CHAPTER 20

The morning sun bathed the village in soft light as Team 7 gathered at the mission assignment desk. Aiko adjusted her headband, her grey eyes scanning the scroll Jiraiya casually unfurled. This had become their routine in the weeks following their graduation—reporting each morning, receiving their mission, and tackling tasks that, while mundane, served as a stepping stone in their journey as shinobi.

"Another D-rank mission," Mikoto muttered as she scanned the scroll's details. "Retrieving a lost dog. Thrilling."

Minato smiled, his calm demeanor shining through as always. "Every mission counts. Even this one helps us understand the people we're protecting."

Jiraiya chuckled from behind them, his lounging figure perched comfortably on a bench. "Ah, the joys of being Genin! Never underestimate the value of a good D-rank mission. They teach you patience, build discipline, and most importantly, give me time to relax."

The trio exchanged bemused glances as they set off, their minds already racing with thoughts of how the day would unfold.

The retrieval mission proved more challenging than anticipated. The dog—a feisty little terrier with far too much energy—led them on a wild chase through the forest outskirts. Aiko's analytical mind quickly kicked into gear, her system flickering as it offered tactical advice.

"Minato, block the left path!" she called out. "Mikoto, use the tree line to cut off its escape route. I'll lure it with food."

Her teammates moved swiftly, their coordination growing sharper with each mission. By the time they cornered the terrier, even Mikoto had cracked a rare smile.

"I suppose this wasn't entirely pointless," she admitted as she handed the dog back to its relieved owner.

As the weeks passed, the missions grew increasingly varied. From delivering scrolls across the village to clearing small pest infestations in the nearby fields, Team 7 tackled each task with a mix of diligence and humor. Jiraiya's presence added an unpredictable flair to their routine, his eccentric training methods pushing them to think outside the box.

One afternoon, as they returned from a scroll delivery mission, Jiraiya led them to a secluded training ground.

"Time to step things up," he announced, his tone suddenly serious. "You've gotten comfortable with the basics, but real shinobi work requires more than running errands. Let's see what you're really made of."

The exercise was simple in theory: Team 7 would face off against Jiraiya in a sparring match, their goal to land a single hit on him. However, as soon as the match began, the gap in skill became glaringly obvious. Jiraiya's movements were effortless, his attacks precise, and his defense near impenetrable.

Aiko activated her system, analyzing his patterns and coordinating her teammates' attacks. "Minato, aim for his blind spots. Mikoto, use genjutsu to distract him. I'll cover your retreat."

Despite their efforts, Jiraiya countered each move with ease. The team's frustration grew, but so did their determination.

"You're getting there," Jiraiya said after disarming Mikoto's kunai with a quick flick of his wrist. "But you're still thinking too much. Trust your instincts."

That evening, as the team regrouped to discuss the exercise, Mikoto spoke first. "We rely too much on Aiko's strategies. Jiraiya's right—we need to trust our own judgment."

Minato nodded in agreement. "It's true. If something happens to Aiko, we need to be able to think for ourselves."

Aiko listened quietly, her thoughts swirling. She knew her system was a powerful tool, but the words of her teammates—and Jiraiya—resonated deeply. The road ahead would demand more than calculations. It would require heart.

As the moon rose high above the village, Aiko sat alone in her room, her system flickering softly with a new notification:

Leadership Path Progress: 15%. Tactical Independence Recommended.

She exhaled slowly, her resolve hardening. Their journey was just beginning, and she was determined to make the most of every step.