Naruto: My Progress in Konoha.

"Haruki, you really already learned it?"

Furuhara didn't show much reaction to Haruki's reply, but Ryosuke standing beside him couldn't keep his composure.

Even though he already knew there was a gap in their learning abilities, the stubborn pride of youth made it hard for him to accept falling behind.

When Furuhara had taught Haruki the Body Flicker Technique, Ryosuke had also been present and picked up on it too.

Over the past few days, Ryosuke had trained hard and managed to grasp some of the basics. Maybe he couldn't use it well in an intense battle, but at least he could pull it off in normal situations.

While that didn't really count as fully mastering the technique, it was enough for Ryosuke to feel proud of himself.

He had assumed Haruki's progress would be more or less similar to his own—perhaps slightly ahead, but not by much. But the reality was starkly different.

After several months as teammates, Ryosuke had come to understand Haruki's personality—he might downplay his strength, but he never exaggerated.

So, if Haruki said he had learned it, then he had likely mastered it to a far greater extent than he let on.

Ryosuke's mood became incredibly complicated, feeling like he had yet again failed to catch up. A wave of gloomy energy surrounded him.

Haruki, perceptive as ever, immediately picked up on Ryosuke's emotional shift and, after a moment's thought, figured out why.

Still, he offered no words of comfort—because it was simply the truth.

Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Haruki quickly changed the subject:"Where's Shizuko? She's not here yet?"

Typically, Mizutani Shizuko was always the first to arrive for gatherings like this.

Haruki glanced at the time—they were nearing the final call for assembly, yet Shizuko was nowhere in sight.

This surprised him.

"Could something have happened?" he thought silently.

"No idea…"Ryosuke replied in a lifeless tone.

As he spoke, he looked toward the village gate—just in time to see Mizutani Shizuko rushing toward them.

He waved and called out, "Shizuko! Over here!"

Hearing his voice, Shizuko turned her head, and upon recognizing them, forced a weak smile and quickened her pace.

"Shizuko, what took you so long today? Something happen?"

Even before she reached them, Ryosuke was already asking.

Shizuko shook her head and smiled again—though it was clearly strained.

"Nothing. I just overslept."

"Really?"Ryosuke scratched his chin thoughtfully and said, "Then you should set an alarm next time. That way you won't sleep in. I do that too…"

As Ryosuke rambled on, Haruki watched him curiously, unsure whether Ryosuke was simply clueless or trying to ease Shizuko's emotional burden.

But anyone with eyes could tell—Shizuko hadn't just overslept.

The redness and puffiness around her eyes said it all—she had been crying not long ago.

Considering their imminent departure for the battlefield, it wasn't hard to guess the reason.She'd likely just said goodbye to her family.

And that moment reminded Haruki again—this world was very real.

In this world, war meant war. It wasn't something that could be brushed off with slogans. Death was not just a concept.

Ninjas were people too. They had emotions, families, friends, and lives.

And once they died, those left behind had to carry the burden.

So yes—many feared war. They simply had no choice but to accept it, bound by rules, duty, and ideals.

"Sigh… This really is a twisted world," Haruki thought silently.

Pushing those thoughts aside, he focused on waiting quietly for the squad to depart.

Time passed minute by minute.

Once the team had fully assembled, the Third Hokage—Hiruzen Sarutobi—appeared before them.

What followed was a passionate and rousing speech.

And to be fair, his words were incredibly stirring. By the end of it, the young genin and chunin were all fired up, ready to charge into battle at a moment's notice.

Even Shizuko, who had arrived in such low spirits, managed a faint smile after hearing him speak.

Only the jonin remained solemn and unfazed, showing little to no reaction.

But that was to be expected.

Anyone who made it to jonin rank had already fought their way through blood and death. Their willpower was forged in battle—no amount of words could sway them.

If you wanted to motivate jonin, you needed real benefits or a true sense of purpose. Empty speeches simply wouldn't cut it.

Just because you were Hokage?They weren't obligated to blindly follow you.

After all… even the Hokage was elected by the people of the village.

(Well… probably.)

Haruki shook his head and decided not to dwell on it. Those matters were far beyond him right now—and he had no interest in them anyway.

In the world of ninja, strength was everything.

With enough power, you didn't need to know how to play politics. Your fists would do the talking.

See someone you don't like?Punch them.Why overthink it?

Improving strength was the real path forward.

A few minutes later…

The speech ended, and the convoy set off.

Haruki estimated that there were about thirty jonin in the group, plus another sixty to seventy special jonin.

As for chunin and genin combined—at least three to four hundred.

With such a massive force—and dozens of carts loaded with supplies—it was impossible to move quickly.

Two full weeks later, they finally crossed the Fire Country's borders and entered the Rain Country warzone.

And almost immediately, they were greeted by endless drizzle.

Days would pass without even a glimpse of the sun.

Naturally, their travel pace slowed further.

Nearly another week passed.

Eventually, they reached a narrow canyon. On the other side was a few dozen kilometers of road—beyond that lay Konoha's main base in the Rain Country.

That was their final destination—and the place where the carts full of supplies would be delivered.

Haruki looked at the gloomy canyon ahead and frowned.

Even someone like him, with limited battlefield experience, could see it—this terrain was perfect for an ambush.

He couldn't believe the jonin hadn't noticed.

"Then why go this way?"

Unless they had no other choice, Haruki couldn't think of a reason.

Which meant the situation in Rain Country was likely far worse than it seemed. Otherwise, Konoha wouldn't still be using such a vulnerable supply route.

Fortunately, the Konoha jonin weren't idiots. As they approached the canyon, the convoy slowed down.

Several scout squads were dispatched to sweep the path ahead and the cliffs on either side.

Minute by minute, the convoy crept forward.

Suddenly—a massive explosion echoed from the distant cliffs.

In the haze, a burst of crimson flame erupted high into the air.

"Explosive tags! It's an ambush!"

Someone in the convoy shouted in panic. The entire group fell into chaos.

Fortunately, the jonin acted swiftly, barking orders to restore order before full-blown panic set in.