Just as Kakashi had predicted, shortly after completing his ninja registration, the Third Hokage integrated Allen into a Genin squad.
This wasn't just any group of background extras; it was the taijutsu-specialist team led by Might Guy, Konoha's Noble Green Beast, Kakashi's eternal rival, and the man Kisame Hoshigaki would later dub a "rare beast."
When one thought about it, the assignment made perfect sense. These taijutsu specialists constantly engaged in high-intensity, dangerous physical conditioning and were exceptionally prone to injury in combat. Assigning a medical specialist to them was logical. Furthermore, since Allen had shown a natural flair for close-quarters combat, training under this master would allow him to pick up invaluable combat techniques.
Among anime fans, there was a running joke that Naruto's taijutsu could be divided into two categories: Might Guy's ultimate Eight Inner Gates, and everyone else. Indeed, even a powerhouse like the Raikage was unceremoniously lumped into the "other" category, which spoke volumes about how formidable this seemingly eccentric man truly was.
Despite Guy's somewhat ridiculous appearance, Allen bowed respectfully to him. "Genin Allen, reporting for duty!"
"Hahahaha! Welcome to Team 3! I am the Jonin leader, Might Guy! These three are my students: Tenten, Neji Hyuga, and Rock Lee," Guy boisterously introduced his squad.
He then turned to his students and continued, "This Genin is a medical ninja specifically assigned by Hokage-sama. While he may only be with us for a limited time, I expect you all to get along well!"
"Eh? A medical ninja?" Lee's eyes sparkled with excitement upon hearing the news. "That means we don't have to fear getting injured during our training anymore!"
"Exactly! That is the essence of youth! Come! Let's start today with a warm-up of one thousand squats!"
Might Guy flashed a thumbs-up, his pearly white teeth glinting blindingly in the sunlight. Soon, the two bowl-cut enthusiasts, one large and one small, began performing squats in unison, oblivious to their surroundings.
Tenten, the only girl in the group, facepalmed as she watched. "It's over. I feel like it won't be long before the whole village knows Team 3 has two freaks."
Neji nodded solemnly. "Indeed. New guy, I suggest you keep your distance from them. Idiocy is contagious."
With the introductions over, the taijutsu squad began their daily routine of training and missions.
It had to be said that compared to the relaxed pace of other Genin squads, the workload under Might Guy was significantly heavier. They specifically picked the most exhausting low-level tasks, which, combined with non-stop physical and muscle training, left everyone utterly drained by the end of the day.
Tenten, who had the lowest stamina, lay flat on her back with zero regard for her lady-like image. She let out a long breath. "Phew! Finally over. I thought I was going to die of exhaustion."
"Sensei! We've been doing D-rank missions for a while since graduation. Isn't it time we took on something higher, like a C-rank?" Lee asked, eager for more.
"Hmm... Very well! As a reward for your hard work during this period, we shall take on a C-rank mission tomorrow!" Might Guy gave everyone his signature thumbs-up and a wide grin.
"Hooray! Are we finally leaving the village? I can't wait to see what the world outside is like!" Tenten cheered, instantly regaining her energy.
Neji, by contrast, remained as calm as ever. He analyzed in a low voice, "Now that we have a medical ninja in our team, we could actually attempt a B-rank mission."
"Now, now! Don't be in such a rush. Take it slow; your ninja careers have only just begun. Come on, to celebrate our new member, it's my treat today! Let's go have a proper meal."
Guy generously led his subordinates into a BBQ restaurant. However, it wasn't long before he realized what a massive mistake he had made. Cold sweat began to pour down his forehead.
In a very short span of time, Allen alone had eaten through the entire reward of a B-rank mission. When it came time to pay, even a man as carefree about money as Guy felt a genuine pang of "meat-pain" in his wallet. He silently swore that as long as Allen was in the squad, he would strictly refrain from picking up the tab.
…
Early the next morning, Team 3 gathered at the village gates. Their mission was simple: escort a merchant to the Land of Grass.
"Please take good care of me!" the merchant, a plump man in his fifties named Fukusaburo, said with a polite bow and a smile.
"Leave it to us! The hot blood of youth shall not be defeated!" Guy roared at the top of his lungs, nearly giving the man a heart attack.
Had it not been for the fact that he was getting a Jonin for the price of a Genin, Fukusaburo would have surely demanded a more reliable-looking team. Ultimately, with a gaze full of deep mistrust, he ordered the caravan to set out, heading along the main road toward the Land of Grass.
Perhaps because the public security in the Land of Fire was relatively good, several days passed without incident. Not even a common bandit appeared, making the journey borderline tedious.
Just as the caravan crossed the border of the Land of Fire and entered the region between the Land of Grass and the Land of Waterfalls, a thick scent of blood and the stench of rotting corpses suddenly wafted toward them.
At the end of the road ahead, about twenty corpses lay scattered on the ground. Judging by the smell and the level of decay, they had been dead for several days. All of them had died from puncture and laceration wounds caused by sharp weapons. Likely, the weapons were kunai or swords.
"These victims were likely passing merchants and the guards they hired. Many of them have the long-term calluses of swordsmen on their hands," Neji noted after a brief inspection while covering his nose.
Tenten cautiously peeled back one of the victims' eyelids, only to recoil in terror. "Ah!!! Their... their eyes have turned blood-red!"
"It's poison. These people were heavily poisoned before they died. Stay sharp, everyone. There may be dangerous enemies nearby," Might Guy said, his habitual grin replaced by a serious, stern expression.
"Allen, you're a medical ninja. You can neutralize poison, right?" Lee asked tentatively.
"Sorry, detoxification isn't my specialty. I specialize in trauma. However, I did bring a few bottles of Anti-Venom; I'm not sure if they'll work on this specific poison."
As Allen answered, he quietly activated Track Humanoids. Instantly, he detected a conspicuous red dot on a treetop several hundred meters away. The individual was hidden exceptionally well, blending perfectly with the surrounding foliage, making them nearly impossible to spot with the naked eye.
Without hesitation, Allen signaled Neji, who possessed the Byakugan.
Neji understood immediately. He activated his clan's dōjutsu, instantly seeing the flow of Chakra within the enemy. He lowered his voice. "It's a ninja. Behind us at the six o'clock position. His Chakra volume is high; he's likely a Chunin."
"Don't act rashly. At this distance, it would be hard to catch him in one go," Allen stopped Lee from charging off. "Our mission is an escort. If the client is harmed, the mission is a failure. For now, let's stay alert and see what he's after."
Seeing this, Might Guy showed a look of approval. In Allen, he saw the calm and judgment required of a great commander, a vital quality for any Genin hoping to promote to Chunin.