Chapter 37: Superpowered underpaid labour

Words : 1610 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 37 - Superpowered underpaid labour {A bit busy, will fix the schedule from next week and the bonus Chapter too will be released in the next week. I'll add another bonus as an apology.} At Training Ground 1, Team 1 had just completed their teamwork training and was now taking a short break. The three Genin sat on the ground, gasping and panting from exhaustion, while Utakata stood in front of them, completely composed. "The three of you have shown visible improvements compared to yesterday," he began, his voice as calm as ever. "But it is still not enough." The three Genin straightened slightly, listening attentively. "As you know, both Hitoshi's bugs and Yugao's lightning element have an inherent weakness to Ren's wind jutsu," he continued. "Although this weakness can be overcome at higher levels, right now, the two of you are not at that level. So, you must adjust more compared to Ren, who can use his abilities to the fullest. Why?" Yugao, who had recovered her breath first, answered without hesitation. "Because it is foolish to limit the person with stronger abilities. If we do that, the lives of everyone will be in danger." Utakata nodded in approval. "Correct. In a team, it is not possible for everyone to have the same level of strength, so you must adjust your styles around the one who is strongest. Right now, it is only between the three of you. However, in times of war, you will be expected to adapt on your own to follow your leader. That is why Konoha emphasizes team-based combat rather than individuality so you can learn how to adjust and mold yourselves. He paused for a moment before adding in a firm voice, "Some may not like taking the backseat, but they have no choice. Only the strong have choices. The others must follow." Utakata studied his students' reactions. He knew that exposing children to such harsh truths might not be ideal, but this was the reality of the shinobi world. It was better for them to face it now than learn it the hard way later, afterall he had also learned this fact early on in his shinobi career. The three Genin did not react outwardly, but it was clear they were contemplating his words. Yugao's grip on her sword tightened, and her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, showing that she was deep in thought. Utakata did not give them much time to dwell on his words as he continued, "Have the three of you thought about what you want to learn in the future, or should I make detailed training plans for you?" Hitoshi was the first to respond. "I want to learn elemental jutsu." Utakata immediately responded. "You do not have a large chakra pool, so elemental jutsu will only improve your strength slightly. Instead, you should add physical training to your schedule so you can handle any ambushes your insects might miss. I will provide some jutsus you can learn." Hitoshi absorbed the advice silently. "Are you using a training seal?" Utakata asked. "Yes. 40 kilograms," Hitoshi replied. "Start using 50 kilograms from tomorrow and follow this training schedule." Utakata handed him a slip of paper. Hitoshi accepted it with a nod. Next, Ren stepped forward. "I want to learn Fuinjutsu and gain combat experience." Ren had originally planned to send a shadow clone to the library to gather information on Fuinjutsu, but this was a better opportunity. Since his sensei was a Jonin, he might have access to far more advanced knowledge. Utakata studied him for a moment, lost in thought, before finally answering, "I'll prepare the basics first. If you show talent in the field, then you will be allowed to continue. Otherwise, Fuinjutsu takes too much time from your schedule." Ren nodded, accepting the condition. "We will have daily spars in the afternoon from today," Utakata added. Finally, Utakata turned to Yugao, who eagerly answered, "I want to learn Kenjutsu techniques." She had strong fundamentals but was still using basic sword techniques and only had one elemental sword jutsu. She wanted to expand her skillset. However, Utakata shook his head. "No. There are still gaps in your basic movements. Refine them first." Yugao frowned slightly but didn't argue. "What level is your training seal at?" Utakata asked. "I can handle 40 kilograms," she replied. "Apply a training seal to your sword as well," Utakata instructed. "It will help develop the necessary muscles, which will benefit you later when you learn advanced techniques." Ren was sure he saw Yugao pout slightly, but she still nodded in agreement. Seeing that all three had accepted their training plans, Utakata finally said, "Take a break. We will start in 30 minutes." Then, without waiting for a response, he flickered away. The three Genin went their separate ways for lunch since none