129 - Another Life In Naruto

The early morning sun had barely crept over the horizon, casting a soft glow on the training grounds as Haruto, Daichi, and Shisui prepared for another grueling session. Sakumo was already waiting for them, his calm demeanor masking the intensity they all knew was coming. Today was another day of pushing themselves to the limit, and none of them planned on holding back.

Sakumo began the session with a series of intense conditioning exercises. For the next two hours, the team was put through their paces. Haruto could feel the weight of his seals pushing his muscles to the brink, but he relished it. Every push-up, every sprint, every squat was a step toward getting stronger. Daichi and Shisui matched his pace, their own determination evident in the way they tackled the exercises.

But Sakumo wasn't content with just conditioning their bodies. Throughout the drills, he kept them on edge, launching sudden, surprise attacks—swift kicks, punches, and movements designed to test their awareness and reflexes. Haruto, with his Two Minds ability, found it easier to keep one mind on the exercises and the other on his surroundings, but even he wasn't immune to Sakumo's precise strikes.

"Stay focused," Sakumo reminded them, his voice calm but firm after a well-placed strike on Daichi, who had momentarily let his guard down.

By the time the two hours of conditioning were up, all three Genin were drenched in sweat, their muscles aching, but the real work was only just beginning.

Sakumo gathered them together for the next phase of training—tactical teamwork. This was the part Haruto found equally challenging, but rewarding. The focus shifted from individual skill to how well they could function as a unit.

"For the next two hours, we're working on team dynamics," Sakumo said. "You need to cover each other, anticipate each other's movements, and execute your strategies as one."

The drills required them to function as a seamless team, something that they had been steadily improving on, but there was always room for refinement. Shisui naturally took the lead in planning—his tactical mind and ability to read situations made him the team's strategist. Haruto and Daichi followed his lead, each of them knowing their roles and strengths.

Their exercises focused on ambushing, defending, and counterattacking as a group. Sakumo tested their plans by setting up surprise traps or attacking them when their coordination slipped.

Daichi was often the first to rush in, eager to engage, but Shisui's more calculated approach tempered his enthusiasm. Haruto, with his versatility, found himself often supporting both of them, using his Two Minds ability to stay aware of multiple fronts.

"Good," Sakumo said as they completed another exercise, his voice approving. "You're learning to rely on each other. That's key. Keep honing that."

By the end of the two-hour tactical session, they were exhausted, but Haruto could feel the progress they were making. They were moving as one unit, learning to rely on each other's strengths and covering for each other's weaknesses.

After calling them together, Sakumo nodded in approval. "That's enough for today. You've worked hard."

Haruto, Daichi, and Shisui stood, catching their breath, but eager to hear what was next.

"Today is Monday," Sakumo began, glancing at each of them. "We'll continue training like this for the rest of the week—four hours each morning, just like today. We'll train until Friday. Then, you'll have the weekend to do as you please. Use that time wisely."

The three Genin nodded, understanding that their training was about to step up another level.

Sakumo continued, his tone serious. "Next Monday, we'll be starting a C-rank mission. You've earned the opportunity, but I expect each of you to come prepared. The missions won't stop there. Once we start, you'll be busy for a while. So plan on being indisposed."

Haruto's heart soared. A C-rank mission! No mundane D-rank tasks, no chasing after lost pets, no meaningless chores. He had been bracing himself for a period of low-level missions, but to hear that they would be starting with a C-rank—and that they wouldn't be doing D-ranks at all—was beyond what he had hoped for.

Daichi grinned, his usual enthusiasm shining through despite his exhaustion. Shisui, calm and composed as always, gave a small nod, his mind likely already running through preparations for their upcoming mission.

"You've worked hard," Sakumo added. "But this is just the beginning. I'll see you all here tomorrow morning."

With that, the training session ended, and Sakumo dismissed them, leaving the three Genin to their thoughts.

As they packed up to leave, Haruto couldn't help but inwardly thank whatever forces were at play for sparing him from the dreaded D-rank missions. No lost cat chasing for this team—they were jumping straight into the real work.

"C-rank right off the bat," Haruto muttered to himself, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "I can work with that."The early morning sun had barely crept over the horizon, casting a soft glow on the training grounds as Haruto, Daichi, and Shisui prepared for another grueling session. Sakumo was already waiting for them, his calm demeanor masking the intensity they all knew was coming. Today was another day of pushing themselves to the limit, and none of them planned on holding back.