The missions they could do were mostly things like catching cats or finding dogs. If someone could directly lead them on missions, their progress would be much faster.
In the original world, the person who proposed this system was Hiruzen , and in this world, it was still Hiruzen. But the difference was that this Hiruzen wasn't the Hokage, and Tobirama hadn't died during the First Great Shinobi War. The entire shinobi world was still in a peaceful phase, though it was fast approaching; war was on the verge of breaking out. However, only Tobirama and Torifu knew this; even Hashirama was still in the dark.
"But even if this system is good, once it's implemented, I won't be able to lead a squad, since I'm only a Special Jonin." Torifu thought about it; that seemed to be true. Besides, they were only twelve years old now. If he wanted to lead a squad, Torifu certainly could, but he'd be leading his former classmates! Maruboshi Kosuke, Umino Ikkaku, and Yūhi Shinku were all graduating this year and would just happen to catch the implementation of this new policy. You could say they had come at a good time; if they were assigned a reliable Jonin, their progress would undoubtedly be swift given their talent.
"No choice. Even if we could lead a squad, I don't think we're suitable right now."
Naori also nodded. "Exactly."
Amado didn't quite understand what Torifu and Naori were talking about, which was perfect, as he could just keep eating with his head down. When Torifu and Naori tried to pick up a piece of meat, they found the pot empty, and Amado was happily chewing.
"Speaking of which, little Tsunade is starting school this year, isn't she?"
Naori sighed. "Yes, time truly flies. It feels like she was just a baby in swaddling clothes."
Senju Tsunade, the little princess of the entire Senju clan and indeed of all Konoha. The news of her starting the Ninja Academy naturally garnered attention throughout the village. In fact, Tsunade genuinely needed to go to school to learn, primarily because she couldn't constantly follow Hashirama around anymore. She hadn't learned anything good; just like in the original world, she had picked up Hashirama's gambling habit completely. She spent her days holding dice, looking for people to play odds or evens, which made Mito furious, often giving Hashirama a good beating daily. She'd scold him for not teaching Tsunade anything worthwhile.
Coincidentally, Hashirama's son, Asa, had suddenly returned last year, bringing with him a little baby boy. He looked like he had just been born. The parents, upon seeing Tsunade, didn't recognize the little girl at all; they only remembered her after Hashirama manually transmitted memories to them. But Tsunade didn't recognize her parents either, which left Hashirama utterly speechless for a while. After dropping the child off, the couple quickly left Konoha Village again, leaving no trace behind. This again angered Hashirama, keeping him awake for several nights. Mito, however, was unfazed; she had grown accustomed to it over the years. She found a note in her grandson's swaddling clothes, with the characters "Senju Nawaki" written on it. This, she figured, must be his name.
With Tsunade's precedent, Mito resolutely refused to let Hashirama babysit this time, choosing instead to diligently care for her little grandson herself. Tsunade would sometimes try to help, but she always ended up being more of a hindrance. Fortunately, Tsunade adored her younger brother and would often lean over his cradle, teasing him. In short, the Senju clan compound had been filled with joy this past year. Finally, they had an heir, and all the Senju clan members loved their little prince. Some even directly called Nawaki "Young Clan Head."
However, Mito immediately squashed that title. After all, the child was still so small. If he were called "Young Clan Head" from such a young age, and yet, like his father, had no shinobi talent, the blow to him would be too great. Torifu, however, believed there was no need to worry about this, as he had the script; Nawaki's talent was actually very high, but he was simply destined for a short life.
Plates of meat on the table were devoured one after another, and soon all the meat was gone. Full and content, the three leaned back in their chairs and chatted for a while, then called a waiter for the bill. It totaled six thousand ryo, not a single coin more or less. Over these years, not only had people changed, but Konoha's prices were also subtly shifting. However, for Torifu, this was still nothing. His household expenses didn't even require dipping into the ancestors' accumulated fortune; Torifu's mission earnings alone were enough for daily expenses, and he simply couldn't spend it all.
After the three left the barbecue restaurant, Naori rubbed her cheeks. "Ah, I ate so much! I need to go train later, or I'll definitely gain weight." She giggled. "But still, thank you so much for the treat, Torifu."
Torifu waved his hand. "Between us, there's no need to be so polite."
Naori smiled. "Hehe, well then, I'm heading back!"
Amado waved goodbye. "Naori-nee, take care!"
Naori turned, waved, and left. Afterward, Torifu and Amado also headed home. Amado had truly enjoyed his meal this time. Previously, because he had to budget his pocket money, he could never eat this much at once, or he wouldn't have anything for his next meal. Today was truly wonderful.
"Come on, let's go home too."
Amado nodded, and then the two walked towards the Kumotsuru Clan compound. As they passed the Kato family's house, they encountered Kato Dan and Oyashirō En. The two were sparring in the courtyard, while Kon Kato watched from the side. He had only just started school and hadn't learned much yet. Many of the techniques he couldn't quite understand; he could only watch for amusement.
Dan, sharp-eyed, caught sight of Torifu and Amado returning home in his peripheral vision. "Torifu Nii-san, Amado, where were you two?"
En, who also had a good relationship with Torifu, added, "Amado blew up the house again! I was just taking a nap, and it scared the life out of me!"
Amado could only scratch his head awkwardly. "Next time, I'll be careful, next time!"
The three of them were classmates and neighbors, so their relationship was naturally good. They often sparred together. Today, they had originally gone looking for Amado but couldn't find him because he was out eating.
"Want to spar? En and I just fought to a draw."
Amado waved his hands repeatedly. "No, no. I just finished eating and I'm stuffed. I won't join you two. See you at school tomorrow."
Dan could only nod regretfully. It was a rare day off, and Amado had gone out for a big meal behind their backs! Just wait until school tomorrow!
"Oh, by the way, Torifu Nii-san, my father has something for you." En then ran to a corner of the courtyard and retrieved the item: a black bag.
As soon as Torifu saw it, he knew what was inside.