"Three days until departure?"
Genya stared at the mission sheet in his hand, his gaze lingering on the escort date for a long moment, full of surprise.
According to usual practice, the team would depart immediately upon receiving a mission. So why wait a full three days this time?
This three-day gap left Genya feeling uneasy. Could it be that Hiruzen Sarutobi was trying to scheme against him again?
Could it be that… he hadn't given up yet?
"Perhaps the bridge builder 'Tazuna' from the Land of Waves has some matters to attend to, which is why the departure was set for three days later," Shino Aburame noticed Genya's doubt.
He furrowed his brow slightly, thought for a moment, and then calmly offered his speculation.
In past missions, situations requiring a short wait were not entirely unheard of. Everyone had rarely paid it much mind, as occasional delays due to the client were not unusual in the world of shinobi.
"That's not right…" Hinata blinked her bright blue eyes innocently. "Doesn't that mean we won't be able to take on any other missions for these three days?"
Shino was immediately at a loss for words and wore a helpless expression, unsure how to respond to Hinata's pure-hearted observation.
Genya silently put the mission sheet away. His tone was calm and steady as he said, "Think of it as giving ourselves a two-day break. After three days, we will carry out this mission on time. Once it's completed, we will register for the Chunin Exams."
Three days weren't so bad. Genya also had some personal matters he needed to take care of during this time.
"Yes!"
"Understood!"
Shino and Hinata responded in unison. Their expressions instantly became serious, acknowledging Genya's role as their leader.
In the days that followed, the team settled into a rest period just like Genya.
After spending time together, everyone had a deep understanding of Genya's true abilities.
Kurenai seemed at ease letting things slide for the moment. She had been missing for the past few days, whereabouts unknown.
"Genya…"
While the others rested, Shino suddenly stepped forward, his expression unusually serious, with a hint of solemnity.
Genya nodded slightly, looking at him. "What is it?" he asked softly.
"How's the research on the half of the bugs I gave you going?" Shino Aburame asked with a concerned expression.
Ever since witnessing Genya demonstrate his overwhelming strength with his own eyes, a strong sense of admiration had surged within him.
He longed to follow in Genya's footsteps, advancing steadily on the path of a ninja, unwilling to fall far behind.
Lately, he had also keenly noticed that Hinata seemed to have undergone some remarkable changes. If he remained stagnant, he feared he might truly become the weakest member of the team.
"Your bugs…" Genya paused slightly, recalling the research results Hikari had reported that morning, then slowly spoke, "They've already begun evolving. Next, we'll focus on improving their reproductive capabilities and combat strength. By the time we return from this mission, I should be able to deliver the results to you. I'm sure you'll be very satisfied."
A faint smile curved at the corners of Genya's lips.
He couldn't help but be amazed at how quickly Hikari's research was progressing.
If this were any other creature—or even certain Kekkei Genki—it would likely take years, or even decades, to achieve such noticeable results.
Hikari's explanation was simple: the bugs' physiology was inherently special, and by artificially accelerating their reproduction, their iteration cycle had been drastically shortened.
With each iteration, the bugs' abilities were gradually strengthened.
"I see." Shino's eyes lit up with surprise, his heart brimming with anticipation.
If Genya himself had given such affirmation, it meant the bugs' evolution must be going exceptionally well.
"What evolution? Bugs?" Hinata, listening nearby, looked utterly confused. Her large, watery eyes blinked curiously as she asked.
"You'll understand once we return from this mission," Genya said, reaching out to gently ruffle Hinata's hair, his face soft with a warm smile.
At the same time, he casually lifted his gaze to the sky, then cast a subtle glance toward the Hokage's office before slowly closing his eyes and resting briefly.
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stared intently at the crystal ball before him. Within its depths, the figures of Genya and his companions were clearly reflected, and a hint of solemnity flickered across his eyes.
"Has the mission been assigned?" Hiruzen Sarutobi turned slightly, looking at the calm figure beside him, his voice steady.
"Yes. Their team will depart in three days." The person replied, unhurried.
Hiruzen's brows knitted slightly in confusion. "Three days? Why wait three days to leave?"
The man's expression remained calm as he explained, "Tazuna may still be hesitating, but he probably doesn't know that we've already investigated his background thoroughly. Once Uchiha Genya heads to the Land of Waves, trouble is inevitable."
Hiruzen no longer fixated on some so-called "useless heir" of the Uchiha clan. Instead, he planned to adapt as needed.
In his mind, he calculated that when the Chunin Exams arrived, it would be the perfect time to carry out a comprehensive plan against the Uchiha clan.
Time passed quickly, and soon night fell, darkness enveloping the entire Hidden Leaf Village.
In an underground laboratory, the space suddenly trembled lightly. The moment Genya appeared, several eager eyes immediately turned toward him.
Deidara was the first to rush forward, his face filled with anxiety and anticipation.
"Genya, you finally came!" Deidara couldn't hide his excitement.
He had been waiting here for Genya for a long time, and since Genya returned previously, he hadn't come back, leaving the group uneasy.
They had even doubted at one point whether Genya had changed his mind and decided not to accept them.
Now that Genya had finally appeared, their tension eased slightly.
At Deidara's call, Neji Hyuga, Kimimaro, and the towering Jugo also gathered around.
Their eyes shone with eager anticipation as they looked at Genya.
Even the usually cold Toshi emerged quietly from the corner of the laboratory, observing Genya and silently wondering if this meant that he was about to take these people in Atsukara.
"I'll ask you one more time," Genya's gaze swept over the four of them, his expression serious. "Do any of you have regrets now? Once you agree to join, there will be no turning back!"
"Genya, I have thought this through completely. My decision will not change!" Hyuga Neji said loudly, without a hint of hesitation.
"Stop stalling. Come on, tell me—what kind of mask are you planning to give me?" Deidara asked, his tone edged with urgency, yet his eyes were filled with determination.
"We've already made our decisions!" Kimimaro said, his voice low but unwavering.
Jugo nodded firmly, letting out a deep, heavy "hm."
The four of them wore serious expressions, their gazes steady, without a trace of doubt.
Their only thought was to join Atsukara. This was the result of careful deliberation!