Critical Intelligence

To Koshino, and many Naruto fans, the A-rank jutsu Rasengan seems much more practical than the S-rank jutsu Chidori.

After all, in the original series, Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist, relied heavily on the Rasengan and its advanced forms throughout his journey.

However, when Koshino used the Nara Clan's secret techniques in coordination with Kakashi to eliminate those Mist ninjas, watching Kakashi swiftly use Chidori to finish off several Mist ninja, Koshino couldn't help but envy Kakashi's S-rank jutsu.

Especially as an ANBU member, Koshino felt that Chidori was more suitable for the ANBU role, whereas the Rasengan seemed inferior in comparison.

Firstly, the Rasengan is a single-target jutsu. Even the Fourth Hokage, who created the Rasengan, couldn't continuously take down multiple enemies while maintaining the Rasengan. Earlier, when Koshino killed the first Mist Jonin, he had to disperse the Rasengan and form a new one to kill the second.

On the other hand, Kakashi's Chidori could instantly kill the enemy in front of him and continue to strike others while maintaining its power, showcasing Chidori's advantage.

Secondly, the Rasengan does not enhance the user's attributes as effectively as Chidori does.

For example, when Kakashi uses Chidori, the lightning nature chakra activates his cells, dramatically increasing his speed. With such high speed, Kakashi can kill his targets within seconds.

If Koshino were to use Rasengan, without having the speed of the Fourth Hokage, he would have to ensure the perfect opportunity to strike. Otherwise, even a surprise Rasengan Throw might be blocked or evaded, highlighting another drawback of Rasengan.

Lastly, the killing power.

In the original series, many who the Rasengan hit did not die immediately. For example, the Mist Jonin earlier might have resisted the Rasengan's impact with his chakra if Koshino had not used it in a surprise attack.

In contrast, Chidori, with its high-speed thrust, can pierce through the heart, leaving little chance for survival unless the opponent has unique abilities like Kakuzu or Hidan.

Of course, mentioning these shortcomings was just Koshino's envy towards Kakashi's Chidori.

Without having undergone chakra nature transformation training or possessing the Sharingan, the Rasengan, being a non-elemental, non-hand-sign jutsu, remains highly practical in many situations. Moreover, with the assistance of the APP, Koshino believed that even if the Rasengan couldn't shine as it did in the original series, it could still surpass many S-rank jutsu in his hands.

After ensuring all the Mist ninjas were dead, Koshino cautiously remained hidden, wary of any ambush.

The more cautious Koshino was, the higher Kakashi's evaluation of him.

When Guy's mistakes were compared to Koshino's performance on his first ANBU mission, Kakashi began to understand why the Fourth Hokage had high hopes for Koshino.

Then, Kakashi instructed Daiei Iwashi to use his sensing jutsu to check the surroundings.

After confirming from Iwashi that there were no more Mist ninja nearby, Kakashi finally breathed a sigh of relief and called out to Koshino, who was still hiding in the distance:

"Shadow, it's safe now!"

"Good to know!"

Breathing deeply, Koshino emerged from hiding and approached Kakashi with a wry smile, asking, "Captain, what happened earlier? A few Mist ninja shouldn't have been able to cause so much trouble, right?"

"It was... my fault."

Before Kakashi could answer, Guy stepped forward with a remorseful expression, bowing to Koshino and Kakashi, "Captain, Shadow, I know it was my mistake earlier, but... but..."

In Guy's eyes, Koshino and Kakashi saw a determined look.

Before they could speak, Guy continued, "Even though I know I was wrong, I can't agree with killing innocent refugees. After returning, I will report this to the Fourth Hokage. As you said earlier, I might not be suitable for the ANBU."

With that, Guy gave them a thumbs up, and even without seeing his sparkling teeth, Koshino understood Guy's meaning. Guy might not continue as an ANBU member, but in his heart, Koshino and Kakashi would always be his comrades.

Knowing Guy's stubborn nature, Koshino simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Then, recalling something important, Koshino approached Kakashi quietly while the others tended to their wounds, saying, "Captain, I found a strange scroll in the ninja pouch of the Mist Chunin who ambushed me."

"The Mist ninja could infiltrate our Fire Country and knew our movements well. It suggests they have a spy in the village. We should search the other Mist ninja's pouches for more information. Since this task is dangerous, let me handle it."

"Good job."

Kakashi nodded, then closed his Sharingan wearily, saying, "Shadow, the method our teacher taught us was useful, but I need to rest after the battle. You will temporarily lead our ANBU squad back to the village."

"You have the authority to command me as well."

"Shadow, you didn't let me down earlier. Don't let our teacher down either!"

"No problem!"

To be entrusted with such authority on his first mission showed that Koshino had gained not only Kakashi's approval but also the respect of the entire ANBU squad. Koshino readily accepted the temporary leadership and began searching the Mist ninja's pouches with his Shadow Hand.

After a short rest, once Kakashi had recovered some of his strength, Koshino led the ANBU squad back to the village swiftly. However, carrying the strange scrolls found on the Mist ninja, Koshino was unaware of their significance.

These seemingly ordinary scrolls held crucial intelligence concerning the survival of several ninja villages!