Arai's training of Yubi was not limited to straightforward combat instruction. It covered many other areas as well.
For instance, besides watching for infiltrating enemy shinobi, their duties also included inspecting passing merchant caravans.
Although the Shinobi World War was underway, some economic activity still continued within each country... When Yubi inspected caravans, Arai would often disguise himself with the Transformation Technique to attack him, impersonate various enemies, or set traps in the valley, among other things.
And so on.
Since shinobi fought in many different ways to begin with, Arai did this to further improve Yubi's experience in responding to battlefield situations.
This harsh training of Arai's... also meant that Yubi returned to their outpost every day looking battered and filthy.
Sometimes... Arai even had to carry him back to the outpost because of exhaustion or injury.
Sasori saw all of this as well.
Sasori also knew that even during his breaks, Yubi would train on his own in private.
He was an utter madman who squeezed everything out of himself.
Under this "varied" training, Yubi's growth was naturally plain for all to see.
Especially in Taijutsu, he could now exchange a few moves with Arai and hold out for a while, rather than simply being overwhelmed.
This rate of improvement struck even Arai, an elite Jonin, as incredible.
In his eyes, Yubi was like a dried-out sponge, constantly absorbing the experience and techniques he taught him, then digesting and applying them perfectly.
Sometimes, Arai did not need to stress or correct much at all. Yubi understood with the slightest hint; his comprehension was downright monstrous.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, besides training, they also encountered some enemies, most of them from Amegakure.
Although the earlier major battle had already forced Amegakure to swallow a bitter defeat, Sunagakure and Amegakure had not made peace. Minor clashes between them never ceased.
Arai felt the time was about right... so he changed his plans and decided to take Yubi and Sasori on a raid against an outpost in the Land of Rain.
It was only right to return the favor. They could not simply let Amegakure's shinobi run wild in their Land of Wind.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...
And so, late one night.
Three figures, one large and two small, headed straight for the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain.
"This is an independent mission... I'll record the entire mission and submit the record after we return to the village. I won't intervene during the mission. What you two need to do is simple: kill as many Amegakure shinobi as possible within the time limit and get out unscathed."
On the way, Arai spoke in a low voice.
Although venturing deep behind enemy lines was dangerous, as an elite Jonin, Arai was confident he could get the two brats out even if something happened.
His aim was to foster healthy competition between Sasori and Yubi.
In his view, although Yubi was currently only a Genin, he already possessed the ability of a Chunin.
Once they returned to the village, he could apply for an assessment.
Besides, Yubi had always sparred with him... Although it had trained him, the approach was relatively limited.
Different Ninjutsu specialized in different Nature Transformations, and their ways of fighting differed as well... Fighting all sorts of enemies was undoubtedly the best way to accumulate combat experience.
"Given that both of you have fought Amegakure shinobi before... you have some experience, but I still need to remind you of something. The opponents you encountered before weren't particularly strong. Although Amegakure isn't one of the major shinobi villages, it's been very active in this Shinobi World War, and its leader is Hanzo of the Salamander, known as the Demigod. Those who've survived the trials of this war until now, especially those guarding the border, are all outstanding shinobi. Once you enter the Land of Rain, you'll need to search for their hiding places while also concealing your own movements. Exposing yourselves too early... will be extremely dangerous."
"Understood."
Yubi nodded.
He knew Arai's words were meant for him.
Sasori had more mission experience than he did and naturally already had his own insights.
Before long, beneath the night sky, the sandy, rocky ground under their feet gradually gave way to soil, and green vegetation appeared around them... Not far away, they could even see the dark silhouettes of mountains.
This was undoubtedly one of the routes where the Land of Wind bordered the Land of Rain.
As soon as the three approached, Sunagakure shinobi guarding the vicinity emerged to stop them.
But once they saw that they were allies, they lowered their guard.
"It's Lord Arai."
The two Sunagakure shinobi saluted Arai.
"How are things?"
Arai asked.
"Amegakure has been very quiet lately... They've made a few small moves, but we spotted them all in advance," one answered.
"Mm."
"Are you here to...?"
The two Sunagakure shinobi glanced at Yubi and Sasori.
"Taking these two on a little mission," Arai said casually.
The two Sunagakure shinobi gave Yubi a curious look. Sasori... they knew.
Who was the other brat?
After exchanging a few more words... Arai led Yubi and Sasori away from the perimeter and began heading deeper into the Land of Rain.
"Do you know him?"
Watching the three leave, one of the Sunagakure shinobi standing there looked toward his companion.
Even with Lord Arai present, slipping behind enemy lines on their own was incredibly dangerous... Even they lacked that confidence.
They acknowledged Sasori as a genius puppeteer from their village.
But the other brat... no matter how they looked at him, he did not seem quite up to it.
"Never seen him before."
The other answered.
The defenses at the border really are tighter than those in the rear. We were spotted the moment we showed ourselves.
As Yubi raced along, he glanced back and thought to himself.
"Be careful. Stay with me."
As they drew closer to the border, Arai's manner grew utterly serious, even under cover of darkness.
After those words, he instantly picked up speed.
Arai clearly had some knowledge of Amegakure's deployments along the border. The route and course he took into the Land of Rain had obviously been selected with care.
Scattered trees began appearing around them, with a vast forest ahead.
With barely a pause, the three figures leaped into the woods, bounding between the tree trunks at full speed.
No sooner had they left than several figures flashed out of the shadows.
"I think I heard something... Was it the enemy?"
An Amegakure shinobi narrowed his eyes, inspecting both the ground and the surroundings for any possible signs.
He found nothing unusual.
"No signs of intrusion."
Another Amegakure shinobi confirmed.
Then, in a flash, they vanished.
Several hundred meters away, the three crouched against the shaded sides of several tree trunks, using them as cover.
Arai said nothing. They were now in enemy territory, and the slightest disturbance could expose them.
Arai merely made a hand signal to the two.
Then he darted into a patch of shade and disappeared.
The rest of the mission was clearly up to Sasori and Yubi.
Naturally, Sasori had no intention of completing the mission together with Yubi. Arai had made it very clear: they would see who killed more.
That meant he and Yubi would act separately.
Sasori glanced at Yubi, a trace of provocation in his indifferent gaze.
Then he was the first to dash off in one direction.
"Honestly..."
At the sight, Yubi smiled.
His gaze turned serious as well.
His hunt... was about to begin!