Team Yoshito would meet the next morning, each member of the team prepared in their own ways, for the mission. It was going to be a mission to give back up to another team that was in the field and was under treat by a large amount of bandits that were causing problems. These bandits were led by a handful of missing-nin. Nothing super high level, but dangerous never the less, chunnin tier ninja that could cause problems and a jounin level on in charge. The group would have to move quickly to support the other team that was out there.
Yoshito gathered his team around and issued their orders for the mission ahead. With a stern yet determined expression, he laid out their plan of action.
"Listen up, team. Our objective is clear: provide backup to the team currently facing off against those bandits. We need to move swiftly and efficiently. Ayeka, you'll be our front line with your sword skills. Kaza, your survivalist expertise will come in handy for tracking and reconnaissance. Sai, use your artistry to create diversions and traps if necessary."
He paused for a moment, ensuring that everyone understood their roles.
"We'll approach the area cautiously, assess the situation, and then engage as needed. Keep communication open, and remember, we're a team. Watch each other's backs, and let's bring everyone back safely. Move out!" Yoshito concluded, his voice filled with a sense of determination as they set off from the village.
As they approached the village, Yoshito's sharp eyes scanned their surroundings. He recognized the layout and had a sense of the terrain that would be crucial in their upcoming battle. His memories of his own village's ordeal fueled his determination to ensure the safety of the village they were now protecting.
The team continued moving swiftly and silently, their focus solely on the mission. Yoshito could sense the seriousness in each of his team members. They were a no-nonsense group, driven by purpose and the desire to complete their task efficiently.
As they neared the village, Yoshito knew the attack would come from the woods, providing the bandits with cover. He signaled to his team to spread out and take positions along the tree line. They had to be prepared for the ambush and act swiftly to defend the village and support the other team in distress.
The team's efficient movement and early arrival left them in a position to prepare for the impending attack. Kaza, using his survivalist skills, ventured into the woods surrounding the village, setting up traps that would hinder the bandits and serve as an early warning system. He knew that every little advantage could make a difference in a battle.
After a while, Kaza returned to the group, his attention drawn by something intriguing. Yoshito noticed Kaza's return and inquired, "What did you find, Kaza?"
Kaza took a moment to catch his breath before responding, "I didn't find anything unusual, but I've set up some traps and tripwires around the perimeter of the woods. If they come from this direction, we should hear them before they reach the village."
Yoshito nodded in approval, appreciating Kaza's foresight. "Good work. Let's stay vigilant. The storm might give us some cover, but we should be ready for anything."
Asuma Sarutobi, the head of another ninja team tasked with defending the village, emerged from one of the nearby houses. He greeted Yoshito and his team with a casual yet friendly demeanor.
"So this is our backup, another genin team, interesting. It's good to see you, old man," Asuma remarked with a hint of amusement, acknowledging Yoshito's return to active duty. He then glanced at Kaza, Ayeka, and Sai, who were indeed an unconventional group. "An odd group you have here. Can't say I know any of them, and I've got a pretty keen eye."
Yoshito explained, "They weren't typical academy graduates, except for Kaza, but he tends to blend into the background. Where's your team, Asuma? Are they out scouting, or are they preparing defenses?"
Asuma scratched his beard, considering the question. "They're out on reconnaissance right now, gathering information on the bandits' movements. Should be back soon with some valuable intel. Looks like we're in for a rough one, but with your team here, we've got some extra muscle to throw at these guys if they decide to attack."
As Team 10, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, returned from their reconnaissance mission, they crossed paths with Team Yoshito. The two teams exchanged glances, and the contrast between them was stark. Team 10 represented the traditional and prestigious Ino-Shika-Cho combination, each member an heir of their respective clans. In contrast, Team Yoshito, or Team 11, was an assortment of individuals with unique backgrounds: a member of a reject clan, an artist with no memory of his family, and an exiled Rain Village ninja.
