Naruto:Suna Shinobi

"It's different. You are not officially on the staff of the Puppet Corps, so you only receive half the salary. However, the Elite Combat Units count you as a permanent member, so you receive the full pay. In addition, a Chunin receives a stipend of 10,000 ryo per month, which continues for life—even after retirement."

Nanaken explained to Hirito.

"That's fair enough."

The Puppet Corps and the Elite Combat Units held equal status in Sunagakure's military structure. Unless someone had a leadership role—such as Captain or Deputy Captain—their base salaries were identical.

In short, Hirito was getting a 50% salary increase and an additional Chunin stipend every month.

A promotion and a raise—definitely a win.

That night, Nanaken hosted a farewell gathering for the former members of Sixth Squad's Third Unit before they went their separate ways.

Though the food wasn't as extravagant as the meal Chiyo had treated him to, it was still a well-deserved celebration.

The next morning, Hirito packed up his ninja tools and personal belongings, then headed to the Kazekage Building to officially process his transfer.

With Ebizo's stamp of approval, he was officially promoted to Chunin.

Immediately, he noticed something strange—his luck bar on the panel had jumped from 20.9% to 45.3% and was still gradually rising.

This confirmed an important theory.

Unlike in Gotham, where expanding his influence required violent takeovers of gangs and streets, here in the Shinobi World, he could steadily increase his luck through status and recognition in Sunagakure.

With his new Chunin vest in hand, he headed to Training Ground Two to meet his new teammates.

By the time Hirito arrived, someone was already waiting.

A tall, slender girl stood confidently with her arms crossed. She wore a backless outfit, her short dark-green hair tied loosely, and a faint smirk played on her lips.

Her sharp amber eyes studied him for a moment before she extended a hand.

"Pakura."

"Twelve years old. Promoted to Chunin last year. Wind Style and Fire Style specialist. You must be the other recruit for Squad 9?"

Hirito shook her hand, returning her gaze with a polite but knowing smirk.

"Hirito. Also a Chunin. Temporarily assigned from the Puppet Corps."

A brief pause.

Pakura arched a brow.

"Puppeteer?"

"Something like that." Hirito grinned.

Her smirk widened slightly before she nodded, seemingly intrigued.

A few minutes later, another familiar figure arrived.

A dark-haired boy stepped forward, standing slightly behind Pakura. Unlike her confident stance, he maintained a composed, formal demeanor.

"Baki."

"Eleven years old. Chunin. Wind Style, Earth Style, and Kenjutsu specialist."

Hirito inwardly smirked at the realization.

This squad was stacked.

Pakura was one of Sunagakure's most talented young prodigies, eventually hailed as the Scorch Release User and a top-tier Jonin.

Baki would one day train Rasa's children, becoming a high-ranking Elite Jonin and one of Sunagakure's strongest shinobi.

And him?

Well, Hirito had no plans to fall behind.

It seemed Chiyo and Ebizo had put a lot of thought into forming this squad.

Hirito barely had time to process the team's potential before the last member arrived.

A young Jonin in his late twenties approached, a long sword strapped to his back. Unlike the others, his expression carried a seasoned confidence.

He clapped his hands together and smirked.

"Alright, now that we're all here—time for introductions."

His sharp gaze swept over them before he continued.

"Karasuke. Jonin. Age 29. Wind, Fire, and Lightning Release specialist. And yes, I'm decent with a sword."

He gave them a meaningful look.

"From now on, I'm your Captain. And I have one rule: No unnecessary bullshit. We work, we train, we improve. Simple."

Hirito felt Pakura and Baki exchange glances beside him.

Karasuke continued, his tone turning slightly more serious.

"I believe in what the Second Kazekage always said—'Actions speak louder than words.' So, on my way here, I already accepted a B-Rank mission for us."

That got everyone's attention.

A B-Rank right away?

Hirito, Pakura, and Baki exchanged glances.

It wasn't impossible, but for a new squad, they had expected something simpler to build teamwork first.

Then again, they had a Jonin watching their backs.

So, why not?

Over the next few weeks, Hirito quickly realized how demanding Karasuke's training regimen was.

Unlike his previous squad, where missions varied, Karasuke focused on developing raw combat ability.

Pakura showed early signs of her Scorch Release potential, her Fire Jutsu already lethal for her age.

Maki had a sharp battle sense, combining his Wind and Earth Jutsu with his swordsmanship effectively.

Hirito, meanwhile, had one foot in two worlds—balancing between the elite combat unit and the puppet corps.

He quickly realized one major drawback—Karasuke was brilliant with ninjutsu but lacked any puppetry expertise.

But that wasn't a problem.

Hirito still had access to the Puppet Corps and the direct guidance of Chiyo and Ebizo whenever he needed it.

His new position as a rising talent in the village was becoming clearer by the day.

His promotion had confirmed something crucial about Sunagakure's power structure.

To rise in the ranks, a shinobi needed to:

1. Prove their talent.

2. Gain recognition from high-ranking figures.

3. Join a faction or gain influential backers.

4. Use those resources to become stronger and elevate their status.

Hirito was now officially in the system.

With Chiyo and Ebizo's favor, he was receiving elite training—a fast track to greater power.

He had no intention of wasting it.

As he stood on the training field, watching Pakura obliterate a boulder with a Fireball Jutsu, Baki clash swords with Karasuke, and himself controlling his modified puppets with even greater precision, a thought crossed his mind.

This squad… is built for war.

And he planned to make sure they became legends.

End of Chapter

Free Trial Available in Patreon