Chapter 38: Yakura and Baki

"That's not how it works. You're still listed under the Puppet Brigade but not actively serving, so you only get half the salary from that side. As for the Elite Combat Unit, they don't consider you a temp, so you'll get a full paycheck from them. Also, chūnin receive a monthly stipend of 10,000 ryō, which continues for life—even after retirement—until death."

Genba explained the details to Shimizu.

"Well, that works too."

The Puppet Brigade and Elite Combat Unit were on the same tier. Unless someone held a leadership role like captain or vice-captain, the base pay was the same.

In other words, he just got a 50% salary boost, plus a monthly 10,000 ryō chūnin stipend.

Promotion and a raise—a good thing.

That evening, Genba treated the members of Team 3 from the Sixth Division to a farewell dinner.

It wasn't quite as lavish as the one hosted by Chiyo previously, but it was still satisfying.

The next day, Shimizu gathered his gear and uniform and headed to the Kazekage Building to find Ebizō. Only after stamping the paperwork and signing did his chūnin promotion become official.

In a top-tier shinobi village like Sunagakure, rising in rank earned far more fate energy than when his DC-world avatar subdued a small gang or seized a street.

His fate energy progress bar instantly leaped from 20.9% to 45.3% and was still slowly rising.

Next, he went to the supply depot to receive his standard chūnin flak jacket, then made his way to Training Ground #2.

There, he would meet his new teammates.

When Shimizu arrived at the designated meeting spot at Training Ground #2, someone was already waiting.

It was a tall, slender girl in a backless outfit. She had striking features and looked slightly older than Shimizu.

"Hello, I'm Yakura, age 12. Promoted to chūnin last year. I specialize in Wind Release and Fire Release. If I'm not mistaken, you're also one of the recruits in Team 9, right?"

Yakura confidently extended her hand toward Shimizu.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Shimizu, a chūnin temporarily assigned from the Puppet Brigade."

Shimizu smiled and shook her hand.

Since they'd be entrusting their lives to each other on missions, building a good rapport was important.

Also, in Shimizu's memory, Yakura wasn't some random name—she was someone noteworthy.

After a brief chat, the remaining two team members arrived.

"Baki. Chūnin. I specialize in Wind Release, Earth Release, and swordsmanship. Age 11."

Another "familiar face."

In the future, Baki would go on to become the jōnin sensei of Rasa's three children. In that era, his status in Sunagakure was comparable to Konoha's Kakashi—one of the village's top elite jōnin.

It was clear now: this team was no ordinary assignment.

And the composition was well-balanced. Yakura was a classic ninjutsu-type shinobi. Baki excelled at both ninjutsu and taijutsu, filling the frontline combat role. As for Shimizu, a puppet user, he combined both, likely taking the third position as the support specialist.

With that in mind, Shimizu turned to look at the final member of the team.

He was a young jōnin, also wearing a white headband like Baki. He had a handsome face and carried a sword on his back, suggesting he was a skilled swordsman.

"Now that everyone's introduced themselves, I guess it's my turn as the superior officer."

The jōnin coughed and said:

"My name is Kazekami Chiran. Jōnin. Age 29. I specialize in Wind, Fire, and Lightning Release. My swordsmanship is decent too. I'll be your captain for Team 9 from now on. Over the next week, we'll start with a few simple missions to build team chemistry."

As he introduced himself, Chiran discreetly assessed his three new subordinates.

Before this meeting, Chiyo and Ebizō had already briefed him.

Shimizu was of utmost importance—personally chosen by Chiyo and Ebizō as a candidate to lead the next generation of the Puppet Brigade.

Yakura had the strongest ninjutsu talent in Sunagakure's younger generation in recent years. Baki was slightly behind Yakura but still had immense potential.

This team wouldn't be easy to lead. The key was maximizing the potential of all three without allowing any of them to die prematurely.

If nurtured well, they were guaranteed to become at least elite jōnin—and possibly even reach Kage level.

That's why a top-level jōnin like Chiran had been assigned as their captain:

His skill set in ninjutsu and swordsmanship would allow him to mentor them.

More importantly, he was their bodyguard—ensuring their safety while completing missions suitable for their development.

"I believe in what the Second Kazekage once said: Action over words. On the way here, I've already accepted a B-rank mission on your behalf."

Shimizu, Yakura, and Baki exchanged glances.

They all thought the same thing: Isn't it a bit early to start with a B-rank mission?

Since graduating from the academy, Shimizu had only completed three B-rank missions—aside from the one time a mission was unexpectedly upgraded from A to S-rank, which resulted in injuries and recovery time.

Though his strength had since grown significantly, wasn't it normal to start with something lighter while building team synergy?

Still, with an elite jōnin like Chiran covering for them, there was nothing to worry about.

Ever since joining this team, Shimizu hadn't done any low-level missions.

Or more accurately, after becoming a chūnin, D-rank missions—common for genin—were now completely off the table.

Unless he became a mentor for a new generation of genin in the future, chances were he'd never touch a D-rank mission again.

This team mostly took on B-rank missions. When none were available, they could opt for easier C-rank assignments for practice—or simply rest and train.

In terms of training guidance, Chiran had plenty to offer. His skills in Wind, Fire, and Lightning Release were all highly refined, and he even knew some basic medical and sealing jutsu.

As for puppetry, Chiran admittedly couldn't help Shimizu much—but that didn't mean Shimizu lacked instruction.

He was still a member of the Puppet Brigade and could visit the hospital to consult with Ishito, who was still recovering. Occasionally, he would spar with Scorpion or borrow books from his home.

Notably, both Chiyo and Ebizō had promised that Shimizu could seek them out for personal instruction whenever they were free.

It was at that moment Shimizu realized—that his status within Sunagakure had truly changed.

Show talent. Gain the attention of the higher-ups. Join a powerful faction. Receive resource support. Strengthen rapidly. Rise through the ranks.

This was the most stable and least risky method to elevate one's position in any major organization.

Without a doubt, Shimizu was now under the focused mentorship of Chiyo and Ebizō.