The differences were not lost on either side as they regarded one another. Team 10, completely unaware that Kaza was once their classmate, went about their business, focused on the impending threat of the bandits. Kaza, on the other hand, held no particular fondness for Team 10, and the feeling was mutual. The two teams may have graduated from the same class, but their paths had diverged so significantly that they were almost unrecognizable to each other now.
The meeting between the two teams got off to a rocky start. Ino, with her characteristic confidence, tried to strike up a conversation with Sai, only to be met with brutal honesty.
"You're not my type," Sai deadpanned, causing Ino's face to flush with anger.
"You jerk! Who asked you?" Ino retorted, her temper flaring.
Meanwhile, Kaza couldn't help but laugh at Sai's bluntness, and Ayeka joined in, finding the situation amusing.
Seeing the tension escalating, Asuma and Yoshito, the two jounin sensei, intervened to keep things from getting out of hand.
"Alright, enough of that," Asuma said firmly. "We're here to work together, not pick fights."
Yoshito chimed in, "We've got a job to do, and we need to put our differences aside for now. We can sort out personal issues later."
Asuma nodded in approval at Kaza's willingness to cooperate. "That's the spirit, Kaza. Now, let's get down to business. We've got intel that there are approximately twenty bandits led by a jounin-level missing-nin. They're based in a hideout not far from here, deep in the woods. We suspect they'll attack from the east."
Ino, still a bit miffed from Sai's comment, decided to contribute to the discussion. "Our team will be stationed near the riverbank to the south, covering the most likely entry point. We've set some traps and will keep a lookout."
Shikamaru, as usual, had a laid-back demeanor. "My team will be in charge of the north side, overlooking the fields. We'll use shadows to our advantage."
Asuma turned to Kaza's team. "Team Yoshito, you'll handle the west side, facing the woods. We've got some traps there as well, thanks to Kaza. Ayeka, your skills with a sword will come in handy if they manage to get close. Sai, you'll be our backup."
Kaza nodded, acknowledging the plan. The tension in the air was still palpable, but they were slowly starting to work together for the mission's sake.
In the dark of the night, Kaza and Sai found themselves deep within the woods, their eyes fixed on the enemy's hideout. Kaza, ever the daring one, spoke up, his voice a hushed whisper, "This plan seems too passive. I think we should strike first, catch them off guard while they're unprepared and disorganized. Even ninja sleep, and they're probably assuming we won't attack. It's always best to be unpredictable, hit them where they think they're safe, in their camp."
Sai, never one to adhere strictly to orders, silently nodded in agreement. The two moved stealthily through the forest, following animal trails. Kaza led the way, showcasing his exceptional tracking skills and his familiarity with the terrain. As they approached the enemy's location, he carefully attached explosive tags to the walls of the cavern and strategically placed more on trees along their route, creating potential chaos and obstacles.
They worked in tandem, the conversation giving way to focused action. Below them, the bandits settled in for the night, unaware of the impending danger. The bandits might be easy to handle, but the missing-nin posed a greater challenge that they were prepared to face head-on.
Back at their base, Yoshito and Ayeka eventually realized that Kaza and Sai were nowhere to be found. Concern etched across their faces, they exchanged worried glances. It was a critical moment, and they had to make a decision – should they inform Team 10 about the disappearance of their fellow teammates or set out to find them themselves?
Ayeka turned to Yoshito, her voice laced with anxiety, "What should we do, Sensei? Should we let the other team know, or should we go after them?"
Yoshito considered their options carefully before responding, "We can't afford to waste time. Our priority is finding Kaza and Sai. Let's go after them ourselves, but stay alert. We don't know what they might have stumbled upon." With a shared determination, they set off into the night, determined to bring their missing teammates back safely.
Kaza and Sai initiated their daring assault, setting off the explosive tags in a spectacular display of destruction. The deafening explosions rocked the bandit camp, sending shrapnel and chaos in all directions. The element of surprise was entirely on their side as the explosive rain descended upon the unsuspecting bandits, wreaking havoc in the camp. Trees and rocks tumbled, adding to the chaos and confusion.
