Kapitel 51: Looting the Hideout

Aoi approached Renjiro with a stern expression, his gaze piercing as he sought an explanation for Renjiro's seemingly reckless actions on the battlefield.

"What in the hell were you thinking?" Aoi's voice was edged with a mixture of frustration and concern, his eyes narrowing as he awaited an answer.

It took some time for Renjiro to realize that Aoi was addressing him as he thought he might be addressing some of his subordinates.

"I'm talking to you, young man!" Aoi repeated.

"What do you mean?" Renjiro inquired.

"Why did you use all those explosive tags on the battleground?"

Renjiro, still catching his breath from the intense battle, furrowed his brows in confusion.

"They had more chunins than us, so I wanted to eliminate them as fast as possible,"

Aoi's expression tightened further, his disbelief evident.

"As fast as possible? Do you realize those explosive tags of yours took out some of my ninjas?"

Renjiro's eyes widened as he processed the gravity of Aoi's words. Sceptical of it, he turned to Aiko and Hiro and from the expression on their faces, he could tell Aoi was telling the truth.

The revelation hit Renjiro like a shuriken to the chest. In that moment, the reality of his actions sank in, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility pressed down on him.

A dull ache of regret gnawed at Renjiro's conscience. The progress he had made, the skills he had honed, now seemed trivial in the face of the lives lost due to his lack of foresight.

Renjiro opened his mouth to respond, but before he could utter a word, Riku interjected, "Aoi, it was in the heat of battle, sometimes split-second decisions are all you have. Renjiro acted on instinct to protect himself and eliminate an imminent threat. Besides, berating him about it now wouldn't change a single thing."

'He's taking my side? I did mess up. I was in my head and caused the death of my allies.' If he was honest, Renjiro agreed with Aoi. He got carried away and messed up.

"Besides, he is a genin and chunin were closing in on him. What did you want him to do?" Riku finished.

Despite being engaged in battle, Riku was keeping an eye on what was happening on the battlefield. He was a bit shocked by Renjiro's rampage as well as proud when he saw him going against countless chunins. He did not need to be informed of the events that occurred like Aoi.

Aoi's expression remained sceptical as he turned his attention to Riku. "Optimal or not, it cost us three chunins and six genins from the Land of Mountains. We could have handled the situation differently."

Riku, undeterred, countered, "True, the casualties were unfortunate, but Renjiro's actions prevented potential harm to himself and others. In battle, sacrifices happen. Renjiro made a judgment call, and we need to adapt and learn from it."

Aoi sighed, recognizing the complexity of the situation.

'Do these guys think that raising shinobi to that rank in our nation is easy? We are not a major power and the undertaking is resource intensive. Anyway, the Daimyo should handle this with Konoha.'

Choosing not to pursue the matter, they all diverted their attention to their forces. There were some wounded during the battle and also some who had perished.

After giving them some first aid and storing their bodies in scrolls for a respectful send-off, they turn to address the biggest elephant in the room. How were they going to split the loot from the bandits?

Without further ado, They ventured into the remnants of the bandit hideout. The once menacing structure now stood in ruins, a testament to the fierce confrontation that had taken place moments ago. Riku took the lead, he scanning the surroundings for any signs of hidden threats.

Along the way, they found mangled bodies. These belonged to shinobi serving under the brothers who were caught unaware and crushed by the collapse of their hideout.

With caution, they descended into the dimly lit cavern. They were surprised that the cavern was still standing despite the tremors caused by Riku earlier.

As they progressed, the faint glimmer of chakra crystals caught their attention. Riku examined the crystals, recognizing their value. Chakra crystals, coveted for their use in various applications such as enhancing chakra affinity, were a prized possession among shinobi.

Further exploration revealed a cache of stolen ninja weapons, neatly arranged in racks. Swords, kunai, and shuriken hinted at the bandits' audacious raids on unsuspecting shinobi.

Amidst the spoils, they discovered crates filled with provisions—non-perishable food, clothing, and personal belongings of civilians. It became evident that the bandits preyed upon the local populace, pillaging their homes and confiscating whatever they could find.

''They sure were busy.'' Riku remarked seeing the 'loot' the bandits had managed to acquire.

After ascertaining that that was all there was, they discussed the distribution of the valuables. Without the other team, they would not have been able to exterminate the bandit threat.

Since they had the bodies of the jounin and Renjiro's mishap they get a small quantity of the chakra crystals. This was Riku's way of placating Aoi because of the earlier incident.

Aoi accepted but he is still mad about losing members of his force since they were a close-knit group.

They quickly returned to Osaka where they all rested since it was still in the wee hours of the morning. After a period of rest and recuperation, Team 15 set their sights on returning to Konoha.

The journey back to Konoha was marked by an unusual stillness within Renjiro. While the physical landscape changed as they travelled, his internal landscape was dominated by the echoes of the recent mission.

Renjiro, deep in contemplation, found himself comparing the weight of his choices. Taking a life, even in self-defence, felt less burdensome than the unintended consequences of ending some over a hasty decision.

