The figures of Team Yagen soon left the noisy camp and officially stepped into the treacherous Land of Rain. Since they were still on the outskirts, there were still trees.
As soon as they entered the forest, the surrounding light immediately dimmed.
The tall canopy blotted out the sun, completely covering the already gloomy sky.
The damp, decaying smell in the air became stronger, making it hard to breathe.
Underfoot was a thick ground mixed with fallen leaves and mud. Stepping on it felt soft and spongy, and an ordinary person could easily sink in if they weren't careful.
"Wow, this feels too real! It's a hundred times more exciting than the small forest behind our village!"
Shimura Sota, like a monkey just released from its cage, excitedly jumped back and forth between the thick tree trunks, experiencing this unprecedented environment.
He looked back and grinned at Tachibana Shiorin, who was following behind, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.
"Shiorin, don't I look cool?"
The answer he got was an eye-roll from Tachibana Shiorin and a soft reminder.
"Sota, be careful. Hasumi said it's very slippery here, and there are many pits covered by leaves."
"Stay alert!"
Captain Uchiha Yagen's cold voice came from the front.
The laughter stopped abruptly.
Sota's face returned to a serious expression.
Uchiha Yagen didn't look back at them. His eyes vigilantly scanned everything around him, pausing for a moment before continuing.
"This is no longer a training ground, nor is it a place for you to picnic. Remember Lord Third's teachings, we are one unit. Any mistake by one person could lead to the annihilation of the entire squad."
The three of them felt a chill in their hearts and immediately entered combat mode.
"Hasumi, you're in the rear. Use Water Release to test the ground ahead, focusing on checking for traces of Earth Release traps."
"Yes, Captain," Sarutobi Hasumi responded immediately.
"Sota, you're on the left flank. Use your Wind Release to sense the flow of air, paying attention to any unusual smells or sounds."
"Shiorin on the right flank, ready to provide medical support at any time, and observe the surroundings for signs of toxin contamination."
"Okay, Captain."
Tachibana Shiorin nodded, taking out a few silver needles from her medical bag and holding them between her fingers.
"I'll be responsible for the main attack and frontal vigilance."
Yagen said finally, drawing the ninja sword engraved with the Uchiha crest and holding it across his chest.
A standard four-man reconnaissance formation was quickly formed.
Under Yagen's command, the four began to move cautiously but efficiently through this unfamiliar territory.
They put the theories about squad coordination into practice.
While advancing, Sarutobi Hasumi stopped from time to time, forming hand seals.
"Water Release: Scattering Wave!"
A stream of water spewed from his mouth, washing over the seemingly flat ground ahead.
Where the water passed, several threads glinting with a metallic luster, disguised as vines, were revealed.
The ends of the threads were connected to several explosive tags hidden under the fallen leaves.
"Tripwire trap at three o'clock, go around it."
Hasumi warned his teammates in a calm tone.
This was the third trap they had discovered since setting off.
The ninja of Amegakure truly lived up to their reputation; they had turned trap-setting into an art form.
Time passed slowly in the tense march.
When night fell, Yagen found a huge cave that was easy to defend and hard to attack as a temporary resting point for the squad.
The four sat together, sharing cold military ration pills.
The rain was still falling.
Yagen leaned against the inner wall of the cave, looking at the darkness shrouded in rain outside, and couldn't help but feel a longing for his family.
He thought of his wife, Rinne, who was always waiting for him at home.
He also thought of the little guy who always liked to follow him around, calling "Father" in a milky voice.
"Obito... should be asleep by now, right?"
Yagen smiled, the corners of his mouth turning up.
He understood more deeply the words Lord Third Hokage had said at the opening ceremony.
The meaning of protection is not to complete how many S-rank missions, nor to cut off how many enemy heads.
But to allow those he cherishes to live carefree lives in a peaceful and tranquil environment.
To allow his son to have a childhood where he can chase his dreams instead of shouldering hatred.
This was the entire meaning of his fight.
Yagen felt that the chakra in his body seemed to become more refined and powerful under the drive of this determination.
That Sharingan also seemed to be quietly undergoing some unknown change.
"Captain, what are you thinking about?"
Shimura Sota's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Nothing."
Yagen shook his head and pulled back his thoughts.
He looked at his three companions. Although they were still young and somewhat immature, the same firm light shone in everyone's eyes.
They were all standing here to protect the village.
Yagen took a deep breath. He extended his fist and placed it in the middle of the four.
Sota, Hasumi, and Shiorin exchanged glances and immediately extended their fists to touch tightly together.
"In the name of Konoha!"
Yagen led, reciting in a low voice.
"Together to fulfill the mission!"
The other three responded in unison.
This was the ritual personally taught to them by Lord Third Hokage when each squad was formed.
Every time they recited this oath, they felt their hearts closely connected to the pulse of the entire village.
The ritual ended, and the four stood up to continue their unfinished journey.
And Uchiha Yagen, walking at the very front, kept his single-tomoe Sharingan active throughout.
"Stay alert."
"Yes, Captain!"
The three responded in unison.
After marching for more than an hour, Yagen raised his hand, signaling the team to stop.
That raised right hand seemed like a silent command.
The carefree smile on Shimura Sota's face disappeared instantly. He grabbed the kunai tucked behind his waist with a backhand grip, crouched slightly, and assumed a standard defensive stance.
Tachibana Shiorin also subconsciously reached into her medical bag, her fingers resting on the anesthetic senbon that were ready for use.
Sarutobi Hasumi retreated to the rear of the team immediately, his hands silently forming seals, ready to release Water Release ninjutsu to cover his teammates at any time.
No one asked why.
This was the absolute tacit understanding they had cultivated through countless training sessions over the past few years.
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