"Not quite. In the Puppet Brigade, you are on the roster but not in active service, so you can only receive half the salary. On the elite combat unit side, they do not count you as a temporary worker, so you can receive a full salary. Also, as a Chunin, you will receive a monthly subsidy of ten thousand ryo, which you will hold for life even after retirement until death," Jianye explained to Hardy.
"Okay."
Retaining a position in the Puppet Brigade and the elite combat unit was equivalent in rank. Unless one held positions like captain or vice-captain, the salary was the same.
In other words, she would receive half a raise and an additional monthly subsidy as a Chunin.
Promotion and a raise were naturally good things.
That evening, Jianye treated the members of the Third Team of the Sixth Division to a meal.
Although not as extravagant as the one Elder Chiyo hosted last time, it was still enjoyable.
The next day, Hardy organized her ninja tools and attire, first going to the Kazekage's office to find Ebizo. After stamping and signing some documents, she was officially promoted to Chunin.
In the Hidden Sand Village, advancing in status was more significant than subduing a small gang in Gotham City and taking over a street.
Her progress bar of luck instantly jumped from 20.9% to 45.3% and was steadily increasing.
Next, she received her Chunin vest from the warehouse and headed to the Second Training Ground.
She was going to meet her new teammates there.
...
...
When Hardy arrived at the designated location in the Second Training Ground, someone was already waiting there.
It was a slender and tall young girl in a backless outfit, slightly older than Hardy.
"Hello, I'm Yekang, twelve years old, a Chunin promoted last year. I specialize in Wind Release and Fire Release. If I'm not mistaken, you should also be one of the new members assigned to the Ninth Team, right?" Yekang extended her hand confidently to Hardy.
"Hello, I'm Hardy, a Chunin temporarily transferred from the Puppet Brigade," Hardy smiled and shook hands with Yekang.
Given that they would be comrades who would rely on each other in life-and-death situations during missions, it was essential to build a good relationship.
From what Hardy remembered, Yekang was not an unknown figure and must be extraordinary.
After chatting for a while, the remaining two members of the team also arrived.
"Maki, Chunin, proficient in Wind Release, Earth Release, and swordsmanship, eleven years old," another "familiar face."
Being the guiding Jonin for the three children of the Third Kazekage in the future, Maki's status in the Hidden Sand Village at that time was comparable to Kakashi in Konoha, one of the top elite Jonin in the Hidden Sand Village at that time.
It seemed that their team was quite extraordinary.
The composition was also reasonable, with Yekang being a typical ninjutsu-type ninja, Maki excelling in taijutsu, and Hardy, the puppeteer, having a mix of both. In battle, she would likely be responsible for providing support as the third member.
Thinking about this, Hardy turned her gaze to the last person in the team.
He was a young Jonin, also wearing a white cloth on his head, but with a somewhat handsome appearance. The long sword on his back indicated that he was skilled in swordsmanship.
"Now that everyone has introduced themselves, it's my turn as your superior," the Jonin coughed twice and began, "I'm Fugo Senran, a Jonin, twenty-nine years old. I specialize in Wind Release, Fire Release, Lightning Release, and my swordsmanship is decent. I will be your team leader for the Ninth Team. Over the next week, I will take you on some simple missions to build teamwork."
As Fugo Senran introduced himself, he assessed the three new subordinates.
Before coming, Chiyo and Ebizo had naturally given him some instructions.
Hardy was of utmost importance, as she was chosen by Chiyo and Ebizo as a candidate for the future leader of the Puppet Brigade.
Yekang had the highest talent in ninjutsu among the new generation of the Hidden Sand Village in recent years, and Maki, slightly inferior to Yekang.
It seemed that their team was exceptional.
The configuration was also reasonable, with Yekang being a typical ninjutsu-type ninja, Maki excelling in taijutsu, and Hardy, the puppeteer, having a mix of both. In battle, she would likely be responsible for providing support as the third member.
Thinking about this, Hardy turned her gaze to the last person in the team.
Planning, but also extremely valuable for cultivation.
This team is not easy to lead, mainly because it is necessary to maximize the potential of these three subordinates while ensuring that they do not perish.
Once cultivated, they will be at least three elite jonin, and there is even a possibility of one of them becoming a "shadow."
The reason for choosing this elite jonin to lead these three individuals is twofold. On one hand, his expertise in ninjutsu and swordsmanship can provide guidance to these three. On the other hand, it is to serve as bodyguards for these three highly potential chunin and to complete tasks that match the team's abilities, allowing them to gain experience.
"I believe in a saying from the Second Hokage, 'Actions speak louder than words.' On the way here, I have already taken on a B-rank mission for you."
Hardy, Yukura, and Maki exchanged glances.
In fact, they all felt that starting with a B-rank mission might be a bit intense.
From graduating from the ninja academy to becoming a chunin, Hardy had only completed three B-rank missions, in addition to one unexpected mission that escalated from A-rank to S-rank, which resulted in injuries and required recovery in the village.
Although their strength has improved significantly, shouldn't they start with some simpler tasks during the initial period of adjustment?
But since there is an elite jonin backing them up, they decided to go along with it.
Ever since joining this team, Hardy has not done any low-level tasks.
Or rather, after becoming a chunin, he has been insulated from D-rank missions, except unless he becomes a guiding jonin for a new generation of chunin in the future, he probably won't have the opportunity to take on D-rank missions again in his lifetime.
This team mainly focuses on B-rank missions. In the absence of suitable missions, they can choose some simple C-rank missions to practice, or take a break for rest or training.
In terms of guidance and training, Kazekage has a lot to offer. Whether it's wind release, fire release, or lightning release, he has a deep understanding, and even knows some basic medical ninjutsu and sealing techniques.
However, when it comes to puppetry techniques, Kazekage cannot provide much guidance to Hardy, but that doesn't mean Hardy has no one to learn from.
He is still part of the puppet brigade and can consult with Ishihu, who is still recovering in the hospital. Occasionally, he also spars with Sasori and borrows books from him.
It is worth mentioning that Chiyo and Ebizo have both promised that Hardy can consult them when they are free.
It was from that moment that Hardy truly realized the change in his status within the Hidden Sand Village.
By showcasing his talents, gaining the attention of the higher-ups, joining a faction, and receiving resources to enhance his strength, he aims to quickly elevate his status.
This is a method that can be used to climb the ranks in any faction, with minimal risks and a stable foundation.
Undoubtedly, Hardy is now receiving special attention and cultivation from Chiyo and Ebizo.