Further Training and Returning to the Village

Even late at night, the Konoha Camp was still operating in an orderly manner, with everyone performing their duties and patrolling ninjas coming and going. In a corner of the Camp, among a cluster of tents, one tent stood out.

The tent was lit up, and from the outside, you could see three people playing around inside, but as you got closer, you found that there wasn't a sound coming from inside the tent.

Inside the tent, Taiichi was explaining how to deal with the Tailed Beast.

"Actually, there's another particularly effective method for dealing with Tailed Beast: Sealing Jutsu. This is also the main method used by ninja villages to combat Tailed Beast."

Upon hearing this, Saori smiled, as Sealing Jutsu were precisely her forte. However, her smile vanished in an instant, a hint of doubt arising in her mind: could Sealing Jutsu truly contend with Tailed Beast of that level?

Seeing Saori's confusion, Taiichi nodded in approval. Saori's ability to recognize her own limitations was one of her strengths. He continued, "Dealing with Tailed Beast is indeed not something that can be accomplished with ordinary Sealing Jutsu. It usually requires the combined efforts of the entire village."

Seeing Saori's visibly downcast expression, Taiichi comforted her, "What? You're already disappointed! Don't underestimate the Tailed Beast. You should know that even the Kage of each village have a hard time dealing with a single Tailed Beast. In the entire Ninja World, there are only about a dozen people who can guarantee victory over Tailed Beast!"

Hearing this, not only Saori but also Yohei felt much better. It turned out that it wasn't that they were too weak, but that the enemy was too strong.

"So, Taiichi, what Tailed Beast does our Konoha possess?" Yohei asked curiously. He had been holding this question in for a long time. As the most powerful Konoha, we should have the most and strongest Tailed Beast to show off our prestige.

"The Nine-Tails, the Tailed Beast possessed by our Konoha, is the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox, known for its infinite Chakra and immense power."

Yohei and Saori were filled with longing, as if they could see their own Nine-Tails Jinchuriki wreaking havoc on the battlefield, causing enemies to flee in terror.

However, Taiichi poured cold water on the two of them at this moment, "Don't think too highly of Jinchuriki. Tailed Beast are filled with hatred for humans because they were forcibly sealed into human bodies, and Jinchuriki are constantly influenced by the Tailed Beast, so their temperaments are often very strange."

Furthermore, the ordinary people in the village are often fearful and wary of Jinchuriki, so over time, the Jinchuriki's situation becomes predictable.

The appearance of such an unstable person on the battlefield is not only a nightmare for the enemy, but if not handled properly, even one's own people could be in danger.

Just like the Two-Tails today, once it Complete Tailed Beast Transformation Tailed Beast, its consciousness will dominate. At that point, it won't care whether you're from Konoha or Cloud Village; anyone it sees will be an enemy.

These words left Yohei and Saori feeling utterly chilled, filled with both fear of the power of the Jinchuriki and sympathy for their plight.

Seeing that the two had finally recognized the power of the Tailed Beast, Taiichi breathed a sigh of relief. Being Captain is no easy task. Not only does he have to lead his team on missions, but he also has to provide them with psychological support. He's like a father and a mother to his team.

"Alright, you've all learned what you needed to know. Now you can all go to sleep!"

Yes! *2

The tent immediately fell silent, and soon the steady breathing of Yohei and the other man could be heard.

The two of them were asleep, but Taiichi was deep in thought. Encountering the Tailed Beast today had indeed served as a wake-up call for Taiichi. Without absolute power, he truly lacked a way to fight against the Tailed Beast.

Genjutsu and Sealing Jutsu are the best solutions. Unlike ordinary people, due to their own limitations, their achievements in Genjutsu and Sealing Jutsu are ultimately limited.

Taiichi is a man who, given the right direction, can develop skills comparable to Mangekyo Genjutsu and Adamantine Sealing Chains with just his Skill Points.

Thinking of this, Taiichi looked at his own panel.

