Fugaku noticed Tenzo’s pride in the Sharingan and felt a bit uneasy. Many Uchiha tended to over-rely on their dojutsu, which could lead to overconfidence.

“Tenzo,” Fugaku began, “I get the feeling you’re counting on your Sharingan a little too much. While it’s powerful, there are limits, and in a large-scale war, it’s risky to rely on it alone.”

Tenzo waved off his concerns.

“I’m not blind to my limits. I’m aware I’ve only got the two-tomoe for now, but I’m close to unlocking the third. Once I do, I’ll be able to handle the current battles just fine.”

Though Tenzo had confidence, Fugaku knew that even the three-tomoe Sharingan had limitations against top-tier opponents.

Still, he felt it was enough to issue a subtle warning; the rest, he knew, would depend on Tenzo’s himself.

After speaking with Tenzo, Fugaku returned to his tent, lost in thought.

There were many in the clan who overestimated the power of the Sharingan, relying solely on it in combat. Changing this mindset would take time and gradual, careful guidance.

The following morning, two days after the reorganization, Fugaku received his team’s mission orders from Hatake Sakumo.

Standing before his newly formed squad, he briefed them.

The northwest region of the Land of Rain had become a battleground between the ninjas of the Iwagakure and those of the Kusagakure.

Though their confrontations were frequent, neither side suffered severe casualties.

As Fugaku and his team moved through the camp, he spoke to them, explaining the harsh reality of their situation.

"The battles between ninjas are always unforgiving," Fugaku said, his tone steady.

"Right now, our goal isn’t just to kill the enemy. I want you all to build teamwork in real combat. Let’s begin."

With a nod, his team members turned into afterimages, vanishing from the camp and heading out into the rain-swept wilderness.

As they moved northwest, Fugaku addressed his team members Rin and Nozawa.

"In the early stages of this mission, we’re focusing on searching for Amegakure ninjas. It’s important for the team to get used to working together, especially with our new members."

Kazusuke, a fresh recruit, protested, "Captain, I’m already familiar with fighting. I don’t want to hold the team back."

Fugaku studied Kazusuke’s young face.

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He appreciated the boy’s determination, but there was still much he didn’t understand.

"You’re underestimating Amegakure," Fugaku replied.

"Under Hanzo’s leadership, they’re strong. They might not be one of the Five Great Nations, but they’re close.

Fighting against the Amegakure ninjas will help you all learn to work as a team without too much risk.

Remember, I’m responsible for all of you, not just the mission. Some view ninjas as mere tools for fighting, but to me, each of you is my comrade.

I won’t let anyone in this team die needlessly."

His words hung in the air, surprising the younger ninjas.

Most of them had been prepared to die in battle, but this was the first time anyone had said something like this to them. Kazusuke bowed slightly, his expression serious.

"Captain, I was wrong," he said.

"I’ll do my best to adapt to the battle conditions and avoid slowing the team down."

The sky rumbled as a heavy rain began to pour, soaking through even their raincoats. Visibility dropped dramatically, leaving only a thick mist rising from the soaked ground.

"We need to find shelter," Fugaku said, raising his voice to be heard over the downpour.

"This rain will make travel too risky."

Ning nodded in agreement.

The rainstorm had rendered Nozawa’s insects nearly useless—they couldn’t fly in these conditions. Likewise, Inuzuka’s tracking sense was dulled by the rain.

Suddenly, Ning raised a hand.

"There are traps ahead, Captain, but I don’t see anyone lying in wait nearby."

Ning threw a kunai, which struck the ground and triggered a series of large stone spikes that shot up from the earth.

Fugaku’s Sharingan activated, allowing him to scan the area.

Despite the rain hiding most tracks, he spotted traces of the trap’s setup.

"Everyone, step back," he instructed. "This might be a chained trap. Ning, check below us."

Looking down with his Byakugan, Ning confirmed Fugaku’s suspicion.

"There’s a line of explosive tags buried in the ground, all linked to where we’re standing!"

"Shinji, use Chidōkaku," Fugaku commanded, "and lift the ground around us to get us out of range of the explosion."

In the distance, stone spikes clashed, sparking as they struck the rocks.

Moments later, a loud explosion echoed through the rain-soaked valley.

Shinji, with a swift hand seal, slammed his hands to the ground.

Tiger, Boar, Dog, Snake.

"Doton: Chidōkaku !" he called out.

The ground beneath them trembled and shifted, forming a large platform that rose from the earth, carrying the team safely away from the detonating tags.

"Release the jutsu," Fugaku instructed, once the ground below had stabilized.

"That explosion was loud enough to alert others nearby. We’ll retreat, change direction, and keep moving forward."

They quickly altered their course, and this time, both Ning’s Byakugan and Fugaku’s Sharingan stayed vigilant, scanning every inch of the terrain to avoid further traps.

After a while, Hyuga Ning pointed forward.

"There’s a canyon up ahead, Captain. I can see a cave where we could take shelter."

Fugaku nodded, leading the group toward the narrow canyon where a large river flowed below.

He guessed this river flowed all the way to the sea, like many in the Land of Rain.

A cave opening high on the canyon wall seemed like a safe haven. Nozawa sent a few of his insects inside to scout it out.

"It’s clear," Nozawa confirmed.

One by one, the twelve team members entered the cave, shaking off the rain and settling in the wide, natural chamber.

They took off their rain-soaked coats, spreading them out to dry on the stone floor.

Stone pillars lined the cave, creating a lofty, open space that felt almost like a small underground fortress.

Fugaku leaned against the cave wall, watching the river below through the curtain of rain.

Ning turned to Kazusuke, speaking softly.

"Kazusuke, as a newly promoted Chunin, you’ll need to be extra careful. There will be far tougher battles than this."

Kazusuke gave a determined nod.

"Thank you, Ning. Today’s trap was a lesson for me. Danger really is everywhere."