With ruthless precision, Kaza unleashed a barrage of kunai, his accuracy proving deadly as he swiftly took down several remaining bandits. The once-rowdy camp was reduced to a scene of chaos and devastation. Amidst the turmoil, only Kaza, Sai, and the rogue-nin remained standing.
Kaza and Sai acted swiftly, their movements synchronized as they covered each other's backs. Kaza hurled all but one of his kunai at the formidable opponent, using his impeccable accuracy to create an opening for Sai. The rogue ninja blocked the incoming kunai, but this diversion allowed Sai to launch a powerful strike that struck the warrior and sent him staggering backward. Although the blow only inflicted a minor cut, it was clear that they were facing a formidable adversary.
As Kaza and Sai confronted this powerful foe, Yoshito began to understand Kaza's approach better. He recognized the boy's bravery, determination, and, at times, recklessness. The tension between Team 10 and Team Yoshito was noticeable, and the natural synergy between Kaza and Sai was evident. Yoshito knew he needed to prevent such reckless actions from happening again and, more importantly, keep his team safe.
As Kaza and Sai battled the formidable opponent, he skillfully employed earth walls to block their attacks. This tactic forced the two young ninjas to work together, using Sai's ink and Kaza's agile movements to counter their adversary. Despite the odds stacked against them, they fought valiantly, surprising the jounin with their resilience.
Just when it seemed the tide of battle might turn against them, Yoshito arrived with a dramatic display of lightning and thunder. The deafening thunderclap shattered the earth walls, giving Kaza and Sai an opening to strike. With the assistance of Yoshito and Ayeka, they quickly gained the upper hand, overwhelming the rogue ninja. In no time, they had him tied up and incapacitated, all before Team 10 could catch up with them.
Team 10 arrived on the scene, the atmosphere between the two teams still tense and frigid. The coldness and mutual dislike seemed like it wouldn't be dissipating any time soon. Kaza, in particular, harbored a strong aversion toward the other Konoha gennin in Team 10.
As Kaza observed their arrival, he couldn't resist making a pointed comment, his words dripping with sarcasm, "I guess we didn't need you guys, but I don't remember who you were anyhow." It was a thinly veiled jab at the fact that he knew they didn't remember him, a slight that he was certain they wouldn't fully grasp.
Yoshito decided it was best to defuse the situation by leaving with his team. He shook his head in response to Asuma and addressed the gathered genin.
"We'll be taking our leave. The kid is something else," he commented before turning to his team, "Sai, Kaza, we will talk later. Ayeka, keep an eye on them."
The three of them departed, leaving a tense atmosphere behind. Yoshito then turned to Asuma, but his words were meant for the genin to overhear.
"Remember the attack a year ago with the bandits in this area. On record, it was a team of ninja who took them down and saved the villagers, including my granddaughter. But in truth, it wasn't a ninja; it was your team's fellow genin, Kaza Togusa, who defeated five bandits at the age of 11." His voice carried a tone of admiration and pride for the young Kaza's courage and skill.
Yoshito couldn't help but smirk as he looked at the Team 10 genin. "That reckless kid has been your classmate for the last four years, just so you know," he added with a hint of amusement before walking away, leaving the cleanup to Team 10.
Kaza voiced his desire to leave the scene, his impatience with Team 10 evident. He glanced at the members of Team 10 and remarked, "Sensei, can we go? We did our part, and we can let them clean up the mess."
Yoshito, backing his team without hesitation, responded, "Yes, we can. Let us get going. Sorry, Team 10, our teams don't mix. We handled the bandits and ninja. It seems only fair enough. See you back at the village."
Asuma, noticing the coldness and tension between the two teams, decided to step in and address the situation. He called out to Yoshito, "Hold on a moment, Yoshito. We need to talk about this."
Yoshito stopped in his tracks, turning to face Asuma. "What's the problem, Asuma?" he asked, his gruff demeanor not giving away much.
Asuma took a deep breath and said, "I can't ignore the tension between our teams. We're all on the same side here. We need to figure out what's causing this."
Yoshito sighed and nodded reluctantly. "Fine, let's talk. But this isn't something I can easily fix."