"Psychic Shadows of the Hidden Leaf

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Location: Konoha, Akamichi BBQ Restaurant

The three newly graduated Genin—Iruka, Mibu, and Thorny Iron Wire—were happily feasting on a spread of barbecue.

"Eat to your heart's content. Don't worry about the bill until my pockets are empty," their new captain, Kaitan, said with a grin, grabbing a piece of meat for himself.

"It's delicious!" Thorny Iron Wire exclaimed through mouthfuls of food. "Captain, when are we starting our first mission?"

Iruka chimed in, eager. "Yes, I'm looking forward to learning everything about being a ninja so I can teach it to my students in the future."

Kaitan leaned back, amused. "As soon as we're done eating. It's an essential mission, perfect for rookies like you."

The three brightened instantly.

"What kind of mission is it?" Mibu Shinobu asked, his face full of anticipation. "Capturing enemy spies? Protecting the village?"

Kaitan shook his head with mock seriousness. "No, no, those are trivial. This is a mission critical to Konoha's survival."

Hearing this, the three Genin were wide-eyed. Were they already being entrusted with such an important task?

Kaitan smirked. "You'll find out soon enough. Eat up!"

Still brimming with curiosity, the trio wolfed down their food, eager to prove themselves.

---

As they were finishing up, a tall, burly figure entered the restaurant, accompanied by a kind-looking woman holding a chubby child.

"Kaitan! Leading your first team, huh?" the man called out warmly.

Kaitan turned and smiled. "Senior Dingzu, long time no see. Yes, I'm finally leading a team."

Kaitan glanced at the child in the woman's arms. "Is this little Chōji? The one Yamanako mentioned is the same age as his daughter?"

The chubby toddler looked up at Kaitan with wide eyes, but his gaze quickly shifted to the sizzling barbecue on the table.

"Yes, that's him," Dingzu said, beaming with pride.

Kaitan smiled and reached for a piece of barbecue. "Hey, little one, want some meat? Call me 'uncle,' and it's yours."

"Uncle," Chōji said obediently, his eyes lighting up as Kaitan fed him a juicy slice of meat.

"You're going to grow up strong, Chōji," Kaitan said, ruffling the boy's hair. "I can already tell he's inherited the great Akamichi genes. He'll surpass you one day, Senior Dingzu."

Dingzu laughed heartily. "Of course! Look at him. He's got the same build I had at his age."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Kaitan and his team left the restaurant to embark on their mission.

---

Location: Konoha Farmland

Under the scorching sun, the three Genin were knee-deep in muddy water, painstakingly planting rice seedlings.

"Captain," Mibu groaned, "is this critical mission… planting rice?"

"Of course," Kaitan replied without looking up, engrossed in a book. "Do ninjas not need food? Farming feeds the entire village. Without rice, we'd all starve, including you three."

"But… it's so boring!" Iruka whined, his hands covered in mud.

Thorny Iron Wire muttered in agreement, "Yeah, this doesn't feel like something a ninja should be doing."

Kaitan snapped his book shut and fixed them with a stern gaze. "Ninjas endure. That's the first lesson. If you can't handle this, how will you manage more demanding tasks?"

Iruka frowned. "But, Captain, I graduated with perfect scores in theory. I don't see how this is useful for a ninja."

Kaitan smirked. "Perfect scores in theory, huh? Let me educate you on why this is important. Pay attention."

The three Genin perked up, curious about their captain's explanation.

"First," Kaitan began, "a ninja's chakra comes from a combination of physical and spiritual energy. This task builds your physical endurance and spiritual patience. Understand?"

The three nodded reluctantly.

"Second," Kaitan continued, "ninjas are masters of disguise. A farmer's identity is an excellent cover. No one would suspect a simple farmer of being a spy."

Mibu raised an eyebrow. "But farmers don't have access to important information, Captain."

Kaitan waved off the objection. "Not the point. Moving on—third, and most importantly—if everyone in the village works in the fields and you refuse, you're isolating yourselves. That's against Konoha's principles of unity and friendship, which are key to the Will of Fire."

"The Will of Fire!" Iruka exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with understanding. "It's to strengthen our bond with the village and each other!"

"Exactly!" Kaitan said, relieved they bought his explanation.

"Alright! In the name of the Will of Fire, let's do this!" Mibu declared, his determination renewed.

"Watch this!" Thorny Iron Wire added, his hands moving faster than ever. "I'll master the Will-Planting Technique!"

Kaitan shook his head, hiding a smirk. "Well, at least they're motivated now."

---

As the day wore on, the three Genin continued their work with newfound determination, unaware of Kaitan's amused thoughts.

It seemed the ideology of the Will of Fire was far more effective than any lecture he could give.

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