Escort Mission, The Chasm Between Civilians and Ninja Clans!

The third day, early morning.

Uchiha Jin and the other squad members once again stood in the open space at the village entrance.

Takada Fujiwara's tone was very serious: "This is a C-rank joint mission to transport supplies to the Sunagakure front lines. Besides us, there are five other squads. You three need to be very careful on the way. I might not be able to keep an eye on you when real combat breaks out."

The three heard this and their faces became solemn.

None of them had expected to receive a war mission so quickly.

Even though it was just delivering supplies to the front lines, none of the three present were fools, and naturally, they wouldn't treat this mission as a mere outing or picnic like ordinary graduating ninjas.

Takada Fujiwara saw their reactions and couldn't help but nod in approval.

"Seeing how cautious you are, I can be a little more at ease."

"However, don't worry too much."

"We won't be going to the actual front lines, and under normal circumstances, we won't encounter enemies."

Uchiha Jin and the others nodded slightly upon hearing this.

Ten minutes later.

Other ninja squads gradually arrived, but compared to their squad, these people were all laughing and chatting, their eyes filled with innocence and fantasy.

Uchiha Jin was a bit puzzled: "It's not graduation season, why are there so many naive guys?"

"They are all graduates from last year; they haven't been to the front lines before," Nara Shikaichi said softly. "Konohagakure and Sunagakure only clashed three months ago, so the front lines are currently filled with seasoned veterans."

"A few days ago, during the clan meeting, I heard our clan head say there have been changes on the front lines. Sunagakure dispatched Rasa and Pakura, which led to Konohagakure suffering heavy losses."

"This is also why we rookies are being temporarily assigned to the front lines. Although we won't be used on the main battlefield for now, the logistics are also easily targeted by Sunagakure, so we must be careful in our upcoming actions."

"Because according to our clan head, Sunagakure is definitely secretly planning something."

Nara Shikaichi's expression was serious.

Uchiha Jin and the others naturally felt a weight in their hearts. The Nara clan head was Nara Shikaku, who, although not part of Konohagakure's core leadership, was recognized by the entire village as a strategist and planner. His understanding of the front lines far surpassed that of ordinary people.

Just then, the supply convoy approached.

A man with a scar on his face came out and called all the squad captains over. After assigning their respective squad missions, he addressed everyone directly: "This mission requires everyone to perform their duties. Anyone who makes a mistake will be severely punished."

"Depart!"

Uchiha Jin's eyes narrowed slightly.

He recognized this man; he was mentioned in Hatake Sakumo's legacy.

Toyama Ryuichi, an elite Jonin of Konohagakure!

He had also been saved by Hatake Sakumo once, making him one of Hatake Sakumo's absolute supporters. He was previously a captain in the Anbu. When Hatake Sakumo was heavily criticized by rumors, he had tried to speak up for him, and as a result, his Anbu captain position was revoked.

Later, after Hatake Sakumo specifically issued a statement telling everyone not to act rashly, this guy reluctantly fell silent. It wasn't until the current war between Konohagakure and Sunagakure that he was dispatched to the battlefield as a freelance ninja.

In the original story.

Kakashi becoming the Sixth Hokage likely had something to do with these people.

As for why Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't take the opportunity to eliminate these people, it was probably because most of them were from civilian backgrounds, making them one of his support bases. Therefore, he felt that with Hatake Sakumo's death, he could eventually bring them under his control over time.

"Alright, everyone."

"Our mission is to protect the flank. Let's move out."

Takada Fujiwara walked over, briefly explained the mission, and then led the way out of the village.

Uchiha Jin and the others naturally followed closely behind.

The others also moved to their respective positions, and the convoy left Konohagakure under their escort.

The Land of Fire, with its beautiful scenery.

It was unique in the entire ninja world, rich in resources and with distinct seasons, truly a blessed land.

The convoy traveled along the main road, flanked by dense forests, cultivated farmlands, and even utility poles and streetlights lining the road.

Uchiha Jin sat on one of the supply carts, arms crossed, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds, the golden sunlight warming his body.

"The Land of Fire is truly blessed!"

"No wonder the Land of Fire is always targeted by the four great ninja villages during the ninja wars."

Uchiha Jin mused inwardly.

The last time he left Konohagakure for a mission, he had to rush, so he didn't have time to appreciate the scenery. This time, however, gave him the opportunity.

Within the convoy.

Civilians worked diligently, while ninjas provided protection around them.

Yes!

Even though the supplies were being transported to the front lines, it was ordinary people who did the actual work. Ninjas did not need to do such miscellaneous tasks; they needed to conserve their energy to deal with sudden events.

Among ninjas.

The squad leaders with battlefield experience had serious expressions, while those without were divided into two groups.

Those from Ninja Clans were more cautious, as their family education gave them a basic understanding of war.

Only those from civilian backgrounds who hadn't seen battle seemed relaxed, as if on an outing. Even the squad leaders' scolding had limited effect, and they would revert to their old ways after a while.

"Clan ninjas, hmph!"

"What a bunch of cowards, look how nervous they are."

"Even though we're from civilian backgrounds, our Ninja Academy scores are all top-ranked. We must perform well in this war and show these clan-born guys who the real powerhouses are!"

Within the civilian squad, disgruntled voices could be faintly heard.

Uchiha Jin's eyes narrowed slightly.

However, he was long accustomed to these matters. In the original work, those who could appear were all elites. Even strong civilian ninjas like Minato Namikaze, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru couldn't be called a tiny minority; "rare as a phoenix's feather" wouldn't be an exaggeration.

In reality.

Civilian ninjas and clan ninjas were essentially two different classes.

Except for a few with good personalities and some understanding, the vast majority of them didn't get along with clan ninjas, much like how commoners in China hated the rich in their past lives.

Especially with Ninjutsu existing, they felt that as long as they worked hard, they could level the playing field or even surpass clan ninjas, making this atmosphere even more extreme.

And regarding this.

Most ninjas from clan backgrounds watched with cold indifference.

There was no anger, no mockery.

Their family education made them understand that the civilian ninjas before them were almost all cannon fodder.

Those who could truly get along with clan ninjas were almost exclusively a select few like Might Guy and Rock Lee, or gentle souls like Nohara Rin. Of course, Nohara Rin herself could be considered an elite.

After all, she knew medical Ninjutsu. If she hadn't encountered an idiot like Obito, she would definitely have become an elite Jonin of Konohagakure.

"Uchiha Jin, Hatake Kakashi, let's have a match!"

"I'm not afraid of you Uchihas. I, the top student of Class B, am definitely no worse than the top students of your Class A!"

"I'll prove that even though you're from a Ninja Clan, I, Omura Sawa, am a hundred times stronger than you!"