Jonin and Teammates

In a dark underground cave somewhere in the Shinobi World, it was pitch black, with only light filtering through the cracks in the rocks.

In the dim light, a strangely shaped giant stone statue could be vaguely seen standing there, with a hunched human figure below it.

At that moment, a strange white figure appeared from the side.

"Lord Madara, the news is confirmed. The Third Kazekage has disappeared within the village, but no one can be found out who did it. Currently, Sunagakure is divided into several factions, and the higher-ups are in a state of chaos." The voice was strange, and others might not be able to tell if it was male or female.

"Really? What a surprise. This is what they call the Shadow of a Village? How laughable." A hoarse yet authoritative voice came from beneath the stone statue. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be an old man with gray hair.

He opened his eyes, and a Sharingan with Three-Tomoe appeared in them. The air around him seemed to freeze with his movements. His body, which looked like it could be blown away by a gust of wind, now exuded a lion-like sense of oppression.

"Any other news? Hasn't that little girl named Chiyo from Sunagakure shown up yet?"

"Yes, but recently an unexpected situation has arisen." The white-haired strange man continued his report, "Her grandson, Sasori of the Red Sands, left the village without any orders, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the Sunagakure leadership's delay in distributing resources to the Puppet Squad. As a result, Chiyo has been criticized by many Sunagakure leaders, so Sunagakure is currently in a rather chaotic state."

"Hahaha..." Laughter echoed through the cave. "Hashirama, do you see Hashirama? This is the ninja village system you created. This is a Ninja World filled with greed, hatred, and endless desires. Only the Infinite Tsukuyomi is the only way to save the world."

After the laughter subsided, the old man continued, "I originally thought I'd have to wait a few more years, but I didn't expect an accident to happen so quickly. This is exactly what I wanted; it's necessary to take this opportunity to weaken the power of the Five Great Villages."

"First, leak this news, make sure everyone knows. Then, use Sunagakure's Dark Operatives to stir up rumors that the Third Kazekage was assassinated by Konoha. I want to see what those people in Sunagakure will do."

"Yes, Lord Madara." After receiving the order, the White Monster disappeared into the plants beside the rocks.

It was only the Konoha Year 47's history when a piece of news that shook the Shinobi World spread: the Third Kazekage had disappeared from his own village and there had been no news of him for several months. And the Kazekage in question was an imposter.

The news caused an uproar in all countries and villages. Whether it was a small country surrounding Sunagakure or a country far away from the Land of Wind, countless people were discussing the impact of this event.

"Damn it, who leaked this information? Our Sunagakure has become a laughing stock in the Entire Ninja World." In the central Meeting Room of Sunagakure, all the high-ranking officials were gathered together. The atmosphere was extremely tense. Everyone was silent for a moment when they heard the angry voice of one of them.

"Alright, there's no point in complaining now," an elderly man said. "No one in the village can control the Iron Sand, and the disguise of Tosha will be exposed sooner or later. So the most urgent thing now is to elect Fourth Kazekage and then find a way to restore the village's reputation, otherwise the discussions below will soon become uncontrollable."

No one who can become a high-ranking member of Sunagakure is a fool. If things drag on any longer, the village's situation will only get worse, so everyone is racking their brains for a solution.

After some time, they quickly made a decision to appoint Kazekage, a disciple of the Third Kazekage, as Rasa. This was the most competitive candidate at the time, but the future of Sunagakure could not be entirely entrusted to him alone, as he did not have the strength and prestige of the Third Kazekage.

Next came the actions of the entire village. The most suitable area for expansion was now the Land of Rivers. After the appointment of the Fourth Kazekage, he immediately went to the Daimyo's Mansion to discuss war funds and prepare for the invasion of the Land of Rivers.

"If we do this, Konoha will definitely retaliate," a high-ranking official said. "If the other ninja villages don't move, it will be quite difficult for them to face Konoha alone."

"There's no other way. The Northern Land of Birds doesn't have much valuable territory left, and the Land of Rain's terrain is also very complex. Only by occupying the Land of Rivers can we gain enough benefits," another elder explained.

"We've given this serious consideration. Our strategy for the Land of Earth will be primarily defensive, with a small contingent harassing Konoha's borders via the Land of Rain to reduce pressure on the main force. The main force will enter the Land of Rivers..."

With the guidance of several experienced high-ranking officials, the first phase of the strategic deployment for Sunagakure was completed.

