Kapitel 57: The Encounter

"Yes, Captain!"

Before the departure, Asuma Sarutobi's behavior had already frustrated Iwashi Itagaki. So, when Koshino gave the order to move out, Iwashi advanced swiftly, determined to satisfy Koshino. Kurenai Yuhi, on the other hand, was unaffected by Asuma's actions and still planned to show Koshino, the young captain, what she was capable of during the mission.

Who would have thought that Koshino's terrifying speed would shock both Iwashi and Kurenai right at the start?

"Swoosh!"

Almost immediately after leaving the medical unit camp, Koshino suddenly accelerated, surprising Iwashi, who was already familiar with him. During Koshino's first mission, Iwashi knew Koshino's speed was nowhere near this fast. It had only been about a month, and Iwashi hadn't expected Koshino to master the wind attribute chakra's acceleration, giving his speed a significant boost that even made the former Anbu Iwashi struggle to keep up.

As for Kurenai, there was no need to mention it! Unlike Iwashi, who had undergone special Anbu training, Kurenai struggled to keep up with Koshino's pace. Originally planning to prove herself to Koshino, She needed help keeping up after leaving the camp.

"Damn it, if I ask to slow down now, won't that little brat look down on me?"

"Even if he's a kid, he might say women are troublesome or something like that."

"No, I can't let him look down on me! I have to keep up with his pace!"

Determined to compete with Koshino and uphold the dignity of a female ninja, Kurenai pushed herself, channeling her chakra to prepare for a burst of speed to keep up with Koshino.

However, just as Kurenai and Iwashi were gritting their teeth to keep up with Koshino, Koshino suddenly stopped and said something that left both of them stunned and speechless.

"Iwashi, Kurenai, are you warmed up now?"

"Our mission is urgent, so let's speed up. Can you handle it?"

"..."

As soon as Koshino finished speaking, Kurenai blushed and couldn't say a word. Familiar with Koshino's character, Iwashi quickly replied, "Shadow, to be honest, I was struggling with the previous speed. Let's go a bit slower."

Iwashi added, sighing, "Shadow, I didn't expect you to improve so much in just over a month. I bet when we reunite with Ray, Genma, and the others, they'll be just as surprised as I am."

"Yeah, I wish I could work with them again."

Smiling, Koshino turned around, but his expression turned serious. With their team just formed and already dealing with Asuma's issues, Koshino couldn't afford to alienate Iwashi and Kurenai by pushing them too hard. Koshino adjusted the plan to maintain team cohesion and opted for a slower, more methodical breakout.

While this approach was less efficient and more dangerous, Koshino had no choice since he trusted Iwashi. He then used his wind-sensing technique to survey the surroundings before turning to Iwashi with a severe expression.

"Iwashi, check our surroundings. It's too quiet."

"Kurenai, look for any traps around here. You're in charge of that."

"No problem, Captain!"

If Koshino hadn't given Kurenai a taste of his speed, she might have reluctantly followed his orders. After seeing his speed, she was more motivated to prove herself. Eager to regain some respect, she meticulously searched for traps.

True to her reputation, Kurenai quickly found three small traps involving genjutsu, which Koshino and Iwashi might have triggered if not for her.

Her performance earned Koshino's silent approval. Without Kurenai, Koshino and Iwashi, both inept with genjutsu, could have quickly fallen into the traps, jeopardizing their breakout plan.

Thanks to Kurenai, their efficiency increased significantly, but combat remained an unavoidable part of their plan. After clearing a few traps and preparing for the next phase, Iwashi signaled Koshino and whispered, "Shadow, I detected enemy ninjas 500 meters ahead. It looks like a team led by a Jonin with two Chunin and three Genin. What should we do?"

"A Jonin?"

Iwashi's report made Kurenai gasp. To her, encountering a Jonin meant inevitable failure. Both she and Iwashi felt the pressure, but Koshino just smiled.

Koshino had anticipated facing a Jonin during a breakout. Prepared for such an encounter, Koshino confidently reassured his team, "Iwashi, Kurenai, don't worry!"

"It's just a Jonin. As long as you follow my orders, not even multiple Jonin can stop us!"