[Omniscient POV]
"Naori!"
The voice of a strict mother echoed through the house. Unfortunately, there wasn't a sound after that, which made the woman squint her eyes.
"Naori, where are you?"
Down the hall, a girl shifted slightly, brushing a strand of long purple hair out of her face as she looked up from what she was doing. Her headband sat loosely across her forehead, with her bangs covering everything but the Konoha logo plastered on it.
"Coming!" she called back, making her way to the living room.
The house itself wasn't anything flashy, but was a clean and structured building, being one of the best within the Uchiha compound. Her mother stood near the entrance, arms crossed, though her expression softened the moment she saw her daughter.
"There you are," she said, letting out a small breath. "I've been calling you."
Naori tilted her head slightly. "What's wrong?"
Her mother stepped closer, crouching just a little so they were eye level. "The Hokage's Anbu came to notify you."
That got her attention.
Naori straightened a little, posture shifting automatically. But the unmistakable smile stayed on her face.
"Is it what I think it is!"
Her mother studied her for a second, then spoke more carefully.
"Your father told you, didn't he?" She softly murmurs.
"I'm really joining Jiraiya's team?" Her voice picked up, barely holding back the excitement now building in her chest. The words came out quickly, almost tripping over themselves.
Her mind jumped back to the chunin exams she watched back just a couple of days ago.
Jiraiya, standing in the arena on the top of his toad summon. Overwhelming a Uchiha prodigy with a fire release technique. Her admiration for the newly advanced Chunin was currently at its peak, and she was as excited as a child soldier could be.
"Wow…" she muttered under her breath, almost to herself.
Before she could say anything else, her mother reached forward and pulled her into a quick embrace.
"Mmph-!"
A few rapid kisses to the cheek followed, completely ignoring her protests.
"You're really going out there now," her mother said, holding her by the shoulders after pulling back. "So listen to your squad leader carefully. Don't cause any trouble for your father; he's already stressed by dealing with the civilians"
Naori nodded instinctively, hearing her mother's chuckle.
'Yeah, Papa said he'd rather go back to war, then deal with civilian problems…'
A Jounin in the Police Force. Reputation mattered more than most people admitted. This wasn't just about her anymore, but a clan situation that her father told her about. Her talent wasn't bad at all, and the Uchiha needed a way to connect to the Hokage faction after Kagami Uchiha's death.
Her mother sighed, the firmness easing just a little.
"I'll be fine," Naori says with a calm look, a little more grounded. "I won't mess it up."
There was still excitement there, but it wasn't as loud anymore. Her mother studied her for another second, then nodded.
"Good."
Naori adjusted her headband slightly, brushing her bangs aside before letting them fall back into place.
"…I can't wait to meet you," she murmured again, quieter this time.
…
---
Over at the Aburame compound, it was almost silent.
Insects hummed faintly beneath the surface, hidden within walls, soil, and clothing, a constant presence that was a part of the everyday lives of the Clan. A sort of bond that was more than just pets.
Shiki Aburame stood in the centre of a dimly lit room, hands at his sides, posture straight. His face was mostly hidden behind dark glasses and the high collar of his cloak, leaving little to read.
Across from him stood the Clan Head and an elder.
"You've been assigned to a newly formed squad by the Hokage," the Clan Head said, voice steady. "Your leader will be Jiraiya."
The news didn't make Shiki move at all. In reality, he didn't care much about any team placement he could have. All the information he knows about the boy is that he won the Chunin exams.
"…Understood," he replied quietly.
The elder stepped forward slightly, hands tucked into his sleeves. "This is not a normal assignment." A small pause followed, the weight of those words settling in the room. "This is an opportunity for the Aburame to establish stronger ties."
"You will follow your leader's orders," the Clan Head said with a slight emphasis on the word follow. "No matter what."
Shiki's fingers twitched faintly at his sides.
"…Yes," he said cooly.
The two watched him for a moment, then nodded.
"You will be granted Jounin-level access," he said. "Anything necessary to make yourself useful."
Shiki understood what that meant without needing it explained. The clan was investing in him, making a bet per se. They were gonna pour as many resources as they could to get closer to the powers of the village.
Despite their talents, their standing never changed.
The lack of social skills and political knowledge made their clan easy to trip over and take advantage of. The Aburame had to do something, and this was their only ticket to something other than Anbu.
"Your performance will reflect on us," the Clan Head added. "Do not waste this opportunity."
A short silence followed. There was no reassurance. No encouragement. Just expectation.
"I understand." Shiki lowered his head slightly.
'I will be a good shinobi.' The thought came automatically. 'I have to be a good shinobi.'
…
---
[POV - Jiraiya]
"So it's you… I never thought we would meet… Well, look who it is… Look, there's a plane!" My words echoed through training ground three awkwardly. Saying one-liners in different poses and expressions.
Unsurprisingly, right after my reserves recovered from the chakra pill, with no entertainment in sight, I shoved myself right back to training. It's not like I'm going to play UNO against my own shadow clones like Naruto.
