Aburame Shibi believed that it was precisely because of Yamanaka Kagetsu's personality that he had been assigned to this squad.
Uchiha Yuan and Hyuga Asana were both individuals with strong opinions. In a team like this, there was no need for a third person with independent ideas—just someone who would obediently follow and coordinate.
In addition to that, another reason was likely what the Hokage had mentioned to him: the three members of this squad were already familiar with each other and could be considered friends.
The Yamanaka clan's secret techniques were mainly supportive in the traditional Ino-Shika-Cho formation. Now, in this squad, Kagetsu only needed to do the same.
Even so, Kagetsu's current strength was still insufficient.
Therefore, Aburame Shibi decided to do his best over the next three days to help Kagetsu improve his skills.
As for the other two, Shibi selected one ninjutsu for each of them.
For Hyuga Asana, it was a C-rank Lightning Release technique: Lightning Release: Lightning Ball. Lightning techniques usually carry a paralyzing effect. This technique can be released quickly, paralyzing the enemy and creating an opportunity for Asana to use taijutsu to finish them off.
For Uchiha Yuan, it was a general-purpose ninjutsu—also the most widely spread general-purpose ninjutsu in the Hidden Leaf Village: Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Shadow Clone Jutsu, invented by Tobirama Senju, is a B-rank technique that uses chakra to create clones with actual physical form. The chakra is evenly distributed among the clones, and each clone possesses an independent consciousness and a degree of durability. When dispelled, the clone's memories and experience are returned to the original.
Uchiha Yuan already knew a type of clone jutsu, but his Water Clone Jutsu only retained 10% of the original's strength and could not stray too far from the user—essentially a weaker version of Shadow Clone Jutsu.
He was still quite pleased to learn the real thing now.
Over the next three days, Uchiha Yuan and Hyuga Asana trained in their respective techniques, while Yamanaka Kagetsu was given individual instruction by Aburame Shibi.
Uchiha Yuan's training with Shadow Clone Jutsu went relatively smoothly. In three days, he had essentially mastered it.
That was because he already had experience practicing Water Clone Jutsu, and the principles between the two were largely similar—the main differences being the chakra cost and the requirement of a medium for one and not the other.
While Yuan succeeded, Hyuga Asana's training with Lightning Release: Lightning Ball was not going as well.
The Hyuga clan was primarily skilled in the Byakugan and related taijutsu. Their internal family training also focused on this, and they hardly touched ninjutsu.
It wasn't that the Hyuga lacked talent in ninjutsu—it's just that training taijutsu alongside Byakugan was the most effective way to improve combat ability.
Asana hadn't known a single ninjutsu before; the Fireball Jutsu she could now use had been taught to her by Uchiha Yuan.
Yuan remembered it took Asana a full week to master the Fireball Jutsu, which suggested her ninjutsu talent was rather average—or perhaps just lacked understanding and exposure.
At her current pace, it would probably take her another week to master Lightning Ball.
Unfortunately, time waited for no one—their deployment was tomorrow.
During these three days, all logistical resources had been distributed, and the genin set to be deployed had received standard issue ninja kits from the village.
What was inside was meager: one Explosive Tag, three shuriken, one kunai, and one soldier pill.
By contrast, the ninja packs distributed by the clans to their own members were much more substantial.
Yamanaka clan's pack included ten Explosive Tags, five shuriken, five kunai, and a pile of soldier pills (the exact count unknown).
Hyuga clan's pack contained the most Explosive Tags—at least 40 to 50 stacked thick. Other supplies were minimal: five shuriken, five kunai, and only three soldier pills.
Uchiha clan's pack focused on shuriken. One full bag held a hundred, plus ten Explosive Tags, five kunai, and ten soldier pills.
These allocations clearly reflected each clan's combat style:
The Yamanaka clan's mental techniques consumed constant chakra, so they were given more soldier pills.
The Hyuga clan relied on close-range taijutsu and had less need for weapons like kunai or shuriken, hence more Explosive Tags for close-quarters burst damage.
The Uchiha clan was highly skilled in shurikenjutsu—shuriken throwing was a basic skill for them—so they received an abundance of shuriken.
But to Uchiha Yuan, all of this was rather trivial. He had previously spent over a million ryo purchasing war supplies; compared to his personal reserves, what the village and clan provided was negligible.
"Training ends here for today. Be at the base of the Hokage Building by 8 a.m. tomorrow. There will be a swearing-in ceremony, and the Hokage himself will attend. Don't be late." With that, Aburame Shibi transformed into a swarm of insects and vanished.
Seeing Shibi leave, Uchiha Yuan turned to Yamanaka Kagetsu and asked, "Kagetsu, what exactly have you been learning from Shibi-sensei these past three days?"
"Mostly how to use the Three Basic Techniques more effectively."
"That's it? Nothing else?" Hyuga Asana asked in surprise.
"No. I wanted to learn Body Flicker, but Shibi-sensei said my fundamentals were too weak and it would be a waste of time. Then he told me I wouldn't need to worry about combat on the battlefield. My job is support, so I just need to know how to stay alive and not drag you down."
"And among all ninjutsu, the Three Basic Techniques are actually the best for survival. So I got intensive training on those."
After hearing that, Uchiha Yuan and Hyuga Asana exchanged a glance. They both felt Shibi's assessment was spot-on—they hadn't intended for Kagetsu to take part in direct combat anyway.
Kagetsu's main role was to provide a telepathic link between teammates. Additionally, he could use Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall to block attacks.
Of course, in most cases, that Earth Wall would be more for his own protection.
Now that Shibi had helped him further refine the Three Basic Techniques, Kagetsu's survival and adaptability on the battlefield had significantly improved. That was more than enough.
(To Be Continued...)