Letting Go, Scout
Taiichi was surprised by how smoothly and quickly he learned the Yin Seal.
Fortunately, just the day after Taiichi learned the Yin Seal, an order from the Central Army Tent was issued to Taiichi.
This really doesn't give anyone a moment's peace!
Looking at the Mission Scroll in his hand, the content was quite simple: infiltrate the heart of the Land of Wind and investigate its logistics, transportation, and storage.
The task is broad; it doesn't require destruction, just investigation, which makes things much easier for Taiichi.
After carefully reviewing the task requirements again, Taiyi realized it was a solo task with a time limit of one month, Taiichi wasn't in a hurry.
Back in the tent, after packing the necessary supplies, Minato went to find Minato Taiichi Yohei after they finished their mission for the day.
"What, Taiichi, you're going out on a mission alone? Didn't you just finish your mission at the Medical Camp yesterday?" Yohei, his face full of surprise.
He had been hoping to work on missions with Taiichi again after today. But before he could even voice his thoughts, Taiichi had already assigned him a new mission.
"There's nothing I can do about it. Once a mission is assigned, I can't just refuse." Taiichi was quite frank; as a ninja, he was already used to this. "If it weren't for waiting for you, I would have left this morning."
"Wait for me?" Yohei was stunned, not immediately understanding what Taiichi meant. It wasn't until Saori gently touched his arm that he noticed Taiichi staring intently into his eyes.
"Oh!" Yohei patted his forehead, a warm feeling rising in his heart. Even at a time like this, Taiichi still thought of him. He was truly a good brother.
Seeing Taiichi and Yohei's secretive manner, the others knew that this must be a secret unique to their team, so they didn't pry and left the space to Taiichi, Yohei, and Saori under Minato's guidance.
After everyone else had left, Taiichi led the two to their resting tent.
Yohei was also quite self-aware at this time, obediently sitting down in front of Taiichi and waiting for him to do his thing.
A warm, Yang Release Chakra enveloped Yohei's head, and after only a moment, Taiichi frowned.
"Have you been using your Mangekyo quite frequently lately? How come it's worn out so much?"
But then Taiichi shook his head. The great battle was over. How many enemies could they possibly encounter on patrol? Besides, there was a master like Minato in the team. Even if they encountered a strong enemy, there was no need for Yohei to take action.
"Are you practicing Susanoo frequently?" Taiichi asked Yohei, but his words were full of certainty, as this was the only possibility.
Hearing Taiichi's words, Saori, who was standing nearby, also became tense, her eyes filled with worry as she looked at Yohei. "The Mangekyo... using it too much can cause blindness."
Yohei remained silent for a long time before his deep voice finally broke through, "War is too cruel. One careless move and someone who was just laughing and joking with you is dead. I want to gain greater power so I can protect everyone!"
The tent fell silent for a moment, with only the soft breathing of a few people remaining.
Taiichi didn't know how to persuade him. In fact, he had the same idea, otherwise he wouldn't have used up the Skill Points he had accumulated over a long time to improve his own strength.
However, Yohei is different from himself; his improvement comes at a price.
Therefore, I still need to offer some advice. "Be careful not to overexert yourself. What's the point of all your efforts if you go blind? Your basic physical fitness is the key. Practice the Taijutsu and meditation I've taught you; that's the foundation for improving your skills."
Yohei nodded silently, indicating that he understood.
Taiichi looked at Yohei and knew that he must have a mental problem. The excitement of the battlefield, coupled with the curse of blindness from the Mangekyo, made him lose confidence in his future.
This is not a good sign; it seems we need to give him some confidence.
Taiichi glanced at his own panel.
[Yang Release Nature Transformation Lv9 (1456/1600)]
I'm about to reach Lv10, at which point I can quickly reach Lv11 using Skill Points.
"Remember my words: everything depends on human effort. If you set unrealistic limits for yourself, your life is over, and you're destined to go blind."
Yohei closed his eyes and quietly accepted Taiichi's treatment, though his shoulders trembled slightly.
"Taiichi, I'm worried. Every time I use the Mangekyo, the blood flowing from the corner of my eye and the blurred vision are constant reminders that these eyes will go blind sooner or later."
I don't know if my training will be effective, or if I can improve my physical fitness to that level before I go blind, as you said.
Even Madara Uchiha only achieved the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan by fusing with his younger brother's eyes. How could I be better than him?
At this moment, Yohei was filled with confusion about the future.
As he used the Mangekyo more and more, he realized how powerful these eyes were, while its side effects constantly reminded him that he would eventually go blind.
It truly felt like a curse, tempting every Uchiha with power while blatantly telling them the price of that power, leaving them constantly living in this agonizing anxiety.