His teammates, sensing the shift in Renjiro's demeanour, exchanged concerned glances but chose to give him the space he needed. Riku realized that this was a pivotal moment for Renjiro's growth.

'What Matters is how he will react to this.' He told himself

As they neared Konoha, Riku decided that addressing the issue would come in due time, allowing Renjiro the time to grapple with his own demons.

It was already in the evening when Team 15 made their way to the mission centre.

Entering the mission centre, they were greeted by the low hum of activity. Mahito looked up from his desk, his eyes scanning the returning shinobi.

He had grown accustomed to the punctuality and efficiency of Team 15, yet this time, something seemed different. The addition of chakra crystals to their inventory caught his attention.

Riku stepped forward, "We've completed the mission, Mahito. Found the rogue ninjas and exterminated them. We also got some loot from them."

"Chakra crystals, eh? That's an unexpected bonus," he remarked, a hint of surprise colouring his usually composed expression when Riku passed him a scroll containing the crystals.

The village had a high demand for chakra crystals, and the unexpected acquisition was a welcome addition.

"Well done, Team 15. You've not only fulfilled the mission but brought back something valuable for the village. The Hokage will be pleased."

The acknowledgement brought a sense of accomplishment to the team, a reassurance that their efforts were recognized. Mahito, with a nod of approval, concluded the mission report and issued their remuneration.

"Take a well-deserved rest, and if there's anything else, you know where to find me," Riku said as he flickered away. After finishing up with the mission centre, they all headed back to their homes.

As Renjiro approached his house, he noticed the figure of Uchiha Sora near his doorstep. It seemed like she was just about to leave, and their unexpected encounter caught both of them off guard.

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Kapitel 52: Catching Up

Sora turned slightly, her eyes meeting Renjiro's as he approached. Renjiro, too, was taken aback by her presence, not expecting to find anyone waiting for him.

Renjiro reflected on the past, remembering the time when Sora and her brother Kaito were his classmates back at the academy. The trio had shared the journey of aspiring shinobi, attending classes, and sometimes training together.

However, circumstances led Renjiro to graduate early, and as a result, they gradually fell out of touch. Life in the shinobi world often propelled individuals on divergent paths, with each pursuing their own goals and responsibilities.

"Renjiro," Sora greeted, "I thought that you were not at home. I have been checking daily for the last three days."

Renjiro replied, "I just arrived from a mission." He opened up his house and gestured for Sora to get in.

"So, what brings you here?" Renjiro inquired.

Sora took a moment before answering, "Well, some of us were thinking of having a small get-together. You know, to celebrate our graduation from the academy. Since you, Aiko and Hiro are already genins maybe you could come and give us pointers?"

'Ooh, they've already graduated? I've been too busy to keep track of time. It has already been half a year since I became a ninja.'

Renjiro nodded, "That sounds like a great idea. I'd love to join."

Sora's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Fantastic! We're planning to have a meal tomorrow evening. Oh, and I almost forgot, we'd really like Hiro and Aiko to be there too."

'A meal? Count me in!!'

Renjiro's expression turned thoughtful. "Hiro and Aiko, huh? I'll make sure to pass on the invitation. I'm sure they would appreciate it."

As Sora prepared to take her leave, she couldn't help but express her genuine joy at the prospect of their gathering. "Renjiro, it's good to see you again. I'll see you tomorrow."

Renjiro smiled, appreciating the sentiment. "Indeed, Sora. I will also see you tomorrow."

With that, Sora bid Renjiro farewell.

'Perfect, I need something to distract me from my last mission. Plus, it would be great to see how much those guys have grown.'

Closing his eyes, Renjiro took a moment to acknowledge the emotions swirling within him. Pride for their successful mission and growth in power, regret for the collateral damage, and a resolute commitment to learn from the experience.

'Let me make a few seals before calling it a night.'

Renjiro made a few seals before sleeping. After all, he was still saving up for his weapon.

The following morning, the team engaged in a light training session to maintain their combat readiness.

As the training session concluded, Riku, satisfied with their progress, gathered the team for a brief debriefing.

"You are all showing great improvement," he remarked, "Keep it up and remember, each mission is a chance to refine your skills and learn from the challenges you face."

With a nod of acknowledgement, the team dispersed. Later that day, the team gathered at a designated spot for the meet-up Sora had talked about.

Renjiro had earlier informed Aiko and Hiro about it before they began their training and they both accepted.

They would usually use their afternoons for personal training, but considering the fact that they just completed a mission the previous day, they choose to use this meet-up to unwind. It had been a busy couple of months with nonstop training and missions in between.

The barbecue joint they were to meet was nestled in a cosy corner of the village and welcomed Renjiro, Hiro, and Aiko with a tantalizing aroma that wafted through the air.

Upon stepping inside, the trio found themselves in a vibrant and bustling space. The interior was adorned with wooden accents, giving the place a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Tables equipped with built-in grills stood ready for patrons to embark on their culinary adventure.

