Kapitel 185: 184-Path Of Least Resistance

Renjiro stood in the Hokage's office, his mind whirling with thoughts and emotions.

'This again?' he mused.

Normally, he would have had to serve in the force for much longer, but Daichi had allowed him to commit to serving in the force for only one year. After that, it would be up to Renjiro whether he wanted to continue or not.

Based on his experience so far, Renjiro knew he wouldn't want to stay in the force, as it was too restrictive in terms of personal training time and mission opportunities.

The only reason Renjiro had even considered taking up Fujioka's offer to become a squad leader was the access it would grant him to the Uchiha Clan's private collection of jutsus.

Renjiro had heard that this collection contained jutsus the clan had copied from other shinobi, dangerous techniques they kept hidden even from the village, and even forbidden Uchiha jutsus.

The allure of these powerful techniques was enough to make Renjiro want to climb the ranks within the Uchiha Clan leadership, as it afforded privileges he found too tempting to ignore.

'I thought we already agreed on this? Or did something else happen?' Renjiro wondered, sensing the persistence of Daichi's request. It made him want to reconsider some of his decisions.

Currently, Renjiro only saw two paths in front of him. The first involved staying in the police force, sacrificing his much-needed training time. He knew that good work was often rewarded with more work, meaning even less time for his personal growth.

The only silver lining was the access to special jutsus, which would undoubtedly enhance his power and combat options.

'But is it really worth that?' Renjiro wondered.

The second path involved leaving the force after a few months, allowing him more time for missions and training, thus gaining valuable field experience.

'I could also gain merit and ask for jutsus from the Hokage like Minato did.' Renjiro surmised.

"Before you answer," Daichi interrupted Renjiro's thoughts, "since you have yet to fill up your squad, why don't you act as a one-man team?"

This suggestion shocked everyone in the room.

'What?' Renjiro wondered. 'That removes the issue of me involving my squad in risky situations.'

Shiba couldn't help but wonder, 'What is he aiming for?' while Hiruzen thought, 'Is he willing to go that far?'

Renjiro, still a chunin, was being given an unprecedented offer. Even if he was talented, Hiruzen himself would never go that far.

"Daichi-sama," Renjiro began, "we had already agreed that I would only serve in the police force for a year. That is what I based my future plans on, so I will not change my mind," Renjiro said as politely as he could, even adding a tinge of resignation in his voice.

'While access to those other jutsus is tempting, I can't cut down on my training since the third shinobi war is only a few years away. It would be too much of a risk. Besides, I had informed him of this earlier, so this was the path of least resistance,' Renjiro thought.

Daichi took a few moments before he spoke. "That's fine. Then your task will be to train your squad members until your time in the force is done," he said. "This way, you can still contribute significantly without exposing yourself and your squad to undue danger."

Renjiro nodded reluctantly, understanding the logic but feeling a pang of disappointment. 'I guess training them is important too,' he thought.

'Well, I tried my best,' Daichi thought. He was aware of Renjiro's decision but had hoped to change the boy's mind. He even had a conversation with the Hokage some time ago centering around the boy, so he knew Hiruzen had taken an interest in the boy.

That was why Daichi was ready to go as far as offering to make Renjiro's squad a one-man team. That was how valuable Renjiro was to him. Unfortunately, he didn't succeed in changing his mind. While Daichi felt bad about the situation, he also felt a bit annoyed.

'But I can't dwell on this; I have other matters to worry about,' Daichi thought.

Seeing the resigned look on Daichi's face, Renjiro couldn't help but think, 'While my relationship with the Uchiha Clan has been more about taking than giving, this is not something I can easily compromise. I'm planning on intervening in their revolt and Massacre situation, that should be the best thanks I can ever give to them,' Renjiro consoled himself, alleviating some of the guilt he felt.

"I am sure we can come to some sort of compromise on this whole issue," the Hokage remarked, drawing everyone's attention. "Why don't we ensure that the missions Renjiro and his squad undertake are within the Land of Fire or in any of our allied nations? It would be easier for us to reinforce them there in case a situation arises."

Shiba took a moment to think about it before he nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. We can keep a closer watch and respond quickly if needed."

Daichi chimed in as well. "I agree. This way, Renjiro can still lead his squad without being exposed to unnecessary risks."

'This sly fox! Compromise?! He has never tried to compromise whenever our Clan was involved. He clearly knows that this is what the boy wants and he's ready to risk it to give it to him.' Daichi Inwardly scoffed.

While Daichi had promised something similar, his offer only involved risking Renjiro's life, something he couldn't afford to do if other Uchiha clan members in his squad were involved.

