Gemma's team departed from the clearing after the target had been eliminated. Realistically, the other two chūnin weren't in the mission detail as they weren't with Satoru when he committed his crimes in the Leaf. He likely did the crimes alone because he was the only one fast enough to escape from the view of patrol teams and scouts.
They had traveled for a few days, taking the 528 path back to the leaf village. Gemma could have caught up with the target by following the trail they left, but he and the rest of the team were forced to move at Yuto's speed. They continued to the village, tree-hopping as Yuto spoke.
"Sinbon senpai, I was wondering," Yuto said.
"Yeah, what is it?" Gemma said
"What are you going to do after you get your promotion?" Yuto asked.
"Well, originally I was a guard for the 4th Hokage, so it's hard to say," Gemma said.
"I personally think you have the qualities to serve with the 12 Guardian Ninja," Yuto said.
"Hum, you don't say. Though I doubt I'll be sent an invitation," Gemma said.
"Yes, it isn't easy to catch the attention of the firelord," Ganro said.
"Oh yeah, I've been meaning to ask you this, sinbon senpai," Yuto said, looking ahead at Gemma.
"What is it?" Gemma said.
"Where will I be stationed after the team is disbanded?" Yuto asked.
Gemma sighed, "This is the other reason why I took a B-rank mission," Gemma said.
"Surely, with his skills, another team will pick him up," Yugao said.
"No matter how skilled the individual, the resume is what everyone uses to judge your skill. One's effectiveness with their skills is proven on missions. That's why I let Yuto deliver the final blow to the target. This will, of course, be in the mission report," Gemma said.
"I see, you're really sticking your neck out," Ganro said curiously.
"The mission reviewer won't consider his contribution, either way. What are you getting at?" Yugao asked.
"You're trying to prevent me from ending up in the genin reserves," Yuto said knowingly.
Gemma nodded. "Yeah, someone with your skill shouldn't be stuck in the genin reserve," Gemma said.
"It won't be enough to be considered by a chunin team," Ganro said.
"Yes, it would be different if he had a few missions, but this is his first mission," Yugao said.
Everyone looked at Yuto; his face was calm, and he wasn't blinking. Yuto was tired; his mouth tasted like gunpowder, and his body felt like mush. he looked up, seeing Yugao's and Ganro's eyes full of pity. Yuto couldn't care less whether he ended up in the genin reserves or not. That stuff he spouted about becoming a jonin before he turned fifteen was bullshit. He only said it to motivate ten-ten. He accepted the position on Gemma's team because he knew he would have protection from chunin on missions. He knew he would be able to build his resume and get a field promotion within the next few years if he stayed on the team. But now that was out of the window. If he ended up in the genin reserves, it just meant he would live that much longer. He had been out of the village for about twenty hours and spent five minutes of that helping Gemma fight a high-level chunin. He hated every minute of it; he hated the tension, the killing intent in the air, the clashing of blades, and the sound of his own heartbeat. It was all he could hear, and it took all his willpower not to run away after feeling the power of the chunin's wind technique.
Yuto decided to break the tense atmosphere, seeing the constant glances from his teammates as they tree-hopped.
"It doesn't matter where I end up after this mission. Whether it's the genin reserves or another team, I'll accept my position and complete the task assigned to me by the village," Yuto said with a yawn.
"How can you be so calm about something like this?" Yugao asked, clearly confused. She expected Yuto to point his frustration at the team, but instead, he looked to be unbothered.
"Don't mistake me for a child who throws tantrums when he doesn't get his way. I'm a shinobi. It's not my place to question the decisions of the village," Yuto said as if it were obvious.
"Now I understand why Gemma puts so much trust in you," Ganro said.
Gemma finally bated an eye for the first time in the conversation as he had been ignoring Ganro's and yugao's attempts to comfort Yuto. he knew Yuto didn't need it, and neither would he appreciate it.
"Yes, while Yuto may only be a 10-year-old genin, he's gained the acknowledgment of many shinobi in the village, including myself," Gemma said.