of them had brought food with them. After eating at home, they returned to Training Ground 1 before the thirty-minute break ended. As they waited, they casually chatted about random things until Utakata flickered into the clearing. Without wasting any time, he immediately created two shadow clones. "Hitoshi, I will teach you three Fire Style jutsu today. From tomorrow, you will be responsible for refining them yourself," Utakata instructed. "Yugao, you will be engaging in hand-to-hand combat with me without your sword. This is to prepare you for situations where you do not have your weapon." "Ren, you will spar with me." Once he finished, one of his clones led Hitoshi to an open area where there was a small pond, while the other took Yugao to another clearing. Ren and Utakata remained where they were. "We will fight in three different styles," Utakata explained. "Today, only Taijutsu and no Ninjutsu. Tomorrow, only Ninjutsu and no Taijutsu. The day after that, we will mix both. This cycle will continue." Ren had no objections. The plan made sense, so he simply nodded in agreement. The three continued their intense training until the evening, when Utakata finally halted their exercises and announced, "Hokage Tower, 5 minutes." Then, without another word, he flickered away. Despite their exhaustion, none of them complained and immediately rushed towards the village center. By the time Ren arrived at the Hokage Tower, Utakata was already standing there, arms crossed. A moment later, Yugao arrived, followed closely by Hitoshi. "Let's go," Utakata instructed. "The Hokage assigns the first mission of every rank himself to the teams." With that, he turned and led them into the tower. When they reached Hiruzen's office, before Utakata could even knock, a calm voice spoke from inside. "Come in." Utakata pushed the door open and stepped inside, followed by his students. As one, the four of them knelt on one knee and greeted in unison. "Lord Hokage." Hiruzen sat behind his desk, his usual grandfatherly smile on his face. "Rise," he said kindly. Ren stood up and glanced around the room. Standing beside the Hokage were two other individuals both elderly figures with stern expressions. From his memories, Ren recognized them immediately. Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, the Village Elders and members of the Konoha Council. Before he could think further, Utakata glanced at the two elders and then turned to his team. "These two are the Village Elders and members of the Konoha Council." The three Genin gave a respectful bow and greeted them. "Elders," they said politely. Homura merely gave a faint hum, acknowledging their presence. Without further delay, Utakata turned to the Hokage and spoke. "Lord Hokage, we are here for the first D-rank mission of Team 1." Hiruzen let out a small chuckle. "Ho ho ho. Then I have the perfect mission for you." He pulled out a scroll from his desk and continued. "Yoshido-san, a respected elder of the village, has been having back problems recently, making it difficult for him to tend to his garden. He has requested a very competent team to assist him." Hiruzen handed the mission scroll to Utakata, his smile widening slightly. "Further details are in the scroll. Yoshido-san may also provide additional instructions upon your arrival." Ren barely stopped himself from groaning. He was prepared for absurd missions, but his first shinobi task being weeding a garden? A quick glance at Yugao and Hitoshi told him they felt similarly because Hiruzen's smile had clearly widened at their reactions. Utakata accepted the scroll with a simple nod and turned to his students. "Let's go," he said, leading them out of the office. As Team 1 exited the Hokage's office, they saw a man with a cane, his face partially wrapped in bandages, making his way up the stairs. Ren made no try to adjust his body or control his expression because he was sure a man like Danzo would quickly notice such things. He kept his normal expression as the two parties crossed paths without even glancing at each other. Inside the office, Koharu let out a small sigh, shaking her head as she turned to Hiruzen. "Your habit of tormenting Genin with D-rank missions hasn't changed, I see." Hiruzen simply chuckled. Just then, the office door opened again, and Danzo Shimura entered. The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly, the previous lighthearted mood completely disappearing. Danzo walked up to Hiruzen's desk, his expression unreadable as he delivered his report in a flat, emotionless voice. "We have established contact with a member of Team 1. We have confirmation that he is the last surviving member. The Root is on their way to collect him." The room fell into complete silence.

Chapter 37: Superpowered underpaid labour

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