My social life isn't that bad…
I stood near the lake, stretching my arms before exhaling slowly. [Genjutsu Speech] was one of the few techniques I'm trying to train on top of [Lightning Release: Body Enhancement].
"Practice makes perfect they say! Speaking of the devil…"
Feeling my tongue tingle due to the residual chakra, I sigh. The latter technique was getting easier to use, with my total up time being fifteen minutes.
'I definitely need to test out this Genjutsu in my next mission.' I think to myself with a mischievous grin. I already had it all planned out.
Their own dads giving them front shots, or maybe just straight up showing them pay gorn. Another idea is to make them trip absolute balls and be unsure of what's going on. It's funnier because they are bandits waking up and don't know how to use [Cancel].[1]
"I need to use more chakra with better efficiency to affect someone's senses," I mutter to myself.
Turning to my left, an ANBU stood a few meters away, just… there.
Silently staring.
"Uhh, hello?"
"The Hokage has summoned you." His words immediately made me know why I was called. My team was finally meeting up for the first time today.
Be clear. Be direct. Don't overcomplicate things, Jiraiya…
First impressions are sort of important for inital communication. I'd already decided on a few basics. Structure, expectations, and how I wanted missions handled. The rest I'd figure out as we went.
…
We reached the Hokage Tower quicker than expected. I pushed the door open without knocking.
"He'll be here any minute-" Sensei's voice could be heard.
Taking in the sight, everyone in the room turned around and started to stare. Sakumo and Hiruko gave me a curt nod, which I returned.
Then the other two.
Naori Uchiha stood a bit straighter than the rest, with a casual smile.
'Fawk, Shiki looks exactly like Shino in the anime but with a different hair colour…' I thought to myself, with some sweat going down my face. He had his clan's signature cloak that covered half his face, on top of some glasses. The difference being that he had his hood up, plus some brown hair could barely be seen.
Sensei was behind his desk, relaxed as always.
"Ah, Jiraiya," he said with a small smile. "You're just in time."
I glanced between them once more, then nodded.
"Good morning, sensei!"
"I've already explained the basics. Go introduce yourselves at training ground three."
"Alright," I said, pointing my thumb towards the door. "Let's head out."
The group silently followed without hesitation.
It didn't take long before we arrived at the same clearing I was just shouting one-liners just a moment ago. I stopped near the wooden posts, taking in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding clearing.
I scratched my cheek lightly.
"Alright, I'm Jiraiya. The leader of this team. So let's keep this simple," I continued. "Names, what you're good at, and… stuff outside of shinobi life. Can be anything that interests you."
A small pause, before I pointed at Hiruko. Making him point at himself with his own fingers.
'Well, who else?'
"Hiruko," he said quietly. "I focus on medical ninjutsu and fuinjutsu. I like reading… and I don't like crowded places." Hearing this, the whole group nodded, which made Hiruko gain a bit more confidence.
Next in line was the future White Fang of Konoha himself.
"Sakumo Hatake. Kenjutsu and lightning release." He had a small pause because a dreamy smile could be seen plastered on his face. "I like cooking, especially pizza and don't particularly dislike anything."
"Good stuff, good stuff!" His simple answer made me want to clap.
Naori, who was next, perked up immediately. Her expression seemed to be holding back on what she wanted to say. Opening her mouth to talk, but stopping herself a few times to think it through.
"Hello, I'm Naori Uchiha," she said with a glint in her eyes "I'm a sensor and can use fire release, genjutsu with my one tomoe sharingan and kenjutsu! Although I prefer to use Kenjutsu when possible. I like growing flowers… and I don't like annoying people."
Her eyes flicked toward me with a bright smile dawning on her face.
Turning to Shiki now, I watched him stay still for a bit. Not speaking up and taking a good look at the grass below him.
"Shiki Aburame," he said quietly. "Insects. Tracking."
"What are your likes and dislikes?" I ask.
"Uhm… I don't know." His flat words words making my eyes widen. Thankfully, no one saw this, as their attention was on the Aburame.
'Oh shit…'
I watched him for a second before changing the subject to help him out a little. His answer was definitely what I would expect from a child soldier. My voice softened a little, feeling bad.
"Alright, now for the important part." I continue, getting their full focus. "For this team, your safety comes first. Failing a mission is fine, but one of you dying is not fine. If things get bad, we get out together. Not to say we just fail missions, but if it's clearly dangerous and above our pay grade. Prioritise your comrades and your own lives, understood?"
Clearly, my words had a good effect as Sakumo and Hiruko nodded in approval, particularly Sakumo, who had his chest puffed up. Naori's gaze seemed to deepen a little, with her hands intertwined. Swinging her body slowly back and forth.
I crossed my arms slightly.
'If a team like ours gets overwhelmed, then the mission wasn't meant for us in the first place.' I thought with some sweat going down my face. That was just common sense. This line-up is busted. Plus, I actually want to have some competent teammates that I would trust with my life.
