sweat, and smiled slightly: "Maybe it's because... we're finally going into real combat. I'm a bit nervous."
This morning, Makoto had announced at the training ground: they were going to take on a C-rank mission to test the results of their training over this period.
Everyone who had studied at the Ninja Academy knew… C-rank missions were different from those errand-running, chore-doing D-rank missions.
There was a real possibility of having to fight.
Although the opponents were mostly thugs, or at worst third-rate scum like bandits or pirates, it was still genuine combat.
It would be a lie to say they weren't nervous.
Just then, Ran, who had been running with weights, also came over, shouting from afar: "Utaha! Megumi! Makoto-sensei said he got a mission and told us to return to the village!"
By the time the three girls arrived at the Hokage Building's entrance, Makoto was already waiting there.
Beside him stood a woman around twenty years old, with a cool temperament and striking looks.
"You are... Fujikaze Yukie!"
Utaha looked her over and blurted out.
Megumi and Ran recognized her too… Fujikaze Yukie, a famous movie star in the Ninja World.
Their few hobbies in this world included watching movies and reading books.
Facing three young girls with a hint of admiration in their eyes, Fujikaze Yukie remained aloof and indifferent.
Makoto explained: "The client for this mission is Fujikaze Yukie's film crew. They're going to the Land of Snow for location shooting. The current situation in the Land of Snow is chaotic, and we're responsible for protecting her."
Just then, a gaunt old man wearing round glasses beside Fujikaze Yukie gave a slight bow: "Sorry for the trouble."
His name was Asama Sandayu, Fujikaze Yukie's manager.
"Protecting a big star? Feels like something out of a novel."
Utaha grew interested.
"This mission will probably take about half a month. Go back and pack your things. Meet at the village entrance tomorrow morning."
"Yes!"
The three girls answered in unison and went off to prepare.
That evening, at Ran's house.
"Mom, Sonoko, I'm starting a mission outside the village tomorrow, so I won't be home for dinner for a few days."
Ran announced as she ate.
"Outside the village? Will there be danger?"
Sonoko looked worried. For the past four years, she had been living at Kisaki Eri's house.
"Don't worry, I'm pretty strong now."
Mouri Ran raised her arm and made a muscle-flexing pose.
But after doing the pose, she felt a bit conflicted inside.
Makoto was guiding her using Lee's template… specializing in Taijutsu.
She felt her body getting more and more toned, 'I wouldn't develop muscles, would I?'
Eri said: "We'll be fine at home. This is your first time leaving the village, so be careful."
"Mm-hmm."
Ran nodded obediently.
The three continued eating and chatting. Eri suddenly remembered something: "How are you getting along with your supervising teacher?"
The atmosphere instantly became delicate.
Even the outgoing Sonoko didn't know how to respond… of course she knew that her best friend's Jonin Instructor was Makoto, the person that in reality, Kudo Shinichi was investigating.
Ran was silent for a moment, then lowered her head.
"I don't think... Makoto-sensei is a bad person."
She paused, then added: "But... he's not exactly a kind-hearted person either."
Eri immediately responded: "Of course he isn't."
She had heard that the Sawanaga Taisuke Makoto killed was a rapist.
But even so, she didn't think Makoto was a good person.
If a small villain kills a big villain, does that make the small villain a good person?
Oh no, wait… Makoto was the big one, right?
Just the fact that he dared to kill someone in front of so many people showed that he was truly ruthless.
"Mom, I..."
Ran hesitated.
Eri smiled gently but seriously: "I don't have any other meaning, Ran. I just think he and that boy Shinichi won't get along. If you get caught in the middle later, it'll be very hard for you."
Hearing the name 'Shinichi', Ran fell silent again.
Eri sighed inwardly and said nothing more.
She wasn't worried that her daughter would have a change of heart. x Ran and Shinichi had grown up together since childhood… their bond was still quite strong.
She didn't like Shinichi because she thought he was a reckless, stubborn kid who wouldn't stop until he hit a wall.
Fortunately, the boy had a strong background. Even if something really happened, Kudo Yukiko and Kudo Yusaku could help clean up the mess.
But the problem was—
Would that background of his be effective against Makoto?
…
The next morning, at the Konoha Village's entrance.
Makoto arrived on time with Megumi, Utaha, and Ran.
The film crew had also assembled.
But there was a problem now… Fujikaze Yukie was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey! Sandayu! Where is she?"
The director shouted impatiently.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'll find her right away, right away—"
Sandayu was sweating profusely.
"No need."
Makoto suddenly spoke.
Under everyone's gaze, he vanished from the spot in an instant.
The crowd was stunned.
Ran blinked: "Body Flicker Technique?"
The next second, Makoto reappeared.
On his shoulder, he was carrying a person… it was the missing Fujikaze Yukie.
At that moment, Fujikaze Yukie's face was bright red, and she was hiccuping from time to time.
Clearly, she was completely drunk.
"Y-Yukie! How could you drink so much!"
Sandayu's face turned white with shock.
Fujikaze Yukie glanced at him but said nothing.
Makoto put her into the carriage. Before leaving, Fujikaze Yukie gave him a fierce glare.
"None of your business."
Makoto gave her a smile in return, then turned away.
Fujikaze Yukie, real name Kazahana Koyuki, was the princess of the Land of Snow.
As a Transmigrator, Makoto naturally knew this.
The reason she had disappeared was that she didn't want to return to the Land of Snow.
The Land of Snow was currently under the control of her uncle, Kazahana Doto. And Doto had killed her father, the former Daimyo of the Land of Snow, Kazahana Sosetsu, to seize power.
For Koyuki, that place was a land of heartbreak.
Of course she didn't want to go back. So after getting drunk yesterday, she had found some inn to hide in.
Unfortunately, she didn't know—
During their first meeting yesterday, Makoto had secretly left a Flying Thunder God's mark on her.
Specifically to guard against this move of hers.