Chương 20: The Squad

With his squad members finalized, Shuji turned his thoughts to tactical integration. This was no longer his old border squad, which had operated on a simple composition: one specialist in ninja tools and intel, one a taijutsu user, and Shuji handling heavy elemental fire support. His new team possessed an unusual, volatile structure. He unrolled a sheet of paper, dipped his brush in ink, and began writing clear entries across the page: * Uchiha Itachi: **Strengths: * Exceptional talent far beyond his age.

Ninjutsu mastery already at Chunin level, particularly in Fire Release, Genjutsu, and shuriken control. Sharp combat instincts, strong observation, and fast tactical analysis. Possesses a two-tomoe Sharingan with vast potential. Limitations: Only eight years old with an undeveloped physical frame. Stamina, raw power, and endurance fall far short of an adult shinobi. His chakra reserves exceed his peers but lack depth for prolonged high-tier battles.

Limited real-world combat experience, especially in high-intensity war zones. **Tactical Role: Cannot serve as a main vanguard or attrition combatant. Best utilized as a tactical core, support, and crowd controller. Leveraging his Sharingan's insight, genjutsu disruption, precise shuriken jutsu, and mid-range Fire Release, he can create openings and pin down key targets. Must strictly avoid prolonged taijutsu clashes or severe chakra depletion. Mitarashi Anko: **Strengths: * Standard elite Chunin template.

Solid taijutsu foundation with balanced speed, strength, and flexibility. Versatile jutsu portfolio, specializing in Fire Release, Earth Release, and Hidden Shadow Snake Hands. High poison resistance built through long-term venom exposure, excellent endurance, resilient spirit, and rich combat experience. **Limitations (Current State): * Severe psychological trauma following Orochimaru's defection, leaving her listless and aimless. Low combat drive; reaction times may lag behind her peak.

Overall combat readiness remains volatile. **Tactical Role: * Theoretically the primary frontline vanguard. Her combined with ninjutsu provides ideal line-breaking power. However, her current mental state requires caution. **Temporary Strategy: * Until her true condition is verified, avoid placing her in high-pressure positions. Deploy her for flank harassment or second-wave strikes, using mid-range ninjutsu and snake jutsu to cause disruption. Shuji paused beside Anko's name, leaving a heavy ink blot on the paper.

Tactical analysis on paper meant nothing without field verification. The gap between the Hokage's reports, her current listlessness, and the vibrant elite image in her file was too wide. Was her taijutsu still good? Were her snake jutsu fluid? Would her combat instincts hold up under pressure? All remained unknown. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. It was a non-standard problem squad. He set down the brush and pinched the bridge of his nose.

Itachi's brilliance was trapped in an eight-year-old body, while Anko's blade was dulled by trauma. Tactical synergy, trust, and combat readiness all had to be built on reality. Paper strategy was useless. He added a final line at the bottom of the page: First priority: Internal squad live-combat assessment drill. Only in a real clash could he judge the sharpness of the blades and the steadiness of the hands holding them.... Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, listening to the ANBU report.

The silver-haired ANBU officer, Hatake Kakashi, unmasked to reveal his lazy eye, though his voice remained crisp.

"Target: Shuji. Special Jonin ninjutsu qualification assessment complete." The Third Hokage nodded for him to continue.

"Regarding field performance," Kakashi said evenly, "his combat capabilities rank among top-tier shinobi. Mastering five nature transformations at his age qualifies him as a genuine genius."

"Mm." Hiruzen's tone was unreadable.

"Core assessment point: chakra control and endurance," Kakashi noted.

"During the exam, he executed five distinct nature transformations across at least six individual jutsu, including a Wind and Fire combo to force through Deep Forest Emergence. His breathing fluctuated slightly, but his chakra showed no sign of exhaustion, and his focus remained steady. His total chakra capacity far exceeds a typical Jonin... truth be told, his reserves and efficiency outclass my own." Hiruzen closed his eyes.

Kakashi possessed large amount of chakra, and even burdened by the Sharingan, his output surpassed average Jonin. Hiruzen knew Shuji's background and past records. Rapidly casting five elements without breathing heavily was unusual, not because of the sheer count, but because refining different elemental natures in rapid succession required far greater effort and strain than sticking to one. Yet Hiruzen did not get into details, asking instead, "How was his mastery across the five elements?"

"Adept," Kakashi replied cleanly.

"Basic jutsu like Water Formation Wall, Great Breakthrough, and Ground Flash were executed with precise timing and smooth transitions. His combination ninjutsu demonstrated high-level shape and nature transformation, delivering formidable explosive power. His selection favored practical field utility, leaving no clear weaknesses."

"Taijutsu and adaptability?"

"Solid foundation, high movement efficiency, seamless transitions between casting and disengaging. Excellent battlefield awareness. Facing ambushes and complex area control, he remained calm under pressure, making optimal tactical choices." Kakashi recalled the figure charging out of the burning treeline.

"Overall rating: his ninjutsu mastery and combat application fully meet, if not exceed, the standards of a Special Jonin. The promotion is well earned." Silence settled over the office, only the faint crackle of burning tobacco. Hiruzen's gaze drifted outward.

"How did he react to Tenzo's Wood Release?" Hiruzen asked from another angle. Kakashi recalled the moment.

"He relied on standard elemental jutsu with fast response times. When faced with Deep Forest Emergence, he chose a high-risk, high-reward Wind-Fire combo to force a breach, making no attempt to use secret jutsu for defense. Throughout the entire fight... he showed no trace of Wood Release." He added, "He maintained composure, though his breathing hesitated for a split second when the trees surged. He recognized Wood Release immediately.

Forcing a breakthrough was tactical, but it likely concealed an intent to avoid exposure or direct comparison."

"Regardless, offering no reaction to Wood Release is an answer in itself." Hiruzen gave a low hum and waved his hand. Kakashi understood, sliding his mask back into place before fading silently into the shadows of the office. Through the drifting smoke, Hiruzen stared out the window into the deepening twilight.