There was no helping it! The results of his modifications were just too amazing!
Just the Impact Punch alone had given Uchiha Renzo so many new techniques to play around with. He had even managed to establish the foundation of an entirely new combat and training system.
Among his newly acquired skills were Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift, Bite, Copycat, Dig, Rest, and Protect.
Of these, the most valuable for modification were Quick Attack, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swift, and Protect.
Quick Attack could be combined with the Body Flicker Technique. By integrating chakra and the mechanics of the Body Flicker, it would become even more powerful.
Baby-Doll Eyes could be used alongside the Sharingan and genjutsu to create an even stronger intimidation and confusion effect.
Swift could be infused with chakra to amplify its power.
Protect, on the other hand, was the trickiest to modify. The technique itself was already complex.
Yuhi Shinku suddenly appeared in their secret training ground, where Renzo and the others were diligently practicing.
He watched as Renzo not only trained himself but also had a shadow clone sparring with Kurenai and Asuma. Seeing their rapid progress, he nodded in satisfaction.
Stepping forward, he said, "Renzo, you're doing a great job! Kurenai and Asuma have improved a lot these past few days too!"
The three of them quickly stopped and greeted Yuhi Shinku.
"Sensei, why are you here today? Is there a new mission?" Renzo asked, a bit puzzled.
According to their schedule, today and tomorrow were supposed to be dedicated to training.
"Yes and no," Yuhi Shinku replied, shaking his head. "I have been assigned an important mission. For the next two to three months, I won't be able to lead your team on any tasks."
Asuma, Renzo, and Kurenai were taken aback. "Then what happens to us?" Were they just going to be left to their own devices?
"That's what I'm about to explain," Yuhi Shinku continued. He looked at all three of them but ultimately focused on Renzo. "Originally, the Third Hokage planned to assign a Jōnin to temporarily lead your team."
"However, after I reported your progress—especially Renzo's strength—he decided otherwise. Given that we're now at war with Iwa and Suna, experienced Jōnins are in short supply and can't be spared."
"So, the Third Hokage gave you two options."
"The first is for you to join Minato's squad and take on missions under Namikaze Minato's leadership."
"The second is to operate independently, with Renzo acting as team captain. However, you would only be allowed to take on missions up to B-rank, and even then, some of the more dangerous B-rank missions would be restricted."
After all, their safety was a priority. Especially since Asuma, the Hokage's son, was in the squad, the Third Hokage wouldn't risk putting him in grave danger.
Asuma and Kurenai hesitated, unsure of which option to choose, and turned to Renzo for his opinion.
Renzo thought for a moment before asking, "Sensei, is it possible to choose both?"
Yuhi Shinku blinked, momentarily thrown off by Renzo's train of thought. Wasn't this supposed to be an either-or decision?
"Here's what I mean," Renzo explained. "On regular days, we take on missions as a three-man squad. But if Minato's team gets an A-rank or higher mission that suits us, we could temporarily join them. What do you think?"
To be honest, Renzo wasn't eager to stick too close to Minato's squad—it was too risky. What if he got noticed by Madara?
"Wait... hold on! That's not right!"
Just thinking about Madara sent a chill down Renzo's spine.
"I've been standing out a lot lately… what if I'm already on Madara's radar?"
If that was the case, he was in deep trouble. He wasn't confident he could outmaneuver Madara's schemes and escape unscathed.
"I really need to master teleportation techniques as soon as possible… I hope Eevee is making progress!"
"Also, I need to push Kurenai and Asuma to get stronger quickly!"
Renzo sighed internally. "Man, I've got the worst luck..."
Yuhi Shinku stroked his chin, contemplating Renzo's suggestion. "Hmm…"
"Sensei! I think this is a great idea! Just agree to it already! If not, I'll go straight to my old man and make him approve it!" Asuma said excitedly.
To him, Renzo's proposal was perfect. They'd still have some freedom to train and improve but could also take on higher-level missions when necessary. It was the best of both worlds!
"Father, I also agree with Renzo's suggestion," Kurenai added.
"Alright then," Yuhi Shinku relented. "I'll agree to it, but the final decision is up to the Hokage. I'll go ask him now."
With that, he quickly made his way to the Hokage's office and relayed Renzo's idea to the Third Hokage.
"Hmm... Alright, I approve. I'll personally oversee their missions, so their safety won't be an issue," Hiruzen said after taking a couple of puffs from his pipe.
He wasn't about to send Asuma into any overly dangerous situations anyway.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage!" Yuhi Shinku said with a relieved nod.
"Haha! No need to thank me. I have my own reasons for allowing this... You may go. Be careful on your mission—Kirigakure is not to be underestimated."
With that, everything was settled. Yuhi Shinku soon returned and informed Renzo and the others of the Hokage's decision.
Before leaving, he gave them one last reminder. "Kurenai, Asuma—make sure to listen to Renzo! Let him take the lead, understood?"
He wasn't too worried about Renzo. His main concern was making sure Kurenai and Asuma didn't do anything reckless.
Kurenai and Asuma nodded seriously.
Three days later – Konoha's main gate
From a distance, Asuma and Kurenai waved as Renzo approached.
"What's today's mission? More bandit hunting? Honestly, I'm getting tired of it," Asuma complained as soon as Renzo got close.
Kurenai didn't say anything, but her expression suggested she felt the same.
"Heh." Renzo chuckled. "Don't worry. You trust my mission selection, don't you? This time, we're escorting supplies—an A-rank mission. It's a joint task with Minato's team, delivering food and materials to the frontline against Suna."
"Oh?" Asuma and Kurenai raised their eyebrows. "Our first mission without Sensei is a joint operation? Not bad! A change of pace is nice."
"Speaking of which, where's Obito and the others? When do we leave?" Asuma asked, looking around but not spotting Minato's squad.