Chapter 63

"Having received the rank of Chunin, you are now left to your own devices and obligated to independently enhance your skill level without the aid of an instructor. Of course, we'll continue going on missions together after the war, but from today onward, your team becomes an autonomous combat unit, with commanders who may often change," Kanade sadly smiled, "as for the front line— I'll be heading to battle too, as I need to earn my Jonin rank, but I'm not sure which camp yet—maybe the same as yours, or perhaps a different one."

"Hmm, so that's how a team can have several teacher-commanders... noted for the future," Ishi speculated, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"And lastly— I appoint Ryo as the leader of your trio," the Kunoichi announced before parting ways.

"Why him?" Inuzuka immediately snapped, jealously glancing at me.

Even though she had come to terms with my overwhelming advantage on all fronts, her fiery temperament often showed itself in flashes of irritation.

"Because he's a Nara and strategizes battle plans much better than the two of you combined," the sensei simply replied, "and he's stronger than me as well, not to mention an excellent Iryo-nin. Who else should be the commander, especially considering your impulsiveness and Rotaro's lack of leadership qualities?"

Growling softly, Inuzuka didn't reply, abruptly turning away and leaving our company without a farewell.

"Those days?" Ishi guessed, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

"Most likely," I agreed, watching her go. "She usually keeps better control of herself and doesn't blow up over trivial matters."

"Ahem!"

Turning around, my partner and I noted the irritated face of Hyuga, who began demonstratively stretching her arms, and decided not to tempt fate, quickly leaving the Hokage tower, near where the conversation had taken place. Waving goodbye to Rotaro, I swiftly leaped across rooftops towards home.

I had expected a promotion soon, but usually the Hokage personally hands out the Chunin uniforms and patents to better understand his fighters, some of whom he's only seen a couple of times in his life. At least, that's how it happened with my stepbrother and his team. Here, however, our sensei received the scrolls at the administration and then handed them to us...

Odd. Or are double standards applied here too? Tough luck, throughout my life in Konoha, I haven't even had the legitimate chance to see our leader up close. I haven't seen him from afar either. What a bummer. Even Danzo noticed once, but not the relatively young Hiruzen Sarutobi.

  ***

"Don't worry! I'm not planning to throw myself at kunai with my chest bare!" Once again, I tried to reassure Mom, hugging and patting her head.

"What are you doing here? Just before my departure, Saya suddenly began crying, absolutely sure that I would die in the war. Given that she spent the last month on pins and needles, it's not surprising that by the end, her nerves couldn't take it."

"Alright, I won't mention that such excellent Iryo-nins are always kept in the camp. Even now, I surpass the average Jonins in strength, forget about my mastery in both directions of shinobi art, but I managed to bring down Mito Uzumaki herself in a full-fledged battle! Sure, it was a precise calculation on the element of surprise and a bit of preparation with a touch of luck, but few can hold out against an S-rank kunoichi for more than thirty minutes and not kick the bucket! And you're afraid someone might kill me! If I encounter someone of that level, worst case scenario, I can definitely escape, not to mention anyone weaker!"

"Promise me you'll come back alive," Mom sniffled, wiping the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Pfft, not even a direct heart wound can kill me, especially if someone manages to break through the reinforced seals on my clothes," I shook my head very seriously. "Besides, I have one last resort, but that's a secret for now. But anyway—I promise."

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