章 58: First Battle

"Are you sure about this?"

"But... but that's a Jonin!"

Despite Koshino's reassurance, Iwashi Itagaki remained composed, but Kurenai Yuhi had no confidence. The concept of a Jonin terrified her.

What is a Jonin? Even though many Jonin in the original storyline seemed no better than extras, often getting trounced, in times of war, Jonin are pivotal figures capable of influencing the outcome of battles. The strength of a ninja village is partly measured by the number of Kage-level ninjas and Jonin it possesses.

To illustrate, becoming a Genin after attending the ninja academy isn't too difficult for an ordinary person. However, passing the Chunin exams to become a Chunin is immensely challenging, as shown in the original series. Out of a hundred Chunin, only a few advance to Jonin. Especially during the war, a Jonin earns their title by completing numerous missions and surviving countless battles, often at the expense of many Genin and Chunin. Thus, Jonin is usually seen as a killing machine in the context of war.

Hearing the mention of a Jonin made Iwashi and Kurenai understandably anxious. If other teams were to find out their first engagement involved a Jonin, many would mentally collapse under the pressure. Therefore, Koshino's calm demeanor struck Iwashi and Kurenai as bizarre and recklessly fearless.

Iwashi's situation was slightly better. He had previously seen Koshino in action, including witnessing him take down a Jonin so he could find some comfort in Koshino's confidence. Kurenai, however, who had little faith in Koshino from the start, found herself terrified. Her hand trembled as she hid with the team while holding a kunai.

Koshino focused on the imminent battle and had no time to worry about Iwashi and Kurenai's mental state. Hearing from Iwashi that the enemy team was within 100 meters, Koshino's lips curled into a grim smile.

"After all this intense training, I finally have a chance to test myself!"

"A Jonin, huh? This will be a real challenge!"

With a thought, Koshino's eyes filled with intense killing intent. As he prepared himself, the enemy team appeared before them.

"Captain, does capturing that guy count as an achievement?"

"Yeah, Captain! We've been the only team to capture a Leaf ninja in ages. Can't we take a break?"

"Right! It's been three days with strict schedules even for sleep! Captain, how could the Leaf ninjas break through? Can we get some rest?"

"Everyone, shut up! Stay alert; we're on a mission!"

The noise ceased at the Captain's reprimand, though his subordinates still looked disgruntled. The Jonin leading them, Suigetsu Juzo, was frustrated by the abovementioned strict orders.

Three days ago, Suigetsu received orders to lead his team in besieging the Leaf medical unit. The mission continued despite being on the move for three days without proper rest. The strict orders persisted, leaving Suigetsu exhausted and worried about the well-being of his subordinates, who had little experience in battle.

As thoughts of his village's dire situation filled his mind, Suigetsu suddenly noticed a shadow ahead, making him wary.

"Enemy attack! Be careful!"

"Swoosh!"

Before Suigetsu finished speaking, the shadow rapidly advanced, instantly reaching one of his Genin subordinates.

"So fast!"

Recognizing the distinctive clothing of a Leaf Anbu under the forest's shade, Suigetsu felt a chill and moved to protect his subordinate. Unfortunately, the shadow's speed exceeded Suigetsu's expectations.

"Swoosh!"

In a flash, the Genin's life ended before Suigetsu's eyes. The figure who appeared and swiftly killed the Mist Genin was Koshino.

"One down!"

"Minato-sensei, I hope my speed didn't disappoint you."

Indeed, when Koshino appeared, he used the Fourth Hokage's acceleration technique, swiftly ending the Mist Genin's life. However, in the heat of battle, the death of a Genin was inconsequential.

In war, Genin and Chunin often served as cannon fodder. Therefore, the death of one Genin didn't affect Suigetsu's composure. The next moment, gripping his sword tightly, Suigetsu's eyes narrowed as he prepared to unleash his chakra and strike Koshino down.

In an instant, Suigetsu's sudden acceleration left Koshino momentarily fearful. The actual speed of a Jonin was leagues beyond that of Guy. As Suigetsu charged, Koshino's pupils contracted. Using the acceleration technique, he narrowly dodged Suigetsu's sword, which still managed to leave a deep gash on his shoulder, drawing blood.

Yet, as Suigetsu smelled the blood and prepared for another strike, a sudden "poof" echoed.

Before Suigetsu's eyes, Koshino stomped on the ground and formed hand seals using the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.

"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

"Kill!"

"Poof! Poof! Poof!"