Name: Taichi Matsushita Occupation: Chunin Lv7 (783/1200)

Talent: Diligence Makes Up for Mediocrity, Academic Overachiever, Potent. Age: 10 years old. Physique: 25 (1/6).

Strength: 23

Agility: 23

Spirit: 27

Chakra: 40000 (50740)

Attribute Points: 23

Skill Points: 10

Fire Nature Transformation Lv12 (1623/4000)

Wind Release Nature Transformation level 11 (1512/3000)

Water Nature Transformation Lv11 (323/3000)

Earth Style Nature Transformation Lv6 (603/1000)

Lightning Nature Transformation level 6 (458/1000)

Yang Release Nature Transformation Lv9 (1056/1600)

Yin Release Nature Transformation Lv7 (331/1200)

Chakra Shape Transformation Lv9 (1125/1600)

Chakra Control Lv11 (1543/3000)

Ice Attribute Nature Transformation level 5 (301/800)

Skills: Advanced Taijutsu Lv6 (1312/7000), Advanced Meditation Lv6 (304/7000), Advanced Swordsmanship Lv6 (322/7000), Chakra Enhanced Strength Lv8 (220/1200), Sealing Jutsu Lv11 (211/3000)

Evaluation: Your software skills are strong, but your hardware skills are too weak. Your physical attributes are seriously hindering your progress. You need to practice your advanced skills more quickly, or the Third Shinobi World War will be your grave!!!

Wow, finally I see a different panel and different reviews. I was Taiichi to complain, but after reading the reviews, I couldn't help but feel scared.

Indeed, too much time has been spent on Ninjutsu during this period, while Taijutsu and meditation training have been greatly neglected, resulting in Taiichi's Taiichi physical condition being a significant hindrance.

Take today's duel with the Cloud Jonin Cloud Village, for example. Under the same conditions, my strength was clearly at a disadvantage. As a result, I could only barely gain an advantage in close combat by relying on my swordsmanship.

As the Third Shinobi World War begins, he will encounter more and more skilled ninjas from various villages. They are all veteran Jonin have been famous for many years. Regardless of their specific strength, their physical abilities will definitely overwhelm Taiichi.

He always tries to persuade Yohei that health is the most important thing, but when it comes to applying that principle to himself, he ignores it. How is this any different from the Uchiha valuing the Mangekyo, or bloodline ninjas only developing their bloodline limits?

I examine myself three times a day.

That was indeed true. Taiichi, making physical fitness training his top priority.

Looking at the Nature Transformation of fire, wind, and water at Lv12 and Lv11, these Nature Transformation have reached the Kage Level, so we can put them aside for now.

Thinking this, Taiichi slowly closed his eyes and fell asleep.

In the following days, as the Konoha Ninja gradually returned, the Land of Land of Hot Water was plunged into a long-awaited peace. Konoha and Cloud Village ninjas were rarely seen in or around the cities. Both sides withdrew their reach and silently accumulated the power for the next outbreak.

Perhaps due to the urgent report of the discovery of the Cloud Village Jinchuriki, or perhaps because they finally realized the severe shortage of personnel and supplies on the Northern Front, about 10 days later, the village's reinforcements finally arrived at the Northern Camp along with the latest batch of Resupply.

As news of the arrival of reinforcements spread throughout the Camp, the ample Resupply and increased personnel greatly alleviated the pressure on the front lines and eased the previously tense atmosphere somewhat.

That day, seeing that the Camp was back on track, Minato summoned Hizashi and Taiichi. The three of them had been in the Camp for several days since the defensive line was tightened.

Now that the latest reinforcements have arrived, the Camp is no longer short of manpower. After discussing it, the three decided to bid farewell to Orochimaru.

The decision was right, and the execution was even faster. The three then went to Orochimaru's tent and explained their purpose.

Orochimaru's golden snake eyes swept over the three of them, then settled on Minato. To be honest, he really didn't want these three to leave; in terms of both strength and execution, they were all top-notch.