They planned to first occupy about half of the Land of Land of Rivers' territory, choosing the areas with the most resources, and then establish supply lines and defensive zones as soon as possible, so that they could gain some terrain advantages when facing Konoha Ninjas.

Once Konoha mobilizes on a large scale, other ninja villages will definitely take action. At that time, Konoha's forces will be diverted, and it will come down to whose methods are more skillful.

Within a few days, the high-ranking officials and Jonin of Sunagakure all felt that this was the best way to deal with the situation.

First of all, many ninjas at the lower levels are furious because the authorities cannot provide an explanation for the sudden disappearance of the village leader.

If they directly admitted it, the Sunagakure's higher-ups would have to take the blame. Therefore, they could only go along with admitting that Konoha might have kidnapped or assassinated the Third Kazekage, even though this seemed absurd to anyone with a modicum of sense.

Secondly, for the sake of national interests, Konoha's mission share has increased significantly, and Sunagakure is most affected by this. If they can seize the valuable lands of the Land of Rivers, their internal resource problems can be greatly alleviated.

The third reason is to divert internal power struggles within Sunagakure. Currently, each faction has many powerful Chunin and Genin. Due to the limited promotion conditions during peacetime, they all yearn to achieve rapid promotion through battle achievements so that their status matches their strength, rather than being commanded by Jonin who are weaker than them.

Everyone was confident, thinking, "I'm not Jonin because someone else took the position first. Why did so-and-so become a Jonin?" But once the war started, the truth would be revealed. Everyone believed they wouldn't die, and that it was only those who didn't live up to their titles who would die, which would free up positions for them.

Once the decision was made, Sunagakure began operating like a war machine. First came the succession ceremony for the Fourth Kazekage, followed immediately by the issuance of the battle roster. The ninjas began preparing for battle, gathering their ninja tools and equipment.

Such a commotion could not be kept secret. Konoha received the news first, followed closely by Stone Ninja. The situation in the Shinobi World instantly turned into a volcano about to erupt.

During Orochimaru's experiment, Shuichi alone here making experimental records. Ever since the news of the Third Kazekage's disappearance exploded in the Shinobi World, Orochimaru had been frequently called to attend meetings, and he would take the time to come and help organize the experimental results.

Not long after, Orochimaru returned.

"Teacher, how is it going?"

"Looks like you were right." Orochimaru's expression remained unchanged. Although he wanted to continue his experiments, the Third Hokage had tentatively appointed him as the Frontline Commander of the Land of Land of Rivers front. Once the war officially began, the research progress would inevitably slow down. "Life is truly an empty thing."

"The Third Hokage summoned you, it seems to be about a promotion. But you should think carefully. At your current age, you shouldn't be sent out, but if you choose to be promoted, then I can't stop you."

Shuichi understood Orochimaru's meaning. He was still in the growth stage, and when the war just started, Konoha would not send the village's young talents to the battlefield. At most, they would be used for transporting supplies.

Once you become Special Jonin, your status and position will be completely different. If you stay in the back doing odd jobs, people will definitely gossip about you.

"Don't worry, teacher, I've already prepared for this. There aren't many people in the village who have more ways to protect themselves than I do."

This was something Shuichi. The Sunagakure front was a good choice, as it was the opponent with the most intelligence he had. In addition, the Third Kazekage, who posed a great threat to him, had died, so joining the battle immediately was the best option.

Based on the original work, Uchiha Madara should currently be inside or not far from the Land of Rain, because Nagato has not yet fully matured.

Therefore, Shuichi plans to actively participate in the war in the Land of Rivers and become a main force on the Sunagakure front in order to avoid being transferred to participate in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge later.

After handing the experiment over to Orochimaru, Shuichi went straight to the Hokage's Office, where he found the Third Hokage and two advisors.

"Hiruzen, you're being ridiculous." Utatane Koharu said seriously, "A 10-year-old Jonin, what will the rest of the village think? No matter how talented he is, it will cause great resentment."

"Heh." Upon hearing this, Shuichi said bluntly, "You know nothing about my abilities, so please don't use your common sense to judge my level."

"You..."

Seeing that these people were about to say something, Shuichi said directly, "How about this, Lord Hokage, I won't make things difficult for you. If the war starts, I'll apply to be in the first batch of troops and serve as a reconnaissance ninja on the front lines."

"You should know very well what methods I have. If my performance doesn't meet expectations afterward, I won't hesitate to dismiss me."

