Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In early December, some unpleasant noises emerged in the village.

Last month, both teams of genin were killed, and the chunin and jonin leading the teams also died in the line of duty, which ultimately sparked discontent among several families.

This situation hasn't occurred for a long time since the end of the Second Shinobi World War.

"Konoha ninjas must be prepared to sacrifice themselves for the village at any time!"

Although ninja academies don't write this sentence in textbooks, most ninjas "tool-like" themselves after becoming genin.

Given this situation, although there were complaints, they didn't receive much attention initially, since sacrificing oneself for a mission is a normal thing.

It wasn't until a Jonin argued with his companion in a tavern that some information began to circulate in a limited circle:

"High-level mission assignments may decline next year."

For students at the Ninja Academy and genin, high-level missions are simply out of the question; chunin mostly take on B-rank missions.

The situation is different for Jonin. A-rank missions can earn up to 100 million ryo, and S-rank missions can even start at 100 million ryo.

Although not everyone gets these assignments, some ninjas in the Jonin class still complained a bit when they heard that there were fewer high-level missions.

The ones who complained the most were the Jonin who came from commoner backgrounds; they were naturally unhappy because there was less "meat".

...

In the medical lab, Osamu Furukawa was still collecting data. The amount of "essence" injected would cause the herbs to mutate to varying degrees.

Some were positive, but many more were ineffective. To this, Osamu Furukawa could only collect samples and experiment continuously.

Fortunately, the land of fire is fertile, and with the support of the village, the laboratory has a very comprehensive range of herbs.

When Tsunade appeared wearing a green Jonin vest, she smiled again upon seeing Osamu Furukawa working diligently.

"Since you've been working so hard, how about we go out for curry rice for lunch?"

Noticing Tsunade's attire—a ninja headband and a green vest—Furukawa Osamu asked curiously:

"It's rare to see the teacher dressed like this lately, are we going on a mission?"

"The old man called a meeting with the Jonin team. It's related to Sakumo's previous mission, but there's nothing wrong with it."

"As a genin, you don't need to worry about these things. That's the 'White Fang of Konoha.' Sakumo can handle everything."

Tsunade rarely showed a look of respect. In her opinion, her teacher was being overly nervous, and the failure of the mission would not shake the foundation of the village.

According to her understanding, although Daming said he would reduce the number of commissions, he actually increased the budget expenditure for next year, which is enough to show that he is very pragmatic.

"A problem with the commission? That's a real hassle. I've heard some rumors."

Furukawa Osamu put on his coat and scarf. Tsunade didn't answer the question directly, but instead took off her headband and glared at him, saying:

"Children don't need to care about these things!"

"Ninjas are ambitious people who manipulate daimyo to dominate the world. You should have seen some of the books left by your grandfather and the others."

Since being formally accepted as a disciple, Tsunade has opened up her family's collection, much of which can help Osamu Furukawa further understand this world.

He sensed that Tsunade didn't respect the daimyo, but Furukawa Osamu was still somewhat uneasy; secondhand information was unlikely to reveal the truth.

"I'm going to find Kakashi this afternoon to practice my swordsmanship..."

"Sensitive little brat!"

Tsunade agreed after complaining, but then became annoyed when she heard Furukawa Osamu's suggestion.

"Teacher, the new technique seems to be the First Hokage's own ability. Many parts are not perfect, only the sealing techniques involved are the most complete."

"Is it a technique from the Uzumaki clan? I've seen some of it in the Second Hokage's manuscripts."

"Maintaining bodily functions seems to waste some chakra; perhaps we should consider abandoning this part of the technique to reduce its difficulty..."

Tsunade, who was anxious about her age, couldn't stand to hear this and immediately turned around, flicking her forehead to interrupt:

"Stop arguing! Only children make choices; I want all the benefits!"

-

Having worked hard all year, Sakumo Hatake finally got a vacation and paid no attention to the recent rumors.

Watching the two figures locked in combat, Hatake Sakumo was extremely satisfied; only through hard work could geniuses achieve even greater success.

When Kakashi, whose physical strength had reached its limit, swung his short sword again, he leaned forward and noticed that his opponent had lowered his body. He quickly put his left arm under his chest.

"Bang..."

Kakashi, who was kicked into the air, stared wide-eyed as he saw Furukawa Osamu, who was curled up in the air and spinning while swinging his sword. He blocked the attack several times, but eventually, exhausted, he was slammed to the ground.

"Huff...huff..."

Gasping for breath, Kakashi couldn't get up immediately. Furukawa Osamu, who had caught up, sheathed his short sword and then exclaimed in admiration:

"You've improved again, Kakashi. Every time, I can only counterattack at the last minute."

"Sakumo-sensei is right. At this age, there's no need to worry about chakra levels."

While both possess excellent control abilities, Kakashi's gradually increasing chakra reserves couldn't match Furukawa Osamu's. Knowing this was a difference in talent, he still couldn't help but complain:

"You can always land a final blow, but I can't defeat you in the shortest amount of time."

"This isn't just a matter of chakra..."

Kakashi couldn't understand why Furukawa Osamu's perception, reaction, chakra, and physical abilities had improved so quickly. He had never let his guard down, yet he was still suppressed by the opponent's weaknesses.

"While you were working hard, Xiu never relaxed his demands on himself."

"It seems that Lady Tsunade is being modest. To be able to take on medical work at this age, her use of chakra is already close to that of a Jonin."

Sakumo Hatake smiled and patted his son on the shoulder, then casually told Kakashi about the results of Osamu Furukawa's hard work during this period.

Thinking of the medical ninjutsu he used to treat Might Guy, Kakashi nodded seriously, then looked at his father, hesitated for a moment, and asked in a low voice:

"Dad, why don't you explain things to those people? The mission failed, and the intelligence department also has problems."

"Those who received help not only didn't appreciate it, but instead complained about you."

Just as Sakumo Hatake helped Ichiro Furukawa after his sacrifice, Konoha's White Fang also provided some care for the families of the fallen genin.

Seemingly sensing that Furukawa Osamu also had something to say, Hatake Sakumo looked at the two of them with a gentle smile and responded simply:

"I was indeed influenced by intelligence at the time, but saving my comrade was my choice."

"I have experienced war and witnessed too much death. What I want to tell you is that ninjas are not tools, and that is why the village has been able to continue to grow stronger."

"..."

Kakashi silently lowered his head as his father spoke of the Will of Fire. Nara Shikaku had said the same thing when he was captain.

Furukawa Shuuya remained silent. He had never experienced war, regardless of the world he lived in. Now, as a mere genin, he was powerless to refute, and could only sigh inwardly.

"What happens if 'comrades' define themselves as 'tools' and start blaming the saviors?"

"..."