Taiichi, in particular, is a true all-rounder. You can put him wherever there's a gap in your knowledge, and he'll do a great job.

"Can't you stay a little longer, Minato? The Camp has only just settled in. The usefulness you can bring here is far more important than going back to the village." Orochimaru's voice was hoarse and pleading.

Minato smiled brightly, but firmly declined, saying, "Lord Orochimaru, thank you very much for your care during this time, but our team came here on a specific mission. Now that the mission is over, we must return to the village to report back."

Besides, with you in charge of the Camp and new support available, we can leave with peace of mind.

Seeing that Minato was unmoved by his words, Orochimaru turned his gaze to Taiichi, the one he truly wanted to keep.

"Taiichi, your abilities and potential can be unleashed more quickly on the front lines of actual combat. If you want to stay, I can write to Teacher Sarutobi and ask him to make a special exception so you can stay and help me. What do you say?"

Taiichi was somewhat surprised to see how much Orochimaru valued him, but he had already planned his future and was not prepared to return to the front lines for missions anytime soon.

"Thank you for your Senior Orochimaru, but the battle with the Two-Tails recently gave me a lot of inspiration, and I'm eager to return to the village to put those inspirations into practice. I can only apologize for disappointing Senior again."

Orochimaru nodded knowingly upon hearing this. As a research-oriented individual himself, he understood Taiichi's feelings at that moment, so he stopped pressing the matter after hearing Taiichi's words.

"Very well. Since you've made your decision, I won't force you to stay. I've recorded your achievements; take them back directly, and the village will provide you with the corresponding mission records. The war isn't over yet, so be careful on your way back."

Finally, his gaze fell on Taiichi again. "I look forward to seeing you again, Taiichi. Tell me about your inspiration then, and we can discuss it together."

Taiichi's eyes lit up, showing the excitement of meeting a like-minded person. Orochimaru was the greatest scientist still existing in the Ninja World, and discussing Ninjutsu with him would definitely yield different results. However, Taiichi suppressed this impulse, as returning to the village was more important at the moment.

"I'm also looking forward to it, Lord Orochimaru!"

After bidding farewell to Orochimaru, the group quickly packed their belongings and embarked on their journey back to the village.

They arrived full of vigor, six of them traveling together; on the return journey, only five remained, silently continuing their journey. The Cloud Village spy within the group was like a silent scar etched into their hearts, a reminder of the cruel nature of this war.

It took the group two days to return to Konoha. They set off in March and returned to the village in April. A month had passed, and the village was still bustling with activity, showing no signs of decline despite the fighting on the front lines.

Merchants came and went in a constant stream through the Konoha Gate. In the relatively peaceful environment of the Land of Fire, these Merchant were even more enthusiastic about traveling between the two places to earn the price difference.

Especially during this increasingly tense period, with prices of various goods rising across the board, Merchant are like cats smelling fish, rushing to wherever there are higher profits.

Upon entering Konoha, Minato immediately instructed, "Taiichi, you and Hizashi come with me to report to the Hokage!"

Taiichi was slightly taken aback. Shouldn't this be Jonin reporting to? He was only a Chunin on the surface. But then he realized Minato's intention:

Firstly, as the Captain of Taiichi Squad, he was qualified to do so.

Secondly, Minato wanted to show himself more often in front of the Hokage, as a way to increase his favorability with the Hokage.

Taiichi, of course, wouldn't disappoint Minato's good intentions. After explaining Saori to Yohei and Yohei, he then went with Minato...

Hizashi and he went to the Hokage's Office together.

After knocking on the Hokage's Office door, everyone waited quietly at the entrance, which was very much in line with Minato's style—mature and composed.

He was nothing like his teacher Jiraiya. He entered the Hokage's Office as if it were his own home, either climbing through a window or simply pushing the door open.

"Come in!" The Hokage's voice came from inside the door, and Minato then led everyone into the office.

