"Kunugi Mokume-sama?"
Tatsuma's mood didn't fluctuate as much as Minato's did. Instead, he turned to look at the person commanding the two of them, who was none other than Kunugi Mokume, one of the young elite in the village and a well-known Jonin.
Kunugi Mokume nodded slightly, wearing a somewhat foolish smile as he spoke, "I heard that both of you are skilled in Ninja Tool Throwing. Would you like to join the tool department? Or perhaps accompany the teams led by Hyuga or Uchiha for the extermination and defense missions on the outskirts of the battlefield?"
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma and Minato exchanged a glance, both understanding the meaning behind Kunugi Mokume's words. It meant that they were still unable to participate in direct combat on the front lines.
It wasn't a matter of strength; after all, the team had now become a Ninja army with plenty of Genin. If Genin could participate in direct combat, there was no reason why Tatsuma and Minato, also Genin, couldn't.
The reason lay in the fact that the village, or rather the Elders of the army, did not want them to participate in direct combat. Instead, they had planned safer paths for them, either through the tool department or wondering in the outskirts.
The tool department is mainly responsible for medium-range firepower coverage and support. With Jonin Kunugi Mokume leading, protecting the two of them is quite simple. As for wondering, it offers even greater flexibility.
The battles of the Ninja army resemble conventional warfare in the eyes of ordinary people. In the previous jungle battles, although they could better utilize their abilities as Ninjas, weren't as bloody as real hean on collision between two armies.
However, to determine the outcome of a war, there must be powerful battles with significant casualties on one or both sides. Therefore, after more than a week of probing, the Wind and Fire nations have now transitioned into traditional battle mode.
But this doesn't mean that small-scale jungle battles will simply disappear. The outskirts of the battlefield are crucial for support, supply, and intelligence transmission, tasks that also require Ninjas to execute.
The level of danger is not low, but if these tasks are handled by the Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan, then it's a different story altogether.
Tatsuma and Minato have been given special consideration. Minato himself doesn't have any particular thoughts, so he signals Tatsuma to decide.
After pondering for a moment, Tatsuma replied, "Kunugi Mokume-sama, please assign us to the outskirts of the battlefield. I believe that would be more suitable for us."
Upon hearing this, Kunugi Mokume scrutinized the two once again. Although having Uchiha and Hyuga ninjas with them would reduce the level of danger, it was still more perilous compared to the ninja tool team.
However, Orochimaru had given them the choice, and whichever they chose was their freedom. Kunugi Mokume nodded and said, "Alright, I'll go talk to them."
After saying that, Kunugi Mokume turned and left. In a short while, he returned and said, "The Uchiha team has fewer members. Are you willing to join them, or do you prefer the Hyuga team?"
"Let's go with Uchiha."
Seeing the two make a choice, Kunugi Mokume led them to the Uchiha team. After a brief introduction, he left, and the ninja legion began to march.
Tatsuma assessed Uchiha Fugaku, who was leading the team, as he was indeed a "talent." Not any could give birth to two brothers like Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke.
Uchiha Fugaku also noticed Tatsuma's gaze, but he seemed to have some misunderstanding. There was a hint of unwillingness in his eyes, but he calmly said, "The Hyuga team leans towards reconnaissance, while we Uchiha undertake more dangerous elimination missions."
"If you have concerns, you can come over and report while we haven't separated yet."
Upon hearing these words, Tatsuma pulled the corners of his mouth and said, "You misunderstood, Fugaku Senpai. It's just that after you and the Uchiha group rescued me that day, I didn't have the chance to get to know you and express my gratitude."
At these words, Fugaku's expression softened, and there was even a hint of a smile on his lips. However, the next moment, he suppressed the smile and maintained his usual calm tone, saying, "It was just a coincidence; there's no need to dwell on it."
The Uchiha ninjas near Fugaku all maintained indifferent expressions at this moment. However, the slightly raised heads and tightly restrained upward curve of their lips indicated that they were actually quite pleased.
Before Tatsuma could continue the conversation, the team began to move. Tatsuma stopped talking and followed behind Uchiha Fugaku and the others, maintaining the formation.
During the journey, he also discussed the combat habits of the Sand Ninja with Minato. In fact, the combat habits of ninjas from various countries were taught during their studies, and Jiraiya had covered it when he trained them. Tatsuma was just providing additional information.
After all, the Hidden Sand Village did not participate in the previous Great Ninja War, and the mutual understanding between the Wind and Fire nations largely remained in the chaotic stages before the establishment of the ninja villages. The developments over the past few decades have brought about changes for both nations.
As they marched, Tatsuma became somewhat puzzled because the current marching route differed from the previous battlefield direction. It was leaning more towards the north, getting closer to the Land of Rain.
The shift of the battlefield was a normal occurrence, but Tatsuma suddenly recalled the reasons for the initiation of the Second Great Ninja War.
The Second Great Ninja War was initiated by the Hidden Rain Village, with Hanzo, the leader of the Rain Village, feeling that the allocation of ninja resources in the ninja world was unfair. Small countries like the Land of Rain found it extremely challenging to develop amidst the pressures from the major nations.
