Chapter 13: Formation of Team, and Poor Asuma Sarutobi

In Konoha Village.

On the open ground above Hokage Rock, four shinobi sit cross-legged in a circle: Shinku Yuhi, Mirai Uchiha, Asuma Sarutobi, and Kurenai Yuhi. A gentle breeze drifts over them as Shinku begins to speak.

"I'm Shinku Yuhi, your team's leader," he says with a calm smile. "A skilled Jōnin, specialized in genjutsu. I look forward to working with all of you."

He gestures for the others to introduce themselves.

Asuma clears his throat, sitting up straight.

"My name is Asuma Sarutobi. My specialties are Fire and Wind Release. I like sausages and cold yam noodles... I also have a thing for shogi," he adds with a grin. "What I dislike is being called 'the Hokage's son.' My goal is to make a name for myself, one that stands on its own. And… maybe to spend time with someone special every day."

Asuma finishes his introduction with a serious expression, trying to make a good impression on Shinku.

"Nicely said." Shinku claps with a smile. "Asuma, you're young, so try not to smoke too much—it's not good for your health."

Asuma nods hastily, embarrassed. Great, he thinks, these Jōnin really don't miss a thing. Even after a shower, they still noticed. He can only hope it doesn't ruin his image.

Next, Kurenai speaks up. "I'm Kurenai Yuhi, and I'm skilled in genjutsu. I like training with a certain annoying person… and I also like the meals he cooks." She pauses, glancing away. "What I dislike is being pestered. My goal is to become a ninja as remarkable as my father."

Shinku raises an eyebrow, noting Asuma's slightly defeated look out of the corner of his eye.

Then Mirai introduces himself. "Mirai Uchiha. I have a lot of things I like... and a lot of things I dislike. I'm skilled in kenjutsu and genjutsu, and my goal is to protect everything I hold dear."

Short and to the point, Shinku thinks, suppressing a smirk. Typical Uchiha. An Uchiha who gave a lengthy self-introduction would indeed be a rare sight.

"I've already assessed your basic skills during your graduation exam," Shinku says, looking at them all. "For now, Mirai will serve as the team leader. When I'm not around, you'll follow his orders."

Asuma doesn't look too thrilled, but he nods reluctantly.

"Alright then, to celebrate the formation of Team, I'm treating everyone to barbecue!" Shinku exclaims, standing up and gesturing for them to follow.

Mirai, Kurenai, and Asuma trail behind him, heading toward the village. Kurenai catches up to Mirai, nudging him with her elbow.

"Hey, don't take what I said too seriously," she murmurs. "It was just to get Asuma off my case."

"Yeah, yeah, got it," Mirai says, waving her off. Classic tsundere, he thinks.

Kurenai pouts at his nonchalance and playfully swats his arm. Watching the two banter ahead, Asuma feels his heart sink. Seriously, why did my team have to include Mirai?

Later…

"Target spotted, fifty meters ahead!" Mirai whispers.

"Roger, Number Two in position," Kurenai responds.

"Number Three in position," says Asuma.

"Go!"

With the command, three shadows dart out from their hiding spots. A stray orange cat sunbathing in the sun lets out a shrill yowl as they descend on it.

"No need to be scared—we won't hurt you," Kurenai soothes, cradling the cat and stroking its fur to calm it down.

Mirai and Asuma stand by, unfazed by the routine task.

Shinku approaches, smiling. "Well done. You're getting better at working as a team."

"Once we hand in this mission, the barbecue's on me again."

"Father, can't we start taking on tougher missions?" Kurenai asks with a hint of frustration.

It's been a month since they graduated, and they've completed dozens of D-rank missions, mostly chasing pets, cleaning, or babysitting—far from the thrilling missions she'd imagined.

"Yeah, Shinku-sensei, with our skill level, these tasks feel like a waste of time," Asuma adds quickly.

Shinku looks to Mirai. "Mirai, what do you think?"

"Every mission deserves focus," Mirai replies coolly. "Chasing after high-difficulty missions for the sake of it isn't wise. What matters is gaining experience with each one."

Mirai has no complaints about the lower-stakes tasks. With his special system, he's growing stronger every day, so these simpler missions give him a safe way to hone his abilities during this early phase.

Seeing Mirai's composed answer, Shinku nods approvingly. "You're absolutely right. With that mindset, I have no doubt you'll be an outstanding shinobi someday."

Shinku had expected Mirai, being an Uchiha, to lose patience with these repetitive tasks. But the young man's level-headedness was reassuring. Maybe Kurenai's interest in Mirai isn't just about his looks, Shinku muses.

Asuma clenches his fist. Damn it. Outshone again.

How does he always have such good answers? Working alongside Mirai, Asuma finds himself constantly feeling overshadowed. When will this ever end?

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