Akimichi Choza explained the situation to Uchiha Gen while chewing on his food.
"Gen, long time no see."
"This is Maiko."
Hyuga Hizashi spoke solemnly to Uchiha Gen while pointing at the person beside him.
"In our previous squad, our leading Jonin was severely injured during a mission and was transferred for treatment."
"Another teammate also died in battle during that same mission."
"Since the squad was understrength, we were reorganized into this unit."
"Gen-kun," Maiko said, nodding slightly toward Uchiha Gen as a greeting.
"Hello, Maiko-san."
The two shook hands, briefly getting to know each other.
Uchiha Gen looked around and took stock of their ninjutsu capabilities.
Besides himself, there were his two old teammates, Hyuga Hizashi, Maiko, and Akimichi Choza—five teammates in total.
This was a reinforced squad consisting of six people, led by a Special Jonin.
His two original teammates were Chunin; Hyuga Hizashi and Maiko were a year older and were also Chunin.
Although Akimichi Choza was currently only a Genin, his strength was by no means lacking.
As the future head of the Akimichi Clan, he would one day be able to hold his own against Pain or the reincarnated Gold and Silver Brothers with teammate support.
At his peak, Akimichi Choza would definitely be a powerful Elite Jonin.
Even now, though he was still very young, his combat power was not to be underestimated.
The composition of this team could be described as exceptional.
They had the Byakugan to scout the battlefield, a member of the Akimichi Clan to tank the front lines, comprehensive ninjutsu abilities, and proficiency in both long-range and close-quarters combat.
Even without him, as long as they didn't run into a heavy assault led by a Jonin-level powerhouse, this squad had a high probability of survival.
With his addition, the squad's combat ceiling was even higher.
Even if it were the version of him from before last night, this squad would have been able to protect itself against a team led by a Jonin.
As for now—Uchiha Gen already possessed true Jonin-level combat power!
"By the way... the total number of people for this reinforced squad should be six, right?"
"Even if it's not led by a Jonin, the leader should at least be a Special Jonin."
"It couldn't be that, Gen, you've already—"
Uzuki Ruri asked, staring suspiciously at Uchiha Gen.
"Quick reaction, Ruri!"
Uchiha Gen chuckled as he pulled the appointment letter from his ninja tool pouch.
"Heh, I knew it. So that means you're already a Special Jonin?"
Uzuki Ruri smiled with relief.
She knew this guy was a freak of nature.
It had only been just over half a year since they graduated, right?
How many people in Konoha's history had become a Special Jonin at this age?
"That's right. Furthermore, I will be serving as the captain of this detachment."
"Everyone, if we want to come back from the battlefield alive, we must work together."
Uchiha Gen extended his palm, while quietly signaling his two old teammates with his eyes.
"Gen is right."
Sarutobi Enjun didn't think twice and directly placed his hand on top of Uchiha Gen's.
During these past two months when Uchiha Gen wasn't around, Enjun realized just how good his life had been.
It was simply too satisfying to have a teammate smarter than himself to solve everything; he only needed to follow orders.
Now, Sarutobi Enjun had developed a tendency to treat Uchiha Gen as an external brain.
With the external brain back, Sarutobi Enjun actively gave up on thinking for himself.
Just follow him; why overcomplicate things?
Immediately after, a slender, fair palm covered Sarutobi Enjun's.
Following Uzuki Ruri, Akimichi Choza joined in, followed by Hyuga Hizashi and Maiko.
They all understood the cruelty of war clearly.
Only through unity and cooperation would there be a greater possibility of survival.
Very good.
Uchiha Gen smiled slightly.
"There are still a few hours before assembly."
"Let's find a place to familiarize ourselves with everyone's abilities first."
"We need to get an idea of our capabilities and pre-set our responsibilities within the team."
With this squad's configuration, as long as they could mesh together and utilize their strength without being too arrogant, it should be enough for self-preservation.
In the early hours of that night, the rain grew heavier.
Thousands of Konoha ninjas completed their assembly, readying their forces for battle.
Raindrops the size of soybeans beat against their waterproof coats and slid to the ground.
"The mission of our Third Unit is to cooperate with the First Unit led by Jonin Gongdao."
"We are to attack the western defensive line of the Hidden Sand camp and uproot their base."
"Simultaneously, we must block reinforcements from other strongpoints."
"The real main attacking force is led by Elder Koharu Utatane and Lord Orochimaru, but that doesn't mean our mission is easy."
"If your squad can't hold out, move toward the east side of the battlefield; someone there might be able to help you."
"But remember, never leave the battlefield before a retreat order is given, otherwise you'll be treated as deserters."
"Neither Lord Orochimaru nor the Hokage will be able to protect you."
Mitarai Zixiao stood before Uchiha Gen, giving low-voiced instructions.
He was the captain of the Fourth Detachment of the Third Unit—Uchiha Gen's direct superior.
"I understand, Zixiao-senpai," Uchiha Gen replied softly.
In this era, ninjas prioritized the mission above all else.
Even their own lives and the lives of their teammates were secondary to the objective.
To become a deserter meant being killed or becoming a Rogue Ninja, spending a lifetime evading the pursuit of the hidden villages.
"Let's set out."
"The Konoha forces have indeed come."
In the Hidden Sand position, Chiyo held an intelligence report, her eyes as cold as ice.
The several accompanying ninjas around her didn't even dare to breathe loudly.
Not long ago, her son and daughter-in-law had fallen in battle at the hands of Sakumo Hatake, cementing the fame of Konoha's White Fang.
Chiyo's current mental state was clearly abnormal, reaching a level of frenzy restrained only by extreme hatred.
"Intelligence squad, what's the situation with the Hidden Stone?"
"Is there any possibility of front-line support? And what about Hanzo's movements?"
"Lady Chiyo, the Hidden Stone and Hanzo are currently in a standoff."
"I'm afraid Konoha specifically arranged to strike at this time; their intelligence ninjas must have discovered Hanzo's plans."
A Suna ninja wearing a brownish-gray vest knelt on one knee and lowered his head.
"No wonder they aren't afraid of being pinned down by those two parties."
"There's no need to send people to intercept their movements; let them come in and fight," Chiyo said coldly.
They couldn't pinpoint Konoha's exact attack time, but their intelligence department was not incompetent.
They had judged that a major move was coming through the assembly of personnel and supplies, and had prepared basic countermeasures.
Even if Konoha's side was stronger, they had already prepared their trump cards.