Missions had always been the core of a ninja's life.
Whether in times of peace or in the chaos of war, there was never a shortage of tasks waiting to be completed.
On the battlefield, the base specifically established a mission reception and distribution department to issue tasks such as reconnaissance, vigilance, interference, and patrols along the outskirts of the battlefield and around the base itself.
In essence, it was no different from the system within the village.
The only real difference lay in the method of reward.
In the village, payment was issued directly after a mission was completed.
On the battlefield, however, ninjas accumulated merit points through each mission.
Once enough points were gathered, one could apply for promotion to Chunin or even Jonin.
These points could also be exchanged for valuable ninjutsu scrolls and rare techniques.
If a ninja had no interest in either promotion or techniques, those merit points could be converted directly into money at the end of the war to support one's family.
And if someone was unfortunate enough to die in action, Konoha would not only provide a pension to the family but would also convert all accumulated merit points into money or valuable items for them.
At the very least, this ensured that the fallen ninja's family could continue living without collapsing financially.
This was also the true reason why so many commoners chose to become ninjas.
It was not always about lofty ideals like the Will of Fire.
For most low-level ninjas, it was simply because the profession paid well and offered proper security for their families.
Uchiha Hayashi had learned all of this from the Taki siblings.
They were exactly this kind of ninja, born as ordinary commoners without outstanding talent.
Their goal in becoming ninjas was simple, earn more money, then one day open a shop in Konoha and live a stable, comfortable life.
So the moment they arrived at the battlefield base, the Taki Tou siblings wasted no time urging Hayashi to head to the mission distribution center.
"Good luck," Taki Toru said cheerfully.
"I found a mission that should suit our squad perfectly."
After collecting the mission and stepping out of the tent, Hayashi shook the sealed scroll lightly in his hand.
"This one allows for team adjustment. Take a look."
Their squad followed the most common four-man formation.
Hayashi served as the Jonin leader, accompanied by two Chunin and one medical ninja.
Because a medical ninja was part of the team, Hayashi had to consider the overall balance and survivability of the squad.
He could not act as a lone powerhouse who carried the entire team through high-level missions.
That kind of approach would only stunt their growth and put them at greater risk in the long run.
This time, he deliberately chose a mission with relatively low difficulty.
The objective was simple.
Search for isolated Sand Ninja teams on the outskirts of the battlefield and eliminate at least one Jonin-level enemy along with three or more Chunin.
Completion beyond the required number would grant additional merit points based on difficulty.
In short, this was a battlefield sweep mission.
No specific target, no complicated strategy.
As long as enough enemies were eliminated, the mission would be considered complete.
"Eh, three Chunin?"
As the only Genin on the team, Taki Toru naturally took on the role of the most expressive one.
She stared at the large characters on the scroll, [Eliminate Three Chunin], her cheeks puffing up with dissatisfaction.
"If this is for team adjustment, shouldn't we pick something easier, Hayashi San?"
"Is this not easy enough already?"
Hayashi tapped her lightly on the head with the scroll.
"Or should I take you to hunt Genin instead? If that got out, how would I ever show my face in the Jonin circle again?"
"Tch, I'm just a Genin anyway," Taki Toru stuck out her tongue.
"Then after you deal with the Jonin, you absolutely have to help us out,"
she added quickly.
"No problem."
"That's great then."
Taki Toru, fully immersed in her energetic big-sister persona, patted Hayashi on the shoulder with confidence.
"In exchange, I will heal you with medical ninjutsu if you get injured. You can relax."
The unspoken message in the eyes of the others was simple.
She should focus on keeping herself safe first.
This girl was a little too optimistic at times.
Hayashi chose not to expose her and simply nodded.
"Then I will be counting on you."
"Hahaha, no problem. My dream is to become someone like Tsunade-sama one day."
"Then you will need to work very hard,"
Hayashi replied with a faint smile.
With no further preparations needed, he led the team out of the Konoha base and began heading toward the outskirts of the battlefield.
The distance itself was not far, but their overall speed was deliberately kept low.
For close-combat specialists like Himeji, maintaining pace was no issue.
However, for a medical ninja like Taki Toru, this pace was already near her upper limit.
Compared to Hayashi's former teammates, the difference was obvious.
Still, as the captain, he could not complain.
He adjusted his speed to match hers, allowing the entire team to move steadily without wasting excessive chakra.
"In about ten minutes, we will officially enter the battlefield outskirts,"
Hayashi said, raising his hand as a signal.
"The objective is simple. Eliminate enough Sand Ninjas, then retreat. If anyone gets separated, find a safe location immediately and fire the signal flare we just distributed."
"And remember this clearly. Never go west. That is the direction of the Sand Ninja base."
After giving these instructions, Hayashi's expression grew serious.
This was a profession where life was often wagered on the edge of a blade.
With bad luck, one could even run into a monster like the Third Kazekage.
Fortunately, Nawaki was not part of their team this time.
Their luck should be slightly better than usual.
"All team members, increase speed. Final adjustments before contact."
"Yes."
.....
After officially entering the outskirts of the battlefield, Hayashi led the three in stealth for a long time without encountering any Sand Ninjas.
This was not surprising.
The defeat on the main battlefield had forced the Sand Ninjas into a full retreat.
Their patrol density on the periphery had dropped significantly.
Finally, after nearly another full hour of careful movement, they encountered a Sand Ninja reconnaissance team.
"The enemy captain is a Jonin. The three subordinates are all Chunin. No signs of hidden puppets beneath the sand."
Hiding in a low depression of the desert terrain, Himeji activated her Byakugan and carefully observed the enemy, quietly reporting everything she saw.
The Gobi terrain was wide and exposed.
With the Byakugan's range, she could accurately determine whether any ambushes were hidden nearby.
Hayashi nodded calmly.
"Then I will take the lead and handle the Jonin."
"The three of you are responsible for the remaining Chunin. I will provide support at any time."
"Be especially careful of poison. Do not underestimate the Sand Ninjas on that front."
"If anyone is injured or poisoned, leave it immediately to Taki Tou."
Everyone nodded without hesitation.
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