"Hokage-sama, Minato Namikaze, Hizashi Hyuga, Taichi Matsushita are reporting for duty!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally looked up from the mountain of documents and gazed at the three people in front of him with delight!

"Minato, you're finally back! How's Orochimaru doing there?"

Whether it was because Taiichi already harbored some prejudice against Hiruzen Sarutobi, Taiichi always felt that there was a strange sour taste in Hiruzen Sarutobi's words!

"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama. We should have returned much earlier, but the Northern Camp was short-staffed at the time, so Lord Orochimaru ordered us to assist in the Camp's defense. This is our previous mission report and mission record from our time stationed here."

With that, Minato Namikaze handed over the scroll that he had prepared beforehand.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the scroll and began to examine it carefully, and the office fell silent for a moment.

Taiichi glanced at Minato from behind and couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. No wonder he was the Fourth Hokage; his answer was absolutely flawless.

Without the Hokage even asking, they clearly explained why they were staying at the Northern Camp, stating that it wasn't because they had violated village rules by staying outside without permission, but because they were ordered by the frontline commander to do so.

Taiichi was starting to admire Minato; this was something he couldn't possibly understand.

"Very good, you completed this mission perfectly. Orochimaru also emphasized your performance in the Northern Camp." Sarutobi smiled broadly, and the wrinkles that had been forming on his face smoothed out.

"Especially you, Taiichi, if it weren't for you at the Northern Camp, the casualty rate would probably have more than doubled. You've really relieved the pressure on the entire Konoha."

Taiichi was Taiichi surprised when Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly mentioned him, but after hearing the details, he felt that it was a good compliment. However, he still had to be humble in front of the Hokage.

Taiichi scratched his head, displaying the naive honesty of a young man. "No, it's all thanks to the Hokage-sama for giving me this opportunity, and the support of my Companions. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the time to do all this by myself!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled and said no more. He knew the truth in his heart. "Minato, you did a great job on this mission. The detailed mission record will be registered at the Mission Hall later."

Minato nodded in agreement. The Hokage was quite generous in this regard, rewarding everyone according to their actual contributions.

"And Minato, a group of kids from the Ninja Academy are graduating early these next few days. You'll be their team leader, Jonin, and give them a good workout. They're all promising talents!"

Minato remained silent for a moment, then, considering that he didn't have a squad at the moment, he figured it wouldn't hurt to train some newcomers before the war, so he agreed.

Taiichi, listening from the side, understood that this must be Kakashi, Obito, and Rin's team, and they were finally stepping onto the stage of history. He just wondered if they would suffer the same tragic fate as before.

Taiichi clenched his fist. These were all his good friends; he couldn't just stand by and do nothing!

"Taiichi, isn't your team also short-handed? Have you thought about selecting one from this batch of new recruits?" Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Taiichi, hoping to take this opportunity to fill the gap in Taiichi Squad.

Taiichi hadn't expected to have anything to do with himself, but after hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, he couldn't help but frown.

"Hokage-sama, our team is currently carrying out A-rank Mission. Wouldn't it be unsafe to suddenly add a newly graduated Genin?" Taiichi explained cautiously. It's like adding a husky to a pack of wolves. Not to mention whether the husky could even survive, the wolves' daily hunting pace is something a husky can't keep up with.

"It was my oversight." Hiruzen Sarutobi slapped his forehead, then said with a smile, "Then tell me if you see anyone suitable later, and I'll try my best to accommodate you?"

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Taiichi gladly accepted. It was such a good thing; he could choose his own team members, so he wouldn't have to worry about a spy anymore.

"Hizashi, you did a great job too. Your Byakugan was very useful on the front lines. Take a good rest after this mission. Chief Hiashi will let you know if there are any more missions!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't show favoritism and offered encouragement to Hizashi as well. However, he didn't know whether he genuinely didn't see or was pretending not to see the hint of resentment and helplessness Hizashi displayed.