Konoha Notes

Chapter 82 Recruitment
Shuji slept exceptionally soundly that night, and when he woke up the next day, he realized that he was actually the last one to get up.

Itachi had probably gone home; when I saw him, he had changed his clothes and was eating dumplings with Anko.

These two would probably never get tired of eating this for the rest of their lives.

Besides the meatballs, there were also rice balls, tamagoyaki, and fried fish on the low table, as well as a bag containing a towel and a toothbrush.

"Mom cooked breakfast, and knowing I was coming back, she asked me to take some with me," Itachi said softly.

"The towels and toothbrushes are new, you can use them, senior."

The cool water splashed on his face, chasing away the last bit of sleepiness. He returned to the table and picked up a rice ball.

Hongdou said, "The Hokage sent someone to tell us to go to the Hokage Building after we rest."

"Hmm," Shuuji replied casually.

Red Bean looked forward to it: "A reward? It must be a reward! This mission was so arduous."

Itachi retorted, "It's you who's working hard, Senpai. Anko-senpai and I are just accompanying you."

"What nonsense are you talking about! Without foolish subordinates, how can the captain's brilliance and prowess be highlighted!"

Uchiha remained silent, unsure how to respond.

Hongdou smiled smugly.

After lunch, Team 5 headed to the Hokage Building. News of the successful mission had already spread throughout the village, but most villagers didn't know exactly who had participated, only that the team leader was named Shuuji.

But there is no specific image of who it is.

This time, Nara Shikaku and Utatane Koharu weren't in the office; only Sarutobi Hiruzen was there.

"Haven't you had enough rest yet? I'm so sorry to have called you all here again."

As always, the third generation leader first inquired about the situation before getting down to business.

"First of all, the news of your successful mission has greatly excited the villagers. Xiaochun has suggested holding a celebration ceremony for you, but I would like to hear your opinion first, Xiuji."

Boost morale? Create momentum? Or is it about rebuilding the Senju clan?
Or are they planning to create a new hero?
Xiu Si shook his head: "The success of the mission relied on the collective strength of the village. The front-line troops are still fighting, and I think it is inappropriate for us to take all the credit."

Hiruzen Sarutobi respected his opinion.

"The second thing is about the mission for Class 5. The village will add an S-rank mission completion record for each of you, and the reward will be issued after the administration department processes it."

"Thirdly, the fifth squad can rest in the village for three days..." At this point, the third leader said apologetically, "We're short-handed right now, so I can only give you this much time. I'm sorry."

Given the current situation, it would be enough to give a Jonin three days of rest, so Shuji doesn't care about that.

"Finally, the village needs to send someone to coordinate the handover of supplies with Sunagakure. There are some details that require your assistance."

Of course there is no problem.

After completing the handover, Hiruzen Sarutobi told Team 5 to go back and enjoy a short vacation.

The routine meal was a given. After resting, Xiu Si continued his training, filling in the blank scrolls he had bought before setting off.

Hayami Shigeru visited once during that period.

"Everyone thinks that your promotion to Jonin is a big deal and we should celebrate," he said.

Shuji knew exactly who this "big family" was, and this time he didn't refuse. There was no need for them to become famous within the village, but the rituals to maintain internal cohesion and unity were still necessary.

Xiuji did not refuse.

"You can arrange the time and place."

Hayami Shigeru left satisfied.

Team 5's vacation proceeded as planned, but the already chaotic ninja world would not be put on pause by a brief respite in a corner of Konoha.

Some were not willing to sit idly by and watch Konoha gradually turn the tide, nor were they willing to wait for Kumogakure to express its stance to Konoha's envoy. Just as Shuji was about to finish his last day of vacation, urgent intelligence once again shattered the relaxed atmosphere that had arisen due to the Sand Village alliance.

The villagers of Iwagakure have moved south in large numbers.

More than a thousand Iwagakure ninja surged across the border of the Land of Grass like a yellow tide, their forces aimed directly at the Kannabi Bridge!
The urgent cries of eagles at the front lines grew ever louder.

Shuji is summoned again.

Before leaving, Granny Taohua called him back.

"Shuji, really, you're not planning to give up?"

Xiu Si stopped at the door without turning around: "Yes."

Senju Momoka lowered her eyelids slightly: "In that case, let's go."

Take good care of yourself.

This time, only Shuji was summoned, not at the Hokage Building, but at the edge of a cliff above the Hokage Rock.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing down at the entire village. Behind him were the two ANBU members whom Shuji had seen before.

Because the features are so distinctive, they are easily recognizable.

One is Yamato, codenamed Tenzo, and the other is Kakashi Hatake.

"Shushi."

"Hokage-sama."

"Iwagakure has dispatched a Jinchūriki."

Shuji's eyes narrowed. No wonder the front lines collapsed so quickly—Iwagakure, with two Jinchūriki, certainly had that ability.

The Third Hokage's gaze remained fixed on the village below: "Uchiha Shisui has led the elite of the police force to the front line of the Land of Hot Springs."

The Land of Hot Springs? Is it to guard against Kumogakure also sending Jinchūriki? Shuji glanced at Tenzo and roughly understood why he was the only one summoned.

This time, all that's needed is his strength.

Itachi is still too young, and Anko lacks the means to fight against a Jinchūriki. The old woman's question before leaving might be the last chance she could give Shuji—a chance for the village to continue pretending not to know about his power.

"I have recalled Jiraiya, but he is alone and it is too difficult for him to deal with two Jinchuriki."

"Your words can be of help, right? I need a definite answer."

A brief silence fell over the edge of the cliff, broken only by the howling wind.

After a long silence, Shuji finally spoke: "I can."

The Third Generation took a deep breath and turned to face him: "Then I'll leave it to you."

Then his tone changed: "Jonin Shuji, you will be assigned to the Anbu for this mission, and will resume your Jonin status after the mission is completed."

"Your teammates are Kakashi and Tenzo. You already know about their abilities from the last assessment."

"Kakashi is more senior and has more experience in missions, so he will lead the team this time."

With tactical mastermind Kakashi leading the team, Shuji had no objections. It was a rare opportunity to not have to think too much.

By fighting as an Anbu member, it seems the Third Hokage doesn't intend to reveal his true identity. That's fine; Shuji doesn't want to easily expose his Wood Release abilities either.

Without the strength of Hashirama Senju, it's always wise to conceal information appropriately. Conventional ninjutsu is sufficient for most situations.

Keep a Wood Release trump card handy; if it hits the opponent, it can often decide their fate. Wood Release's additional damage is extremely strong, making it perfect for surprise attacks.

"The situation at the front is urgent. Depart immediately after receiving the Dark Guard equipment."

(End of this chapter)