Pattern

In the field of information economics, there is a very interesting concept known as "signaling theory."

This study of market interaction under conditions of information asymmetry between buyers and sellers was originally intended to provide a theoretical model for managers.

However, when applied to individual cases, it fits Yamada Soji's current predicament perfectly.

--On one side, a Ninja Academy graduate from a civilian background wants to get ahead.

--On the other, the Third Hokage's young and robust cabinet needs to solidify its rule.

Both sides have their own needs, and the supply-demand relationship is a match; theoretically, there is a very promising prospect for cooperation!

But in the process of fighting for a position, the job seeker must avoid becoming cannon fodder on the battlefield; the ruler, meanwhile, must filter out the incompetent and half-hearted among the vast number of up-and-comers.

Both sides are trapped in the dilemma of information asymmetry, and as a result, they are forced to waste a great deal of energy within a talent management system that should have been straightforward.

Facing this situation, Soshi knows clearly that he does not need to play clever tricks or spout empty platitudes... The Third Hokage, occupying such a high position, must have long grown tired of such hollow social rhetoric; sticking to the status quo will not help him stand out!

Thus, the youth abandoned his previously gentle and humble style. After Nara Motonari provided him with a platform, he took the initiative to display a strategic vision far beyond that of an ordinary graduate!

--Yamada Soji spoke eloquently and with great confidence.

Although the three points of analysis he mentioned were filled with subjective assumptions and guesses, and not a single point reached the level of practical operation, he himself did not care much about these trivial details.

After all, from the perspective of the big shots, they never expected a recruit on his first battlefield to draft a detailed and reliable combat plan without the support of intelligence.

To be able to summarize the regional war situation from the perspective of a chess piece—such a level of foresight already exceeds the limits of most ninjas!

Therefore, although Nara Motonari, as the head in charge, did not directly affirm his student's views at the combat meeting, the youth wore a rare, genuine smile after the meeting concluded.

In truth, one cannot blame him for getting carried away...

Looking back, through the series of events from last night until now, Soshi's own combat ability and strategic vision have been concentratedly displayed, playing to his strengths and avoiding his weaknesses.

As a civilian ninja whose main goal is class mobility, all of the youth's past accumulations have paid off today!

From this day forward, his life plan can finally be considered to be on the right track!

The sense of accomplishment gained after achieving a phased life goal according to plan far exceeds the joy that simple, straightforward entertainment can bring.

Regrettably, this feeling of pleasure seems too obscure for an ordinary youth who has not yet experienced the passage of time. Even "genius children" like Sarutobi Erina and Akimichi Todo cannot fully grasp its nuances.

Their excitement is mostly focused on the fact that Soshi was able to lead the discussion at the combat meeting, and they were even indignant that Nara Motonari did not adopt their companion's suggestions on the spot.

"I really don't understand why Nara Commander didn't take Soshi's views seriously! We are the ones executing the mission on the front lines; can't our personal experience compare to the analysis from the intelligence department in the rear?" Erina fiddled with the hollow cylinders of varying lengths in her hands, adjusting the scales while organizing the small mountain of paper charms piled beside her.

She pouted as she complained to her two teammates who had come to help, her hands moving without pause: "I can't figure out what there is to hesitate about!"

"Don't say that, Erina. I think Uncle Motonari... er, I mean Nara Commander, must have his own concerns." Todo dismantled the equipment brought from the logistics department and picked out the ninja tools Erina needed, handing them to her: "Just like the previous anti-ambush plan, didn't the teacher also not explain it to us in advance? As long as the result is good, the other details don't matter..."

"That may be true, but..." Erina's gaze drifted to Soshi, who was sorting nuts on the other side: "I just feel it's unfair! We helped out quite a bit this time, and to be excluded like this is really a blow to our motivation!"

"Uh... so, Erina, you're speaking up for me?"

"What else?" The young girl picked up a hollow iron pipe and tapped Soshi on the forehead.

The latter did not dodge, but slightly curled the corners of his mouth, revealing a grateful smile: "Don't worry. For an ordinary genin like me, being able to speak at such an event is already the greatest gain."

"Even if the suggestion wasn't adopted?" Erina tilted her head and pressed.

"Ninjas are human too, and our views often cannot break through the limits of our own cognitive levels.

At least from my personal perspective, I find no reason to question a commander who has just won a battle."

"Wow! Do you have to be so 'mature'?" Erina deliberately emphasized the word. "I spent all that time building up my emotions, almost ready to write a letter home to help my teammate complain about the unfair treatment on the front lines~"

"Haha, please don't. If Lord Hiruzen actually accepts the complaint and transfers Soshi out of Team Five, that would be a disaster."

Todo joined in on Erina's teasing, nudging Soshi's shoulder. His words were clearly more playful—after spending this time together, the relationship between the members of Team Five had warmed up rapidly due to the successive fierce battles.

The three, who had rarely interacted at the Ninja Academy, were gradually building a solid bond as comrades-in-arms.

The ties of the "Will of Fire" began to break through class limitations, injecting rare positive feedback into a battlefield filled with negative emotions.

In this era where theoretical education is generally lacking in all countries, this seemingly ethereal emotional connection is becoming an important supplement to maintaining the cohesion of combat units; in extreme cases, it is even more effective than any stimulant...

Of course, this emotional encouragement can at most be considered a byproduct of Nara Motonari's series of arrangements.

Regarding the next move of the Frontline Support Battalion, he had already reported to the Hokage Office and received approval from the Third Hokage himself.

"Enough small talk, let's hurry up and finish the work at hand." Soshi changed the subject, pulling the focus back to the special ninja tools they were crafting.

...As Erina's assembly and adjustment work neared its end, these handmade parts finally revealed their true form.

A hollow main component, paired with a triangular stand used to fix the direction.

If one ignores the chakra-conducting accessories at the tail end that have no clear purpose, this thing is almost no different from the individual grenade launchers Soshi is familiar with!

"Nara Commander has always been purposeful. Since he let you help assemble these things, there must be an opportunity for them to appear soon."

"Impossible, impossible..." Erina shook her head like a rattle: "Strictly speaking, this thing is just a semi-finished product; it has no value in a close-quarters encounter."

"Perhaps Nara Commander hopes to assault a fixed military target."

"Assault?" Erina shook her head even faster: "We are within the borders of the Land of Fire; how could we encounter a situation where this thing would be useful?"

"Well..."

The speaker had no intention, but the listener took it to heart.

Following the clues provided by Erina, Soshi gradually corrected his original expectations and reorganized his subsequent strategy.