Chapter 62: Relaxing, And Introducing Karin

Karin met Team 8 and Team 10 a few days earlier than Sato had anticipated.

Nara Shikamaru, who possessed high emotional intelligence, observed the process of Sato and Karin getting acquainted and noticed Sato's fondness for the girl. He wanted her to join their group, so he decided to help Sato by offering to introduce them.

Ino immediately agreed with Shikamaru, expressing her curiosity to meet Karin as well.

Sato didn't refuse the offer, understanding Shikamaru's intentions. He nodded and assigned a Shadow Clone to bring Karin to the place where they were going to have dinner together.

And now, the scene unfolded as follows:

Seeing the timid and hesitant Karin, Ino approached her enthusiastically, reminiscent of how she had pulled Haruno into their group. Ino warmly embraced Karin's shoulders and said with a smile, "Don't be nervous. We mean no harm. My name is Yamanaka Ino, and you can call me Ino."

"Um... Hello, my name is Uzumaki Karin," she replied softly, still unable to look directly at Ino.

Just as Shizune regarded Sato and Karin as younger siblings due to their connection with Tsunade, she respectfully addressed them as Lord Sato and Lord Karin, regardless of what Sato said. Shizune maintained a humble position, not letting her status as Kato Dan's niece get to her head, nor becoming arrogant despite possessing Tsunade's true medical skills.

Similarly, Karin held herself in low esteem, even going as far as considering herself Sato's maid. She didn't allow herself to become complacent or think of monopolizing Sato just because he favored her. Furthermore, since Sato's Wood Release was awakened due to his desire to protect her, she believed her position in Sato's heart had surpassed that of Ino and Hinata. Consequently, she harbored hostility towards the two women.

However, Ino remained oblivious to Karin's thoughts. Seeing Karin's shyness and resemblance to the easily manageable Hinata, Ino's sense of unease dissipated. She enthusiastically introduced Karin to Team 10, expertly assuming an older sister role. With the help of Shikamaru and Sato, who possessed high emotional intelligence, Karin quickly assimilated into the tight-knit circle of Teams 8 and 10.

Out of the Konoha 12(Sato included), the circles of Teams 8 and 10 were undoubtedly the easiest to integrate into. Apart from Ino, who exuded a lively personality, what were the other members like? Shikamaru was a laid-back individual, Chōji had an insatiable appetite, Shino was reserved, and Hinata was the epitome of shyness. Getting along with them was a breeze.

It wasn't as troublesome as dealing with Team 7, where one had to witness the love triangle drama between two love-struck individuals. Nor was it as introverted as Guy's Team, who spent their days immersed in relentless training, burning through their youth. In the words of Shikamaru, it was just... too troublesome.

Therefore, Sato's only significant connection was with Ino, Shikamaru, and Chōji.

To celebrate Karin joining their group, Sato's team decided to hunt and have a barbecue. They divided the labor between men and women, with the men responsible for hunting and the women for shopping and preparing the ingredients. Sato preferred this kind of self-catered dinner over dining at barbecue restaurants or other establishments.

Sato recognized that as the years went by and they settled into adulthood, such gatherings would become less frequent. The flavor of these dinners would fade away with time. Hence, he cherished the present moment, knowing that it wouldn't last forever.

Time flies, and a week passes in the blink of an eye.

During this week, Teams 8 and 10 still had no assigned missions.

Kurenai also didn't seek them out, as both Jōnin and even Chūnin were extremely busy. The death of the Third Hokage meant that the key figures had to take charge and handle various issues within the Fire Nation and Konoha, keeping them occupied day in and day out. Even if there were no missions requiring them to leave the village, they had to remain in Konoha to protect it. As a result, Teams 8 and 10 were left without tasks, continuing their long-term leisure.

The mission system would only return to normal once the Fifth Hokage assumed office.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Sato took Karin to meet Ino and Hinata every day, allowing the three girls to build a strong bond. The trio didn't disappoint Sato and quickly became close friends, sharing everything with each other. Sato also occasionally brought them to Shizune for advice on medical ninjutsu.

During this week, Kakashi, who had been defeated by Itachi's Tsukuyomi, was healed by Tsunade and received a playful scolding from her. Sasuke, after being defeated by Itachi once again, found himself at a crossroads. He had to decide whether to stay in the familiar surroundings of Konoha or seek stronger power under Orochimaru's teaching. Once he made his decision, the destinies of the Ashura and Indra reincarnations of the current generation were set in motion.

More than a week later, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura returned to Konoha with the daimyo's letter of appointment after their meeting. The news of the Fifth Hokage's succession ceremony spread throughout the village immediately. Upon learning that Tsunade, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, the princess of the Land of Fire, and one of the legendary Sannin, was the candidate to become the Fifth Hokage, Konoha erupted in celebration. The civilians on the streets gradually regained their smiles, engaging in discussions about Tsunade's achievements and stories they had heard from their parents and grandparents regarding the First and Second Hokage.

If morale could be seen and digitized, Konoha's morale had increased by at least a dozen points.

However, Tsunade felt that this morale recovery wasn't enough. So, on the day before the succession ceremony, Tsunade asked Shizune to summon Sato and informed him in advance of her trust and expectations.

Upon hearing that Tsunade wanted his assistance, Sato's expression became slightly odd.

"...How about it, can you do it now?" Tsunade asked expectantly as she observed Sato's silence.

"It can be done, but sister Tsunade, won't this draw too much attention?" Sato scratched his head in embarrassment and suggested, "Can I wear a mask at least?"

"You idiot, wearing a mask won't change anything!" Tsunade rolled her eyes and then spoke with seriousness, "I simply want to announce in a grand manner that you are my people, the hope for reviving the glory of the Senju clan and saving Konoha. Anyone who dares to harm you will face my wrath and won't get away with it. And only by doing so can I utilize my Hokage authority to train you without reservation."

As Tsunade uttered the last sentence, her strong demeanor softened, and she placed her hand on Sato's head, playfully ruffling his white hair.

"I see... Even though we aren't blood-related siblings, there's a whole generation's gap between us," Sato remarked. "But I must admit, at this moment, I am truly moved."

Hence, Sato dropped his pretenses, vigorously nodding while slightly raising the corner of his mouth. "I won't let you down, sister Tsunade."

"Good boy, I believe in you!" Tsunade smiled as she held Sato's head, planting a firm kiss on his forehead.