Hence, Hanzo chose to declare war simultaneously against the two major ninja nations, Wind and Fire, as well as the country of samurais, the Land of Iron. Tatsuma recollected the timeline of the Second Great Ninja War and realized that it was about to start.
Tatsuma suddenly wondered if the friction between the Wind and Fire nations had affected the Land of Rain, leading Hanzo to take drastic actions.
Stopping his depressing train of thought, Tatsuma continued to advance with the team until they reached the border between the Land of Rivers and the Land of Rain. The marching pace of the team gradually slowed down.
It wasn't due to changes in the terrain, as changes in terrain wouldn't significantly affect the speed of ninjas. Tatsuma probably figured out the reason for the slowdown when he noticed signs of previous battles around. It was evident that the two armies had clashed in this area before.
Even though the situation was shifting towards a traditional battle, wars between ninjas still placed a strong emphasis on ambushes. Therefore, being cautious was never excessive.
"Tatsuma, Minato."
At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku suddenly spoke, redirecting the attention of the two to their surroundings. Fugaku touched the ninja tools pouch on his body and the scrolls on his vest, then said:
"We are about to separate from the main force. Follow me. Our destination is approximately five miles northeast. Don't fall behind."
"Yes, Fugaku Senpai!" x 2
Tatsuma and Minato quickly checked their equipment. Uchiha Fugaku, accompanied by Uchiha Yashiro, was briefing a few others on their tasks. Shortly after, the Uchiha team and the Hyuga team swiftly separated from the main force.
However, the Uchiha and Hyuga teams had different directions. The Uchiha team, including Tatsuma, headed towards the direction leaning towards the Land of Rain, while the Hyuga team went deeper into the Land of Rivers.
During the march, Uchiha Fugaku kept observing Tatsuma, but he seemed somewhat dissatisfied because Tatsuma's speed was too slow. Of course, among peers, Uchiha Fugaku believed that no one was faster than Tatsuma and Minato, even within the Uchiha Clan, known for producing exceptional talents.
However, Fugaku's perception of Tatsuma was that he was a formidable individual capable of defeating Jonin-level opponents. Yet, his performance among Chunin was not considered outstanding.
After a while, Uchiha Fugaku casually inquired, "How did you manage to defeat the Hidden Sand Village Jonin that day?"
"It was just a stroke of luck; I don't have that kind of strength."
Tatsuma remained modest, or rather, he had to be. What if Uchiha Fugaku genuinely thought he was capable and sent him to battle against the Sand Jonin they might encounter? Unless Uchiha Fugaku and the others died in combat, he truly had no capability to face Jonin-level opponents. Tatsuma didn't want his teammates to pay the price for his temporary surge in power.
Fugaku didn't press further upon hearing this, simply saying, "In that case, don't push yourself too hard when facing enemies."
Tatsuma nodded and continued to follow Fugaku. Five miles was not a long distance for ninjas, and they quickly arrived. Along the way, they separated from Uchiha Yashiro and others. Fugaku landed on a tree, then turned and said, "Beyond this point to the north is the Land of Rain. Recently, the Land of Rain has been sending ninjas for reconnaissance, and Sand Ninja often gather here for surprise attacks. Our task is to ensure that the main battlefield won't be disturbed."
With that, Fugaku removed a few scrolls from his vest and tossed them in their direction, saying, "Let's set up some traps around. You should have learned about this, right?"
Tatsuma and Minato nodded. They unsealed the scrolls and saw a large number of Explosive Tags, ninja tools and the clan emblem on them. Almost instinctively, Tatsuma complimented, "Indeed, it's the Uchiha Clan. The craftsmanship of these ninja tools and Explosive Tags is remarkable."
A small smile appeared on Uchiha Fugaku's lips, and he even forgot to conceal it. Minato waited for Tatsuma to continue, and as expected, Tatsuma added, "We shouldn't leave these ninja tools and Explosive Tags unused. I will set up traps for sure. Minato, let's have a competition to see who can set up traps faster than Fugaku Senpai."
As he spoke, Tatsuma looked at Fugaku. This competition was designed for Fugaku, as his "Successfully praised" had nothing to do with Minato. Even if he won against Minato, he couldn't acquire the talent.
Fugaku, being a clever person, picked up on the topic and said, "Count me in."
All three nodded simultaneously, then quickly left the spot. Tatsuma swiftly set up traps, and Minato, who had developed a taste for the feeling of victory, was not willing to fall behind.
Uchiha Fugaku wasn't in a rush. Instead, he observed the two and noticed that both Tatsuma and Minato had flawless techniques and made impeccable choices in their trap placements. He was somewhat amazed, as such fundamental skills were even rarer in young prodigies.
As Uchiha Fugaku didn't actively participate in the competition, Tatsuma, relying on his familiarity with the terrain, finished setting up the traps faster. He took some of Minato's ninja tools and Explosive Tags, smiling as he said, "It looks like I have the upper hand, Minato."
"Ding~ [Speed+3], [Wisdom+5]; Special Talents: 'More children, more blessings' (Uchiha Fugaku Limited Edition). Would you like to claim?"
Seeing that Special Talents prompt, Tatsuma was startled. He couldn't enjoy such blessings.
"I only want to claim regular talents!!!" 'What blessing... this system wants to get me killed by my own kids?'
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