Konoha Notes.

Chapter 20 Squad

With the team members largely finalized, Shuuji's thoughts turned to a more practical level: squad tactical construction. This was no longer the basic squad his predecessor had been in—one specialist in ninja tools and intelligence, one in taijutsu, plus himself, a ninjutsu-type Chunin responsible for suppressing fire in complex situations. This current team had a unique structure and was full of variables.

He spread out paper and pen, the ink spreading across the paper, outlining clear entries:

Uchiha Itachi:

Strengths: Exceptionally talented, far surpassing his peers. Mastery of ninjutsu has reached Chunin level (Fire Release, Genjutsu, and ninja tool control are particularly outstanding). Sharp combat awareness, with exceptional observation and analytical abilities. Possesses two-tomoe Sharingan, indicating immense potential.

Limitations: Only eight years old, body not yet fully developed. Physical strength, explosive power, and sustained combat ability are far inferior to adult ninjas. While chakra reserves are better than peers, they are still insufficient for prolonged battles at the Chunin level. Practical combat experience is relatively lacking, especially in high-intensity, high-stakes complex battlefields.

Positioning Considerations: Unsuitable as a primary attacker or core player in prolonged battles. More suited as a tactical core/support/controller. Utilizing the Sharingan's insight, genjutsu interference capabilities, precise ninja tool throwing, and powerful fire-style techniques at crucial moments, this character provides key support, creates openings, and controls key enemy units from the periphery or mid-range of the battlefield. It is crucial to strictly avoid engaging in prolonged, high-intensity taijutsu combat or chakra-intensive melees.

Mitarashi Azuko:

Strengths: A standard elite Chunin template. Solid taijutsu foundation, with a balanced combination of speed, strength, and flexibility. Comprehensive mastery of ninjutsu (especially proficient in Fire Release, Earth Release, and the Hidden Shadow Snake Hand series of secret techniques). Extremely resistant to venom (due to long-term exposure to snake venom), excellent stamina, and unwavering willpower. Extensive combat experience.

Limitations (Current Status): Due to Orochimaru's defection, he suffered severe mental trauma and fell into a period of depression and confusion. His fighting spirit is low, and his reactions may not be at their peak. His overall combat strength is unstable.

Positioning considerations: Theoretically, he should be positioned as the team's main attacker/frontline assault soldier. His explosive power, combining taijutsu and ninjutsu, is a powerful tool for breaking through enemy defenses. However, his current psychological state needs to be considered.

Temporary strategy: Before confirming its true status, avoid placing it in close-quarters combat positions where it will immediately bear the greatest pressure. Consider using it as a flanking maneuver/second wave of attack, or utilizing its ninjutsu and secret techniques to create chaos and damage at mid-range.

Shuji's pen paused near the name "Anko," leaving a heavy ink dot. No matter how clear the analysis on paper, it was still just a theoretical deduction. The information about the Third Hokage and the decadence he witnessed firsthand were vastly different from the image of the spirited, elite Chunin in the files. Did her taijutsu still retain its sharpness and ruthlessness? Was her snake-style ninjutsu still fluid? Were her instinctive reactions reliable in the face of danger? These were all unknowns.

A non-standardized, problem-ridden squad. He put down his pen and rubbed his temples with his fingertips. Itachi's genius was limited by his youthful body, while Anko's sharpness was stained with the marks of "trauma." Tactical coordination, trust building, combat strength assessment... everything must be based on "reality."

Talking on paper is pointless. He decisively added a line at the end of the plan:

First Action: In-team combat drill assessment.

Only in a real confrontation can one truly see the quality of the blade and the stability of the hand holding it.

Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, listening to the report from the Anbu.

The silver-haired ANBU ninja, Kakashi Hatake, removed his mask, revealing his signature deadpan eye, but his reporting tone was unusually clear: "Target: Shuji. Special Jonin (Ninjutsu Specialist) promotion assessment completed."

The third generation nodded, signaling him to continue.

"In terms of actual combat performance," Kakashi's voice was calm, yet every word was clear, "his combat skills can be classified as those of a master. For his current age, being able to master five chakra nature transformations can be considered genius."

"Hmm..." The third generation's voice was not very calm.

"Core assessment points: Chakra control and endurance." Kakashi pointed out the key point, "During the assessment, he continuously used five different elemental ninjutsu, totaling no less than six, including a wind and fire combination ninjutsu to deal with the arrival of the Sea of ​​Trees. Throughout the process, although his aura fluctuated, there was no obvious sign of chakra depletion, and his mental concentration remained excellent. His total chakra reserves far exceed those of an ordinary Jonin..." He paused slightly, "...far surpassing mine."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had his eyes closed, but Kakashi Hatake had plenty of chakra. Even with his Sharingan holding him back, he was still able to perform at a level stronger than that of an average Jonin.

He knew Shuji's background and that his performance in the village a few years ago was recorded. He had not yet reached the level of being able to use five different ninjutsu in a row without getting out of breath. It was not a matter of the number of techniques he used, but rather that the difficulty and consumption of purifying different types of chakra in a short period of time was far greater than that of using chakra of the same type.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't press for details, only slowly asking, "The five nature transformations... how do you use them?"

"Skilled." Kakashi gave a clear assessment. "The timing of the basic ninjutsu (Water Wall, Great Breakthrough, Earth Movement) is precise and the transitions are smooth. The combination ninjutsu (Wind Release: Fire Release: Assistance) demonstrates excellent ability to combine chakra form and nature transformation, with considerable instantaneous burst power. The choice of techniques emphasizes practicality and battlefield adaptability, with no obvious weaknesses."

"Physical skills and adaptability?"

"He possesses solid taijutsu fundamentals, high efficiency in movement and dodging, and can effectively coordinate with ninjutsu activation or disengagement. He has excellent battlefield awareness, and when facing surprise attacks and complex situations, he makes calm judgments and decisive decisions, finding the optimal or near-optimal solution under pressure." Kakashi recalled the figure that shot out from the fiery passage on the training ground. "Based on the overall assessment, his ninjutsu proficiency and practical application ability fully meet, and even exceed, the standards for Special Jonin (Ninjutsu Specialist). Granting him this qualification is well-deserved."

A brief silence fell over the office, broken only by the faint crackling of burning cigarettes. The third generation's gaze drifted into the distance.

"How did he react to Tenzo's Wood Release?" The Third Hokage asked from a different angle.

Kakashi recalled the scene: "Initially, the response was mainly based on conventional ninjutsu, and the reaction was swift. When facing 'The Descent of the Sea of ​​Trees,' I chose the risky and rewarding combination of wind and fire ninjutsu to forcefully break through, without trying to use other secret techniques to counter or defend. Throughout... I never revealed any trace of Wood Release." He added, "The control of his facial expressions was very good, but at the moment the Sea of ​​Trees was activated, there was an extremely brief pause in his aura, which should have been because he recognized Wood Release. The subsequent choice to launch a strong attack to break through the stalemate was tactically reasonable, but it may also have implied an intention to avoid exposure or comparison."

"However, not commenting on Wood Release is itself a stance."

Hiruzen Sarutobi grunted in response and said nothing more, simply waving his hand. Kakashi understood, put his mask back on, and silently disappeared into the shadows of the office corner.

Amidst the swirling smoke, the third generation's gaze fell upon the deep twilight outside the window.