After these words were spoken, the room fell silent for a moment.

After hearing Shuichi's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't wait for the other two to say anything more, "Takeda Shuichi, I hereby officially appoint you as Special Jonin. Please be prepared to depart at any time."

Mitokado Homura frowned slightly and said, "Hiruzen, isn't this a bit too hasty...?"

He didn't say anything about Shuichi being incompetent, but he felt that Sarutobi Hiruzen's actions were unnecessary. Konoha wasn't currently facing such a personnel shortage, and the village's undeveloped geniuses didn't need to take risks.

"I know what I'm doing, and I have a lot of confidence in him." The Third Hokage didn't change his mind. "The village needs his abilities; that's a well-considered plan. There's no need to say more."

After leaving the Hokage's Office, Shuichi took his newly issued Jonin certificate and went to collect a set of Jonin -specific vests and equipment. He then calmly left under the astonished gazes of the staff.

A few days later, an unbelievable piece of news spread Konoha: Orochimaru's disciple Takeda Shuichi, had become Jonin at the age of 10. Although he was Special Jonin, many of his privileges were already comparable to those of Jonin.

Those close to Shuichi were amazed by this. Among the Jonin, those who knew him well, such as Yūhi Shinkō and Jonin Namikaze Minato, kept talking about his excellence to others, believing that he was fully deserving of the title.

If he had only made his initial name known during the Chunin Ninja Exams, he was now a household name in Konoha. No one in the younger generation could rival him, and even Kakashi, the son of Konoha's White Fang's son, was completely overshadowed by him.

In response, many Jonin lamented that they had wasted their lives at such an advanced age, and the Jonin of the Ninja Clan have decided to make him a key target for observation.

Many ninjas were both envious and jealous of this, but for the time being, they could only think about it in their hearts and wait for the joke to happen. Once Shuichi's performance did not meet the standards of a Jonin, many people would probably jump out and stir up trouble. Then they would see how the higher-ups of the Hokage lineage would handle the situation.

He ignored the village gossip that had no effect on him, because Shuichi knew very well that most of these people were opportunists and that arguing with them would only lead to defeat.

Standing in front of his own mirror, wearing a brand-new Jonin Vest, the upper body was a standard dark long-sleeved shirt with the Uzumaki Clan's red crest on both shoulders—the most standard Jonin attire, without any eccentricities.

"Tsk tsk, even such unfashionable attire can't hide my outstanding good looks." After carefully examining herself, Shuichi left home satisfied.

After becoming Special Jonin, the Third Hokage quickly assigned him teammates. As Jonin, he was naturally appointed as the captain, and there were two other team members, not a traditional four-person team.

"It seems the Third Hokage's decision wasn't made lightly; he truly deserves to be called the village's leader."

Under a tree at a training ground, his two teammates, who had arrived earlier, greeted him warmly, saying, "Captain Shuichi, congratulations on becoming Jonin!"

"Haha, you're too kind." Shuichi was in a good mood; these two were practically acquaintances. "From now on, we'll be teammates who depend on each other for survival."

One was Byakugan girl, and the other was Sunglasses Man carrying a small jar. They were none other than Hyuga Akiha, his teammate during the Chunin Ninja Exams, and Aburame Shihei, a skilled member of the Anbu from another team.

"Speaking of Mokui, the Anbu must be quite busy lately, right?" Since they were all acquaintances, Shuichi started by chatting about everyday things.

Aburame Shihei replied, "He recently became Jonin, and I haven't seen him for a while."

After everyone had been talking for a while, Shuichi had completely figured out what the Third Hokage was thinking.

A good squad requires tacit understanding; teamwork is extremely important among ninjas. At this moment, when the war is about to begin, team assignments must take this into account.

As the team leader, Shuichi needs to establish his authority as soon as possible, but he is still very young. If he is assigned to unfamiliar Chunin, he can only establish his authority through absolute strength, which simply means beating them up. This may create a distance between them.

These two are different. One is a teammate he worked with during the Chunin Ninja Exams, and the other has experienced his strength and wisdom many times. Therefore, once they formed a team, they would consciously center around Shuichi and completely trust his command, which easily improved the team's synergy.

"I became Jonin through my reconnaissance skills. One of you has the Byakugan, and the other has insect control techniques. Looking at it this way, our team's reconnaissance ability far surpasses that of other teams, so the missions assigned to us should also be related to this," Shuichi said.