Executing the Mission

Over the next few days, Hatake Sakumo took the time to get to know and observe his three new team members.

For a new ninja squad, it was extremely important for its members to understand one another and work well together. As their supervising jonin, he was responsible for ensuring that each member could reach their full potential and cooperate effectively on future missions.

Hatake Sakumo began by carefully observing Hyuga Ayane and Yamanaka Chinatsu.

Although both were newly promoted Genin, their basic abilities were already above average among their graduating class, and they showed considerable promise.

Ayane's Gentle Fist and Byakugan gave her a major advantage in close combat. Her defensive skills and chakra control were also impressive. Though Ayane was introverted and somewhat cautious in battle, her potential was not to be underestimated. Hatake Sakumo believed that with more field experience and mental training, she could become an excellent combat ninja.

Chinatsu's Mind Body Switch Technique was particularly effective for tactical support and long-range control. Although her ninjutsu was primarily supportive, it could prove extremely useful when coordinated with her teammates. Chinatsu was quick-witted and skilled at using her surroundings and her enemies' psychology to devise strategies. However, she was somewhat lacking in direct combat and needed to further develop her all-around fighting ability.

Naturally, the one Hatake Sakumo paid the most attention to was Uchiha Ying Yue.

Uchiha Ying Yue's abilities far exceeded the level of an ordinary Genin. Over the past few days of training, Hatake Sakumo had tested Ying Yue's capabilities several times.

Whether in Taijutsu, ninjutsu, or battle strategy, Ying Yue had shown considerable maturity and experience. What surprised Sakumo most was that Ying Yue's chakra reserves and control far surpassed those of ordinary Genin and even jonin.

Sakumo thought to himself, Ying Yue is far stronger than I expected. He has not only demonstrated the talent of the Uchiha Clan but also inherited Senju Hashirama's Wood Release. There can't be many opponents across the entire Ninja World who can match that power.

However, Hatake Sakumo keenly sensed that Ying Yue had not revealed the full extent of his 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 impressively, Ying Yue is still holding back... It seems he has his own plans for the future.

After getting to know his team in depth over the past few days, Hatake Sakumo had formed a clear picture of each member.

He was pleased that although Chinatsu and Ayane could not yet match Ying Yue's strength, they both had great potential. Given enough time and training, they would surely grow into excellent ninja.

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

Ying Yue's abilities had already surpassed the level of a Genin, but Sakumo knew that raw strength alone was not enough to survive in the Ninja World. Ying Yue needed more field experience and a better understanding of teamwork.

The Ying Yue Squad was already far stronger than an ordinary Genin squad. Ying Yue's exceptional potential in particular convinced Sakumo that there was no point in continuing to give them low-level D-rank missions.

Taking them to find cats or clean out waterways—those trivial D-rank missions are meaningless for Ying Yue and his teammates, Hatake Sakumo thought. They need tougher challenges if they're going to truly grow.

So Sakumo decided to have the Ying Yue Squad take on a C-rank mission instead.

Such a mission would expose them to more realistic combat while also strengthening their ability to work as a team. Through actual fieldwork, he would further hone the squad and prepare them for even more difficult missions in the future.

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

In the hallway, Ying Yue and the others ran into several other ninja squads. Some were picking up D-rank missions, while others were filling out mission completion reports.

Ying Yue noticed that quite a few squad members were complaining about how dull and boring their assignments were.

"Another cat-finding mission..." he heard one ninja grumble. "When are we going to get something more challenging?"

Uchiha Ying Yue smiled. Although D-rank missions were standard training for newly promoted Genin, they did seem a little boring for a squad like theirs, which already had considerable combat strength.

At the mission desk in the Hokage Building, Hatake Sakumo spoke with the staff member responsible for assigning missions for a while, then turned to the Ying Yue Squad.

"We're not doing any more routine D-rank missions today," Sakumo said. "We're taking a C-rank mission. We've been asked to wipe out a group of bandits in a village within the Land of Fire."

Ying Yue, Chinatsu, and Ayane all showed a hint of excitement. A C-rank mission meant higher pay and greater risks, but it was also the challenge they had been looking forward to.

Hatake Sakumo briefly explained the mission's background to the Ying Yue Squad. A remote village in the Land of Fire had recently been taken over by a group of vicious bandits.

The bandits were not only stealing the villagers' belongings but also treating them cruelly. There were even rumors that they had begun robbing passing merchant caravans.

Their crimes had drawn the attention of the local lord, who had therefore requested that Konoha send ninja to eliminate them.

"This mission is fairly dangerous. Although it's only C-rank, we'll be facing a group of bandits who have no qualms about anything," Hatake Sakumo said. "There may be a lot of them, and they're likely to be extremely ruthless, so you must stay on high alert."

Uchiha Ying Yue nodded, determination in his eyes. "This is our squad's first real mission. We'll give it everything we've got."

Chinatsu and Ayane also voiced their resolve. They were a little nervous, but their anticipation for the mission and confidence in their abilities outweighed it.

Once the mission was confirmed, the Ying Yue Squad immediately checked their gear and prepared to set out. Before they left, Sakumo reminded them once more, "Remember to work as a team. Don't go off alone. We need to make sure everyone completes the mission safely."

With Sakumo leading the way, Ying Yue, Chinatsu, and Ayane quickly left Konoha and headed for the village where their mission awaited.

On the way to their destination, the Ying Yue Squad made steady progress through the forests and mountains of the Land of Fire.

Sakumo led the way, with Ying Yue close behind, constantly on alert.

Yamanaka Chinatsu and Hyuga Ayane took positions on either side, watching for anything unusual.

Along the way, Sakumo would occasionally stop to study the terrain and share his experience and advice about carrying out missions. Ying Yue listened carefully and silently committed Sakumo's suggestions to memory.

Sakumo also made a point of telling Ying Yue, "You're all strong, but remember: teamwork is what matters most when carrying out a mission. Don't let your individual strength make you overlook the importance of the team."

Uchiha Ying Yue nodded solemnly, even more determined to work closely with his teammates.

As they drew nearer to their destination, Uchiha Ying Yue felt the tension in the air mounting. A real battle was about to begin, and it would be the squad's first true test.