Taiichi withdrew his hands from Yohei's head, straightened his body, looked into his eyes, and said solemnly, "Madara Uchiha has his younger brother, but you also have my help. I believe that even Madara Uchiha, at my age, is definitely not as strong as me."
Although it may sound a bit boastful, what Taiichi said was true, and now is the time to give Yohei confidence.
"My Yang Release Nature Transformation, which should happen before I return from this mission. At that time, with my Medical Ninjutsu, I will definitely be able to further alleviate your eye symptoms."
I even believe that as long as my Yang Release power increases further, it's only a matter of time before I completely solve your eye problem!
Looking into Taiichi's sincere eyes, feeling the coolness from them and his restored vision, Yohei felt his anxiety completely dissipate, but hope was rekindled.
Indeed, no one in Uchiha history has awakened the Mangekyo at his age. While awakening it early doesn't necessarily mean someone is exceptionally talented, it at least demonstrates that his talent was considerable.
With this friend who keeps creating miracles in front of him, his future might not necessarily be bleak.
A smile returned to Yohei's face.
"Thank you, Taiichi. I understand. I'll be more mindful of how often I use the Mangekyo from now on, and I'll also strengthen my training in the Taijutsu and meditation you taught me. I promise I won't let you worry anymore."
Saori wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes. During this time, Taiichi had been busy with medical work, so she had been the only one who stayed with Yohei.
Every time Yohei practiced Susanoo, Saori would Saori by and watch over Yohei.
After each practice session, seeing the blood and tears streaming down his face, Saori was filled with worry. She clearly remembered Taiichi saying that every time the Mangekyō Sharingan was used, it was a step towards darkness.
But she couldn't stop it, and could only bury this worry deep in her heart.
But now things are looking up. Taiichi's strength is about to advance even further, Yohei has resolved his inner conflict, and there is hope for his eyes.
Saori felt that today was the happiest day in recent days, even surpassing the joy of the last great victory.
Taiichi patted Yohei and Saori on the shoulder, "I'm off to carry out my mission now. I'll give your eyes some rest when I get back and see how it goes."
Yohei nodded heavily, but remained silent due to his excitement.
Taiichi looked at Saori again, reaching out to wipe away the tears from the corner of her eyes. "Saori, keep an eye on Yohei for me. Don't let him overuse the Mangekyo. If he starts to shed bloody tears, stop using it immediately."
Saori blushed slightly, but nodded firmly. "Don't worry, Taiichi, with you here, I'll keep an eye on him."
Okay! I'll be going then.
Having said that, he didn't wait for their response before lifting the tent flap and going out. He had already wasted too much time waiting for them, and now that things were done, he couldn't afford to delay any longer.
After all, there are now two new Jonin Advisor in the Camp, and they don't know whose people they are. They can't afford to let them find any fault with them.
Two days later, in an oasis market in the central part of the Land of Wind.
This place is an important transit point in the Land of Wind. Goods traveling to and from the Land of Birds, the Land of Rain, Land of Rivers are basically collected and distributed here before being sent to various parts of the Land of Wind or to the three kingdoms.
Naturally, during this tense period, a Sunagakure unit is also stationed here.
Taiichi had been here for almost half a day. In the past two days, Taiichi Scout many border cities of the Land of Wind and did find a few stockpiles of supplies, but these were all small-scale storage warehouses and not worth attacking.
This was Taiichi's first time venturing deep into the Land of Land of Wind. It was said that a huge underground water vein existed beneath this place, and this oasis depended on this water vein for its existence.
The oasis was surrounded by walls and watchtowers made of sand, and the figures of Sand Village Ninja patrolling could be vaguely seen. Several checkpoints were set up at the entrance, where ninjas dressed in Sunagakure attire strictly checked the caravans and people coming and going.
Taiichi's keen senses allowed him to clearly perceive that the entire oasis was enveloped by a massive Barrier, demonstrating the considerable effort Sunagakure had invested in this area.
At dusk, when the market was busiest with activity, Taiichi created a Shadow Clone and quietly knocked out a merchant caravan.
The man, disguised as him, swaggered into the oasis with the caravan.
Inside, the entire oasis was divided in two. One side was a normal market, with Merchant hawking their wares everywhere, and inns, taverns, and all sorts of shops were available, not much different from an ordinary city.
In one corner of the oasis, several large camel caravans have already set up camp. Some of the Merchant are unloading the bulging leather bags and heavy wooden boxes so that the camels, tired from a day's work, can rest.
Some sold the goods directly to the Sunagakure stationed there. Listening to their conversation, these were mostly food Resupply. The Sunagakure entrusted some of the Resupply the Sunagakure Ninja stationed outside to these Merchant through Merchant.
