Chapter 29: Leader

Chapter 29: Leader

Kurenai Yuhi led Team 8 out of the academy building, bypassing the training grounds entirely and heading instead toward a secluded forest clearing.

Such practice areas dotted Konoha, scattered like stars across the village.

Stopping at a mossy tree stump, Kurenai turned to Izayoi, Hinata, and Shino with a warm smile. "Until one of you becomes a chūnin squad leader, I’ll be handling your missions for the foreseeable future."

She gestured for them to gather closer. "Why don’t you start by introducing yourselves? Let’s build some camaraderie." She winked. "I’ll go first."

Crossing one arm dramatically, she announced, "I’m Kurenai Yuhi—feel free to call me Sensei Red. My specialty is genjutsu, particularly all forms of illusion techniques. I love food—spicy octopus, sake, and vodka jump to mind—and my dream is to become a kunoichi as legendary as Lady Tsunade."

Her crimson eyes swept over her students, landing on Izayoi. "Your turn."

Izayoi stepped forward, arms loose at his sides. "I’m Izayoi. No family name. I focus on ninjutsu, especially fire and wind release. I’ve got a handle on basic medical techniques and sensory jutsu too. Training and sparring are what I live for. My dream? To become an elite ninja."

Kurenai nodded, mentally cataloging his blunt confidence.

Her gaze shifted to Hinata. "Hyūga Hinata", the girl murmured, clasping her hands. "I’m trained in sensing chakra and the Gentle Fist style. I enjoy training with Izayoi-kun and my little sister, and I love red bean paste sweets and cinnamon rolls. I dislike seafood, and… my dream is also to become a strong ninja."

Hinata’s voice softened to a whisper by the end, her cheeks flushing as Kurenai’s knowing smirk lingered on her.

Shino, swaddled in his high-collared jacket and dark glasses, spoke last. "Aburame Shino. My skills center on sensing and my clan’s secret insect techniques. I enjoy forest walks and collecting insects. I prefer plain foods like vegetable salads and melon, and my goal is to discover new insect species."

Kurenai clapped her hands. "Perfect! Now that we’re acquainted, tomorrow morning at nine, meet back here for a survival exercise." She tapped her temple. "It’ll be a capture-the-flag scenario—against me."

Before they could protest, she vanished in a swirl of leaves.

The trio exchanged glances.

"What’s your take?" Shino asked Izayoi, his tone measured. Beneath his reserved exterior, he was gauging whether this top graduate could live up to his reputation.

Izayoi leaned against the stump where Kurenai had stood. "We already know the outcome. Jonin like her are leagues ahead of fresh genin. But this isn’t about brute strength—it’s about strategy." He grinned, eyes sharp. "Notice how she gifted us information? Her reliance on genjutsu, giving us a full day to plan, even revealing the exercise’s theme? She’s testing our teamwork and ingenuity."

Hinata’s face lit up, her admiration for Izayoi unmistakable. Shino, though expressionless behind his collar, silently conceded Izayoi’s insight.

"Let’s drill deeper", Izayoi continued, beckoning them closer. "Time to share our strongest moves—no holding back."

As the three huddled, exchanging tactics, Kurenai watched from a distant branch, her smile widening.

So much sharper than I expected, she mused. Maybe this team isn’t just another lost cause.

She vanished in a ripple of chakra, already plotting how to push them further.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end