Chapter 17: Another Big Dream, The Team's First Actual Combat Mission
Eyes filled with envy and jealousy cannot deceive. Uchiha Akira took in the expressions of the other two, smiling inwardly. This was exactly the effect he wanted. A living, breathing success story was far more convincing than any empty promise.
"You've all seen Rin's progress. The reason she was able to achieve such a significant improvement in a short period wasn't just because of my guidance; more importantly, it was her absolute loyalty to me and to this team. My special training method can maximize a person's potential, but the prerequisite is that this person must be one hundred percent loyal to me."
Akira looked at Tetsu and Kai. "Do you understand what I mean?"
Uchiha Tetsu and Uchiha Kai both trembled upon hearing this. So that's how it was! The captain truly possessed some secret technique that could unleash potential! And the key to activating this secret technique was—loyalty! One hundred percent loyalty!
At this moment, the look in their eyes as they gazed at Akira became even more fervent. They had no doubt about the truthfulness of Captain Akira's words. After all, Rin's astonishing transformation was right before their eyes.
"Captain! I understand!" Uchiha Kai was the first to shout loudly, his dark face flushed crimson. "I, Uchiha Kai, vow from today onwards to be absolutely loyal to you, Captain, with no second thoughts! Please, Captain, also give me a chance to become stronger!"
Uchiha Tetsu took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Captain, Tetsu understands too. Please rest assured, Captain, I will prove my loyalty through my actions."
Akira nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. I look forward to your performance. Remember, opportunities are always reserved for those who are prepared and trustworthy."
After speaking, Akira said no more, turning to continue his own training. Meanwhile, Uchiha Tetsu and Uchiha Kai, as if injected with a stimulant, threw themselves back into even more rigorous training.
The power of the "Family Growth System" was truly beginning to manifest. Mass-producing loyal powerhouses was Akira's greatest reliance for controlling the Uchiha and even changing the entire ninja world's landscape in the future.
Rin's success was just the beginning. Next, Akira wanted Tetsu and Kai to also reach full loyalty as soon as possible and receive "potential activation." In the following days, their training enthusiasm soared to unprecedented heights, almost reaching the point of forgetting to eat and sleep.
Akira was pleased with this and further adjusted the training plan according to their individual characteristics. At the same time, Akira's development of Chidori had also entered its final assault phase. The Lightning Release Chakra condensed in his palm became increasingly stable.
A week of integration training quickly drew to a close. Next, it was time to test the team's training results.
"Today is a live combat mission." On the training ground, Akira looked at the three teammates, whose spirits had been completely revitalized, and said in a deep voice. "Mission objective: clear out the rogue samurai gang entrenched on the Land of Fire border. Mission level: C-rank, with a certain degree of danger."
Upon hearing about a live combat mission, Rin, Tetsu, and Kai all perked up, their eyes filled with fighting spirit. After a week of hellish training, they were all eager to test their own strength.
"This is our team's first official mission since its formation." Akira's gaze swept over their faces one by one. "I demand not only that we successfully complete the mission, but also achieve zero casualties, and, as much as possible, demonstrate our team's coordination and strength. Understand?!"
"Yes! Captain!" The three responded in unison.
On the border of the Land of Fire, the mountains were rugged and the forests dense. Akira's team of four, like agile leopards, moved silently through the dense woods.
"Captain, according to the map, the rogue samurai's lair should be in a valley three kilometers ahead." Uchiha Tetsu reported to Akira in a low voice. His perception abilities had also improved significantly under Akira's guidance.
"Rin, you are responsible for the frontal assault, attracting their attention. Tetsu, you will flank them, looking for an opportunity to cast genjutsu and disrupt their formation. Kai, you and I will be responsible for the central support and decapitation strike. Remember, all actions are to be carried out under my command!"
Akira swiftly issued combat orders. "Yes!" The three received their orders and immediately proceeded to stealthily approach the target area according to the plan.
Soon, the entrance to the valley appeared before their eyes.
"Move!" Akira gave the command.
Whoosh!
Uchiha Rin's figure shot out like an arrow released from a bow. Her speed was several times faster than a week ago.
"Who's there?!"
The rogue samurai at the valley entrance were clearly not expecting a sudden attack and immediately panicked. However, before they could react, Rin had already charged into the crowd like a fierce tiger.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Rin's fists and feet, carrying sharp force, struck the vital points of the rogue samurai precisely and swiftly. Within a few breaths, the five rogue samurai at the valley entrance had all been knocked to the ground by her, incapacitated.
"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!" Shouts echoed within the valley. Dozens of rogue samurai, armed with weapons, rushed out from various tents.
"Now! Tetsu!" Uchiha Tetsu, who had already infiltrated the flank, immediately formed hand signs upon hearing the command.
"Genjutsu: Haze Clone Technique!"
"Well done! Tetsu!" Although Tetsu's genjutsu was still rudimentary, it was more than enough to deal with these ordinary samurai.
"Kai! Follow me!"
Whoosh! Whoosh!
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
From Akira's mouth, a gigantic fireball erupted, roaring like a beast as it hurtled toward the one-eyed strongman at the very front.
Boom!!!
The massive fireball slammed fiercely into the one-eyed strongman.
"Ah—!"
A shrill scream emanated from the flames. When the flames dissipated, the one-eyed strongman was charred black, lying on the ground, completely lifeless.
"Le-leader is dead!"
"Run!"
Seeing their leader killed, the rogue samurai were instantly terrified and began to scatter and flee. However, how could Akira give them a chance to escape?
"Lightning Release: Lightning Ball!"
Akira quickly formed hand signs, and several lightning balls, condensed from Lightning Release Chakra, accurately struck the rogue samurai attempting to escape.
Sizzle—!
Uchiha Kai also rushed forward, using taijutsu to kill the fleeing rogue samurai. The battle concluded in just a few minutes. The entire process was clean and decisive.
"Clear the battlefield, count the prisoners."
"Yes! Captain!"
The mission was successfully completed. The team, now showcasing its initial prowess, already possessed the preliminary ability to stand on its own.