Renjiro said, “Very good, keep practicing.”
Mieko and Feng Zheng also began their practice.
Their method was very simple. Mieko would cast a Fireball Technique, and Feng Zheng would throw two Wind Balls at them from behind.
The Wind Balls slightly distorted the flames, which wasn't a problem.
However, before the Fireball exploded, the Wind Ball left the Fireball from the front.
The Fireball exploded as usual.
Then, as the air was heated, the Wind Ball exploded with greater force, causing a small heatwave.
Mieko said, huffing, “Hey, your Ninjutsu is too fast!”
Feng Zheng retorted, “It’s your speed that’s too slow.”
This earned him a glare from the little girl.
Feng Zheng shrugged and said, “Then let’s try again.”
This time, Feng Zheng timed it perfectly, and the two Ninjutsu exploded simultaneously while the Wind Ball was still inside the Fireball.
The result was somewhat unexpected.
Mieko said, “The power of the explosion has weakened!”
Feng Zheng nodded and added, “But the range has increased, and the increase is completely random.
In some directions, the flame’s range has doubled compared to usual, and in others, it’s seven times the usual!”
Suddenly, a stream of water was sprayed out, extinguishing the fire caused by the explosion.
Renjiro’s Shadow Clone looked at them and said, “We need to change locations.
Follow me.”
Feng Zheng and Mieko ran behind Renjiro’s Shadow Clone.
Along the way, the Shadow Clone asked, “What do you think of this combination Ninjutsu?”
Feng Zheng said, “It’s unpredictable.
The enemy won’t be able to guess the direction of the flames, and a slight misstep will result in burns.
Even if they’re lucky and skilled enough to dodge all the flames, they’ll still be under immense pressure.”
Mieko agreed, “Yes.
Once he gets burned, we can gain the upper hand.”
Renjiro asked, “Is there any room for improvement?”
Feng Zheng and Mieko began to think.
A few seconds later, Feng Zheng replied, “I wonder if the direction of the explosion can be controlled.
I believe the position of the Wind Ball within the Fireball controls the direction of the explosion.
For example, if the Wind Ball is at the front of the Fireball, then the flames might move more forward.
If I know the direction the enemy is dodging, I can place the Wind Ball in the appropriate position to make the flames move to his new location.”
As Feng Zheng spoke, Renjiro stopped.
They had arrived at the riverbank.
Renjiro thought, “Just as I expected.”
He said, “Very good.
However, don’t forget that even your Wind Blast Technique itself is very random, so you cannot control the direction yourself.”
Then he looked at Mieko and said, “If you two want to further refine this combination Ninjutsu, it will depend on your Sharingan’s ability to analyze the explosion, Mieko.”
Mieko nodded and said, “Yes, Teacher.
I will improve it to its limit!”
Renjiro nodded, looking at the river.
Feng Zheng and Mieko followed his gaze.
Renjiro said, “All your explosions must take place over that river.
No more fires.”
The two nodded awkwardly and continued their training.
---
A full month had passed since Renjiro began serving as the teacher for this Genin squad.
After morning exercise and rest, Renjiro announced, “Today, we will undertake our first mission as a team.”
Upon hearing this, the squad members immediately reacted.
Hodaka exclaimed loudly, “It’s finally here!”
Mieko also said excitedly, “Excellent!
Now I’ll show the power of Uchiha.
Teacher, what is our first mission?
Which village’s enemies will we be fighting?
Like Hidden Cloud Village or Iwagakure?”
Hodaka immediately followed up, “Yes, Teacher, what is our mission?
I’ll use my taijutsu to show the enemies Konoha’s strength.”
Feng Zheng looked at them and thought, “Wow!
Their eyes are really sparkling… I need to learn how to do that.”
Feng Zheng just maintained an excited expression but said nothing.
His teammates’ reactions made him feel awkward.
He thought, “I wish they knew what our first mission was… I wonder if all adults have an unspoken truce not to tell kids.
Is it because they don’t want to discourage us, or just because of that ancient human behavior—I went through it, so you have to too… Hmm, it’s probably the latter.
Just look at Renjiro’s smug expression!”
Renjiro thought, “Ah, I never get tired of seeing new Genin so enthusiastic about their first mission.
Now, I wonder if that cat is lost again.”
He said, “The mission was issued by Hokage-sama, so we’ll only know what mission you’ll be performing once we get there.”
They began walking towards the Hokage Office.
Hodaka and Mieko ran much faster than usual.
Along the way, Feng Zheng thought, “I didn’t expect us to have to wait a month to perform our first mission.
A whole month of intense training.
I guess my timing for transmigration was really good.
Missing the Third Great War and the Nine-Tailed attack, growing up when Konoha was short-handed.
I hope Renjiro’s training continues for a long time.
Although it doesn’t leave me much free time, it’s very helpful for improving my strength.”
The group arrived at the Hokage Building and waited a few minutes before entering the Hokage Office.
Upon entering the office, everyone respectfully greeted Hiruzen.
“Hokage-sama.”
Hiruzen, as usual, had his desk piled high with documents.
He looked at Team 3 and said, “Uh, you’re finally going on your first mission.”
As he spoke, he stared at Renjiro.
However, Renjiro merely shrugged, ignoring everyone’s gaze.
Hiruzen sighed inwardly, thinking, “He’s messed up all the rules.
His squad hasn’t performed any missions for a whole month.
The only similar example was Orochimaru not letting his squad perform any missions for six months!
However, at least he agreed to take on some D-rank missions, unlike my student.”
Then he looked at his assistant and asked, “What other missions do we have?”
The assistant took out a piece of paper and handed it to him.
Hiruzen looked at it and said, “Madam Saigō wants a squad to weed her garden.
This is your mission.”
Then he smiled kindly and said, “Do a good job and make sure she gives us a good review, making Konoha proud.”
Hiruzen’s words astonished Mieko and Hodaka.
Hodaka whispered, “We… weed… a… garden?”
Mieko also mumbled similar words.
Feng Zheng was also shocked.
However, for a different reason, he now truly admired Hiruzen.
He thought, “Holy crap!
His expression was so serious, and his smile so kind when he said that!
To hell with Danzo, this old man is the true embodiment of evil!
No wonder Danzo, despite his cunning schemes and powerful influence, could never do anything to Hiruzen.
The poor guy never stood a chance.
This makes me start to feel sorry for him!”