"Ahh, I remember, he did get dropped off at the training ground by Chunin Mitarashi Anko," Yugao said.
"Yeah, she practically dragged me out of the dango shop. She was rambling on about how Sinbon senpai couldn't stop talking about me at the shinobi lounge," Yuto said, sipping on a cup of coffee he got from who knows where as they tree-hopped.
"Well, she must have been exaggerating," Gemma said sheepishly.
Ganro and yugao chuckled, while yuto settled for a smile. He was honestly too tired to even laugh.
After Yuto dragged his body to the village and got through the village security, he plopped onto the ground in front of the exit to the village gates. His team looked back at his pale, sickly body and the bags under his eyes with concern.
"your even more pale than usual, Yuto," Gemma said lazily, his sinbon hanging out of his mouth.
"I tried telling him to eat more, and get some..." yugao said, clearly unsatisfied, but she stopped her speech, seeing yuto was passed out on the ground, his empty coffee cup lying next to him. She sighed before picking him up and slinging him over her back, carrying him piggyback style.
"I always thought you didn't like Yuto. What changed?" Ganro said, surprised.
"I may not have been his biggest fan, but he's a comrade," Yugao said.
"Hayate won't be happy," Ganro said with a grin.
"Shut up, Ganro," she said, forcing back a smile.
"Come on, you three, we need to turn in the mission and make our reports," Gemma said.
Later on, Yuto had finally woken up after an hour. he had already instilled an incentive in his body to not sleep any longer than an hour. he opened his eyes, glancing to his side, seeing Gemma and Ganro walking in front of him. But his body was moving without him commanding it. That was when he looked down, seeing a mop of straight purple hair in his vision. His mouth dropped open.
"yugao?" Yuto murmured, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"You're awake already," Yugao said, surprised.
"I don't sleep very long; it cuts into my schedule," Yuto said.
Yugao sighed. "How can a genin's schedule be so busy?" she asked.
"I have to study fuinjutsu theory, medical ninjutsu theory, battle strategies and tactics, along with training my student," Yuto said.
"Geeze, you can't take a day off," Ganro said, overhearing Yuto.
"What do you mean, I had the whole mission?" Yuto said, confused. He had honestly grown into his routine, and he didn't miss a day unless his grandfather made him skip out on training.
"Where are we going anyway?" Yuto asked, still on yugao's back.
"We're grabbing a bite to eat, kami knows you could use some," Gemma said from in front of Yugao.
Yuto sighed. "Fine, but you're paying," Yuto said with a pout.
Gemma didn't argue with that. His promotion was the sole reason for the team being disbanded, and this was likely their last meal together as a team. It's the least he could do.
They made it to the barbecue Shack, walking into the Akamichi-owned restaurant. Yuto wasn't really a big fan of barbecue, but he didn't care to complain. He didn't plan on eating much. His little stomach could only handle so much. They seated themselves at a table in the back.
"So yuto what's this I hear about you studying medical ninjutsu theory?" Ganro asked.
"I plan on joining the medical department. I've already drawn up a ten-page application," Yuto said.
"I've always taken you for a field practitioner," Ganro said in surprise.
"While I am capable of fighting, I want to have the skills to heal myself in battle and ensure the safety of my comrades," Yuto said.
"Mmm, I see," Ganro said.
"You are aware of the difficulties of learning medical ninjutsu. It may take up to 3 years of training in the medical program to become a skilled healer," Yugao said.
"I'm aware, it's why I've used my time doing the groundwork," Yuto assured.
"Yes, Yuto is very attentive and prepares ahead of time; you won't have to worry about him," Gemma said.
Just then, a female waitress walked up with an order of meat.
"Here you are," she said with a cheerful smile before walking off.
After half an hour, the team left the restaurant, chuckling.
"I thought Yuto didn't eat because he worked too much, turns out his stomach can't handle anymore than one meal," Ganro said with a chuckle.
"You guys are always picking at me," Yuto said with a frown.
