With the team's roster essentially set, Shuji turned to the practical task of squad tactics. This would no longer be a basic configuration—tool specialist, taijutsu expert, and himself as the ninjutsu-oriented chūnin handling complex suppression. The current lineup was unique and unpredictable.
He spread paper and ink, the strokes pooling as he sketched clear notes:
Uchiha Itachi
Advantages: Exceptional talent far beyond his age. Ninjutsu proficiency at full chūnin level (notably Fire Release, genjutsu, and tool control). Sharp combat awareness, superb observation and analysis. Possesses dual-tomoe Sharingan—immense potential.
Limitations: Only eight years old, body not fully developed. Endurance, explosive strength, and sustained combat far below adult shinobi. Chakra reserves exceed peers but lack the stamina of a chūnin. Practical experience limited, especially in high-intensity, complex battles.
Role Concept: Unsuitable as main attacker or sustained front-line. Better as tactical core/support/control. Use his Sharingan insight, genjutsu disruption, precise tool throws, and burst Fire Release at mid-to-long range to provide critical support, create openings, and neutralize key targets. Avoid protracted hand-to-hand or chakra-draining melees.
Mitarashi Anko
Advantages: Model elite chūnin template. Solid taijutsu foundation—speed, strength, flexibility balanced. Well-rounded ninjutsu (especially strong in Fire Release, Earth Release, and Hidden Shadow Snake arts). Exceptional poison resistance, endurance, and iron will. Rich real-world experience.
Current Limitations: Psychologically scarred by Orochimaru's betrayal, in a depressed haze. Combat drive diminished, reactions may lag. Overall combat power unstable.
Role Concept: Ideally the squad's main assault/point man. Her taijutsu and ninjutsu combine explosively to breach defenses. But given her current state…
Interim Strategy: Until her true condition is confirmed, avoid deploying her as the first line into maximum-pressure close combat. Consider her for flanking, second-wave strikes, or mid-range disruption with her ninjutsu and special arts.
Shuji's pen paused beside "Anko," leaving a heavy ink blot. No matter how clear paper analysis, reality could differ. The Third Hokage's reports and Anko's observed fragility clashed with her dossier portrait. Was her taijutsu still razor-sharp? Could her snake arts flow smoothly? Would her instincts hold under crisis? Unknowns remained.
This was a nonstandard squad. He set down his pen and massaged his brow. Itachi's genius was trapped in a child's body; Anko's edge was rusted by trauma. Tactical synergy, trust-building, combat assessment—all must rest on "truth."
Theoretical planning was pointless. He decisively added one final line:
"Primary Action: Intra-squad live-combat drills evaluation."
Only in real confrontation could he gauge blade quality and steady hands.
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair as Root reported.
The silver-haired Root ninja, Kakashi Hatake, removed his mask to reveal his trademark cold eye, but his report was crisp: "Subject: Shuji. Special Jōnin (ninjutsu specialization) promotion evaluation complete."
The Third Hokage nodded, inviting more.
"In practical performance," Kakashi's tone was even yet precise, "his combat acumen ranks among the elite. For his age, mastering all five chakra natures is genius-level."
"Mm…" the Hokage's reply held little surprise.
"Core assessment: chakra control and stamina." Kakashi emphasized. "During evaluation, he executed five different nature transformations—at least six techniques in total—including the wind-fire combo against the wood forest. His chakra never showed depletion, and his focus remained strong. His reserves surpass ordinary Jōnin"—Kakashi paused—"even mine."
Sarutobi knew Kakashi's chakra was abundant even when burdened by Sharingan. To use five nature changes without strain spoke not of technique count but of mastering rapid chakra nature refinement beyond standard limits.
He asked, "How was his application of the five natures?"
"Skilled." Kakashi was clear. "Basic releases (Water Wall, Great Breakthrough, Ground Traverse) were timed precisely and linked fluidly. Combination techniques (wind aiding fire) showed excellent nature synergy and explosive power. His choice of jutsu focused on practicality and battlefield fit, with no glaring weaknesses."
"And his taijutsu and adaptability?"
"Solid foundation, high evasion efficiency, seamlessly integrating with ninjutsu offense or withdrawal. He reads the field well—calm judgment under sudden assaults and control scenarios, decisive choices to reach optimal or near-optimal outcomes under pressure." Kakashi recalled Shuji's dash through the fiery corridor. "Overall, his ninjutsu mastery and combat application fully meet—or exceed—Special Jōnin standards. He has earned the rank."
The office fell silent again, save for tobacco crackling. Sarutobi's gaze grew distant.
"How did he respond to the wood forest?" he asked.
Kakashi recalled: "Initially, he used conventional releases with swift reaction. When the 'forest' emerged, he broke through with the risky wind–fire combo instead of using other secret arts for defense. He did not visibly use Wood Release—and though controlled, his stance momentarily stilled, likely recognizing the wood jutsu. His tactical choice to attack through was sound but may have aimed to conceal or avoid comparison."
"Not reacting with Wood Release itself is a telling stance," Sarutobi noted.
He acknowledged with a soft "hm" and waved dismissively. Kakashi re–masked and merged into the shadows at the office's corner.
Smoke swirled as the Third Hokage's gaze returned to the darkening skies beyond the window.
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild