Bab 189: 188-Squad Progress
It was late in the evening when Renjiro found himself standing outside Iwata's office, a modest door that bore the marks of time and countless visitors.
In the hierarchy of the police force, most leadership positions were accompanied by dedicated offices, spaces where strategies were devised, and plans were meticulously laid out.
However, the squad leader position was an exception. Tasked with overseeing a smaller group, their role was more dynamic and hands-on, often requiring them to be in the field alongside their squad.
As such, Renjiro, despite his rank, had no formal office to call his own, making these meetings in Iwata's office a necessity for discussing matters of squad progress and strategy.
Renjiro did not mind at all as dealing with reports that he had to submit was already a burden enough. He couldn't imagine sitting in an office most of the time as a shinobi.
"Knock!"
"Knock!"
"Knock!"
Renjiro knocked on the door, the sound resonating in the quiet hallway. A moment later, the door creaked open, and Iwata's voice called out, "Come in."
Renjiro stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The room was simple but functional, with a large wooden desk cluttered with papers and scrolls.
Iwata looked up from his paperwork, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Renjiro," he greeted, motioning for the squad leader to come closer.
"Good to see you. How's the squad faring? It's been, more than a month since you took charge, right?"
"Yes, more than a month," he confirmed. "The squad's making good progress. We've been focusing primarily on team formations and tactics. I didn't see the need to deal with their physical and combat training. They're chunin, after all. I trust them to handle those aspects responsibly."
Iwata nodded, leaning back in his chair. "That makes sense. At their level, they should already have a good grasp of the basics from their genin days. Your job is more about refining their teamwork and preparing them for the complexities of real missions."
"Yes," Renjiro agreed. "Each member has their strengths, and my goal has been to optimize those while ensuring they work seamlessly as a unit. Take Kudo, for instance. He's shown a natural aptitude for leadership and decision-making. He remains calm under pressure and considers all angles before making a move. Because of that, I've decided to make him the assistant squad leader."
Iwata raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "Kudo, huh? I've heard good things about him. That sounds like a wise choice. How have the others been faring?"
Renjiro took a moment, collecting his thoughts before responding. "Miki has been focusing on her mid to close-range attacks. She's gotten better at managing her chakra, which has been a weak point in the past. Akira, on the other hand, has been improving her close-combat skills. She was primarily a distance fighter, but now she's getting more comfortable up close."
Iwata listened intently, nodding along as Renjiro spoke. "And Shoda? How's he integrating into the team dynamics?"
"Shoda's been a challenge," Renjiro admitted. "He's skilled, no doubt about it, but he's too focused on taijutsu. I've been encouraging him to diversify, to not neglect his genjutsu and ninjutsu. A well-rounded shinobi is a more effective one. He's starting to see the value in that, slowly but surely."
"And Tora?" Iwata inquired, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.
"Tora's made significant strides in his speed and power," Renjiro replied.
"He's always been precise with his blade, but now he's putting more force behind his strikes. There's still room for improvement, but he's on the right path."
Iwata leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "It sounds like you've got a good handle on things. I'm impressed with the progress you've made in such a short time."
Renjiro smiled modestly, reaching into his vest to pull out a folded report. "Thank you. I've put together a detailed report on their progress and training sessions over the past month." He handed the scroll to Iwata, who took it with a nod of appreciation.
As Iwata scanned the report, Renjiro continued, "Based on what I've seen, I believe the squad is ready for their first mission. They've demonstrated good teamwork and individual growth, and I think it's time to put their skills to the test."
Iwata looked up from the report, his expression serious. "Are you sure about that? It's a big step and the safety of the squad is your responsibility."
Renjiro met Iwata's gaze, his eyes steady and confident. "I'm sure. They're ready. A mission will give them a chance to apply what they've learned. It's the next logical step in their development."
Iwata considered Renjiro's words carefully, weighing the decision. After a moment, he nodded.
"Alright, I trust your judgment. However, due to your... unique situation," he said, choosing his words carefully, "we need to be mindful of the missions we choose. Your bounty makes you a target, and we can't afford to draw unnecessary attention."
'Aah, he has said it, now definitely something will happen.'
Renjiro thought as his expression remained calm, though a slight tension flickered in his eyes. The mention of his bounty was a reminder of the complexities that accompanied his position.
"Understood," he replied. "What do you propose?"
"I'll handpick a few missions that I believe are suitable," Iwata explained.
"Missions that minimize the risk of exposure while still providing a meaningful challenge for the squad. You'll review them and choose the one you think is best."
Renjiro nodded, his face thoughtful. "That sounds fair. I trust your judgment in selecting appropriate missions."
Iwata smiled a rare but genuine expression. "Good. I'll have a selection ready for you by tomorrow morning. You can brief your squad after you make your choice."
Renjiro stood, smoothing out his vest. "Thank you, Iwata-sama. I appreciate your support." He inclined his head respectfully before turning to leave the office.
As he reached the door, Iwata's voice called out, "Renjiro."
Renjiro paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Yes?"
"Take care out there," Iwata said, his tone carrying an unspoken concern.
"And keep an eye on your squad. They look up to you."
Renjiro offered a small, reassuring smile. "I will. And thank you, again." With that, he exited the room, closing the door softly behind him.
One of the perks of becoming a squad leader was an upgrade in accommodation. Renjiro had moved from the modest apartment he'd occupied since arriving in the village to a more spacious and well-appointed home.
The new place was a marked improvement, featuring not only more living space but also a basement that Renjiro had quickly converted into an indoor training ground. This addition was particularly valuable, allowing him to continue his personal training and hone his skills away from prying eyes.
In the past month, Renjiro had been juggling multiple responsibilities, his duties with the police force, training his new squad and fortifying his new home with an array of seals.
The seals were a crucial addition, designed to make spying on him more difficult. Given his closer proximity to the heart of the Uchiha clan compound, this was a necessary precaution. Ensuring his privacy and security was paramount.
Despite the busyness of his schedule, one thing Renjiro hadn't had the chance to do was visit the clan's private library. It was a place Renjiro had been eager to explore, but his time was business and it was not on top of the list of his priorities currently.
'Hopefully, after the squad's first mission, I'll have the time to visit,' he thought.
Once the mission was complete and his responsibilities temporarily lessened, he planned to delve into the private library.
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