Hokages Office Building.
The Third Hokage was seriously listening to Aburame Shibi's report.
"Is that so? To be so outstanding that even someone as meticulous as you gives such high praise." The Third Hokage showed a gratified smile. It was truly rare for a Perfect Ninja like Shibi to offer commendation.
"Might Guy has mastered the Eight Gates Released Formation, a Body Technique that stimulates physical power; Ichie has awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan; and Bai Lu possesses powerful Kekkei Genkai Ninjutsu..."
The Third Hokage pondered while puffing on his pipe.
As expected, this was the squad he favored and had assigned Shibi as the Squad Leader Jonin for.
Shiranui Bai Lu, in particular, brought him a surprise beyond imagination!
A powerful and mysterious Kekkei Genkai, potent area-of-effect poison attacks, and a strange, currently unexplained, Solid Clone Technique... Any single one of these abilities would be enough to qualify for a promotion to Chunin.
More importantly... Bai Lu is suspected of having an extremely exaggerated total Chakra reserve. While the limit is currently unknown, preliminary judgment suggests he possesses a Chakra level that touches the Jonin Rank.
"Shibi, do you have a sample of Bai Lu's poison?" the Third Hokage suddenly asked.
"No, Lord Third. I later examined some dead Parasitic Bugs but couldn't find any traces of poison. It seems Bai Lu must have recovered it."
"So that's how it is. What a cautious child..."
The Third Hokage nodded, feeling a slight regret. Such a completely new poison, capable of poisoning and killing a large number of incredibly resilient insects like the Parasitic Bugs, truly demanded his attention. It would be best to acquire the method for formulating the poison and then develop an Antidote.
There will be opportunities in the future.
"Guy and Bai Lu are close friends, and Ichie and Bai Lu also have a relationship. Such profound bonds make one truly look forward to their future..."
The Third Hokage sighed with emotion.
"Well then, Shibi, I'm counting on you for what comes next. You bear an important Mission: to cultivate this New Generation—the most talented since Kakashi. Ten years from now, Konoha Village will rely on people like them for support..."
The Third Hokage looked gratified.
Shibi nodded and departed in silence.
After a moment of contemplation, the Third Hokage took out a brand new File.
"Solving Kakashi's psychological issues is imperative. Using Shibis Squad as a template, we must establish strong bonds for him too... His mortal enemy, Obito, and Obito's crush, Rin Nohara... I hope things develop as I wish. As for their Squad Leader Jonin..."
The Third Hokage already had a plan.
Minato Namikaze.
In the Early Stage of the war, Minato Namikaze had already confronted the AB Brothers of Cloud Village head-on without losing ground, completely establishing his reputation and being regarded as a new Kage-level expert.
If Minato Namikaze were to be responsible for Kakashi's Squad... "Minato's Lover is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki... Having the three of Kakashi as his Disciples will certainly deepen his bond with Konoha Village..."
The Third Hokage made his decision... The fact that Shibis Squad was about to start executing Missions did not attract much attention outside of the Third Hokage.
Although many were surprised that a Perfect Jonin like Shibi would return to the village to be a Squad Leader Jonin after fighting for over two years, it was only surprise.
Many Jonin who had fought fiercely on the Front Line for a long time were now resting in the village. Having lost family, comrades, and subordinates, it was inevitable that some potential changes would occur in their minds and even their cognitive thinking.
The method of having them lead the New Generation to quickly mature is highly cost-effective. It allows these Jonin to gain more bonds while ensuring the New Generation rapidly develops into talent that can contribute to the village.