Everyone chuckled at Yuto's pouting.
"Anyway, guys, I have to go submit my mission report," Yuto said.
"Alright, see ya around, Yuto, don't forget about us," Ganro said.
"Yeah, take care, kid," Gemma said.
"See ya, kid," Yugao said.
Yuto gave a casual wave over his shoulder as he walked off. On his way back to the mission station, he ran into Iami. He smiled, seeing the familiar brown hair swept back into a ponytail.
"Yuto, you're back from your mission," Iami said with a sigh of relief.
"Of course, you didn't think I would die that easily," he said with a grin.
"Well, I couldn't help but worry," she said.
"Well, as you can see, I'm in one piece," he said.
"Oh yeah, I had this ready for when you returned," she said, holding out a familiar chocolate bar.
Yuto smiled. This was the one person he didn't care to put on an act for. He could always count on Iami to be there for him.
"Thanks, Iami," Yuto said gratefully.
"Oh yeah, I gotta run, pops waiting for me to get back," she said, already running away, with a wave over her shoulder.
"See ya," he said, but he doubted she heard him.
He made it home, his grandfather already at the lecture table. He had just finished submitting his mission report and his medic trainee application. He wanted nothing more than but fall into a deep slumber, but he knew he couldn't evade the lectures. He had tried before and failed miserably.
"Come, boy, sit," his grandfather said.
Yuto sighed, making his way over towards the small ground-level table. "Must you always address me like a dog?" Yuto said with a frown.
"That's not important, tell me about your mission," his grandfather said, almost eagerly.
"Alright, alright. Well, where should I start?" Yuto sat with a hand on his chin. His grandfather was clearly not satisfied with his stalling.
"Aww, yes. Sinbon senpai picked up on the trail of the targets. I was to assist Sinbon senpai once we made contact with the enemy," Yuto said.
"Sinbon senpai?" his grandfather questioned with an amused expression on his face.
"Well, you know, with the sinbon and... anyways, I somehow discovered the enemy's position, but I'm not sure I can repeat it. It was like nothing I've ever experienced. Even though I've never had the dojutsu, it sure felt like I had a byakugan. I could feel them somehow," Yuto said, uncertainly, as he didn't know how to properly explain what he felt.
"Yes, that's a sign you may be adaptable to become a sensor. A sensor shinobi is depicted by their range and precision. While most chunin and above ninja can sense chakra use, it's different from what a sensor does. Skilled sensors can see kilometers ahead and derange the chakra signature in categories of strength based on chakra mass and potency. They can perceive body mass, body figure, and body identity through sense alone. You'll have to study under a sensor to become one. It takes years for it to be useful in combat, which is why most shinobi don't train in it unless they're born with a powerful sensory ability," his grandfather explained.
"Yes, I've read much about that. There was another case, Mito Uzumaki, but it isn't stated how she could feel the emotions of other people," Yuto said in curiosity.
"Yes, most of it's largely due to her status as the Ninetails jinchuriki," his grandfather said.
"Hum, human sacrifice, I've never seen any info on that in the academy library or the shinobi library," Yuto said, feigning ignorance.
"Yes, the information has been removed for reasons I'm not allowed to say," his grandfather said seriously.
"I see," Yuto replied calmly. He already knew the answer to why the information was removed; he feigned ignorance simply to keep up appearances. He had already prepared for conversations similar to this one.
"Go on, tell about the rest of the mission," his grandfather said.
Yuto nodded. "Sinbon senpai entered combat with the target, and outclassed the enemy in everything but speed, though I suspect Gemma was just saving his chakra. I'm confident someone of his skill could increase his speed beyond a chunin's," Yuto said.
His grandfather nodded, believing this to be true as well.
"I decided to interfere in the battle as it was dragging on for too long. I used the gunpowder you gave me and reformed it into a paste in my mouth and used my spitball ninjutsu, allowing Gemma to injure the target," Yuto explained.
"Mm, as I expected, it came in handy," his grandfather said, clearly proud.