The familiar faces of their former classmates greeted the genins. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as they spotted Kenta and Haori Hyuga, Sora and Kaito Uchiha, Makoto Inuzuka, and Eri Yamanaka gathered around a table.

"Renjiro! Hiro! Aiko!" Haori called out, waving them over. They immediately joined them and enjoyed the ambience.

Sora remarked, "I am glad you guys showed up!"

Renjiro chuckled, "Well, why would we pass a chance to meet friends? Plus, I heard there's good food involved."

Makoto chimed in, "Speaking of food, have you guys decided what you want to grill?"

Hiro nodded, "I'm thinking bulgogi for starters. What about you, Aiko?"

Aiko considered the options, "I'll go for some pork belly."

As they settled into their seats, the conversations flowed effortlessly. Kenta shared stories from the Academy, while Eri inquired about their experiences as a new team.

"So, have you guys had any interesting missions lately?" Sora asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Hiro leaned back, "Well, we just got back from the Land of Mountains. Where we dealt with some rogue Shinobis."

Kaito raised an eyebrow, "Rogue shinobis? That sounds intense. How did it go?"

Aiko chimed in, "It had its moments, but we managed. Riku-sensei was there to guide us."

Makoto, ever eager for action, grinned, "I wish we had some rogue ninja to deal with."

Haori added, "At least it's peaceful. I heard Hayate couldn't make it. Said it would be a 'drag' in his words."

Eri giggled, "Classic Hayate. Always finding an excuse."

As the grilling commenced, the group shared stories of their academy days, reminisced about shared experiences, and discussed their aspirations as newly graduated shinobi.

Renjiro raised an eyebrow in surprise when Kaito casually mentioned that he had graduated as the top student.

'Kaito as the top student? Did he awaken his Sharingan? Well, that's a surprise. I always thought Kenta would automatically be the top student once I graduated. But then again, it wouldn't be surprising if Kaito got a bit serious during their final year. Plus he's more social and welcoming to me than he was in the past. Maybe he did change.'

"Top of the class, huh?" Renjiro grinned, genuinely impressed. "Well done, Kaito."

Kaito shrugged modestly, "It wasn't much since you performed even better at the promotion exam."

The group chuckled, and Kenta added, "Don't let him fool you. Kaito worked hard for it."

With the revelation about Kaito's achievement, the conversation naturally shifted to their genin promotions exams. Renjiro listened as they shared their experiences, and it became evident that their journey closely mirrored his own, without the unexpected genjutsu incident.

As the discussion unfolded, Sora, Kaito, and the others turned their attention to the genins, seeking advice on navigating the challenges of becoming genins.

"Well, first things first," Renjiro began, "be ready for a variety of missions. Some will be routine, others might surprise you. Always stay adaptable."

Hiro chimed in, "And teamwork is key. Your teammates will become like family, and you'll rely on each other more than you think."

Aiko nodded, "Exactly. Communication is crucial, both in and out of battle. Always keep your team informed, and don't be afraid to ask for help."

Renjiro added, "Also, embrace continuous learning. Train regularly, explore new jutsus, and seek guidance from your superiors. The village has a wealth of knowledge to offer."

Sora, ever inquisitive, asked, "What about facing tougher opponents? Any advice on that?"

Renjiro smirked, recalling his own encounters, "Face challenges head-on, but know your limits. It's okay to retreat and regroup if needed. And learn from every defeat. That's how you grow stronger."

The conversation soon touched on their genin lives so far and after hearing their encounters, the rest could only think that it was quite underwhelming.

Renjiro chimed in, "You know, genin life isn't always about constant action. Sometimes, the lulls in between missions are a chance to train and learn new techniques. Like what I've been doing."

Makoto raised an eyebrow, "But you've been on only two missions in the last six months. It feels like you're not doing much at all."

Renjiro nodded, "True, missions are the lifeblood of a shinobi, but they're not the only aspect. Training and preparation are equally vital. It's about being ready for anything, even if it means facing periods of apparent inactivity. Plus I feel like Riku-sensei is prioritising our learning so that we become more combat effective on the field."

Aiko added, "And let's not forget that missions can be dangerous. It's not just about the thrill; it's about being cautious and making sure we're well-prepared. Anything can go wrong, and it's better to be safe than sorry."

Kaito sighed, "I thought being a genin would be more... eventful, you know?"

Sora nudged him, "Well, Kaito, not every day is going to be a dangerous mission."

Renjiro agreed, "Exactly. Cherish the times of peace, but stay vigilant."

As the night drew to a close, Renjiro and his genin teammates bid farewell to their friends. The group disbanded, each member heading home with the promise of another day.

Renjiro felt a sense of contentment in the connections he had forged, knowing that in the unpredictable world of shinobi, having trustworthy allies was invaluable.

Hiro broke the silence. "Well, that was a pleasant surprise."

Sora nodded, "Yeah, it was nice. We should do that more often."

They reached their respective homes, each genin bidding the others goodnight. Renjiro, entering his house, closed the door behind him. It had been a long day and his social batteries had already been depleted.