Chapter 21:Team Assignment

Designating Hoshita Shūichi as the squad's medical ninja was Namikaze Minato's subtle way of offering protection—a gesture Shūichi immediately recognized.

"I'll guard everyone's backs," Shūichi declared without hesitation.

Uchiha Shisui and Anma Sanyō grinned in unison. "And we'll protect you too, Shūichi."

Minato exhaled internally. Better dynamics than I expected.

Given the team's unique composition, he skipped the traditional "bell test" and cut straight to their first mission: "The Third Hokage has reports of a possible summoning beast in the Forest of Death. Our task is to investigate and, if confirmed, capture it unharmed."

Shisui raised a hand. "Any details on the creature, sensei?"

"None," Minato admitted. "The assumption stems from disrupted wildlife patterns. Questions?"

Silence.

"Then move out!"

Into the Forest of Death

Shūichi's first post-graduation day defied expectations—no hazing rituals, just immediate action. If this is a summon, it's easily a C-rank. Those things rival shinobi in danger.

Fifteen minutes later, the team stood at the forest's edge. "Stay alert," Minato warned. "The ecosystem here is... aggressive."

Towering ancient trees dwarfed them as they advanced, pausing to analyze tracks. Minato, Shisui, and Sanyō took turns explaining signs—broken foliage, displaced soil, claw marks—while Shūichi absorbed every word.

Shisui's tracking skills outshine Sanyō's, he noted. But the Anma heir's attention to detail is razor-sharp. Fitting for a genjutsu specialist.

The Hunt

An hour in, the team halted on a massive branch.

"It's here," Shisui murmured.

Sanyō nodded. "Animals avoid this zone—something's claimed it as territory."

Minato pieced together clues: "Likely a wildcat summon. Speed will be its advantage. Stay sharp."

Fanning out in a semicircle, they crept forward—until Shisui signaled a stop.

Sunlight dappled through leaves, illuminating a sleek black cat lounging on a branch. Its tail flicked lazily until Minato's hand gesture sent the team encircling it.

Too late. The cat's ears twitched. With a yowl, it bolted toward the gap in their formation.

"Intercept!" Minato barked.

Shūichi pushed his shunshin to the limit, but the feline outpaced him effortlessly. Damn, it's like it's dancing through the trees!

Minato's kunai rained ahead, forcing the cat to veer—straight into Sanyō's trap.

"Genjutsu: This Place is Not What It Seems!"

Disoriented, the cat pivoted—only to lock eyes with Shisui's spinning Sharingan. One glance, and it collapsed into his arms.

Hypnosis via Sharingan... flawless teamwork, Shūichi marveled.

"Mission accomplished," Minato declared.

Unexpected Gains

As they exited the forest, Shūichi's mental "skill tree" shimmered with a new leaf:

[Tracking Expert]

Requirement: Successfully track targets in 5 missions (1/5)

Effects:

+100% tracking aptitude

+100% environmental awareness

With this squad, I'll unlock this faster than anything else, he mused, catching up to Sanyō to grill him on genjutsu theory. The Anma heir obliged freely—though avoiding clan secrets.

Post-Mission Debrief

Back at the Hokage Tower, Minato distributed earnings—6,000 ryō for Shūichi.

"Lunch is on me," Minato announced outside. As they walked to a barbecue joint, he turned to Shūichi. "What's next for your training? Fire Release?"

Shūichi shook his head. "I've got five fire techniques covering all ranges. More would strain my chakra."

Sanyō choked on air. Five?! I've barely mastered three illusions in a year!

Minato eyed the chakra blade at Shūichi's waist. "So, taijutsu and kenjutsu?"

"Yes. With my reserves, close combat will be my battlefield staple."

"Smart," Minato approved.

Shisui clapped Shūichi's shoulder. "Need kenjutsu tips? Just ask."

Sanyō added, "I'm no taijutsu master, but I'll spar anytime."

Shūichi grinned. "Then I'll take full advantage."

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