Release
"Hyuga Ning's team reporting," a young Hyuga jonin entered the tent, followed by two other ninja.
Hyuga Ning was slightly older than Uchiha Fugaku—a prodigy of the Hyuga clan, having mastered the Gentle Fist at a young age. Though a few years older than the famous twin brothers Hiashi and Hizashi, Ning was often spoken of in the same breath as them. His talent with the Byakugan was undeniable, second only to the main branch's most promising heirs.
Among Konoha's elite, the Uchiha and Hyuga were always compared. The rivalry between their respective prodigies—Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Ning—was a favorite subject of whispers within both clans. So when Fugaku found himself assigned to the same team as Ning, it caught him off guard.
Both families prided themselves on being Konoha's foremost bloodline clans. Their competition was subtle, but ever-present. Whether this joint assignment was a coincidence or a deliberate test from the village elders was unclear.
Fugaku didn't believe in coincidences.
The presence of the two clan heirs on the same squad, along with a mix of other specialized ninja, suggested strategic intent—perhaps even political calculation by the Konoha leadership.
Behind Hyuga Ning, two other shinobi entered. They were chunin-level. Their original jonin squad leader had been killed during a mission after an ambush by Sunagakure forces. He had sacrificed himself to cover their retreat.
"Yamada Shinji, Kodamaru, reporting in."
Fugaku's eyes flicked to Shinji, whose name he recognized. The Yamada clan had fallen from prominence after the death of Elder Yamada—the most distinguished member of their lineage. Once influential due to Elder Yamada's contributions during the First and Second Hokage eras, the clan had produced no new talent since, slowly fading into a minor family.
Hatake Sakumo stepped forward and addressed the assembled shinobi.
"Everyone is here. As you all know, the situation in the Land of Rain is chaotic. Single three-man teams are too vulnerable in this theater. This will be your new team composition. Uchiha Fugaku is the captain; Hyuga Ning, vice-captain."
He handed Fugaku a scroll.
"This is intel from the Intelligence Division—a supply base in the western territory of Sunagakure. There's a large cache of provisions stored there. Your objective: infiltrate and destroy the supplies. Crippling their logistics will delay their frontline forces."
Fugaku accepted the scroll and quickly scanned the map. It marked a Sunagakure stronghold situated near the River Country border, on the far side of the Rain Country.
This mission is a test.
Of the team. Of leadership.
Of me.
After the briefing, Fugaku led his new squad to his tent.
"Let's introduce ourselves," he said. "We're a newly formed unit. It's important we understand each other's strengths so we can coordinate effectively."
"I'm Uchiha Fugaku, captain. Proficient in Fire Release and Sharingan-based genjutsu."
"Hyuga Ning," the vice-captain said calmly. "Proficient in Byakugan and the Gentle Fist."
"Yamada Shinji. Skilled in Earth Release and traditional kenjutsu passed down in my family."
Fugaku nodded. Many of Konoha's older clans, especially those with samurai roots, retained unique sword styles. Even the Hatake clan—though now famous for Sakumo's White Light Chakra Sabre—had samurai origins.
"Kodamaru. Skilled in Water Release."
"Aburame Nozawa. User of kikaichu parasites."
"Satomaru. Proficient in Fire Release and kenjutsu."
Fugaku turned toward Hyuga Ning's former teammates.
"Qiuze Dayo, skilled in Earth Release and sealing techniques."
"Haranoki, skilled in Fire Release and swordsmanship."
Fugaku gave a firm nod. Though Konoha had only existed for just over two decades, many families still preserved techniques from the Warring States era. In this generation, both ninjutsu and kenjutsu continued to evolve together.
He unrolled the scroll. The target was confirmed—an enemy supply depot south of Sunagakure territory.
"We're moving in ten minutes," he said. "This is our first mission as a newly-formed squad, and a difficult one at that. Prepare yourselves mentally and physically."
He glanced at the team. Two jonin and six chunin… A bold assignment.
A fully operational supply point likely had at least three full squads—nine to twelve enemy shinobi. Plus, reinforcements from nearby patrols or logistics squads could arrive at any time.
---
The eight-man squad moved through the rain, keeping low. Parasitic insects from Nozawa's swarm patrolled their perimeter, while Hyuga Ning periodically activated his Byakugan to scout in a 360-degree field.
The combined use of the Byakugan and kikaichu made them highly resistant to surprise attacks.
"Captain," Nozawa said suddenly, "six Rain Ninja ahead. They're stationary. If we continue straight, we'll cross paths."
"Hold position. Conceal yourselves," Fugaku ordered. "Wait until they pass."
"But Captain," said Qiuze Dayo, "they're only six. We can eliminate them easily and keep going."
It was the first open disagreement since the team had formed. Fugaku knew it wouldn't be the last.
He turned his eyes on Qiuze, the tomoe of his fully matured Sharingan spinning slowly.
"A skirmish risks alerting nearby units. If they radio allies or delay us, we may miss our window to strike the supply base. Worse, we might compromise the mission and suffer casualties before it even begins.
You're a chunin. That means you're expected to command genin in the future. You must learn to assess tactical priorities, not just combat odds. We avoid unnecessary conflict before the mission."
Qiuze flushed slightly but fell silent. The team blended into the terrain. The Rain-nin passed by without noticing them.
Fugaku noticed that although Hyuga Ning hadn't spoken much, a few members of the squad were clearly uncomfortable taking orders from someone as young as Fugaku—just thirteen. The quiet doubts lingered behind their eyes.
But so far, no one had openly resisted his command. They were still committed to the mission's success.
---
The sky darkened, rain falling harder now. Fugaku had them conceal themselves multiple times during the march, avoiding skirmishes with foreign patrols.
No one wanted to be the cause of a failed operation due to recklessness.
"Nozawa," Fugaku said, "find us a place to make camp."
Hinata Ning finally spoke. "Captain. About 400 meters south, there's a cave system behind a waterfall. The opening is narrow but the interior space is wide and dry. It's well concealed."
Fugaku nodded. "We'll rest there tonight."
The team followed Ning's guidance. The cave was exactly as he described—perfect for laying low.
Halfway there. Half the journey remains tomorrow.
But the real challenge would begin once they arrived.