On the Unevenness of Teammates

Konoha's mobilization efficiency was high, and the departure time was finalized quickly.

The entire force mobilized urgently within two days.

After finishing breakfast, Akashi checked the clock; it was nearly time to assemble, so he prepared to head out.

"Wait a moment."

Just as he was about to leave, his mother's voice came from behind.

Turning around, he saw Hiromi holding a delicately wrapped package of sushi: "Take this for the road, and seize the opportunity!"

As she spoke, she winked and waved cheerfully.

Hey, I'm heading to a battlefield, you know.

Akashi smiled helplessly and shook his head, yet he still tucked his mother's thoughtful gift into his backpack.

At nine in the morning, the reinforcements for the border officially assembled at the main gate of Konoha.

Excluding the commander-in-chief Orochimaru, there were fifty-four ninjas in total, including six Jonin, with the remaining personnel being at least Chunin.

With the new wartime squads established, the team Akashi was assigned to was led by the Jonin Kudo Yukiyuki.

There were two other members: Hyuga Shingetsu and a boy whose name was unknown.

It would take at least three days to reach the front lines, and when factoring in the deployment of various squads, supply logistics, and other variables, they would likely spend about a week on the road.

Kudo Yukiyuki's attire was similar to that of an average Jonin, and his appearance was quite ordinary. Though he lacked any striking features, he was easy to approach, and his laughter was exceptionally hearty and infectious.

He carried none of the typical airs of a Jonin, laughing as he said:

"We depart immediately; we can get to know each other on the way."

"Yes!"

The four of them began to sprint, embarking on the long journey.

Due to the specific nature of rushing to the border front, and to ensure the maintenance of their physical states, there was a set plan for each day's travel, with supply points providing the necessary food and water.

Kudo Yukiyuki opened the conversation while maintaining his pace.

"Alright, let's talk while we run. My name is Kudo Yukiyuki, 27 years old. I'll be your captain for this mission. My hobby is origami, I hate eating mushrooms, and my dream is to become the teacher of the next Hokage!"

It was a very standard self-introduction, almost a tradition in Konoha.

Only the dream was rather unique.

Shingetsu felt it was strange and couldn't help but ask: "Why the teacher of the next Hokage?"

A shy expression appeared on his broad face: "Haha, because the next Hokage couldn't possibly be me. Being a teacher still gives me a glimmer of hope; that way, when I retire, I'll have something to brag about over tea."

Having said that, he turned his head and scanned the group: "What about you three? Introduce yourselves."

The three looked at one another, and eventually, Shingetsu spoke first:

"My name is Hyuga Shingetsu. I don't like many things, but I dislike quite a few. My dream is to become one of the strongest in my clan."

"My name is Uchiha Akashi. I specialize in Fire Style and shurikenjutsu."

"My name is Aobou."

The introductions grew shorter and shorter, especially with Aobou, who kept a wooden expression and didn't seem capable of smiling.

However, Akashi noticed that his movements were decisive and highly professional.

Kudo Yukiyuki was very satisfied with his team: two members from prestigious clans and one with a rich, experienced background. Most importantly, everyone was obedient and didn't cause trouble, making the team environment very pleasant.

Rarely, descendants of the two most important bloodline clans, the Hyuga and the Uchiha, were actually in the same squad.

The pressure on the team leader was immense.

"Captain, what is our mission?" Akashi asked proactively.

"The orders from above are for us to handle reconnaissance. The requirements for skills like concealment, tracking, and information relay are quite high. Fortunately, we have the Byakugan in our team, so it shouldn't be too difficult."

"Are there no direct combat engagements?"

Shingetsu felt puzzled.

"If we encounter special circumstances, the mission could change at any time." Kudo Yukiyuki became serious: "Do not be careless under any circumstances. The place you are going is a battlefield!"

"Understood."

Akashi was not afraid; he analyzed the situation calmly.

A total of thirteen squads had been dispatched this time. Combined with the border's own garrison troops, the combat power deployed exceeded one hundred men—enough to fight a small-scale group battle.

According to Orochimaru, there was also a detachment of Anbu ninjas providing support.