Renjiro felt a mix of relief and frustration. The compromise was reasonable, but it still meant sacrificing some of his autonomy.

'Well, at least I can still train and lead my squad,' he thought, trying to focus on the positives.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama, that would be a better way to handle this situation," Renjiro said, bowing slightly. "I appreciate the consideration."

Hiruzen smiled warmly. "We believe in your potential, Renjiro. This arrangement is the best way to ensure your safety and that of your squad."

'Well, that worked out well' Renjiro thought.

With the matter settled, Renjiro left the Hokage's office and found Hiro still outside.

Renjiro could immediately tell that there was something wrong with his friend. Considering the current events in the village, it wasn't hard to conclude what was bothering him.

"Hey, Hiro," Renjiro greeted softly, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I heard about the news, how are you?"

Hiro tried to wear a brave face, but Renjiro could clearly tell something was wrong. His eyes, though dry, were filled with sorrow that couldn't be hidden.

"It's... it's been tough, Renjiro. The clanheads' death hit us all hard."

Renjiro nodded, his heart aching for his friend. "I know. It's never easy losing someone you care about. But we have to stay strong, for their sake."

Hiro sighed deeply, the weight of his grief evident in his posture. "I just keep thinking... if there was something more I could have done."

"It was all out of your control, Hiro. We all did," Renjiro said firmly.

'Well, I still don't know what exactly happened, leading to Sakumo's suicide, but now is probably not the time to ask.'

Hiro managed a small, sad smile. "Thanks, Renjiro. That means a lot."

Renjiro patted his friend on the back. "Anytime, Hiro. We're in this together."

With their conversation concluded, the two went their separate ways. Hiro towards the Hatake clan compound while Renjiro made his way to the base. He still had to fill up his squad.

=====

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Kapitel 186: 185-Fresh Meat

Renjiro made his way through the corridors of the Konoha Military Force base. Upon reaching the room he was in when the ANBU appeared, Renjiro was greeted by another shinobi waiting for him.

"Uzumaki Renjiro?" the shinobi asked, his voice carrying the weight of formality.

"Yes, that's me," Renjiro responded.

The shinobi nodded in acknowledgement. "Iwata-san left word for you. Since you were unavailable, the meeting room for your squad has been randomly chosen, as well as your new squad members."

Renjiro raised an eyebrow in surprise. "I see. And here I was, looking forward to personally choosing them," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. However, he quickly shrugged it off.

'It's not like me choosing them personally would have changed something. Fujioka did not get to choose me and look at how that turned out.' Renjiro thought.

The shinobi continued, "You will have five squad members instead of the usual four."

Renjiro tilted his head slightly, puzzled. "Five? Why the change? I thought I was to get four members."

He paused, thinking. 'But five is not a big number. It was the same number Fujioka had when I joined his squad.'

The shinobi nodded. "The decision was made to balance out the skill sets within the team."

'Or maybe they just wanted to give me more work.' Renjiro couldn't help but think. While indeed five was not a huge number, Renjiro had to guide these five shinobi in the new ways of the force. He was also going to be responsible for them, some that Renjiro did not particularly enjoy but had to do.

Renjiro sighed, accepting the situation. "Understood. Which room has been allocated as our meeting point?"

The shinobi's eyes softened as if he understood the significance of what he was about to say. "Room B12."

A smile crept onto Renjiro's face. 'B12,' he thought, the memories flooding back.

It was the same room he had used when he was under Fujioka. The room had witnessed countless strategies being formed, plans being discussed, and bonds being forged. It felt almost poetic to be returning there, now as a squad leader himself.

'At least they got one thing right.' he thought.

"Thank you," Renjiro said, nodding once more. "Are the members already there?"

The shinobi nodded. "Yes, they are waiting for you. Iwata-san made sure everything was in order."

Renjiro gave a final nod of appreciation and made his way toward the designated room. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

Leading a squad was a significant responsibility, and the fact that he hadn't personally chosen his members added an element of unpredictability. Still, he trusted in the process and in the abilities of his new team.

Five shinobi sat in a room, their expressions ranging from curious to anxious. The room was spacious and well-lit, with a large wooden table at its centre, surrounded by six chairs.

Two of the five shinobi, a young girl and a teenage boy, had been engaged in a quiet conversation.

"I wonder who our squad leader is going to be," the kunoichi mused, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I hope they're someone experienced."

The boy shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "As long as they're not a hardass, I'm fine with whoever. Though, I've heard some rumours about a certain Uzumaki who's been making waves lately."

