After everyone finished their introductions, Tenzo explained the squad's communication methods to Tōma.They had all assumed that with a newcomer joining, it would take at least a few days before receiving an assignment.
They were wrong.
The very next morning, a mission order came down.
At home, Tōma received the squad's assembly notice. He quietly left a note for his mother, Fujimoto Sana, then put on his ANBU mask, strapped the blade to his back, and headed out.
When Tenzo saw that Tōma was the first to arrive, his eyes flickered with interest.So the boy's talk about speed hadn't been empty words. At the very least, his travel pace was impressive.
A short while later, Hyena and Fox arrived as well.
"Everyone's here," Tenzo said. "This mission wasn't one I picked up. It was assigned directly. Take a look."
He unrolled the scroll on the ground so all of them could see.
"…Hey," Hyena complained immediately. "Isn't this a beginner-level assignment? Why is it being dumped on an elite squad like ours?"
Beginner missions usually meant low pay.
"Hyena," Fox said calmly, "we do have a beginner on the team."
Unlike Hyena, Fox didn't seem upset. If anything, he looked relieved. Dangerous missions weren't his preference.From that angle, Tōma joining might actually be a good thing. Higher-ups would probably avoid sending them on overly risky operations for a while.
"…Fair point," Hyena muttered, glancing at Tōma before dropping the subject.
Tōma studied the mission scroll, then looked up at Tenzo."Captain, does a mission like this really require the whole squad to move together?"
"Yes," Tenzo answered without hesitation. "We operate as a unit. No exceptions."
"Understood."
Privately, Tōma thought the task could be handled by one person. According to the report, there weren't even any enemy shinobi involved.Yet here they were. One jōnin and three chūnin. It was excessive.
"If you think it's too easy," Tenzo said, "we'll move fast. Two days to reach the site and finish it."
No one objected. Based on the distance, two days was more than enough.
"Fox," Hyena said out of habit, "have Grayfang carry you."
"No need," Fox replied. "Let Inkshadow ride."
"I don't need it," Tōma said immediately. "I can keep up."
"Fox rides," Tenzo decided. "That's final."
"…Understood."
"Move out."
Tenzo vanished in a blur. Hyena followed, with Fox riding atop Grayfang.
At first, they deliberately kept their pace slow.
When they noticed that Tōma was following without any visible strain, they gradually sped up.By the time Hyena started pushing past his usual travel speed, it was clear what he was doing.
A test, Tōma thought, amused.
Hyena accelerated again, clearly trying to shake him.
Unfortunately for him, Tōma specialized in speed and stamina. Keeping up wasn't even difficult. He closed the distance smoothly.
"…Hyena's going to embarrass himself," Tenzo thought quietly.
Sure enough, Hyena's breathing soon grew heavy.Grayfang, on the other hand, showed no signs of slowing down. Animals really did have absurd endurance.
"Hyena," Tōma said casually, "maybe slow it down a bit. I'm starting to get tired."
Hyena froze for a moment, then exhaled sharply."…Fine. Slow down. And don't sugarcoat it. I underestimated you. Your speed and stamina are solid."
Tōma blinked, then smiled faintly.
His opinion of the squad rose another notch. Pride was one thing. Owning up to reality was another.
Tenzo and Fox exchanged glances, both sensing the subtle shift in the team's atmosphere. It was smoother now. More natural.
That night, they made camp.
Unless a mission was urgent, resting at night was standard procedure. Exhaustion got people killed faster than delays ever did.
Tenzo began assigning night watch as usual. Fox for the first shift, Tenzo in the middle, Hyena until dawn.This time, Tōma wasn't included.
"Captain," Tōma said, "I'm a sensor-type shinobi. Fox handles medical support. Let Fox rest. I'll take the first watch."
Fox stayed silent.
Tenzo studied Tōma for a moment."It's not that I don't trust you. This mission is meant for you. You'll be the one acting later, so I want you at full condition."
"I don't need special treatment," Tōma replied evenly. "The most efficient arrangement is what matters."
Tenzo met his gaze.
He was right. The optimal setup was Tōma and Hyena for detection and scouting, with Tenzo covering the most exhausting middle shift.
After a brief pause, Tenzo nodded."…Fine. Fox, your watch is reassigned to Inkshadow."
"Got it."
Fox handed Tōma a small wooden device with a button embedded in it.
"What's this?"
"Captain made it," Fox explained. "Press it and it'll alert everyone immediately."
"Understood."
With that, Tenzo, Fox, and Hyena settled into their sleeping bags.
Tōma sat alone by the fire, watching the flames flicker in the darkness.
A quiet smile formed beneath his mask.
This squad… isn't bad at all.