On the Hidden Leaf training grounds, Team Nine assembled.
"Dan, Michiko, I have a long-term mission this time. I might not return to the Hidden Leaf for over a month."
"Understood. I've informed my family and can set off at any time."
"By the way, Teacher, where is Kenji? Why don't I see him at the assembly?" Michiko asked.
Hearing this, Tsunade seemed to feel a sense of loss.
"Because of his outstanding performance, Kenji has been exceptionally promoted and has joined the Anbu."
"Kenji joined the Anbu?" Michiko's eyes widened, filled with both amazement and envy.
For a student who had just graduated to be qualified to join the Anbu—what an honor that was.
Dan Uchiha's expression turned ugly. Kenji's excellence was crushing his pride until not a drop remained.
Placed beside Kenji, he would always be just a foil.
He wasn't even qualified to be a foil.
"Don't be discouraged. As long as you work hard, you will catch up sooner or later, and you will also have the chance to join the Anbu."
Kenji's departure left Tsunade feeling somewhat disheartened.
But since she had become a Jonin Instructor, she needed to be responsible for her two students, Dan Uchiha and Michiko.
"Listen up. From now on, I will use the strictest training to urge you in your cultivation. If you don't have any achievements to show in the future, don't call me your teacher."
Hearing this, Michiko and Dan Uchiha's expressions immediately became incredibly serious.
They could tell that Tsunade was serious about this.
This meant that Tsunade would spare no effort in teaching them ninjutsu.
In the Hokage's conference room, the Third Hokage, Danzo Shimura, and other high-ranking officials of the Hidden Leaf were gathered for a very serious meeting.
"Recently, Sand ninja have been frequently causing trouble on the border of the Land of Fire. The Daimyo has requested assistance from the Hidden Leaf, hoping we can step forward to quell the unrest. What do you all think?" the Third Hokage asked everyone.
Homura Mitokado snorted coldly. "The theft of the Sealing Scroll last time was definitely instigated by the Sand. Now they are causing trouble at the border again. This is undoubtedly a provocation. Do they want to start a war?"
Danzo Shimura said indifferently, "I'm afraid the Hidden Sand Village really has that idea. Although war is cruel, it is also a means to seek benefits."
The Third Hokage shook his head. "The Hidden Sand Village has indeed been growing stronger day by day. A war between two great ninja villages is no small matter. We cannot treat it lightly; we must be cautious."
Homura Mitokado spoke again. "If we can avoid fighting, no one wants to fight. However, we cannot let the Sand provoke us at will, or it will weaken the Hidden Leaf's reputation. Since the Daimyo has asked for help, we cannot ignore it. But who should we send?"
"Let Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya go. Sarutobi's students are the elites of the Hidden Leaf; they are enough to handle this kind of situation," Koharu Utatane suggested.
"I agree," Homura Mitokado nodded.
However, the Third Hokage rejected the idea. "They are not suitable."
"Why?"
"First, Tsunade and Orochimaru have just become Jonin Instructors and have new students to lead. Second, precisely because the three of them are too iconic, we cannot let them go. This matter must be handled with a low profile."
"Then what about Sakumo Hatake? His ability is no worse than your three disciples."
The Third Hokage pondered for a moment and said, "I think it is best to let the Anbu handle it. Assassinating those troublemakers will suffice. We must not expose our identities."
Danzo suddenly spoke up at this point. "It seems you already have a candidate in mind. Then why go through the trouble of calling this meeting?"
The Third Hokage smiled. "I brought it up so everyone could discuss it."
"I wonder which Anbu unit you recommend?"
The Third Hokage said faintly, "The 7th Unit."
"Hmm?"
As the leader of "Root," the special Anbu organization, Danzo was naturally quite clear about the situation within the Anbu.
So when the Third Hokage mentioned the 7th Unit, he immediately frowned.
"I recall that the Captain of the 7th Unit sacrificed himself in a mission not long ago, correct?"
"Rest assured, I have appointed a new captain suitable for executing this mission."
"A new captain?" Danzo thought to himself.
Without certain qualifications and strength, one could not become an Anbu Captain.
Who would be the newly appointed Squad Captain?
"This newly appointed captain is a bit young and lacks seniority. However, with Yuna in the 7th Unit, I believe it is enough to guarantee the mission's success. What do you think?"
"Since you have already decided, what can I say?"
At the 7th Unit's base, Kawamoto, Nakata, and the others were bored, practicing shuriken throwing.
"The captain just sacrificed himself not long ago, and the new captain is so young. I'm afraid we won't be able to take on big missions for a long time."
"Big missions mean risking your life. Staying in the village, handling small daily conflicts, and patrolling is pretty relaxing."
"Bullshit. Being this dull and bored, I'd rather go to the front lines vigorously. I admire our former captain."
"I also feel that the new captain lacks seniority. If there are important missions in the future, our 7th Unit will definitely be the first to be ignored. We won't have a chance to show ourselves."
While the group was complaining, Kenji walked in from outside.
"Captain!"
Several of them immediately stood at attention seriously and greeted Kenji.
Although apart from Kawamoto, the other three still minded Kenji's age somewhat, things being as they were, no one dared to truly offend Kenji to his face.
Kenji scanned the four of them and asked, "Where is Yuna?"
Kawamoto answered, "Yuna is not here. She is often elusive. When the former captain called meetings, she was also frequently absent."
Kenji was speechless. Was this the privilege of a Jonin?
"Captain, you suddenly called us together. Is something up?" Nakata asked. "I have the night shift patrol tonight."
"Patrol?"
"Captain, our Anbu missions involve protecting the Hokage, defending against foreign invasions, maintaining village stability, resolving violent disputes, and so on. Every week, different units rotate to patrol the village. This week is our turn."
"Is that so?" Kenji said indifferently. "Then there's no need. I'm giving you a day off to rest. The day after tomorrow, you will set off with me to execute a mission."
"Huh?" All four were stunned. "Captain, execute a mission?"
"An assassination mission!"