The young girl raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Uzumaki? As in... the clan with all the sealing jutsus the one that was attacked a couple of years ago?"

As Renjiro approached Room B12, he could hear faint murmurs from inside. He paused for a moment outside the door, taking a deep breath to steady himself. With a firm push, he slid the door open and stepped inside.

Before the conversation between the two could continue, Renjiro stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. The room fell silent as the five shinobi turned their full attention to him.

As Renjiro stood before his new squad members, he took a moment to observe them carefully, noting their postures, expressions, and the subtle cues that revealed their personalities.

He couldn't help but think to himself, 'Ah, fresh meat.'

"Good afternoon, everyone," he began, his voice steady and confident, setting the tone for the encounter. "I'm Uzumaki Renjiro, and I will be your new squad leader."

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a hand shot up. It belonged to Uchiha Kudo, a burly and athletic young boy with spiky black hair that fell in a wave pattern over his forehead protector. His sharp, intelligent eyes, paired with his pale complexion and dark attire, gave him an imposing presence.

"Are you perhaps related to the Uzumaki clan?" he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Before Renjiro could respond, another voice cut in. It was Akira, a young, athletic kunoichi with brown hair and piercing black eyes that seemed to scrutinize Renjiro with every glance.

Her sleek, customized black jumpsuit, adorned with red accents, highlighted her swift and silent movements. A blue headband with the Leaf Village symbol proudly wrapped around her forehead.

"Can't you tell from his hair?" she interjected.

Renjiro chuckled softly and nodded, acknowledging the observation. It wasn't uncommon for him to encounter such reactions. With his striking red hair and the distinctive Sharingan of the Uchiha, he often found himself caught between two worlds.

Outsiders frequently assumed he was an Uchiha, while the Uchiha themselves identified him with the Uzumaki.

'Is this the duality of man?' Renjiro mused internally. Despite these mixed perceptions, Renjiro never felt the need to clarify his heritage, it was pointless to argue against what people chose to see.

"Alright," Renjiro continued, bringing the conversation back on track. "I'd like each of you to introduce yourselves and tell me your specialities."

Kudo was the first to speak. "I'm Uchiha Kudo," he announced, standing with a confident posture. "My speciality is Ninjutsu, particularly Water and Wind Nature jutsus."

Renjiro nodded, impressed.

Next, Uchiha Tora stepped forward. He was a lean, athletic boy with black eyes that mirrored the night sky and a sharp jawline. His raven hair was cropped short, and he wore a black jumpsuit under a green flak jacket.

"I'm Tora. My speciality is Taijutsu and swordsmanship," he stated, his voice calm but with an underlying intensity.

'Huh, I'd like to see how experienced he is with them,' Renjiro thought, intrigued by Tora's mention of swords.

The next to speak was Uchiha Miki. She was petite yet fiery. Her raven hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail that swayed with her movements. She wore the traditional black and navy blue garb of the Uchiha clan, adorned with the clan's emblem on her back. Her forehead protector was worn proudly on her head.

"I'm Miki," she said with a firm voice. "My speciality is also Ninjutsu."

Uchiha Akira followed, "I'm Akira. My specialities are Ninjutsu and Taijutsu," she declared. Her confidence was palpable, matching her poised appearance.

Finally, Uchiha Shoda introduced himself. He was a lean boy with sharp, angular features and jet-black hair. His piercing black eyes seemed to reflect a fiery spirit within. He wore the standard Uchiha black outfit with blue accents, and his forearms were wrapped in bandages.

"I'm Shoda and my speciality is Taijutsu," he said simply, his tone steady and serious.

As Renjiro listened to each introduction, he couldn't help but note the age difference between himself and his new squad members.

'They're all older than me,' he thought, recalling the files he had read on his way to the room.

The oldest among them were Shoda and Akira, both fourteen. Miki and Tora were thirteen, while Kudo was twelve, just a few months older than Renjiro himself.

For most of his life after the Academy, Renjiro had been surrounded either by his age mates or by far older shinobi who respected him for his skills. Now, he found himself in a unique dynamic. As the youngest yet the leader, he knew he had to solidify his position quickly.

"It seems that we are all experienced," Renjiro began, his tone neutral but with a hint of challenge. "Why don't we move this to the training ground to demonstrate our skills?" He proposed, earning curious looks from the group.

The six of them made their way to the training ground, a wide-open space surrounded by tall trees. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the area, adding a dramatic flair to the setting.

As they arrived, Renjiro turned to face his squad, a smirk playing on his lips. "Come at me, all of you!" he declared.