In information economics, there was a fascinating concept known as "signaling theory."
This study of market interactions under conditions of asymmetric information between buyers and sellers had originally been intended to provide managers with a theoretical model for reference.
But when it came to individual cases, there was nothing at all out of place about applying it to Soji's current situation.
—On one side were Ninja Academy graduates from civilian backgrounds, hoping to make something of themselves.
—On the other was the young, vigorous Third Hokage Cabinet, seeking to consolidate its rule.
Both sides had something the other needed, and their supply and demand were well matched. In theory, they had every prospect of working together!
But job seekers had to avoid becoming cannon fodder on the battlefield as they tried to stand out, while those in power had to sift through a vast number of rising talents to identify the defective ones who were all show and no substance, or whose loyalty was divided.
Both sides were hamstrung by the dilemma of asymmetric information, forcing them to waste considerable effort within what should have been a straightforward talent management system.
Faced with this situation, Soji knew perfectly well that what he needed wasn't to play clever games or make empty pleasantries... The Third Hokage, sitting high in power, must have heard more than enough of those vacuous social niceties. Sticking to convention wouldn't help him stand out!
So the boy abandoned his earlier mild and humble demeanor. Once Teacher Motochika had given him a platform, he seized the opportunity to demonstrate strategic insight far beyond that of an ordinary new graduate!
—Yamada Soji spoke at length, his words flowing with eloquence.
Although the three points he had just raised were full of subjective assumptions and speculation, and not one of them touched on practical implementation, he himself didn't much care about those details.
After all, from the perspective of the great figures, they had never expected a rookie going into battle for the first time to draw up a detailed and reliable plan of operations without intelligence to support him.
Being able to summarize the regional situation from the perspective of a pawn already demonstrated a breadth of vision beyond the capabilities of the vast majority of shinobi!
Thus, although Teacher Motochika, as the man in charge, hadn't directly endorsed his student's views during the strategy meeting, the boy still wore a rare, heartfelt smile when it ended.
He couldn't really be blamed for getting carried away...
Looking back, a series of events from last night until now had showcased Soji's combat ability and strategic insight, making the most of his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.
For a civilian shinobi whose main goal was to rise through the ranks, all the groundwork the boy had laid over the years had paid off today!
It was only today that his life plan had truly gotten on track!
The sense of accomplishment that came from achieving a milestone in one's life according to plan far surpassed the pleasure of simple, straightforward amusements.
Unfortunately, this happiness seemed too subtle for an ordinary boy who hadn't yet experienced the passage of time to understand. Even "child prodigies" like Sarutobi Erina and Akimichi Todo couldn't fully appreciate its appeal.
Most of their excitement came from the fact that Soji had taken the lead in speaking at the strategy meeting. They even resented Teacher Motochika for not adopting their teammate's suggestions on the spot.
"I really don't understand why Teacher Motochika wouldn't accept Soji's ideas! We're the ones carrying out the mission on the front lines. How can our firsthand experience count for less than the analysis from the intelligence division in the rear?" Erina fiddled with the hollow tubes of varying lengths in her hands, adjusting their markings as she sorted the talismans piled up beside her.
Pouting, she complained to the two teammates who had come to help, her hands never slowing down. "I just don't get what there is to hesitate about!"
"Come on, Erina. I'm sure Uncle Motochika... I mean, Nara Commander must have his reasons." Todo took apart the equipment he had brought over from the logistics department, picking out the ninja tools Erina needed and handing them to her. "It's like that counter-ambush plan from before. The teacher didn't explain it to us ahead of time then, either. As long as things turn out well, the other details don't matter..."
"I know that makes sense, but..." Erina's gaze drifted to Soji, who was sorting nuts and bolts on the other side. "I just can't accept it! We helped out a lot this time, too. Being shut out like this really kills our enthusiasm!"
"Uh... So you're sticking up for me?"
"Of course!" The girl picked up the hollow iron tube in her hand and tapped Soji lightly on the forehead.
He didn't dodge. He just curled his lips into a faint smile of gratitude. "Don't worry. For an ordinary Genin like me, getting to speak up at a meeting like that was already the biggest reward."
"You don't mind that they didn't accept your ideas?" Erina tilted her head and pressed him.
"Shinobi are human, too. Our views often can't surpass the limits of our own understanding.
"At least from my perspective, I have no reason to question a commander who just won a battle."
"Wow! Do you have to be so 'mature'?" Erina put extra emphasis on the last word. "I spent ages working myself up. I was this close to writing home and complaining on my teammate's behalf about the unfair treatment he's getting on the front lines!"
"Haha, don't you dare. What if Lord Hiruzen really takes up the complaint and transfers Soji out of Team Five?"
Todo played along with Erina's teasing and nudged Soji's shoulder. His words carried a hint of mockery. After spending all this time together and fighting one battle after another, the members of Team Five had quickly grown closer.
The three of them, who had barely spoken to one another at the Ninja Academy, were gradually building a solid bond as comrades.
The bonds forged by the Will of Fire were beginning to break through the barriers of class, bringing a rare source of positive feedback to a battlefield saturated with negative emotions.
In this era, when most countries lacked even the foundations of theoretical education, this seemingly intangible emotional connection was becoming an important addition to the cohesion of combat units. In extreme circumstances, it could even be more effective than any stimulant...
Of course, this emotional boost was no more than a byproduct of Nara Motonari's many arrangements.
He had already reported the Support Battalion's next move to the Hokage Office and received approval from the Third Hokage himself.
"That's enough chatter. We'd better finish the work in front of us." Soji changed the subject and brought their attention back to the special ninja tools they were making.
...As Erina neared the end of the assembly and adjustments, the hand-crafted parts finally came together into what they were meant to be.
A hollow main body, fitted with a tripod to keep it pointed in the right direction.
If you ignored the odd chakra-conducting attachments at the rear, this thing was almost indistinguishable from the light mortar Soji knew so well!
"Teacher Motochika always has a clear purpose. If he's asked you to assemble these things, there must be a chance to use them coming up soon."
"No way, no way..." Erina shook her head like a rattle. "Strictly speaking, this thing's only a prototype. It's useless in a close-quarters skirmish."
"Maybe Teacher Motochika wants to break through the defenses of some fixed military target."
"Break through their defenses?" Erina shook her head even faster. "We're in the Land of Fire. How could we possibly find ourselves in a situation where this thing would be useful?"
"Well..."
One spoke without thinking; the other took it to heart.
Following the lead Erina had given him, Soji gradually corrected his earlier expectations and reconsidered his plans for what came next.
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