Executing the Mission

Over the next few days, Hatake Sakumo conducted an in-depth observation and assessment of his three new team members.

As a new ninja squad, mutual understanding and coordination between members are of the utmost importance. As their jonin instructor, it was his responsibility to ensure each member could fully realize their potential and maintain efficient cooperation in future missions.

Hatake Sakumo first observed Hyuga Ayane and Yamanaka Chinatsu closely.

Although both were newly promoted genin, their foundational strength was already above average among their graduating class, showing promising potential.

Ayane's Gentle Fist and Byakugan gave her a significant advantage in close-quarters combat, and her defensive capabilities and chakra control were quite impressive. Although Ayane had an introverted personality and was slightly conservative in battle, her potential could not be underestimated. Hatake Sakumo believed that with more combat experience and psychological training, Ayane had the makings of an excellent combat ninja.

Chinatsu's Mind Body Switch Technique performed exceptionally well in tactical support and remote control. While her ninjutsu was primarily auxiliary, it could play a massive role when coordinated with teammates. Chinatsu possessed an agile tactical mind and excelled at utilizing the environment and enemy psychology to formulate strategies. However, her strength in direct combat was slightly lacking, and her overall combat capability needed further strengthening.

However, the one who drew Hatake Sakumo's attention the most was, naturally, Uchiha Ying Yue.

Uchiha Ying Yue's strength far exceeded the level of a typical genin. During these few days of training, Hatake Sakumo had tested Ying Yue's abilities multiple times.

Whether in taijutsu, ninjutsu, or combat strategy, Ying Yue displayed a level of maturity and sophistication that was quite remarkable. What surprised Sakumo most was that the amount and control of chakra Ying Yue exhibited far surpassed that of an average genin, or even a jonin.

Sakumo mused to himself, Ying Yue's strength is far greater than I anticipated. He not only displays the talent of the Uchiha Clan but has also inherited the Wood Release of Senju Hashirama. With this kind of power, I fear there are few opponents in the entire Ninja World who could stand against him.

Yet, Hatake Sakumo keenly sensed that Ying Yue did not seem to have revealed his full strength.

Sakumo could tell that Ying Yue was holding back in certain areas, perhaps out of caution, or perhaps to protect his true trump cards.

What is he hiding? Hatake Sakumo wondered. Even after performing so brilliantly, Ying Yue still chooses to withhold his power... It seems he has his own plans for the future.

Through these few days of in-depth understanding, Hatake Sakumo had gained a clear grasp of his team members.

He felt satisfied that although Chinatsu and Ayane's strength could not yet compare to Ying Yue's, they both possessed good potential. As long as they were given enough time and training, they would surely grow into outstanding ninjas.

As for Ying Yue, Sakumo decided to provide him with more attention and guidance.

Ying Yue's strength had already surpassed the genin level, but Sakumo knew that relying solely on raw power was not enough to establish oneself in the Ninja World. Ying Yue needed more practical combat experience and a deeper understanding of teamwork.

The overall strength of the Ying Yue Squad was already far beyond that of a standard genin team, and especially given Ying Yue's own immense potential, Sakumo felt that continuing with low-intensity D-rank missions was no longer necessary.

Taking them to find cats or clear riverbeds—such trivial D-rank missions are completely meaningless for Ying Yue and his team, Hatake Sakumo thought to himself. They need higher-intensity challenges to truly grow.

Thus, Sakumo decided to have the Ying Yue Squad take on a C-rank mission directly.

Such a mission would not only expose them to more realistic combat but also hone their teamwork. He intended to use real-world combat to further temper this squad and prepare them for the more difficult missions ahead.

The next morning, Sakumo led Ying Yue, Yamanaka Chinatsu, and Hyuga Ayane to the Hokage Building.

In the hallway, Ying Yue's group encountered several other ninja squads; some were picking up D-rank missions, while others were filling out mission completion reports.

Ying Yue noticed that many squad members were complaining about the monotony and boredom of their tasks.

"Another cat-finding mission..." Ying Yue heard one ninja grumble. "When will we finally get a more challenging mission?"

Uchiha Ying Yue smiled. While these D-rank missions were standard training for new genin, they were indeed quite dull for a squad that already possessed such formidable combat power.

Upon arriving at the mission assignment office in the Hokage Building, Hatake Sakumo spoke with the staff in charge of distribution for a while before turning to face the Ying Yue Squad.

"We won't be doing those routine D-rank missions today," Sakumo said. "We are taking on a C-rank mission. It is a request to eliminate a group of bandits in a village within the Land of Fire."

Ying Yue, Chinatsu, and Ayane felt a flicker of excitement in their eyes at these words. A C-rank mission meant higher rewards and greater risks, but it was also the challenge they had been looking forward to.

Hatake Sakumo briefly introduced the background of the mission to the Ying Yue Squad: a remote village in the Land of Fire had recently been occupied by a group of vicious bandits.

These bandits not only plundered the villagers' property and cruelly abused them, but there were also rumors that they had begun raiding passing merchant caravans.

Such atrocities had caught the attention of the local lord, who had requested that Konoha send ninjas to eliminate them.

"The danger level of this mission is relatively high. Even though it is only a C-rank mission, we are facing a group of unscrupulous bandits," Hatake Sakumo stated. "They may be numerous and very brutal, so you must remain highly vigilant."

Uchiha Ying Yue nodded, his gaze filled with determination. "This is our squad's first real mission; we will give it our all."

Chinatsu and Ayane also expressed their resolve. Although they felt a slight nervousness, it was overshadowed by their anticipation for the mission and confidence in their strength.

Once the mission was confirmed, the Ying Yue Squad immediately packed their gear and prepared to depart. Before leaving, Sakumo cautioned them once more: "Remember, maintain teamwork. Do not act alone. We must ensure that everyone completes the mission safely."

Under Sakumo's lead, Ying Yue, Chinatsu, and Ayane quickly departed Konoha and set off toward the village where their target was located.

On the way to the target village, the Ying Yue Squad moved with steady strides through the forests and mountains of the Land of Fire.

Sakumo led the way, with Ying Yue following closely behind, maintaining constant vigilance.

Yamanaka Chinatsu and Hyuga Ayane flanked the sides, keeping an eye on the surroundings.

Along the way, Sakumo would occasionally stop to observe the terrain and impart some experience and precautions regarding mission execution to the three of them. Ying Yue listened carefully, silently noting Sakumo's advice in his mind.

Sakumo specifically said to Ying Yue, "Although each of you is strong, remember that teamwork is the key to completing a mission. Do not ignore the value of the team just because of your own individual power."

Uchiha Ying Yue nodded solemnly, his resolve to work closely with his teammates becoming even firmer.

As they gradually approached the target village, Uchiha Ying Yue felt the tension in the air begin to intensify. A real battle was imminent; this would be the first true test for their squad.