Araki's training of Yubi wasn't limited to simple combat instruction—it covered many areas.
For example, besides guarding against infiltrating enemy shinobi, their mission also involved inspecting passing merchant caravans.
Even during the Shinobi World War, economic activity within each country still continued to some degree. Whenever Yubi inspected caravans, Araki would often use the Transformation Jutsu to disguise himself and launch surprise attacks. Sometimes he pretended to be different kinds of enemies; other times he set traps throughout the valley.
And so on.
Shinobi combat was inherently diverse, and Araki did this to further strengthen Yubi's battlefield adaptability.
Because of this harsh training, Yubi returned to the outpost every day covered in dust and dirt.
Sometimes… he was even carried back by Araki after collapsing from exhaustion or injury.
Sasori saw all of this.
He also knew that even during rest periods, Yubi continued training in private.
The guy was completely obsessed with pushing himself to the limit.
Under this "diversified" training, Yubi's growth was obvious.
Especially in taijutsu—he could now exchange a few moves with Araki and hold on for a while instead of being instantly crushed.
Even Araki, an elite jōnin, found this rate of improvement unbelievable.
In his eyes, Yubi was like a dried sponge, constantly absorbing the techniques and experience he taught—and perfectly digesting and applying them.
Many times, Araki didn't even need to emphasize or correct things. Yubi understood immediately. His comprehension was almost monstrous.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye.
During that time, aside from training, they also encountered enemies—mostly shinobi from the Hidden Rain Village.
Even though the previous large battle had forced the Hidden Rain to swallow a bitter defeat, Sunagakure and Amegakure had not made peace. Small skirmishes never stopped.
Araki decided the time was right.
He changed his plan and decided to lead Yubi and Sasori on a raid against a Hidden Rain outpost.
They couldn't just let the Rain shinobi run rampant in the Land of Wind without retaliation.
Whoosh—whoosh—
One night, three figure, one adult and two youths—headed straight for the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain.
"This is an independent mission," Araki said in a low voice as they traveled. "I'll record everything and submit the report when we return. During the mission, I won't intervene. Your task is simple: within a limited time, eliminate as many Hidden Rain shinobi as possible and retreat safely."
Infiltrating enemy territory was dangerous, but as an elite jōnin, Araki was confident he could extract the two kids if anything went wrong.
His goal was to create a healthy rivalry between Sasori and Yubi.
In his view, although Yubi was still officially a genin, he already possessed the level of a chunin. Once they returned to the village, he could apply for the promotion exam.
Besides, Yubi had only been sparring with him. While beneficial, the experience was limited.
Different shinobi used different jutsu and fighting styles. Facing various types of enemies was the best way to gain real combat experience.
"Although you've both fought Rain shinobi before," Araki continued, "I still need to remind you: the enemies you've faced so far weren't that strong. The Hidden Rain Village may not be a major power, but they've been extremely active in this war. Their leader, Hanzō of the Salamander, is known as a demigod. The ones guarding the border and surviving this war are all elites."
"Once we enter the Land of Rain, you must search for their hideouts while concealing your own movements. If you're exposed too early… the situation will become very dangerous."
"Understood," Yubi nodded.
He knew Araki was mainly speaking to him.
Sasori had far more mission experience.
Soon, the sandy ground beneath their feet gradually turned into soil. Vegetation began to appear, and in the distance, dark mountain silhouettes emerged.
They had reached one of the routes bordering the Land of Wind and the Land of Rain.
As soon as they approached, Sunagakure shinobi guarding the area appeared and stopped them—before relaxing when they recognized Araki.
"It's Lord Araki."
Two shinobi bowed.
"How are things?" Araki asked.
"Ame has been quiet recently. There have been minor movements, but we discovered them in advance."
"I see."
"And these two…?"
They glanced at Yubi and Sasori.
"I'm taking them on a mission," Araki replied casually.
The two shinobi looked curiously at Yubi. They knew Sasori.
But who was this other kid?
After a few more exchanges, Araki led the boys past the defense line and deeper into the Land of Rain.
"Do you know him?" one shinobi asked after they left.
Even with Araki present, infiltrating enemy territory was extremely dangerous. They themselves wouldn't dare.
Sasori, the village's genius puppet master, was recognized.
But the other kid… didn't look quite striking?
"Never seen him before," the other replied.
—
"The border defenses are much tighter than the rear," Yubi thought as he ran, glancing back. "We were spotted the moment we showed ourselves."
"Be careful. Stay close," Araki said seriously as they neared the border.
Then he suddenly accelerated.
Clearly, Araki knew the Hidden Rain's border deployment well. His route had been carefully chosen.
Sparse trees began appearing ahead, followed by a vast forest.
Without hesitation, the three leapt into the woods, bounding across tree trunks at full speed.
Moments after they left, several figures emerged from the shadows.
"I thought I heard something… an enemy?" one Rain shinobi narrowed his eyes, examining the ground for signs.
"No signs of intrusion," another confirmed.
They vanished again.
A few hundred meters away, hidden behind the shaded sides of several tree trunks, the trio crouched silently.
Araki gave a hand signal.
Then he disappeared into the darkness of the forest.
The mission now belonged to Sasori and Yubi.
Sasori had no intention of cooperating—Araki had made it clear: whoever killed more enemies won.
They would act separately.
Sasori glanced at Yubi, his cold gaze carrying a hint of provocation, before heading off in one direction.
"Hah…"
Yubi chuckled softly.
His expression turned serious.
His hunt… had begun.