Nawaki's First Battle

His golden vertical pupils swept over the three of them as they arrived.

When he saw Nawaki, a rare hint of warmth appeared on his face.

Finally, his gaze lingered on Tianyi for half a second.

Tianyi felt an invisible pressure, as though he had been seen through inside and out.

He immediately lowered his head and assumed a respectful posture.

Without a mission briefing, Orochimaru licked his lips.

"Move out."

As soon as the words fell, he turned first and darted toward the mountain forest beyond the camp at a speed that was not particularly fast.

Nawaki and Moonlight Kaede immediately followed. Tianyi also suppressed every stray thought in his mind.

He kept pace with the team while vigilantly observing their surroundings.

Orochimaru kept his speed at a level that a Genin squad sprinting at full force could barely maintain.

The route he chose was relatively concealed as well, seemingly confirming Tianyi's initial guess.

The mission itself might not be particularly difficult. The enemy probably was not very strong.

Was I really overthinking it? Was this just an ordinary mission to clear out an outpost?

Was Orochimaru simply taking Nawaki along to gain experience?

Tianyi pondered silently as he ran.

But the ominous feeling deep in his heart—

Especially the two flags raised by Moonlight Kaede and Nawaki—remained like dark clouds he could not dispel.

About thirty minutes later, Orochimaru stopped at the edge of a mist-shrouded forest.

Ahead, they could vaguely make out the outlines of several constructed watchtowers and bunkers.

It was deathly quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Orochimaru turned around to face the three slightly panting young Genin.

The corner of his mouth seemed to twitch upward almost imperceptibly.

"Up ahead." He raised a pale finger and pointed toward those silent outlines.

"Is a small Hidden Rain Village outpost, used for reconnaissance and supplies.

"The intelligence says the personnel stationed there are... roughly on par with the three of you."

His golden snake eyes swept across their faces one by one, his voice calm yet cold.

"Clear them out. That is your mission this time."

"Remember, from this moment on, even if all of you die, I will not intervene."

"Prepare to wager everything.

"Either complete the mission, or... die here."

The icy words froze the excitement on Nawaki's face.

Moonlight Kaede silently wiped his blade.

As for Tianyi, his heart finally settled completely.

It seemed this was a blooding mission Orochimaru had specially prepared for his disciple, Nawaki.

He had probably been added to the team because Orochimaru valued his medical abilities, so he could save Nawaki's life at a critical moment.

After saying all that, Orochimaru's figure seemed to melt into the night, vanishing without a trace.

Nawaki, Moonlight Kaede, and Hinata Tianyi quickly gathered together.

"I'll scout." Without the slightest hesitation, Tianyi shouted in a low voice and formed hand seals. "Byakugan, activate!"

Veins bulged around his temples as his black-and-white, penetrating vision instantly pierced through the trees and mist.

The structure of the outpost over a hundred meters ahead, along with the distribution of its personnel, entered his sight.

A moment later, he deactivated his Byakugan and quickly explained in a low voice.

"A medium-sized wooden and stone watchpost. Four people inside.

"One has significantly stronger chakra and should be a Chunin. He is resting in the central area.

"Three Genin. Two are resting inside the outpost, while one is standing watch on a simple elevated platform outside.

"They patrol regularly. There are simple warning traps around the perimeter, mainly tripwires and Explosive Tags."

The moment Nawaki heard that, he rubbed his fists together eagerly. "Four people! And one Chunin!

"Perfect. I'll handle the Chunin, while you two hold off the other three Genin. We'll attack from the front—"

"Rejected." Moonlight Kaede interrupted coldly.

Tianyi could not help rubbing his forehead. He shot Nawaki a speechless look and silently complained to himself.

Nawaki, Nawaki, that's the kind of method only protagonists use. Even Naruto can use Shadow Clones.

What can you do? I seriously suspect Hashirama Senju had the same personality, because he was just too strong.

That was why he could always survive until the end. Other than inheriting your grandfather's personality, what else did you inherit, Nawaki?

No wonder in the original story... forget it.

He immediately suppressed that unlucky thought and spoke in a grave voice.

"Nawaki, shinobi are not samurai. We should achieve the greatest results at the smallest cost.

"A reckless frontal assault is always the worst possible choice.

"It means placing both our advantage and our lives on the gambling table."

Moonlight Kaede nodded slightly in agreement.

Nawaki opened his mouth, then saw the serious expressions on his two teammates' faces.

He scratched his head. "Then... then what do you think we should do?"

Tianyi crouched down and quickly drew a simple map of the outpost's layout on the ground with a branch.

"The plan has three steps...

"First, clear the traps along our approach route and around the perimeter, ensuring our escape route and infiltration path are clean.

"Second, eliminate the sentry. We'll sneak close to the watchpost in a triangular formation.

"I'll use the Byakugan from the front to lock onto the sentry Genin's position and blind spots.

"Kaede, from this position, draw his attention for an instant.

"I'll use that chance to approach from the other flank and take him out.

"Finally, we surround the watchpost.

"Nawaki, this time it's your turn.

"Use your strongest ninjutsu to bombard the main structure from the front.

"Create the biggest commotion and the greatest destruction, force everyone inside out.

"And draw their main attention, especially the Chunin's.

"Kaede and I will remain hidden. The moment they rush out in confusion and their attention is drawn to Nawaki—

"We'll launch a surprise attack from the shadows on both sides and prioritize taking out the other two Genin.

"Finally, the three of us will surround the Chunin."

After hearing Tianyi's plan, Moonlight Kaede approved.

"The roles are clear. It makes use of our traits and advantages."

Moonlight Kaede's assessment was concise.

"Feasible."

Nawaki's eyes lit up as he listened, and he nodded repeatedly.

"Hehe, Tianyi, your brain really works better!" Nawaki gave Tianyi's shoulder a hard pat.

He said excitedly, "I've decided! From now on, all the thinking and planning will be up to you!

"Kaede and I will just follow your command!"

Moonlight Kaede also nodded slightly, showing his approval.

With the Byakugan's precise scouting abilities, Tianyi truly was the best suited to plan targeted operations.

The three exchanged glances.

"Move!"