Chapter 212: Mission Failed
Shinba arrived near the Memorial Stone in Konoha.
Behind the Memorial Stone, he found a tombstone bearing Shinma's name.
"Brother, Lord Sakumo recommended me for promotion to Jonin. You were so strict with me when we were growing up. Who would have thought you'd only be a Chunin when you died, while I'm about to become a Jonin. I'll be just as strict with your two kids. I hope they turn out stronger than both of us."
Shinba looked at Shinma's photo, laid down a bouquet of flowers, and left the Memorial Stone.
He had received a village mission to scout for enemy activity at Mount Kikyo, a fortress stronghold on the border of the Land of Fire.
The Mount Kikyo fortress was the most remote stronghold in the Land of Fire, sitting right on the border of the Land of Rivers.
Shinba arrived at the village gates and spotted the three squad members assigned to him for this mission.
"Let's move out. We'll make it a quick round trip."
Although his jonin assessment wouldn't be canceled just because he was out on a mission—it would automatically be delayed—he still wanted to make the very first wave of assessments, Shinba thought to himself.