Genin life with Maito Gai-sensei was an experience unlike anything I could have anticipated. Forget the leisurely D-rank missions Naruto constantly griped about; Gai-sensei turned every mundane task into an opportunity for "youthful exuberance" and rigorous physical training. Weeding a garden became a competition of endurance. Helping an elderly woman carry groceries turned into a weighted sprint. My teammates, Akio and Ren, initially groaned, but Gai-sensei's infectious optimism was a relentless current that slowly began to pull them along.
For me, this was a godsend. My "average" facade in the Academy meant my Taijutsu was still marked as D. Gai-sensei's relentless focus on physical conditioning and fundamental combat drills was the perfect cover for my rapid, internal growth. He emphasized proper stance, efficient movement, and explosive power, all things my Sharingan could analyze and my Evolution System could process for optimal improvement.
Every morning, we ran laps around the village, often ending with a dramatic sunset pose. Every afternoon was dedicated to sparring, push-ups, and endless handstand walks. Akio, naturally athletic, thrived under Gai's tutelage, his movements becoming sharper. Ren, surprisingly agile despite her quiet demeanor, showed a keen eye for weak points. I, too, made visible progress, my body becoming leaner, stronger.
Skill Progress: Taijutsu (D -> D+) Skill Progress: Stamina (D+ -> C-)
My nights continued to be my sanctuary for more specialized training. With a stable One-Tomoe Sharingan, I could push its usage, focusing on microscopic details in the dark, tracking insects, or even feeling the minute tremors of a distant mouse. This constant, low-level activation further honed my control.
My main focus was still the Phoenix Sage Fire Technique. I needed to master two more fire techniques for the Elemental Mastery - Fire mission. The System's blueprint for Fire Release: Great Flame Bullet (Katon: Gōka Messhitsu) appeared in my mind's eye – a wider, more spread-out flame attack. It required more chakra and broader expulsion control. After countless attempts in the dead of night, the orphanage backyard would occasionally light up with a burst of flames, thankfully contained by the dirt and overgrown bushes. I learned to suppress the sound, the crackle of fire, molding my chakra to burn with more control.
Mission Objective: Elemental Mastery - Fire. (Progress: 2/3 techniques mastered - Phoenix Sage Fire Technique, Great Flame Bullet) Skill Progress: Fire Release Ninjutsu (C -> C+)
The shadow of Mizuki remained a constant, chilling presence. He didn't approach me directly after the graduation exam, but I observed him from afar. He seemed to have increased his activity, often seen speaking in hushed tones with various disgruntled-looking shinobi – lower-ranked Chunin who seemed to harbor resentments, or older Genin frustrated by their lack of progress. My "Serpent's Deception" mission required active information gathering.
During our D-rank missions, I developed a habit of subtly listening to gossip, reading discarded notices, and observing unusual movements. While cleaning a public park, I overheard two older shinobi complaining about stricter security protocols around the Forbidden Scroll of Seals in the Hokage's office. This was a critical piece of information, confirming Mizuki's likely target.
One afternoon, while Team 11 was on a mission to guard a small merchant convoy leaving Konoha, Mizuki appeared, ostensibly "patrolling" the outer gates. He approached me with that unsettling smile, his eyes like steel chips.
"Namekaze," he greeted, his voice low, almost a purr. "How are you enjoying Genin life? Gai-sensei's rigorous training suits you, I see. You've gained a bit of... edge."
"It's challenging, Sensei," I replied, feigning youthful earnestness. "But I'm learning a lot."
"Good," he said, his gaze lingering on my forehead protector. "Remember what I told you. There are paths to true strength that don't always align with the village's 'proper' channels. Some secrets are worth seeking out, especially for an Uchiha like you, with such... potential." He subtly placed a small, folded piece of paper into my hand, his grip momentarily firm. "A little research material. Nothing forbidden, of course. Just... insightful." He winked, then turned and walked away, his presence melting back into the background.
My heart pounded. This was it. He was making his move. I discreetly palmed the paper, tucking it into my ninja pouch. Akio and Ren, oblivious, were busy discussing the best way to keep the merchants from complaining.
Later that night, in the privacy of my shared orphanage room, I unfolded the paper. It wasn't a map or direct instructions. It was a cryptic message, written in a crude code, referencing specific times and locations where "valuable information" could be found. It hinted at a disaffected faction within Konoha, disgruntled with the current Hokage and seeking "true power" for the village. It was bait, a trap designed to lure me into his conspiracy. The locations were all isolated spots, perfect for a secret meeting.
Serpent's Deception: Progress 2/3 (Mizuki has attempted direct recruitment and provided coded information).
The information confirmed my suspicions. Mizuki was indeed attempting to draw me into his plan to steal the Forbidden Scroll. The locations were likely rendezvous points for his nascent network or places where I could be further "indoctrinated." I carefully memorized the code and destroyed the paper, grinding it into dust and flushing it away.
I caught another glimpse of Team 7 during a rare break between missions. Naruto was still chaotic, Sakura was trying to rein him in, and Sasuke... Sasuke was still isolated. But I noticed subtle shifts. When Naruto stumbled during a training exercise, Sakura would instinctively reach out, even if she quickly pulled back. When Sasuke perfectly executed a shuriken throw, Naruto would let out an exasperated "Tch!" that sounded more like grudging admiration than pure envy. Their dysfunctional bond was slowly, inexorably, forming.
My own "Peer Relations - Uchiha Sasuke" mission felt secondary to the looming threat of Mizuki. I couldn't risk exposing myself now, not with a direct enemy attempting to recruit me. My subtle acts of support had to be even more subtle, almost invisible. I had to continue building my strength, mastering my techniques, and figuring out how to neutralize Mizuki without jeopardizing my entire existence.
Gai-sensei's next announcement was unexpected. "My youthful students! Tomorrow, we shall embark on our first C-Rank Mission! An escort mission to the Land of Rice Fields! It will be a true test of your teamwork and your budding ninja skills!"
A C-Rank mission. This was a step up, involving potential combat. My heart quickened. This was what I needed. A real mission, a real test. It was an opportunity to apply my hidden skills, to push my limits, and perhaps, to gain more insight into Mizuki's activities, as the Land of Rice Fields was known to be a hotbed of rogue ninja activity, and rumored to have ties to Orochimaru. The serpent's shadow was lengthening, but so was my resolve. I was ready.
End of chapter 15