"But what about our mission completion rate?" Shiki quietly murmurs.
"I don't give a damn about that, as long as you guys are safe." I immediately answer.
Shiki shook a little at my words while the rest looked at me in a different light. This was the reaction I was looking for.
Exhaling lightly, my tone changed.
"Anyway, as a meeting gift, I've got a gift for you guys." I pull out a storage scroll that holds some of my items. Specifically, unsealing a notepad where there were four identical notes for a ninjutsu.
Ripping each page and handing it out, they all looked confused until they read the contents. [Transparent Escape Technique] a C-rank ninjutsu.
"It's my own personal technique I made myself. So obviously don't spread the method, and if you lose the paper. Just ask, and I can teach you myself." Taking a better look at my four teammates, they all looked grateful as even Shiki was holding the paper up to his chest.
For the rest of the meeting, it was quite boring.
Sakumo was appointed as the second-in-command, while we figured out the percentages we get from each mission. The village gets a certain amount of pay from each mission. We split the final cut to a 30/19/19/19/13.
Hiruko has the lowest due to his rank, and my share is the highest. Although, depending on the contribution of a mission, my percentage can lessen to compensate.
'These guys don't care about pay at all.' I thought to myself, my mouth twitching at their lack of care.
Seeing their disinterested looks at the percentage talks, I started to daydream as well.
My mind couldn't tell if it's because they trust me or just don't care. Maybe a more in the middle ground. Another point was that I would be paying for a full Akimichi BBQ feast every second C-rank or above mission to encourage them.
Basically, a high-tier pizza party, but it's not from a fast food chain, but taking the team out to the best Korean BBQ place in the city.
'According to my calculation, if we had 8 meals a year, which is 16 missions. The cost would be 102k ryo a year. Not too bad considering I have 1.4 million in my bank account. Plus, I'm getting a passive income from my ninjutsu, on top of whatever I make from missions.'
The words "investment" kept playing in my head. Hopefully I don't regret such words.
"Do we have any questions?"
"I do", Sakumo interjects with curiosity. "When will we do a mission, and how frequently will they be?"
"Ehh, I'm not so sure yet, as I've never been on a team like this before. But at the minimum is one C-rank or above mission a month. But if we can aim for more, then all the better. It's just that training is just as important as missions. As for a mission, we can do one this week if we are all in agreement."
Receiving nods all around, we held a vote. Thankfully, though, everybody voted to do a mission starting tomorrow. After making an agreement to meet up at the Mission Centre at 9:30 in the morning, we started to head off.
'Wait… Where is Naori?' Looking at her back tens of meters away, I quickly catch up.
"Hey Naori!"
"Huh?"
"I just wanted to ask. Have you ever done a mission outside the village before?" My question caught her off guard, her hands held out in front as if to defend herself. Seeing her embarrassed face, I couldn't help but think she was adorable. "Or just in general killed anyone."
Yeah, that blush went away right after my latter question...
Naori froze at my words, but soon answered the question. Looking away, she had a guilty look as if she had committed some sort of crime.
"Uhm. I've never left the village before, Captain… I've also never killed before. I'm sorry!" She shouts, giving a bow.
That's right, she works at the Police Force. A Chunin who's never fought a real enemy is sort of weird, but her skills should be able to carry her to a degree.
That sensing skill goes crazy.
"Don't apologise for something out of your control, I picked you for a reason," I say, holding my hand out. Those words seemed to light a fire in her, as she looked back up with a bright smile. "Listen, we'll be doing C-ranks to get used to each other first. So please don't rush things. I'll be here by your side. So after our first mission, take all the time you need, okay?"
"I will…" She murmurs, breaking eye contact.
Saying our goodbyes, I watch her walk off with a hop in her step.
'I'll need to take some time out of my day to talk to Shiki.' A weird feeling hit my head, as if I forgot something. 'Wait a second... Did I ever tell them my likes and dislikes?'
…
---
[A/N: Do you guys think Jiraiya was sincere enough? This chapter went on longer than expected. I thought I could add at least two missions before the end. I suppose the missions are for the next chapter.
According to my calculations. On average, if their team does around 12 C-ranks and 6 B-ranks, which is only 1.5 missions a month. Jiraiya would receive 489k, Sakumo, Naori, and Shiki 310k, and Hiruko 212k, after being taxed 20% by the village. You could argue that Sakumo and Shiki could complete missions independently and earn the same amount with 2 solo B-rank missions. But I don't think they would be assigned or allowed to do that many missions or any B-rank by themselves.
Especially since they could get overpaid with Jiraiya's status as the Hokage's student. They could easily do three missions a month and double their earnings. Their team just makes missions safer and WAY faster. Listen, if I were in the Naruto world, I'm not doing solo missions even if I hate working with other people]
[1] Give me diabolical ideas I'll definitely use lmao