Kurenai's POV (Team Nine Training Ground - Hidden Leaf Village)
Today was sure to be an enjoyable day. Kakashi had come to the Jounin Sensei's regular haunt looking troubled; the man rarely asked for aid. And as one of his few friends, Kurenai felt compelled to offer it. Asuma had warned her that Kakashi was a strange man these days, and his team was sure to be a handful of their own. But Kurenai enjoyed teaching, considered herself the helpful type, and was more than a little keen on finally showing up Kakashi.
Their class had been one of the last under the old system. Unlike their students, they had been thrust into the dark and violent life of shinobi from an early age. They had each spent nearly a decade within it now. Throughout those years, they had all suffered greatly, lost peers who once stood by their side, and become jaded, as most often did throughout their career. However, even among them, Kakashi had always been different. The man suffered much more than most, achieved more than most, and seemed relatively infallible. Kakashi was the closest thing the Leaf had for a modern-day legend, save for the Sannin. They all had spent much of their careers attempting to match him and failing. Now Kurenai had the chance to finally have the lead on Kakashi, and even aid the man in the process. A win-win as far as she was concerned.
After their meeting in the bar. (I.E. Asuma got absurdly drunk and had to be carted off by the always helpful Gai) Kakashi had offered her files on his squad, a sentiment Kurenai appreciated; she preferred to be prepared. And as she peered over them, she was glad she had. Even on paper, some of the problems ailing Team Seven became apparent to her.
Naruto Uzumaki was a name most Jounin knew throughout the Leaf. It was a secret for most, even Chunin, who were in the dark about his status. But to those who had been around or essential enough to be in the know, he was a known quantity. Kurenai herself cared little about him being a jinchuriki. Having been present for the Kyuubi's rampage long ago, she didn't think it right to hold it over someone who had no real choice in the matter. However, Kurenai was not blind to the effect it must have had on him, how, if that secret ever got out, it would affect his life and reputation.
Furthermore, even without Naruto, it was notable that he had performed poorly throughout the Academy, even requiring the Remedial Exam, yet somehow survived an assassination attempt by an experienced Chunin. He was of a clan, but one that was barely recognized these days and had little to no influence. Which, of course, meant most shinobi for the early part of his career would treat him as lesser. Troublesome on its own, but manageable. She imagined, however, his "Open and determined nature," as the file put it, could lead to disaster. Primarily, her instinct said, due to the next member of the team.
Neji Hyuga was a very different prospect from Naruto. For one, he had nearly been the best graduate from the Academy. Known for his sharp mind, incredible skill with the Gentle Fist style, and even more so, his temper. On paper, he was an inevitable future Jounin, one with the proper tutelage and effort would become whatever he set his mind to. If not for an incident report attached to his file and the rumors whirling about him, Kurenai might assume him the easiest part of this team. But those two factors informed her of an infamous incident within the Hyuga. Supposedly, two Main Branch members had incurred the wrath of Neji, and the two Jounin were, in response, savagely beaten, supposedly unable to defend themselves even with the seal. The young man had nearly been banished from the clan, but as one of their best prospects was given a second chance. That and a handful of other incidents made it clear the Hyuga was not one to tolerate disrespect of any kind. Combine that with the bold Naruto, and Kurenai could sense the fireworks from here.
The final member was Kurenai, providing a much-needed balance between the other two. Ino was middle of the pack overall and one of the better Kunoichi of the recent graduates. She wasn't a genius like Neji, meaning she had an easier time relating to Naruto, and her clan status made Kurenai sure Neji afforded her some level of respect. Leave it to the woman of the team to be the most reasonable.
With their profiles in mind, Kurenai had developed the perfect plan to inspire them to build teamwork and chemistry. Shinobi were proud people, sly and tricky by most metrics, but proud all the same. Two young men like Neji and Naruto would be even more so. Meaning she could likely get the two past their beef with each other, if she struck at their ego. She needed to make Team Seven realize just how flawed they were.
This meant that whatever task Kurenai assigned to them needed to promote teamwork and preferably highlight their weaknesses in the process. And she had just the method…
"Sensei, are we dismissed for the day?" Yuno's friendly voice breaks Kurenai out of her thoughts. "I think Shino just about has Choji worn out, and it's kind of getting dark."
Kurenai blinked as she focused back on her student. She offered an apologetic smile as she focused back on the Taijutsu spar before her.
Today was a typical training day for the group. After their meeting the day before, Kurenai and Kakashi had decided to plan ahead but leave their students mainly in the dark. So Kurenai had kept it mostly light today, for her, anyway.
The group had endured their standard chakra control and reserve training. Both were the essence of Ninjutsu, and by improving reserves and control, they kept improving each instance of Ninjutsu. Genjutsu training, encompassing both defensive and detection techniques, and special offensive training for Yuno, as the other two lacked the mental capacity for it. And finally, now, Taijutsu sparring. Kurenai believed the basics were the key to improving and building a reliable and enduring shinobi.
