As someone who once led a team, I am now Jackdaw.
But I really envy Ao. As I mentioned before, this kind of superior-subordinate relationship is the most solid in the ninja village. Although they are not master and disciple in the true sense, there is still a bit of affection between them.
Generally speaking, the person being led is often regarded as the captain's follower, his most direct subordinate!
"There's still a bit of a gap between them and Level A; those three need more experience!"
Qing maintained a calm demeanor and spoke in a gentle tone.
"You!"
The Jackdaw smiled and shook its head.
From beginning to end.
Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame Hoshigaki, who were in the back, also remained silent. This made Jackdaw value the three of them even more, as they possessed strength and composure far exceeding that of most of their peers at their age.
It is entirely foreseeable that the future potential of these three individuals will be at least no less than that of a Jonin. In the Shinobi World, even within the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Jonin are already a very important figure.
After a brief handover of the mission and receiving the subsequent rewards, Qing led Qi and the other two away from the mission center.
In the past two weeks, Team 7 has completed three missions in a row. The one they just completed was a mission that was considered quite difficult even at the B-level. Therefore, Qing plans to let his Team 7 take a break for a while.
"As before, I'm giving you three days off to rest. Even if you're going to do some self-cultivation, remember to balance work and rest, especially at your age. Your bodies are still growing, so don't try to force them to grow too fast. Do you understand?"
Qing looked at Qi and the other two with a solemn expression and said in a deep voice.
It is now May of Konoha Year 41, and Team 7 has been established for more than three months. Ao has not only learned about the talents and strengths of his three subordinates, but also gained a certain understanding of their personalities.
To put it bluntly, all three of them are cultivation fanatics.
Whenever they had free time, the three of them would devote themselves to their own personal cultivation. Some of this was witnessed by Qing himself, and some he learned about through his other friends. It is certainly a good thing for young people to work hard, but they should also know when to stop!
The oldest of the three, Kisame Hoshigaki, is only ten years old, and Kei is just over eight. Their bodies haven't fully developed yet, and excessive training could potentially damage their physical foundation. Of course, the three haven't reached that level of madness yet.
Qing was simply offering some extra reminders as a precaution.
"Yes, Teacher Qing!"
Kei, Mei Terumi, Kisame Hoshigaki naturally understood this as well, and they all straightened their postures and answered loudly.
"Kindness!"
Then.
Ao left early. As a Jonin and a trusted confidant of Genji, Ao still had other work to handle when he wasn't leading Team 7!
And after Qing left.
Qi nodded to his two teammates in acknowledgment.
Just as he was about to say goodbye...
"Qi! Let's have a spar!"
Kisame Hoshigaki, who was on the left, stepped forward first, staring intently at Kei, and said with a hint of coldness.
When Qi heard Kisame's words, he paused in his tracks.
Mei Terumi was originally planning to leave, suddenly raised her eyebrows, and a hint of playfulness and excitement appeared in her beautiful eyes.
It started as early as the day the classes were divided.
Mei Terumi had anticipated a similar scenario. She had initially thought that a minor mishap during her first mission would delay the confrontation, but she never expected that this moment would arrive in just over three months.
While unexpected.
This also stirred up the unique curiosity that only a young girl possesses in Mei Terumi!
After staring intently at Kisame Hoshigaki for a few seconds, Qi nodded firmly and replied in a deep voice, "Since Kisame is interested, then I have no problem with that! Time? Place?"
Now he is a teenager, and in his previous life, Qi also went through adolescence. Because of this, Qi knows very well how strong the desire to win can be for a competitive teenager!
If it were me, I would definitely hold a grudge if I were defeated by someone. I might not be as direct as Kisame Hoshigaki, but I would definitely have the idea of getting my revenge someday!
Therefore, Kei would not, and could not, refuse Kisame Hoshigaki's challenge invitation here!
"Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, on the plains of Training Ground Nine, is that alright?"
After hearing Qi's straightforward reply.
Kisame Hoshigaki's pupils also flashed a crimson light, and he grinned, a slightly terrifying smile on his face, as he responded.
"OK, I'll definitely be there on time tomorrow!"
Qi replied with the same solemn expression.
"Can I come to watch the game tomorrow?"
Mei Terumi, standing to the side, put her hands behind her back and asked with a smile.
"As long as you have time, I don't mind."
"Casual!"
Kei and Kisame also replied one after the other.
"Hehe, then it's settled!"
Mei Terumi's eyes also curved into a beautiful arc.
"See you tomorrow, Kei!"
After uttering those words, Kisame leaped away and left the spot!
Watching the area where Kisame had left.
Mei Terumi tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes as she looked at Kei, and asked, "How is it, Kei? Feeling pressured? It seems Kisame has come well-prepared, otherwise, given his personality, he wouldn't have issued a challenge so easily!"
Although they only spent three months together.
But as teammates in the same squad, this amount of time was enough for the three of them to gain a basic understanding of each other!
Kisame Hoshigaki is definitely not the kind of reckless person.
If it's a challenge they're destined to lose, they won't humiliate themselves!
Mei Terumi understood this.
"Hehe, maybe!"
It's as clear as the beginning.
"Heh heh, it seems Qi is still very confident. No wonder he's a genius capable of killing Jonin!"
Mei Terumi teased.
"You can't go a day without making fun of me, can you? Mei Terumi!"
Qi glanced at Mei Terumi and said irritably.
"Hehe, isn't it because you're usually too boring, Qi~~"
Mei Terumi covered her mouth and chuckled, deliberately drawing out the syllable of Kei's name. Her meaningful expression made Kei's lips twitch slightly again.
Honestly, as one of only three female Kage in the original work, Mei Terumi is truly in a class of her own when it comes to being cunning and ruthless.
"Ahem, no joke. Confidence, of course I do, but that doesn't mean I'm absolutely certain I can defeat Kisame. It just means that no matter what the battle, as long as I step onto that stage, I will give it my all. That's all, Mei Terumi!"
As Qi spoke, a very serious expression appeared on his face.