The longer I spent as a Genin, the more I realized that missions weren't about survival — they were about perception. A squad that looked efficient earned trust. A squad that faltered earned suspicion. And suspicion in a village like Konoha could destroy you before a kunai ever did.
⸻
New Orders
Konan-sensei met us in the training yard that morning, her expression as unreadable as always.
"Team," she said evenly, "you've been assigned a C-rank mission. You'll be tracking and apprehending a rogue shinobi reported near the border. He's not considered a high threat, but don't underestimate him."
Riku straightened instantly. "Understood, Sensei."
Mika grinned. "Finally! Something other than chasing cats and guarding carts."
Taro pumped his fist. "We've got this! Right, Arato?"
I gave a small nod. "We'll handle it. As long as we stay disciplined."
Konan's eyes flicked to me for half a heartbeat. She knew I spoke carefully, deliberately. Sometimes I wondered how much she saw.
⸻
Into the Forest
We traveled north into the dense forest, the air thick with moisture and shadows. Riku activated her Byakugan regularly, Mika scouted ahead, and Taro… tried not to trip over his own enthusiasm.
"Arato," Riku said quietly as we moved, "you always act like you know what's coming. How do you do that?"
I glanced at her. "Observation. People leave patterns. Tracks, habits, even the way they breathe."
Mika dropped from a tree beside us, landing lightly. "So you're saying if I breathe funny, you'll predict my next move?" she teased.
"Maybe," I said flatly, earning her laughter.
Taro leaned in. "That's creepy. But also… kinda cool."
I allowed myself the smallest smirk. "Then maybe start breathing evenly. You're too loud."
The group chuckled. The tension eased, but my mind never stopped calculating.
⸻
Rogue Shinobi
We found him two days later. A lone man, scarred and wiry, crouched near a stream, filling a canteen. His movements were deliberate but strained — the gait of someone used to battle, but worn by fatigue.
Mika whispered, "We should rush him before he notices."
"No," I murmured. "He wants us to rush. Look at the ground — chakra threads laid like wires."
Riku's eyes widened. "You're right. Traps."
Taro swallowed. "So what do we do?"
"Force him to reveal his hand," I said calmly. "Mika, circle wide and make noise. Riku, cover the traps with your Byakugan. Taro, stay with me."
They moved without question. For once, even Taro's nerves stayed quiet.
The rogue reacted as expected, springing his traps in Mika's direction — but she was already gone, replaced by one of my clones. In the confusion, Riku signaled safe openings, and I slipped behind him.
"Don't move," I said coldly, kunai against his throat.
He froze, surprised. "You… how did you—"
"Observation," I cut him off.
⸻
Aftermath
Back at camp, the rogue tied and secured, the team finally let out their breath.
Mika flopped onto the grass. "That was insane! You had him cornered like you knew every step he'd take."
Riku folded her arms, studying me. "You did know. Didn't you?"
Taro laughed nervously. "Arato's just a genius. Admit it, man."
I shook my head. "No. I just see patterns. That's all."
But Konan's gaze lingered on me. Quiet, thoughtful, almost calculating.
⸻
A Glimpse of the Uchiha
On our return, we passed near the Uchiha compound. The atmosphere was tense — guards posted, eyes sharp, whispers carrying through the streets.
Itachi stood at the edge of the training grounds, his expression unreadable. Even from a distance, I felt the weight of his presence, the quiet intensity that radiated from him like heat from a flame.
Our eyes met, just for a moment. No words, no gestures — just recognition.
"Who's that?" Taro asked, following my gaze.
Riku answered quietly. "Itachi Uchiha. They say he's already stronger than most Chunin."
Mika whistled. "Guess we've got a long way to go, huh?"
I said nothing. Inside, my resolve sharpened. Not a rival of hate. Not a rival of envy. A mirror. A measure.
The world was shifting, threads pulling taut. The Uchiha, the village, my team, myself — all bound together in ways they couldn't see.
But I could.
And I would be ready.