Genzo Retrieval Team

The Genzo Retrieval Team is a emergency-response team formed due Genzo Nekiogama's attempt to defeat Bukarok via leaving Konohagakure and joining the Four Larva, though Genzo was merely bait to get Saphiro Kimza out of hiding. The team was originally going to be composed of Gen Nakaido, Neji Hyūga, and the unnamed leader of Team 23, but Saphiro's determination to get Genzo back made Naruto change his mind and replaced the leader of Team 23 with Art Uzūba and Kaede Meitochi. This was stated to be Art's third mission since being promoted to tokubetsu jōnin. This team formed the basis for the majority of the Bukarok Arc.

Gen stated that though the Team had changed, the members still had a good chance of winning. Gen was the most versatile of the group, for he had four elemental natures on his side. Neji had the Byakugan, which protected them from attacks from almost all angles as well as superior vision. Saphiro had the Vortex Technique, which enabled him to attack enemies from varying angles. Art's defensive techniques created a line of defense when the battle was tough. Finally, Kaede was able to heal others and she was a great warrior from a distance.

Before leaving, Neji stated that though Genzo was a loved and respected student, in the event that Genzo had to be killed, no pity or mercy would be given. Everyone agreed to this, though Saphiro was put on the edge by it.

As the mission went on, similar to the Sasuke Retrieval Arc, the team was split one-by-one to combat the members of the Four Larva, then Genzo himself. Neji was severely injured fighting Higeshi, Gen was nearly killed in his fight with Juro, Art was exhausted in his battle with San, and Kaede won after a long fight with Sasha. Saphiro and Genzo fought last, and the battle was a draw nearly the whole time. In the end, Saphiro gained the upper hand and narrowly won. Genzo, who was far too injured to go on fighting, was sent back to Konoha by Neji. Gen, Saphiro, Kaede, and Art went onward to fight Bukarok itself. This event disbanded the team and the mission was a success.