The mortality rate for new Genin was notoriously high. Even with a seasoned teacher leading them, losses were common. For those who formed their own teams without guidance, survival was even bleaker. If two or three out of ten returned, it was considered fortunate.
"Actually, our sensei doesn't mind us going on missions outside the village," Minato said, breaking the silence. "He'd probably take us with him if he could, but right now, he can't leave."
"That makes sense. My sister, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru didn't have many chances to go out on missions when they were younger. After all, their teacher was the Hokage," Nawaki said thoughtfully, comparing himself to the famous trio. He realized that his own situation wasn't as bad as he'd thought. Although his current mentor was demanding, Shinki's training ensured he wouldn't fall behind.
"Forget it. Let's not dwell on it. If sensei believes in us, we should look forward to it. Come on, Blondie, let's get back to training," Nawaki said, getting to his feet.
"Don't call me Blondie," Minato protested, half-smiling.
"Heh, others can call you that, but I can't?"
"Idiots," Minato muttered under his breath.
"Pfft! I heard that. Stop calling me that!" Nawaki shouted, playfully shoving Minato.
"If sensei can call you Blondie, why can't I?" Minato teased, his grin widening.
"Ahhhh! You're really pushing it, Blondie!" Nawaki lunged at him, and the two boys started wrestling and laughing in the yard.
Shinki, watching from a distance, shook his head in exasperation. Minato, the well-mannered prodigy, had clearly become influenced by Nawaki's antics.
But they weren't wrong. If Nawaki could call Minato "Blondie," then it was only fair for Minato to respond with "idiot."
---
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. At a special Anbu passageway, a group of elite ninjas from the Sarutobi and Shimura clans gathered. There were around fifty shinobi, all handpicked for this mission by the Third Hokage. Joining them were the elder advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.
Koharu regretted agreeing to the mission, but it was too late to back out now. She couldn't stand the thought of being branded a coward.
The Third Hokage was there to see them off. Shinki arrived alone, bringing no one from the Anbu with him.
"Shinki, as promised, I've assembled an elite force, and the two elder advisors are here to guide the mission. What do you think?" the Third Hokage said, his tone heavy.
The decision to have Koharu and Homura lead was made after much deliberation. Although Koharu would serve as the figurehead, the true leadership would rest with Homura. The advisors worried that Shinki, if given command, might put them in jeopardy.
"I have no objections," Shinki said nonchalantly. He had no interest in commanding the team. It was better this way—he wouldn't be held accountable if things went wrong.
"Let's move out," Homura said, wasting no time. If he was going on this mission, he wanted it over with as soon as possible.
In his mind, holding command meant mitigating the risks. The worst betrayals often came from within, and with command, he felt he could control the situation better.
The group bid farewell to the Third Hokage and used the special Anbu passage to leave Konoha under the cover of night, heading toward the Land of Wind.
---
Instead of taking the expected route through the Land of Rivers, Mitokado Homura led them through the Land of Rain. The full-scale war in the Land of Rivers had tightened Sand Village's defenses, making infiltration from that direction perilous. The Land of Rain, on the other hand, was quieter, with fewer patrols to avoid.
As they moved, Shinki noticed the frequent glances cast his way. It was clear some of the team members were wary, as if expecting him to pull a trick at any moment.
*Amateurs,* Shinki thought but said nothing. Let them tire themselves out with their suspicions.
"Do we really need to involve him in the planning? Can't we just make the decisions ourselves?" Koharu whispered to Homura, her voice laced with frustration.
"…"
Homura took a deep breath. Koharu's stubbornness was wearing on him. He wanted to tell her to open her eyes and see the bigger picture but knew better than to argue with her.
"Just because Hiruzen entrusted us with command doesn't mean we should exclude Hyuga Shinki. He's part of this team," Homura said, invoking the Third Hokage's name to quell her objections.
"Fine," Koharu muttered, though she didn't look happy about it.
They decided to pause for a break, and Homura approached Shinki, who was standing on a rock, sipping juice and eating a meat patty as he admired the sunrise.
Watching this, Homura felt a surge of irritation. *We're here on a mission, not a picnic,* he thought.
"Ahem, Shinki… a word?" Homura said, trying to keep his tone neutral.
"Yes?" Shinki turned, still chewing on his patty, a relaxed smile on his face.
Homura walked up and stood beside him. "We'll need to collaborate closely to ensure this mission's success. I'd like to discuss our strategy."
"No need," Shinki said, shaking his head. "You have command. Make the decisions you think are best. I'll do my part."
With that, Shinki strolled away, taking another bite of his patty and sipping his juice, leaving Homura standing there, speechless.
*What a nightmare.* Homura watched as Shinki walked off, making it clear he had no intention of taking part in planning or decision-making.
"You got turned down, didn't you?" Koharu said, a smirk playing on her lips as Homura returned to the group looking defeated.
---
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