While Yuto rolled his eyes, he knew his grandfather's judgment was usually right, which is why he obeyed him like a dog.
"Yes, it was useful. The enemy slowed down after the injury, allowing me to land my jutsu this time around. Sinbon senpai created the spark, fatally injuring the target with he explosion of the gunpowder. With the enemy chakra deprived and mortally injured, I was able to finish the target off with my tanto," he finished.
"I see, you did well. You'll need to increase your speed and gain experience in the field to fully use your kinjutsu in close combat. Ninjutsu will come later on," his grandfather said.
"Unfortunately, that's easier said than done," Yuto said with a frown. He undoubtedly would be sent to the genin reserves, especially in a time of peace like right now. The village simply wasn't in a rush to put genin in field positions. If he were lucky, a jonin might grant him a spot on a four-man cell. But that would have to wait until his graduation class graduated in a year and a half, and by that time, he'd probably still be in the genin reserves. He sighed, seeing his grandfather look at him questioningly.
"What are you on about? What did I tell you about fear?" his grandfather chastized.
"your mistaken, it's possible that I might be sent to the genin reserves, and my time will be taken up by the 6-month conditioning period," Yuto explained frantically. He didn't want to deal with an angry grandfather after the long mission he had just gone through.
His grandfather's face lightened. "I see, I'm assuming Gemma was granted a promotion," he said knowingly.
Yuto nodded.
"Good for him. It's common for chunin teams to be disbanded once the captain is granted a promotion, so that they can take higher missions alone and gain the experience and the pay increase. Newly promoted jonin don't take any teams unless they take on a genin team, but that normally happens after a few years," his grandfather explained.
"You don't seem to be concerned about me being sent to the genin reserves," Yuto said questioningly.
"I'm aware of your interest in becoming a medic-nin. I trust the genin reserves will serve as a way to build character and develop fundamental skills. You honestly could use a little toughing up," his grandfather said, looking at Yuto's small, weak body and pale skin.
Yuto scowled. "Mhm, you seem to know a lot about these genin reserves," Yuto said.
"That's because I was once there," his grandfather said.
"Then how did you become a jonin young enough to train a shinobi almost the same age as you?" Yuto asked, clearly confused.
"War was on the brink, and I was assigned to a team," he replied.
"I see, but what does aspiring to become a medic have to do with the genin reserves?" he asked.
"You'll have more time in the village, and you can complete your training faster. You've already decreased the time needed by studying the medical theory material," he said as if it were obvious.
"I see, this may work out for me in the long run," Yuto said, a little surprised but relieved as well. he had only been in one real battle, and he was ready for a break already.
"You'll most likely be assigned in a week after your file is updated. You'd better hope you get accepted as a trainee," his grandfather said.
"Of course, I'll get accepted, my application was flawless," Yuto said pompously. His life depended on that application; he spent weeks completing material and submitting it to the ten-page application.
"Good, be sure to get some rest. We'll be training first thing tomorrow," his grandfather said.
"Yes, of course," Yuto replied.
Yuto wasted no time falling into a slumber after he was done talking with his grandfather. he had held off his sleep for days, trying to fill out his application and study fuinjutsu theory, and then he was assigned a two-day-long mission. This sleep was well deserved.
When he woke out of his slumber the next morning, he felt no better than he did yesterday. His alarm clock was on five, and the house was as cold as his grandfather always had it. He dragged himself out of bed, slipping on his slippers.
When he had finally finished training with his grandfather, it was seven AM. He left his shinobi sandals at the back door and stepped into the house. As he approached the kitchen counter, his face shifted to surprise. His grandfather entered, seeing his shocked face.
"I had my shadow clone bring it in when I heard the doorbell," his grandfather said with a smile.
"This is my return letter, but the mail doesn't deliver until the afternoon. That means they delivered it personally," Yuto said.
"Yes, now hurry and open it, boy," his grandfather said hastily.
Yuto grabbed the letter, looking down at it in anticipation.
[Be sure to give me your power stones]