This clearly showed the level of importance attached to the mission.

This mission could be very simple if viewed as such.

But the complexity lay in the fact that everyone had different objectives.

Orochimaru, obsessed with scientific research, was only willing to go to the battlefield to scavenge for research materials. The Third Hokage intended to eliminate the border threat once and for all, demonstrating Konoha's strength to other villages and deterring various nations.

And then there was Danzo, who also seemed to have sent his own men to infiltrate the ranks.

If internal interests are aligned, it is fine, but if a conflict arises, can this war even be fought properly?

The threat to Konoha lies not on the outside, but within itself.

After traveling for two hours, the team paused to rest and resupply near the riverbank.

Shingetsu vigilantly activated her Byakugan, conducting an all-encompassing scan of the environment within a one-kilometer radius; if any enemies were lying in ambush, they would certainly be caught within her detection circle.

Moreover, the long-range vision of the Byakugan expands with training, making it a god-tier skill.

With such vision on a foggy battlefield, how are the enemies supposed to play?

"The Byakugan is truly useful."

Akashi sighed with genuine admiration.

On the battlefield, in a one-on-one fight, perhaps the Sharingan is more outstanding, but the strategic value of the Byakugan is definitely higher than that of the Sharingan.

No wonder it is said that the Hyuga Clan is the strongest in Konoha.

Perhaps this "strongest" refers to their value in war.

Kudo Yukiyuki also cast an appreciative look: "As expected of a ninja from the Hyuga Clan; despite being so strong, you remain so cautious."

Shingetsu nodded: "It is for the sake of safety."

"Rest assured, this is still within Konoha's sphere of control. Even if the Sand Ninja are reckless, they wouldn't dare charge right to Konoha's doorstep. Eat something first to replenish your strength."

"Understood."

Shingetsu deactivated her Byakugan and walked over to sit beside Akashi quite naturally.

Kudo Yukiyuki froze for a moment. Are the relationships between these two clans that good? Hey, hey, they are practically sitting pressed against each other, aren't they?

Conversely, on the other side.

Aobou sat alone by the river, seemingly intending to keep to himself.

This team is not as simple as it appears on the surface!

With the intuition of a veteran, Kudo Yukiyuki smelled something amiss; all three of them were hiding something.

The sun gradually climbed to its zenith.

Under the shade of the trees, Akashi opened his backpack: "Do you want some? It should taste pretty good."

He drank some water and asked out of politeness.

Just as Shingetsu was preparing to eat a rice ball, a box of exquisite food was handed over to her.

She was about to refuse, but then she saw the tuna maki nestled in the center.

Is it heart-shaped?

She looked up at Akashi in surprise, only to see him looking completely indifferent, slight beads of sweat sliding down his cheeks, his Adam's apple bobbing with the rhythm of his drinking.

Shingetsu's heart suddenly began to race.

He did that on purpose, right?

But why is he acting so casual?

Maybe he's just embarrassed... If I eat it, what does that signify?

Shingetsu had no experience with this, and for a moment, whether or not to eat it became a dilemma.

Akashi didn't hear a response and looked over curiously: "What's wrong? My mother made it, it's quite—" His words cut off as he also saw the strange shape.

Good grief, so that's how it is!

He suddenly understood what his mother meant by "seize the opportunity" before he left. He glanced at Shingetsu out of the corner of his eye, but she didn't seem to have an excessive reaction.

"Cough, if you don't want it, I'll put it away."

"Wai—wait! Who said I didn't want it, you stingy person." Shingetsu quickly grabbed a piece from the middle, turned her face away, and popped it into her mouth.

"How does it taste?"

"It's... just average." Shingetsu parted her thin lips slightly, suddenly feeling that the midday weather was getting hotter and hotter.

Akashi chuckled; what a woman, saying the opposite of what she felt!

Hiromi Uchiha's culinary skills were top-notch. He enjoyed a few pieces himself, then shared the rest with Kudo Yukiyuki and Aobou.

The former accepted it happily, while the latter shook his head and refused.

After resting for an hour.

Kudo Yukiyuki checked the position of the sun and stood up: "Check your gear, we depart in five minutes."