"Lord Hokage, that is the situation as I understand it."
In the Hokage's Office, Dan Katō reported a series of circumstances regarding the recent mission to the Third Hokage.
"Mn. I didn't expect those people to be so ruthless. The Uzumaki Clan has already perished, yet they still want to exterminate them completely and won't let a few survivors go." The Third Hokage's voice was both angry and helpless.
Although the Hidden Leaf was friendly with the Uzumaki Clan, it was impossible to openly start a conflict with several great nations for the sake of a perished clan.
All they could do was protect the few survivors of the Uzumaki Clan well.
"Dan, settle Sōma Uzumaki's family on my behalf. Let them reside in the Hidden Leaf."
"Yes!" Having received a new assignment, Dan Katō took his leave.
"Little Tsunade, how was it? How was the experience of this mission?" The Hokage narrowed his eyes and looked at Tsunade with a smile.
The current Third Hokage was in the prime of his life, at his peak state. He wasn't as stickler for old rules; he didn't lack heroism or boldness.
While he usually indulged Tsunade, he would also crack small jokes with her.
"What do you mean 'how was it'? Didn't I complete the mission?" Tsunade said with a slightly guilty conscience.
"Although it looks like you completed the mission perfectly, you definitely suffered quite a bit." The Third Hokage had a look that said I know everything. "Doing a mission alone is different from doing a mission with students."
"Nonsense. While this mission had some twists and turns, I completed it easily." Tsunade refused to admit defeat.
"Is that so? That's good then. I am gratified that you have the responsibility to be a Jonin Instructor," the Third Hokage said with a laugh. "Let's change the subject. How about we talk about Kenji Ishizaki?"
"Kenji?"
"Mn, I did some investigating. Regarding the two Sand ninja from last time, Hiashi Hyuga and Fugaku Uchiha joined forces to defeat one, who was captured alive by us. The other one, however, died at Kenji's hands."
Tsunade was startled. "Wasn't it Fugaku Uchiha who killed him?"
The Third shook his head. "Fugaku Uchiha is indeed an outstanding member of the Uchiha's new generation, and I have been watching him. But given his strength, it is not enough to kill a Chunin."
Tsunade pondered for a moment. It seemed Kenji had also killed a Chunin during this recent mission.
"That guy is getting more and more mysterious. Even I am being kept in the dark."
The Third Hokage glanced at Tsunade and asked, "Tsunade, it seems we have all underestimated Kenji. With his strength, he has long since far surpassed the level of graduates of the same grade. It might be inappropriate for him to continue doing novice missions with you."
"Teacher, what do you want to do?" Tsunade sensed something unusual.
"You don't need to look so vigilant. I just want him to join the Anbu." The Third smiled bitterly.
"No!" Tsunade refused instinctively.
She had become a Jonin Instructor because of Kenji. If Kenji left to join the Anbu, what would she do?
"Kenji has been with me since he was little. If he joins the Anbu, wouldn't I be unable to see him for long periods? No, I refuse."
Hearing this, the Third sighed. "Tsunade, I know about your relationship with Kenji. But no matter how close you are, you don't need to be stuck together every day. Being separated for a while isn't necessarily a bad thing. Kenji is a good seedling. Joining the Anbu will give him experience and allow him to enter a higher level. Think of it for the sake of his future."
Tsunade fell silent, though she was still somewhat unconvinced in her heart.
Could it be that Kenji couldn't become stronger following her?
But since the Third had brought up Kenji's future, she didn't dare to joke around or act on impulse.
After thinking it over again and again, she spoke: "Whether he joins the Anbu or not, you have to ask for Kenji's opinion."
"Of course. If he isn't willing, how could I force him?"
When Kenji returned home, he found that Nawaki was also there.
"Kenji-ge, you're finally back. I'm so bored."
"Didn't you go on a mission with Orochimaru?" Kenji asked, finding it strange.
"I did go, but that mission was too boring. We were actually catching cats for someone. Oh my god..." Nawaki asked the heavens speechlessly.
Kenji couldn't help but laugh. "Be content. It can still be considered an opportunity to exercise."
Speaking of which, Orochimaru during this period really had patience to accept this kind of mission.
"Exercise my foot. I'm tired to death and haven't learned anything." Nawaki complained, then asked, "Kenji-ge, how was the mission with my sister?"
Kenji just smiled and didn't answer.
Although this mission was relatively dangerous, for a ninja, danger was always more stimulating and attractive than catching cats.
If he told the truth, Nawaki would probably be even more depressed.
"The mission was a bit tiring. I'll go rest first."
At night, Kenji woke up in a daze and found Tsunade walking in holding a quilt.
This gave him a fright. Was Tsunade going to force herself on him?
"Tsunade, this is so sudden. I haven't mentally prepared myself yet." Kenji pondered whether he should submit or shout for help.
Tsunade was slightly stunned and asked, "You know?"
"It's so obvious, how could I not know?"
Tsunade thought, Kenji was sleeping after he came back, so he couldn't have known about this matter.
Seeing his eyes darting around, she suddenly understood. Both angry and amused, she said, "Stop letting your imagination run wild. I have serious business to discuss with you."
"Anyway, you've slept enough. Chat with me tonight."
"Uh..."
Even if Kenji was unwilling, faced with the domineering Tsunade, he had no choice but to sit up and keep her company.
"Such a good time, yet we aren't doing 'things' but chatting instead. What a waste!" Kenji muttered. "What do you want to talk about?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes at Kenji and said, "Teacher Sarutobi asked me to ask you if you have any intention of joining the Anbu."
"Join the Anbu?"
Kenji paused, then fell into deep thought.
He was now a Chunin. Continuing to do novice missions with Tsunade, Dan Uchiha, and Michiko seemed a bit inappropriate.
The Third Hokage had probably realized this as well, which was why he decided to let him join the Anbu.
Although life in the Anbu was dull and boring, one had to admit it was indeed a good place for training.
"Kenji, if you aren't willing, I'll refuse for you."
Kenji shook his head. "I'll go talk to Lord Hokage, then I'll decide whether to join the Anbu or not."