Chapter 30: A Little Time? Do You Believe That?

"Oh, discussing tactics?"

"Sensei."

The two greeted him, while Gekko Kaza bowed slightly without saying a word.

Kakashi smiled. "Tenten, Chiba is right. Everyone has limited energy. Your talent lies in ninja tools, so there is no need to make sacrifices just to accommodate someone else."

"But..."

"Your considerations are correct, but your direction is off. You specialize in taijutsu and ninja tool manipulation, with ninjutsu coming secondary. Therefore, the purpose of learning ninjutsu should be to restrict your opponent or create space for yourself," Chiba added.

Tenten pondered for a long time before nodding. "I understand. What kind of techniques would be suitable then?"

"First, defensive and restraining ninjutsu. Second, you could refer to the puppet techniques of the Hidden Sand Village," Chiba suggested. "We don't manufacture puppets, but some of their concepts are worth borrowing. For example, you could treat your ninja tool transformations and replacements as traps for your enemies."

"Mhm, mhm, mhm!"

Tenten nodded repeatedly. After a moment of thought, she pulled out a notebook filled with scribbled patterns, flipped through several pages, and began jotting down what Chiba had said.

Kakashi nodded lightly. Having Chiba around made being a teacher remarkably easy. He could answer almost any question, often with more clarity and precision than even the lead instructor.

"I'm not familiar with specific ninjutsu, but Kakashi-sensei certainly would be."

"Hmm. Our employer is still putting on makeup; she said she'd be out in a while, so we have some time. Here is some chakra test paper... Chiba, would you like to take one?" Kakashi handed the strips to Tenten and Kaza, then finally to Chiba.

Chiba shook his head. He knew his own situation; his inability to perform nature transformations was due to the Bodhi seed, which had nothing to do with his chakra or physical constitution. Testing it would be a waste of time. As for Kakashi's earlier comment about having "some time," he didn't believe a word of it.

Tenten and Kaza tested their affinity. The paper shredded for the former and crinkled for the latter.

"Earth and Lightning, then." Kakashi looked at the two, his brow furrowing briefly before smoothing out. "Tenten's is easier. There is one technique I have in mind that is very suitable." He then spoke in a low voice about the effects of the Hardening Technique. Tenten nodded eagerly. Chiba agreed; the technique would enhance her defensive capabilities, which was quite useful for her.

"Furthermore, there's the Earth Clone and Swamp of the Underworld. Once you master these three, there's no need to learn anything else for the time being." Kakashi finished and looked at Kaza. "And you?"

"Huh?" Kaza was momentarily stunned.

"Do you have any thoughts?"

"I'm just... not quite used to this," Kaza looked around and said, sounding somewhat nervous.

"Er, it's nothing. Just a C-rank mission."

*She's clearly not afraid of the mission, is she?* Chiba thought to himself.

"Yes, I will definitely overcome it! As for the ninjutsu, I think what you both said makes sense. Please, Sensei, just tell me what to do," Kaza replied softly.

Kakashi thought for a moment. "Start by training your Lightning Style nature transformation. Once you master Lightning Style chakra, I will teach you a technique."

"Yes." Kaza nodded.

Although their path was set, now was not the time for chakra training. With a mission underway, there was no room for distraction, and nature transformation was not easily mastered.

An hour passed. Chiba glanced toward the interior and frowned. "How much longer?"

"Just wait patiently. I've heard that nobles are very particular when they go out; they dress meticulously, and an hour or two is the minimum," Kaza said in a low voice.

"It's better to be a ninja. We don't bother with dressing up because we're just going to sweat anyway," Tenten grumbled. "I haven't even used any of the things I brought."

"You actually have some?" Chiba was surprised. He had always assumed a girl like Tenten wouldn't buy such cosmetics or ornaments.

"My mom bought them, not me!" Tenten quickly explained.

"There's no need to explain such things. Everyone has a love for beauty," Kakashi said with a smile.

"Hey, I really didn't!"

"Hahaha." The three of them laughed, filling the air with a lively atmosphere.

Before long, a neigh rang out. The sound of horses!

Chiba straightened up. "Here we go!"

Instantly, they stopped laughing. A carriage slowly emerged. The woman inside wore vibrant, stunning clothing and makeup. As she lifted a corner of the curtain, her voice floated out.

"Lord Kakashi, I leave my safety in your hands."

"Please rest assured. My subordinates and I will protect you," Kakashi bowed in greeting.

Sakuraba Sadataki let the curtain drop. "Then let us depart. I hope to reach the Fire Temple by tomorrow evening."

"That should be no problem," Kakashi replied.

The woman inside seemed to have no interest in further conversation. The carriage began to move slowly. Chiba walked along, reading a book. Tenten nudged him.

"?"

"Now that we've picked up the employer, could you put that away? It wouldn't be good if she complained," Tenten whispered.

"It's definitely safe in the capital. I'll put it away once we leave," Chiba paused, then added, "I should be finished by then anyway."

"What are you reading?"

"Sealing techniques." Chiba wasn't Kakashi; he wasn't reading anything that couldn't be shared. "Do you want some? I have two volumes in my bag—from introductory to intermediate sealing techniques. We have nothing to do anyway; consider it a pastime."

"Er, that stuff..." Tenten shuddered, recalling the terrifying time she spent learning sealing techniques. She knew how daunting they were; reading such books was hardly a pastime.

"A pity. These are treasures," Chiba sighed and went back to reading.

Kaza was always quiet in crowds, only letting her guard down and showing her true personality in front of acquaintances. However, because she was on lookout, Chiba could read with peace of mind. As for Kakashi? That guy might assign extra coursework at any moment; he wasn't exactly trustworthy. Of course, when it truly mattered, the "Copy Ninja" was absolutely reliable.

Everything was peaceful before they left the capital. Nothing happened. But once they passed the city limits, Chiba didn't put away his book on sealing techniques, maintaining his casual demeanor. In reality, he was silently using his perception to observe their surroundings.

Someone was following them!

The person had been trailing them from outside the city all the way to the suburbs. To dare follow a group of ninjas—they were truly bold.

Tenten looked back, glaring. Chiba gave her a subtle look, and she was immediately startled, intuitively understanding what he meant: *Something is wrong!*

She didn't speak, maintaining her position as they moved forward, secretly observing the surroundings as well. Soon, she spotted the enemy. It was a ronin with a sword, looking unremarkable among the crowd, but upon closer inspection, he was frequently glancing at the carriage.

Once they reached the outskirts, the person disappeared. But soon, another took their place, appearing in the distance every now and then.