Defying the Ancestral Decision

"Who will be chosen?"

Inoichi Yamanaka pondered for a moment before continuing with the next issue.

"It will be me, you, Hayate Gekko, and Hayama Shirakumo."

"What about me? Can I join too?"

Might Duy eagerly interjected.

Talking about other aspects, he might lack confidence, but when it comes to speed, Might Duy believed he was second to none, including Kyōichi. He had been hesitant to step forward in the past, not realizing his own strength. In Kyōichi's view, it was a case of a strong person naturally appearing timid. But now things were different.

Especially for a Jōnin!

After interacting with other Jōnin, he had gauged his own capabilities and gained confidence.

"Duy-senpai, let me be frank since I know you well. Your strength and speed are indeed formidable, but this mission requires strict obedience and adaptability, which you still lack."

In other words, Might Duy had sufficient strength, but his tactical flexibility and mental agility needed improvement. He tended to be single-minded in combat, unsuitable for guerrilla warfare.

Understanding Kyōichi's point, Might Duy, though disappointed, accepted it. His experience had been mostly as a Genin, handling D-rank tasks like farming and water carrying, with little battlefield exposure.

Such fluid combat strategies were not his forte.

He did not press further.

"Lord Kyōichi, how did you capture Hōzuki Senkei? And about this operation, can you teach us more specifically?"

The Hyūga Jonin asked.

Kyōichi looked at him, feeling a wave of emotion. Why did the Hyūga have a good relationship with everyone in Konoha? A significant part was played by the branch families. These members weren't arrogant, but practical, respecting those with abilities and maintaining strict standards for themselves and others.

Seeing everyone's curiosity, Kyōichi said after a moment of thought, "There's not much to teach. Simply put, my Earth Release was faster than his Water Release, and my swordplay quicker than his Body Flicker Technique or substitution."

At first, everyone thought he was boasting.

But upon reflection, they realized Kyōichi was speaking the absolute truth.

If you're faster than your opponent, you naturally can exploit your advantages. Otherwise, even knowing that Lightning Release can counter Water Clone Technique is useless without speed.

They admired him secretly.

The Hozuki clan had not been seen outside the Land of Water for years, and few of Kyōichi's generation had encountered the Hydrification Technique. Kyōichi's knowledge of these tactics indicated thorough preparation.

The Third Hokage's appointment wasn't just about "connections."

"So, your strategy is... fight if you can, flee if you can't?"

"Exactly. Engage when possible, retreat if outmatched. If the enemy pursues, lead them on until their formation or state falters, then strike. By then, if they try to flee, we pursue."

Kyōichi explained with a smile, "This strategy is particularly effective against the shinobi from the Hidden Mist Village. It'd be different with the other two nations."

"Oh? How so?"

Inoichi's interest was piqued.

He thought Kyōichi's strategy could be applied to other battlefronts, but Kyōichi seemed to think otherwise.

"Inoichi-san, the reason is simple. We might not be able to outrun the shinobi from the Hidden Cloud Village, and dealing with the Hidden Rock's great Onoki can be tricky. Encountering him might mean no escape."

No further explanation from Kyōichi was needed; Hayama Shirakumo, a former Anbu, quickly grasped the essence.

Kyōichi was silent.

Such a great teaching opportunity, yet his students were too quick to understand!

"Besides, their Earth Release can drastically alter the terrain and they excel in creating traps, ambushes, and explosions, which are tough to counter."

Kyōichi explained some parts, leaving others unsaid - his main concern was that the Hidden Rock might employ similar tactics, leading to mutual destruction.

In comparison, the Hidden Mist posed the least threat.

Understood, Lord Kyōichi. When do we depart?"

"Let's eat first, then set off in the afternoon."

After finishing, Kyōichi created a shadow clone in the tent and summoned a slug, splitting it into several parts, distributing them among Hoheto Hyūga, other sensory ninjas, and the four-person team.

"This afternoon, we strike. All reconnaissance teams, survey and patrol thoroughly, and communicate any news immediately."

"Yes!"

Hoheto Hyūga, along with Inoichi Yamanaka, stood at attention, understanding the gravity of the combat information.

"If any battles occur within three kilometers, report immediately. My clone will provide healing, but I hope the seniors staying at the camp will coordinate and assist."

Kyōichi didn't state it explicitly, but everyone understood.

They were to provide chakra.

Strange, yes, but ultimately for the benefit of the village.

Kyōichi left the subsequent logistical arrangements for the Nagano Mountains hideout to others, as he wasn't an expert in that area, and meddling would only invite ridicule.

However.

It had to be said.

His plan gave everyone confidence, making the Hidden Mist Village seem less daunting.

Outside the tent, Kurenai and Might Guy teams prepared together.

"What do you think our mission will be this afternoon?"

Asuma was itching for action. Although he had participated in a recent battle, he felt his involvement was minimal and was now eager for a more substantial engagement.

Shisui and Kurenai, though silent, also yearned to undertake significant tasks.

Only Might Guy seemed different...

He observed his enthusiastic companions quietly, his mood noticeably subdued.

As their conversation grew more animated, Might Guy finally spoke up, "We won't have much to do this afternoon. This is war, and people die! Usually, the seniors operate on the front lines, while we stay inside."

"Why is that?" Asuma was taken aback, feeling a sense of disillusionment.

"Don't you always talk about the Will of Fire?" Guy said, choosing not to elaborate further.

What he left unsaid was his previous experience: in his last team, everyone except him and their Jōnin teacher had died, and the teacher had been gravely injured and disabled...

The battlefield was not as simple as they imagined.

"According to the original intentions of the First and Second Hokage, you should be at least twelve years old before entering the battlefield. The Third Hokage has already made a decision against the ancestors' wishes. How could he allow you to be on the front lines?"

A voice suddenly interrupted.

Everyone immediately stood up, noticing Kyōichi perched on a tree above them.

In the next moment, with a rustle of leaves, Kyōichi descended to join them.

"Sensei!"

"This afternoon, I have a separate task. You two teams will join Duy-senpai and coordinate with each other."

"Yes!"

While Asuma and the others harbored various thoughts, Kyōichi felt reassured about one thing:

They would definitely heed his words.

Kurenai glanced towards the camp and asked, "Sensei, are you planning a proactive strike?"

"Ho, the young lady has learned to analyze situations. Not bad. In my absence, guide them well."

Kyōichi enjoyed teasing Kurenai. Her reactions were always interesting, like now, with her furrowed brow and turned head, yet unable to hide a slight smile. This contrasted sharply with her more mature demeanor in the anime.