Kurenai focused on the two men of her team as they clashed. Her team was as unusual as it was talented. Each of them had their unique strengths and even more unique weaknesses. Though she was proud to say they were slowly working through them. Shino was the aggressor in the bout; whenever Choji was in combat, his opponent was often the aggressor. Despite the Aburame's typically long-range and non-direct style, Shino approved and was comfortable with Taijutsu. Marching forward using a combination of propping jabs to close the distance and bait an attack, stepping back to force Choji to overextend, and punishing him with a headkick. Kurenai winced, a well-timed and considered shot, most would allow the opponent the round. However, Choji powered through the blow, just as annoyed as he was dazed, and in an ugly but effective strategy, he body-checked Shino to the ground. He attempted to bodily hold him there, but was rocked again by an upkick. Kurenai smirked as Choji caught the next one and hurled Shino across the clearing like a doll. Charing after him, Shino scrambled to his feet to face it.
She was glad she had decided to volunteer as a Jounin Sensei. They had been particularly picky this year regarding the selections. Given the specialty of this class, the best pick was decided. Gai and Kakashi had been selected for their excellent combat prowess and experience on the field; they were no Jounin she could think of more accomplished. Asuma and Shisui were picked for different reasons. Asuma had a rare political pull, having once been the personal guard of the Fire Daimyo. Shisui had been one of the few Uchiha loyal after the attempted rebellion, and as such had been rewarded with his trust, as much as being set to keep an eye on one's own blood could be a reward anyway. Kurenai had only been picked, however, due to her people skills. A trait Hiruzen had determined would be needed for this new generation of shinobi.
Kurenai blinked. She had been distracted again. It seemed Choji's growing frustration at losing the spar had fueled him well. He was bruised and tired, but had managed to lift Shino over his head. On one hand, Choji's temper could be handy; it often helped him overcome his hesitation in battle. But he lost his head in those moments. She needed to work on his confidence and battle IQ, it seemed. For Shino, even while held high in the air, he calmly saw an opening; he slipped out of Choji's grip and wrapped around one of his arms, his legs wrapping around his body, and Shino hung from Choji in an impressive arm lock. However, Choji attempted to slam him headfirst to free himself. Shino, however, realized the intent and released the arm, managing to roll through the slam attempt and launch himself forward for a charging uppercut. The blow caught Choji flatfooted and knocked him to his knees, dizzy and dazed.
"That's enough, boys, well done." Kurenai chimed in. "What did we see there that we could've improved on?"
"Well, a lot for me…" Choji said with a sigh. It hurt Kurenai to have him point out his own flaws with his confidence problems, but it was necessary to know where to improve if she wanted him to survive the path he had chosen. A Clan Head rarely lived a peaceful life. "My stamina and speed are terrible; it makes it hard to ever get an advantage in a fight without my Ninjutsu. Not to mention I keep hesitating, then lose my head, and from there fight like a brute…"
"While that all might be somewhat true, we need to work on that attitude, Choji," Kurenai called out. "You do need to actually take initiative in these fights; however, it is clear that it is related to your conditioning. If you want to keep that anger in check, you need to embrace your weaknesses and find a way to utilize your strengths. I recognize that is why your family uses the style they do, but without a good base, it will only be a crutch. Shino?"
"While I did have the advantage and sought to exploit it, I was too easily thrown off," Shino remarked. "As soon as Choji changed his approach to an unorthodox style, I was caught off guard. Changing a simple victory into a drawn-out one. While my ability to assume my opponents' decisions and movements is considerable, I need to remember how easily this can change. Basically, I need to become more flexible."
"True, even if you have a considerable edge over an opponent, you need to remember a single second, a desperate ploy, a tricky plan, can throw that into complete disarray," Kurenai added on. "Having a plan is good, but having the ability to set one in place that can account for the possibly shifting variables. Yuno, anything you noticed that offered you wisdom in hand-to-hand combat?"
"While we are all martial artists, we need to keep in mind that combat can be simple and ugly." Yuno chimed in with a smile. "If your opponent is bigger or stronger than you, it completely changes how certain interactions and moves work. If Shino had pulled that arm lock on me, he would've grounded and effectively won the fight. But because Choji is taller than him and strong enough to handle his deadweight, it wasn't the best idea."
"Great addition." Kurenai complimented. "When fighting someone stronger or larger than you, you'd be shocked how often that happens. It is best to keep in mind that close combat will be where they are likely the most dangerous. If you must engage them, keep it short and don't fully commit. Kill shots and trading likely won't work, same for grappling or submissions, best to strike them and force a reset. For you, Choji, however, the strategy is different; your more relaxed style will work, just keep the fighting dirty and, if possible, as close range as possible. In a real battle, this will pair nicely with your style. Now we can consider this training day over. I would ask each of you to get plenty of rest and meet here tomorrow morning for special training."
"Yes, Sensei!" The three spoke in unison. Each of them bowed and wished her a good night politely before the three chattered as they walked away, an easy camaraderie between the three being plain to see. Kurenai was sure that her team had plenty they could teach Team Seven.