A few months passed by as the clan kids continued improving their proficiency with the Transformation Jutsu, while Shizuru, Sena, and I focused on further enhancing our physical training. Sena reached a respectable level quickly but didn't push past it, stating it didn't suit her style to focus too heavily on physical strength. Maintaining her current level was sufficient for her fighting approach, according to her. Shizuru, however, aimed higher and higher, treating it as a direct challenge to Sena, who simply smiled pleasantly each time Shizuru shot her a competitive glare during workouts. Naturally, I joined their training, taking advantage of these simpler exercises to further increase the lightning chakra circulating through my body.
Genta, Shizuru, Sena, and I also continued working diligently on mastering the Transformation Jutsu. By now, we were nearing complete mastery. At this rate, I expected that by the end of my third year at the Academy, I'd be able to perform every jutsu I'd learned without hand seals, or at worst, just a single seal for the tougher ones.
One afternoon, Genta approached me with an odd question after our training session.
"Noa, are you planning to seriously train your taijutsu?"
I raised an eyebrow at him. "Why?"
He wore a hard-to-read expression before answering. "Your taijutsu level is basic at best. Honestly, it's just barely adequate."
I dramatically placed a hand over my heart, feigning offense. "How dare you?"
But he knew my antics too well by now and continued unfazed. "It's your biggest weakness, in my opinion."
I took a deep breath. My usual teasing no longer worked on him. He understood me far too well. So, I just sighed and answered honestly. "I don't think I'll need it much. I'll mostly rely on my chakra nature and weapons. In high-level battles, shinobi rarely rely heavily on taijutsu, so I'd rather focus on skills I'll genuinely use."
Genta nodded slowly, understanding my point but not fully agreeing. "You never know what surprises your opponents might have. They could trap you in a chakra-suppressing barrier, or you might face a rare enemy resistant to ninjutsu. Daiken-sensei taught me that during training sessions at our Senju compound."
I smiled faintly. Of course, I knew such annoying enemies existed. I knew the future, after all. But that was still a long way off. Still, his argument was solid.
"How about this?" I proposed. "In our third year, We will focus on improving my taijutsu. I'll dedicate that year to getting as good as I possibly can."
Genta stared directly at me, his expression serious. "Your physical strength is already incredible. We won't waste time on that. Instead, we'll focus completely on advanced taijutsu techniques and counters. It'll be extremely tough and painful. Are you ready for that?"
My smile widened. "I'm no stranger to pain. I'll accept your offer and give it my all."
Genta nodded approvingly, and I playfully punched him in the shoulder. His face tightened with pain as he rubbed the spot and groaned, "What are your fists made of?"
I laughed out loud. "Thanks, Genta. I appreciate you offering your time and effort. I'll repay it someday."
My smile was gentle now, genuine, without my usual sarcastic smirk. Genta looked surprised, then quickly cleared his throat. "You don't need to say that or return any favors. There shouldn't be favors between friends," he said, smiling as he punched me in return.
Surprisingly, his fist caused a sharp pain in my shoulder, and I flinched visibly. My face twisted into an exaggerated look of agony, prompting me to strike back. Genta narrowed his eyes, returning the favor again, sparking a legendary battle of flailing arms. A clash so fearsome it made even the insects scatter, and somewhere in the distance, a jounin probably felt secondhand embarrassment and didn't know why.
The next day, Daiken stood before our class, one hand on the chalkboard, the other gripping a piece of chalk. Sunlight filtered gently through the windows behind him, casting long shadows across the floor. He stood silently at first, scanning the room carefully.
"You've all improved," he finally said. "Your Transformation Jutsu is cleaner and faster. Some of you can even hold the form longer than many first-year genin. That's good."
He paused briefly, letting the rare compliment sink in.
"Today, we'll continue discussing tactical thinking during missions."
Turning around, he drew a simple map on the board. A forest path, a bridge over a river, and a small square marked "target."
"Here's your mission scenario. You're a three-man team. Your objective is to retrieve a stolen scroll from a rogue genin hiding in a shack across this bridge. You start here," he tapped the far side of the board, "with no information on whether he's alone."
He stepped back, looking at the class expectantly. "How do you approach?"
Shota Aburame raised his hand first, his voice quiet yet clear. "We could have someone approach the shack and pretend they're lost, asking for directions. The rogue might not buy it completely, but at least we'd draw him out."
Daiken nodded slightly. "Decent. Bait tactics have their place, but what's the risk?"
Shota hesitated. "He might refuse to come out, or worse, it could be a trap."
"Exactly," Daiken said. "If the building's rigged, your bait is compromised immediately. Next?"
Sena raised her hand confidently, already wearing a faint smirk. "We split up. One circles around to the back, one hides in the nearby trees, and one cautiously approaches the front to gain attention."
"Better," Daiken acknowledged. "That's a pincer approach. What advantage does it give you?"
"Control," Sena answered easily. "If the enemy tries running, someone's already waiting behind him."
"Good," Daiken said. "But you've overlooked something important. What if the rogue has a partner hiding in the trees waiting for you?"
The room fell silent.
Daiken tapped his chalk against the board for emphasis. "No matter how smart your plan seems, assumptions get you killed. Tactics aren't about guessing correctly. They're about having answers for when you're wrong."
He drew a question mark over the trees near the bridge.
"This area is unknown. Your first step isn't attacking, it's gathering information."
He drew a stick figure and labeled it "N."
"Let's say Noa is the sensor. He stays back, sensing for chakra signatures. If he finds another one, now you know you're dealing with multiple enemies. Plans change immediately."
He drew another stick figure and labeled it "M."
"Misaki, with her Byakugan, takes high ground to scan the building from a safe distance. Maybe she notices traps on the bridge. More critical information gathered."
Daiken stepped away from the board, his gaze serious. "Only after you've confirmed the layout, enemy numbers, and threats do you choose your method of attack."
He surveyed the class again.
"If your objective is retrieving a scroll inside the shack, ask yourself, do you even need to fight at all?"
Shizuru raised an eyebrow. "Just sneak in and take it?"
"If possible, yes," Daiken said. "The best missions are ones where no one even notices your presence."
Genta nodded slowly, thoughtful. "So, gathering information is always step one."
"Exactly," Daiken affirmed. "Strength without a clear strategy is a wasted weapon. Information itself is the blade."
He scanned the class one last time. "Starting next week, you'll perform simulations like these. You'll get objectives, teammates, and specific scenarios. I'll grade your thinking. This time, no guidance from me. You'll rely entirely on your judgment, and if your approach isn't acceptable, prepare yourself for some rigorous training."
The entire class straightened nervously.
Daiken walked to the door, turning back only once to deliver his final message.
"Also, starting tomorrow, we'll begin learning the Clone Jutsu."