This would solve the Resupply problem for Sunagakure and save Sunagakure manpower, allowing them to focus on more important tasks.
On the other side of the oasis, it had been transformed into a huge Camp. Ninjas were coming and going at the Camp gate, and convoys escorted by ninjas were also seen coming out of the Camp from time to time.
Taiichi immediately realized that this place was no longer just a market; it also served as a distribution center for Sunagakure's supplies to some extent.
Taiichi, disguised as a merchant, was part of a caravan that helped Sunagakure Resupply. As a result, Taiichi was able to have close contact with some Sand Village Ninja.
From their conversation, Taiichi learned that a high-ranking official from the village seemed to have arrived at the Camp today. However, they, as low-level henchmen, didn't know exactly who it was.
It was precisely because he learned of this news that Taiichi decided to remain in hiding, to see if he could gain any additional benefits.
Outside the oasis, Taiichi's true form used Earth Style is a technique in Chinese fantasy novels) to create a cave beneath the sand.
In a corner of the cave, a man dressed as a servant was sleeping soundly. He was the caravan worker who had been knocked unconscious and replaced by Taiichi. Taiichi had altered his memories with Genjutsu. Tomorrow, as long as the caravan came out, he could be replaced again without any problems.
In the middle of the cave, his true form was seizing every minute to train himself.
Ever since realizing his physical shortcomings, Taiichi has never forgotten to strengthen his physical training, even during wartime. Perhaps high-intensity warfare really can force a ninja to grow stronger.
Taiichi felt that his training had been surprisingly effective during this period.
As Taiichi swung his fists and feet, the Chakra within his body also surged through his flesh, slowly strengthening his various physical attributes.
Taiichi had a strong premonition that tonight, or even after completing this Advanced Taijutsu, his body would advance to a new level.
Sure enough, as soon as Taiichi finished his stance and stood up straight, the panel immediately gave a prompt.
[Through long-term training, Taijutsu +1, strength +1, agility +1]
Looking at my own panel.
Name: Taichi Matsushita Occupation: Chunin Lv8 (1183/1400)
Talent: Diligence Makes Up for Mediocrity, Academic Overachiever, Potent. Age: 10 years old. Physique: 27.
Strength: 25
Agility: 25
Spirit: 28
Chakra: 53000 (57700)
Attribute Points: 24
Skill Points: 11
Fire Nature Transformation Lv12 (2233/4000)
Wind Release Nature Transformation level 11 (2122/3000)
Water Nature Transformation Lv11 (935/3000)
Earth Style Nature Transformation Lv7 (143/1200)
Lightning Nature Transformation Lv7 (28/1200)
Yang Release Nature Transformation Lv9 (1442/1600)
Yin Release Nature Transformation Lv7 (831/1200)
Chakra Shape Transformation Lv9 (1541/1600)
Chakra Control Lv11 (2143/3000)
Ice Attribute Nature Transformation level 6 (301/1000)
Skills: Advanced Taijutsu Lv6 (2612/7000), Advanced Meditation Lv6 (1604/7000), Advanced Swordsmanship Lv6
(1622/7000), Chakra Enhanced Strength Lv8 (820/1200), Sealing Jutsu Lv11 (811/3000)
Evaluation: Hard work pays off. Your strength and agility have finally caught up with that of a regular Jonin, but the revolution is not yet complete. Comrades, you still need to work hard. Right now, you're just a weakling who has barely met the standard.
Taiichi was exasperated; he knew he shouldn't expect to see any good ratings from the panel. If his current strength was considered weak...
If we're talking about chickens, then how many people in the Ninja World can be considered powerful?
Ignoring the nonsensical panel, Taiichi sensed the changes within himself and resumed practicing Advanced Taijutsu, striving to familiarize himself with his newfound power as soon as possible.
The next day, Taiichi's Shadow Clone left the oasis with the caravan, while his real body, along with the merchant, secretly switched places with the Shadow Clone.
The man, aside from feeling dizzy, noticed nothing unusual.
After disbanding his Shadow Clone, Taiichi learned from his resurrected memories that a Sunagakure figure from Sunagakure had arrived at the oasis. He was curious as to why a high-ranking Sunagakure official would be present in such a transit point.
Since there was still plenty of time, Taiichi decided to Scout the situation thoroughly before leaving.
Taiichi then used the same method again, infiltrating the oasis by replacing personnel. However, this time he was more careful and created an additional Shadow Clone as a personal item, which was then brought into the Camp by another clone.
This ensures that there is always a Shadow Clone in the oasis, preventing it from appearing during periods of surveillance.