Tenten smiled happily, taking the initiative to explain:

"It was Natsuki who recommended me to Tsunade-sama. She just approved it."

"Come to think of it, that is how the process works," Neji added. "For a Chūnin to be promoted to Jōnin, they need the recommendation of another Jōnin. Guy-sensei mentioned that after the Chūnin Exams, he planned to recommend me for Jōnin promotion."

Sasuke said as well:

"Kakashi-sensei told me he would recommend me too."

Shino added:

"Kurenai-sensei will recommend me."

At this, the friends who were still Genin all froze, feeling the cruel reality of the village.

They were still Genin while these few had already become Chūnin, and now they were on the verge of becoming Jōnin. It felt absurd.

If they didn't pass the upcoming Chūnin Exams, the gap would become Genin versus Jōnin.

How could they remain friends like that!?

Naruto, not fully understanding, asked:

"So, to become a Jōnin, all you need is a recommendation from another Jōnin?"

Natsuki shook his head:

"It's not that simple. A recommendation is only part of it. First, your strength must be sufficient. Second, your achievements or contributions must be significant enough to gain the Hokage's approval. For example, the reason I was promoted directly to Jōnin wasn't just because of my strength. During the Chūnin Exams, I made significant contributions and earned widespread recognition."

Tenten nodded in agreement:

"Exactly. During the Chūnin Exams, I also contributed, but it wasn't enough. So after becoming a Chūnin, I worked hard on missions to build my experience. Combined with my strength, Tsunade-sama finally approved it."

So that's how it worked!

Everyone nodded in sudden realization.

Naruto, still looking puzzled, turned to Shikamaru:

"Huh? Shouldn't you have a chance to be promoted to Jōnin too, Shikamaru? Why haven't you said anything, dattebayo?"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes:

"You think becoming a Jōnin is a good thing? Being Jōnin means taking on greater responsibilities, doing more dangerous and troublesome tasks. I don't want that. But Asuma and my dad will probably recommend me behind my back. Troublesome…"

Listen to him! Is that even human language?

Everyone else was struggling just to become Chūnin, and here he was disdaining a Jōnin promotion?

Throw him out and don't let him eat any barbecue!

The group continued chatting and laughing, making it a successful celebration.

However, the next day, Natsuki was called to the Hokage's office again because there was another S-rank mission for him.

Tsunade-sama truly favored him. In less than a year as Jōnin, he hadn't been given many B or A-rank missions. Almost all were S-rank. Counting them, this was already his fifth S-rank mission.

Natsuki accepted the scroll and opened it, speechless after reading.

Of course, it was related to the Akatsuki again.

No surprise. The Akatsuki had been classified as terrorists threatening national security after trying to capture the jinchūriki in Konoha. They were a terrorist organization aiming for nuclear-level plans, so caution was paramount.

Thus, any mission involving the Akatsuki was automatically classified as S-rank.

Tsunade explained:

"Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand have reappeared. Intelligence says they've started taking bounty missions."

Natsuki narrowed his eyes:

"Those two doing bounty missions? I guess with Kakuzu dead and Akatsuki's funds running low, they're having other members earn money now?"

Tsunade nodded:

"That's what I think as well. However, this duo isn't as dangerous as the Immortal Duo, so we won't engage them for now. You already gathered their intel before. This time, your task is to locate Akatsuki's main base."

Akatsuki's main base? Isn't it in the Land of Rain?

Oh right, Konoha didn't know that yet. None of the other major villages did either.

So this was basically a freebie question.

Natsuki nodded seriously:

"Understood. I will track them until I determine the exact location of their headquarters."

With that, he disappeared, returning home to inform Tenten he'd be on a long-term mission. Then he prepared his gear and left the village.

This time, Deidara and Sasori had been spotted near a bounty station in the Land of Earth. It was impressive that Konoha's ANBU discovered them there. But the Land of Earth was Iwagakure's territory, and Iwa-nin were like Kumo-nin – not fond of diplomacy. Best not to be discovered by them to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Natsuki rode on a giant eagle, spending two days crossing the Fire Country border, flying over the Land of Grass, and arriving in the Land of Earth.

Upon arrival, he disguised himself according to local clothing customs, pretending to be an ordinary traveler. He paid to join a merchant caravan, getting close to the bounty station from the intel.

Then, he stayed in the area, pretending to be sightseeing.

In truth, Natsuki was curious. Deidara actually dared to come to the Land of Earth to take black market bounty missions? Was he eager for his teacher Ōnoki and his kouhai Kurotsuchi to find him?

Deidara really was crazy. All for his so-called art, he let Uchiha Itachi rope him into Akatsuki.

Why couldn't he just stay safely in Iwagakure?

If Natsuki were Deidara, he'd obediently stay as Ōnoki's disciple, marry long-legged Kurotsuchi when he grew up, and then eventually become Tsuchikage. Life would be perfect.

But Deidara wasn't like that!

Tsuchikage? Kurotsuchi as his wife? None of that mattered compared to art!

Thinking of Deidara like this, Natsuki couldn't help but laugh. But just as he was lost in thought, he saw a pair of long legs enter his vision.

Short black hair, long legs – it was Kurotsuchi walking into view.

She was accompanied by a chubby boy who, judging by his outfit, was her senior, Akatsuchi.

At this time, Kurotsuchi was only around fourteen, roughly the same age as Natsuki. Her looks had already matured beautifully. Paired with her short hair, she looked heroic and refreshing.

Especially those beautiful long legs. Even at this age, they were already impressively shapely. In a few more years, they would become divine legs!

However, Kurotsuchi didn't notice Natsuki. She and Akatsuchi were scanning the area, obviously searching for Deidara. It seemed Iwagakure had learned that Deidara was taking bounty missions in the Land of Earth.

This little girl was brave indeed, daring to leave the village with only Akatsuchi. Wasn't she worried about being kidnapped?

After all, she was Ōnoki's granddaughter. Worth quite a fortune.

At that moment, Kurotsuchi walked up to Natsuki, politely asking:

"Hello, uncle. Have you seen a blond man with a single ponytail?"

Disguised as an uncle, Natsuki shook his head decisively:

"I haven't seen him."

Akatsuchi stared at Natsuki suspiciously:

"You look unfamiliar, uncle. Where are you from? When did you arrive here?"

Natsuki remained perfectly calm, smiling as he replied:

"I'm a tourist from the Land of Fire. I only arrived here a few days ago."

(End of Chapter)

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