Arai's training of Yuji wasn't limited to simple combat guidance; it covered many aspects.
For instance, besides staying alert for infiltrating enemy Ninjas, their missions also involved inspecting passing merchant caravans.
Although it was during the Ninja World War, some economic activity still occurred within various countries... While Yuji inspected the caravans, Arai would often use the Transformation Jutsu to disguise himself and launch surprise attacks, or pose as various enemies, and set traps within the valley.
Things of that nature.
Since Ninjas have diverse fighting styles, Arai did this to further enhance Yuji's experience in handling battlefield situations.
Due to Arai's rigorous training, Yuji would return to the base every day looking battered and disheveled.
Sometimes, he would even be carried back to the base by Arai due to exhaustion or injury.
This scene was also witnessed by Sasori.
Sasori also knew that even during breaks, Yuji would practice on his own in private.
He was a total maniac when it came to pushing himself.
Under this 'diversified' training, Yuji's growth was naturally evident to all.
Especially in Taijutsu, he could now exchange a few blows with Arai and hold his ground for a while instead of being completely overwhelmed.
This rate of improvement felt incredible even to an Elite Jōnin like Arai.
In his eyes, Yuji was like a parched sponge, constantly soaking up the experience and techniques he taught, perfectly digesting and utilizing them.
At times, there were many things he didn't even need to emphasize or correct; Yuji understood with the slightest hint, and his comprehension was nothing short of monstrous.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, besides training, they encountered some enemies, most of whom were from Amegakure.
Even though the Hidden Rain Village had suffered a bitter defeat in a previous major battle, Sunagakure and Amegakure had not made peace, and small skirmishes continued between the two sides.
Arai felt the timing was right and changed his mind, deciding to take Yuji and Sasori to raid a base in the Land of Rain.
It's only polite to return the favor; they couldn't just let the Amegakure Ninjas run rampant in their Land of Wind.
Swish, swish, swish... Thus, late one night.
Three figures—one large and two small—headed straight for the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain.
"This is an independent mission... I will record the entire process and submit it upon our return to the Village. I won't interfere during the mission. What you two need to do is simple: kill as many Amegakure Ninjas as possible within the time limit and make a clean getaway."
On the way, Arai said in a low voice.
Although penetrating deep into enemy lines was dangerous, as an Elite Jōnin, Arai was confident he could lead the two brats away even if something went wrong.
His goal was to foster a healthy competition between Sasori and Yuji.
In his view, although Yuji was currently only a Genin, he already possessed the skill level of a Chunin.
Once they returned to the Village, he could apply for the promotion exam.
Furthermore, Yuji had always been sparring with him... while it was good training, the style was relatively singular.
Different Ninjas specialize in different Ninjutsu, and their fighting styles vary... Engaging with various types of enemies is undoubtedly the best way to accumulate combat experience.
"Given that you both have combat experience against Amegakure... you're not inexperienced, but I must remind you: the opponents you faced before weren't that strong. Although the Hidden Rain Village isn't considered a Great Ninja Village, it has been very active in this Ninja World War. Their leader is Hanzou, known as the 'Demi-God.' Those who have survived until now under the tempering of this war, especially those guarding the border, are the cream of the crop. Once you enter the Land of Rain, besides searching for the enemy's hiding places, you must also conceal your tracks. Exposing yourselves too early... will be extremely dangerous."
"Understood."
Yuji nodded.
He knew Arai's words were directed at him.
Sasori had more mission experience than him and naturally already understood this.
Before long, in the dark of night, the sandy ground beneath them gradually turned to soil, and some green vegetation appeared around them... In the distance, they could even see the dark silhouettes of mountains.
This was undoubtedly one of the routes where the Land of Wind bordered the Land of Rain.
As soon as the three approached, Sunagakure Ninjas on guard nearby emerged to intercept them.
But upon seeing they were allies, they lowered their guard.
"It's Lord Arai."
The two Sunagakure Ninjas bowed to Arai.
"How is it?"
Arai asked.
"It's been very quiet on the Amegakure side lately... Though there have been some minor movements, we detected them all in advance," the former replied.
"Mhm."
"And you are...?"
The two Sunagakure Ninjas glanced at Yuji and Sasori.
"Taking these two on a mission," Arai said casually.
The two Sunagakure Ninjas looked curiously at Yuji; they already knew Sasori.
Who was this other brat?
After a few more words, Arai led the two past the picket line and began to penetrate deep into the Land of Rain.
"Do you know him?"
Watching the three depart, the Sunagakure Ninja standing there looked at his companion.
Even with Lord Arai there, slipping into enemy lines alone was incredibly dangerous... Even they didn't have that kind of confidence.
They acknowledged Sasori as the Village's genius Puppeteer.
But the other brat... no matter how they looked at him, he didn't seem like much.
"He's a very unfamiliar face."
The latter replied... "The border defenses are indeed tighter than the rear; we were spotted as soon as we showed our faces."
Yuji ran quickly, glanced back, and thought to himself.
"Be careful, keep up with me."
As they drew closer to the border, even with the cover of night, Arai's demeanor became incredibly serious.
After saying that, his speed instantly increased.
Arai clearly had some understanding of Amegakure's border deployment; the route and path he took into the Land of Rain were obviously carefully chosen.
Sparse trees began to appear around them, and ahead lay a vast sea of forest.
Without a moment's pause, the three figures instantly leaped into the woods, using the tree trunks to bound forward at full speed.
Just as they left, several figures flashed out from the shadows.
"I thought I heard something... Is it the enemy?"
An Amegakure Ninja narrowed his eyes, observing the ground and surroundings for any possible signs.
He found nothing unusual.
"No signs of intrusion."
Another Amegakure Ninja confirmed.
Then, the figures flashed and disappeared.
Several hundred meters away, on the shaded side of some tree trunks, the three of them crouched against the cover.
Arai didn't speak; since they were now in enemy territory, any slight disturbance could lead to exposure.
Arai simply made a hand gesture to the two of them.
Immediately after, he darted into a patch of shade and vanished.
The rest of the mission was clearly left to Sasori and Yuji.
Sasori naturally had no intention of completing the mission together with Yuji; Arai had made it clear—it was about who could kill more.
This meant he and Yuji would act separately.
Sasori glanced at Yuji, a hint of provocation in his indifferent eyes.
Then, he took the lead and dashed off in one direction.
"Honestly..."
Seeing this, Yuji smiled faintly.
His expression turned serious.
His hunt... was about to begin!