Every time he reflects on how someone as tall as Uchiha Kaka can move with such speed and dexterity, Saitama is reminded of just how vast and unpredictable the ninja world is. And yet, he's no longer surprised.
The first time he met Uchiha Kaka, Saitama assumed his build was an anomaly within the clan—someone who walked the path of brute strength and endurance. But that expectation was swiftly overturned. Kaka's speed, agility, and raw power surpassed that of many jōnin in their generation. Even so, he still lost to Saitama.
Saitama's speed was faster. His attacks hit harder. Even in terms of strength, he was no less capable than Kaka. In the end, the only way Kaka could contend with him was through sheer determination and willpower.
To Saitama, Kaka's defeat was only natural. But for Kaka, even though he had mentally prepared for the possibility of losing, facing the reality was something else entirely.
Being ready for failure and actually experiencing it are two very different things.
---
"Senpai!" two chūnin called out in unison, bowing respectfully as they approached Saitama.
"You don't need to call me 'senpai.' Just call me Saitama," he replied casually, making a dismissive hand gesture. He didn't care for honorifics or formalities. Respect, in his eyes, came through actions and tone, not titles.
"Alright then! Captain Saitama!" said Uchiha Huo and Uchiha Yan, exchanging a glance. Despite knowing Saitama's strength, it still felt awkward to call him "senpai."
These two Uchiha were the newest additions to Saitama's squad. The assignments had been issued by Fugaku a few days earlier, and today, the brothers had come to find Saitama of their own accord—under the pretense of building early team synergy.
"Come on, let's sit down," Saitama said, waving them over to a shaded rest area at the edge of the training field.
They had come looking for him at the training grounds.
"Okay!" Huo and Yan responded together, their teamwork almost instinctive. As brothers, their connection was close, and their coordination was unmatched.
"Sit wherever you like," Saitama said as he sprawled onto a reclining bench, propping himself up lazily as he faced them.
"Since we'll be working together, tell me about yourselves," he said with a relaxed squint. "I need to know what I'm working with."
"I'm Uchiha Huo, chūnin, fire release specialist."
"I'm Uchiha Yan, also chūnin, also fire release."
They kept their responses brief and professional, unaffected by Saitama's informal posture.
"That's it? No likes or dislikes?" Saitama asked, a faint smirk on his face. Despite being younger, the older brothers looked slightly awkward in front of him.
"Huh?" Huo scratched his head. That was unexpected.
"I like grilled meat and hate salmon!" Yan answered quickly, picking up on Saitama's tone.
"I'm the same," Huo chimed in.
"Oh, we've got something in common then. I love barbecue too—especially Barbecue Q on the main street. Best sauce in the village."
"Really? We go there all the time! That sauce is leagues above the rest," said Huo, eyes lighting up.
"Exactly!" Saitama stretched with a satisfied groan. "I just finished a long training session. My body's still cooling down."
"You both know who I am, right?" he asked next. "You came looking for me, after all. Don't tell me you know nothing."
"Yes, we've heard some of your exploits," said Huo, his voice almost giddy. Yan remained calm and composed, though a flicker of recognition crossed his face.
"Still, those are just rumors. Let me reintroduce myself properly," Saitama said, gesturing for them to stay seated.
"I'm Uchiha Saitama, chūnin. I specialize in Lightning Release and taijutsu. I've completed numerous missions, and I recently returned from the Sand front."
"Captain's strength is unquestionable," Yan said as both brothers stood and bowed again. "We'll follow your lead."
"Don't bow so much. It's embarrassing," Saitama muttered, waving them off. He nodded toward the nearby training field, where someone was peeking from behind a post.
The Uchiha brothers straightened and returned to their seats.
"Since we're forming a team, let's rely on each other. We'll be each other's support from now on," Saitama said, standing beside them. Despite being younger, he wasn't much shorter—just about a head below them.
"By the way, how tall are you guys?" he asked suddenly.
"Huh?" The confusion on their faces was almost visible.
"I'm around 180 cm. Huo's a bit shorter—maybe 178 cm?" Yan guessed after looking between Saitama and his brother.
"Wow, tall guys!" Saitama said flatly. "Your captain still has some growing to do!"
He walked away from the pavilion, hands in his pockets.
"I'm still young. I'll get taller!" he thought, trying to convince himself. "No need to envy them just yet."
"Are you sticking around for a while? We could grab food later—or we can do that next time. I still need to train for a bit."
"Let's train with you!" Huo replied. Yan nodded eagerly.
"Alright then, let's see what you're made of," Saitama said. He hadn't expected them to accept the offer—he was just being polite. But their eagerness fit well with his own plans. A team that eats and trains together builds chemistry. As long as the meal's on them, even better.
A mischievous glint flashed in Saitama's eye as he led them deeper into the training field.
"Saitama, you're back?" Shisui called out. He was still sparring with Nagisa, but both paused when they saw him.
"Yeah. These two are my new teammates—Uchiha Huo and Uchiha Yan, brothers," Saitama said.
"Hi! I'm Shisui, and this is Nagisa."
"Hello!"
Standing in front of the two tall brothers, Shisui and Nagisa looked like kids. But they greeted them confidently.
The Uchiha brothers didn't look down on them—their earlier sparring had shown they were anything but weak.
"Go on. I'm going to spar with them for a bit," Saitama said with a wave.
"Got it," Shisui and Nagisa replied in unison, exchanging a glance.
---
"You two attack me. Show me what you've got," Saitama said, his voice casual—not mocking or dismissive.
He could already tell that their coordination was their greatest weapon. Understanding that would help him lead them effectively in real battle.
"Alright!" The brothers nodded to each other. They knew full well that Saitama was a cut above most chūnin—possibly even on par with elite jōnin. Otherwise, he wouldn't be made team leader.
Positioning themselves, they flanked Saitama—one on the left, one on the right. Saitama casually rested his hand on the hilt of the blade at his waist.
"Not making the first move? Then I will," Saitama said calmly, chakra already concentrating in his legs.
With a sharp crack, he pushed off the ground.
"Here he comes!" Yan called. A single tomoe swirled in each eye, attempting to track Saitama's movement.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Huo called out, expelling a large sphere of flame from his mouth toward Saitama.
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