What Shinichi needed to do was build the same kind of foundation for himself.

In the future, when he wrote about his own recovery feats in books, or even when scenes of him regenerating severed limbs were portrayed on screen, people would not consider it exaggerated fiction. They would simply nod and sigh: "Yes, that’s exactly how he is."

"After all, that’s Shinichi Higashino!"

Shinichi withdrew his thoughts and continued forward.

He soon arrived at the assembly point of the Shinichi battalion.

Three hundred people had already formed ranks, standing quietly. The morning light fell on them, revealing faces both young and weathered.

Shinichi slowly swept his gaze across the formation. There were familiar old faces, as well as new ones who had been added over the past few days.

And there were also some faces that could no longer be seen.

The battle three days ago had been too brutal. Even though he had taken the lead to disrupt Village Hidden in the Cloud’s formation, even though Minato Namikaze had followed up by cutting down many elites, facing the main force personally led by the third Raikage meant casualties were unavoidable.

Shinichi fell silent for a moment before speaking.

"The battle three days ago, everyone worked hard."

"In that fight, we completed our mission. We successfully delayed the Village Hidden in the Cloud’s assault force and relieved pressure on the main front line. Some earned merit, some were injured, and some will never return. But their sacrifice was not in vain. Because they were there, because you were there, Village Hidden in the Cloud was unable to break through our defenses."

After a pause, Shinichi continued, "But the Village Hidden in the Cloud won’t give up. Soon, they will come back again. The next offensive may be even fiercer than three days ago. So during this period of recuperation, I plan to train everyone properly."

Among the ranks of three hundred, some nodded slightly, while others’ eyes brightened.

"Some comrades specialize in their clan’s Hidden Jutsus, and I don’t have much to guide them in that area."

Shinichi said frankly as his gaze swept over people like Shibi Aburame and Ren Inuzuka. "But in terms of fundamental training, I believe I have some understanding. Perhaps I can offer you a different kind of inspiration."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone in the formation couldn’t help but speak up.

"Captain, you’re being too modest!"

The one speaking was Kizashi Haruno. He said loudly, "You’re someone who even severely injured the third Raikage! Being able to receive your guidance is our good fortune!"

"Exactly!" Someone nearby echoed. "We all saw that move of yours! What was it called again?"

"Orochinagi." Someone reminded in a low voice.

"Right! Orochinagi! Even the third Raikage, known as the strongest shield, couldn’t withstand it! And you say you’ll only guide basic training? That’s way too modest!"

"Yeah! Captain, stop being modest! You’re Crimson Flame Shinichi! The master who created Fire Style Nintaijutsu from nothing!"

Voices rose one after another in the formation, some laughing, some joking, and the atmosphere became much livelier.

The title Crimson Flame Shinichi had somehow begun spreading within Konoha’s ranks, along with the title master.

Yes, more and more people had already begun to regard Shinichi as a true master, rather than merely a Genius with limitless potential.

Shinichi raised his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.

"Alright, then it’s settled. As for the training, I’ll inform each squad leader of the specific arrangements later."

"Yes!"

The voices of three hundred people merged into one, especially loud in the morning light.

After giving a few more instructions, Shinichi dismissed everyone.

A master, huh?

Perhaps the next step after Genius was Master?

He wondered what that would look like.

Shinichi looked at the Genius talent on his system panel, the talent that had appeared as blue quality from the start.

...

While Shinichi was planning the training program for his Shinichi battalion, news of the battle between Konoha and the Village Hidden in the Cloud three days ago, especially that Shinichi had broken the strongest shield and injured the third Raikage, began to spread across various countries and ninja villages.

Land of Earth, the Village Hidden in the Stones.

"What!?" The third Tsuchikage, Onoki, suddenly stood up from his seat. "That old bastard was actually injured? By some kid from Konoha!?"

"Tsuchikage-sama!" An intelligence officer knelt on one knee and said in a deep voice, "The information has been confirmed through multiple sources. Three days ago, Shinichi Higashino of Konoha broke through the third Raikage’s Lightning Style Armour in a direct confrontation and inflicted a penetrating wound to his right chest. Village Hidden in the Cloud then urgently retreated to reorganize."

"So it’s true..."

The third Tsuchikage slumped back into his chair, muttering something.

Then he suddenly slammed the table. "Go! Bring me all the information on this Shinichi Higashino, everything!"

Moments later, thick dossiers piled up on the Tsuchikage’s desk, including even the manga he created.

Onoki flipped through the pages one by one, his brows tightening more and more.

"Crimson Flame Shinichi..."

The third Tsuchikage softly read out the name, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

After a long time, he raised his head and looked at Kitsuchi standing beside him.

Kitsuchi frowned but still respectfully asked, "Father, then what should we do next..."

"Wait a little longer." Onoki interrupted, his voice regaining its usual steadiness. "That old bastard, the third Raikage, won’t let this go. Let him clash with Konoha again first... then we’ll see."

Land of Water, Village Hidden in the Mist.

The third Mizukage sat quietly in the shadows, with an intelligence scroll spread out before him.

The intelligence officer knelt below, reporting every detail of the newly arrived information, then lowered his head in silence.

After a long time, he slowly spoke, his voice so calm that no emotion could be discerned: "Suspend operations for now."

"Yes." The intelligence officer responded and withdrew.

The office fell silent again. The third Mizukage remained seated, unmoving, as if the order he had just given were nothing more than a casual remark.

The Village Hidden in the Sand, Kazekage’s office.

Rasa sat at his desk, holding the newly delivered intelligence report, having read it over and over.

After a long time, he said, "Pass down the order: Strengthen surveillance toward Konoha, especially the northeastern front and all movements of Shinichi Higashino. I want to know immediately."

"Yes! Kazekage-sama!"

He stood up, his gaze falling on the endless desert outside the window.

The wind and sand were the same, the blazing sun unchanged, everything looked just as before.

But Rasa knew that something had changed. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Land of Fire, Daimyo’s residence.

"Crimson Flame Shinichi? A fine name!"

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire opened his cypress fan, covering his lips, his eyes full of amusement.

He read the intelligence report again, his gaze lingering repeatedly on phrases like, third Raikage severely injured and strongest shield broken, the more he read, the more pleased he became.

"Sosho." The Daimyo said while closing the fan and lightly tapping the table.

"Your servant is here." The butler bowed.

"This is a great piece of news. Our Konoha ninja severely injured the Raikage of the Village Hidden in the Cloud on the battlefield. Once this spreads, it will greatly boost the morale of the people."

"Pass down the order, have them promote this properly. Let the citizens know that our Land of Fire’s Konoha has produced an outstanding genius. Our ninjas are still capable of defeating any enemy, just as before."