Chapter 180: The Nine-Man Assassination Squad
Sasuke silently followed Shikaku.
Wearing a mask, Sasuke donned the uniform of an ANBU ninja, with all his hair tied into a single bundle.
"There is no trace of Sasuke's shadow to be seen at all.
Even Kakashi wouldn't have any suspicions upon seeing Sasuke.
Additionally,
Sasuke learned a bit of voice modulation and completely changed his voice.
Although speaking like this makes his throat feel somewhat uncomfortable,
he had no choice but to do so in order to conceal his identity.
The two walked silently, but as an elite Jonin, Shikaku could completely sense the powerful chakra waves faintly emanating from Sasuke.
At such a young age... to have such terrifying chakra waves.
'As expected of the Senju bloodline!'
'I didn't expect that there were still members of the Senju clan in the ninja world!'
At this thought, Shikaku felt it was necessary to protect Sasuke well. For Konoha, the Senju clan's ninjas were more than just a strong combat force.
They were also a symbol.
'You... just returned to Konoha?'
After walking for a long while, Shikaku Nara couldn't help but ask.
Sasuke glanced at him. 'Yes!'
'Life outside Konoha all these years must have been tough.'
'It was alright.'
'Who taught you your ninjutsu?'
'My father.'
'And your father?'
'He's dead.'
'My condolences…'
At this point, Shikaku felt embarrassed to continue asking questions.
He brought Sasuke to a familiar park.
'Team Three, your companions for the next period, are here.'
'Your Jonin instructor is currently recovering from injuries, so you won't have a Jonin instructor for now.'
As he spoke, Sasuke had already spotted two people in the park: Rock Lee and Tenten.
The arrival of Sasuke and Shikaku immediately drew the attention of Lee and Tenten. However, their focus was obviously more on Sasuke.
'He's a ninja from the Anbu, codenamed Senju. He will be your new companion for the next period,' Shikaku explained. 'He'll temporarily replace Neji and join you as a team.'
Hearing this, Lee became a bit anxious. 'Mr. Shikaku, Neji wasn't absent by choice he's been detained!'
'I know,' Shikaku sighed. 'Neji is still a member of Team Three, but there are special tasks ahead that require a three-person team to complete, or else the missions will be very difficult.'
As long as Neji wasn't officially removed from Team Three, Lee was somewhat relieved.
At the same time, Lee felt a bit excited missions!
Finally, it was their turn to shine?
Since Konoha's internal turmoil began, these Genin had only been assigned patrol duties. There hadn't been any combat missions, leaving Konoha's Twelve Little Soldiers feeling quite anxious.
'I've already summoned other Genin from your cohort,' Shikaku continued. 'For now, just wait. You'll soon be given an important mission.'
The other Genin from their cohort numbered quite a few, and it wasn't just Konoha's Twelve Little Soldiers. There were also many other ninjas.
Among them were many Genin who didn't appear in the original storyline. If all these Genin were sent out, there would undoubtedly be casualties.
Sasuke, Lee, and Tenten didn't say much.
At this point, they were just observing one another. Although they were about to execute missions together, Lee and Tenten were not very enthusiastic.
After all, in Neji's absence, having an unknown Anbu ninja suddenly join their team as a temporary replacement was something they needed time to digest.
Soon, Konoha's Twelve Little Soldiers began to arrive one by one, though the Seventh Team was absent.
Firstly, Naruto's identity meant he couldn't move freely during this period.
Secondly, the Seventh Team's lineup wasn't complete; Sai was still under Danzo's control. Naturally, he couldn't step in as a new member of the Seventh Team.
Among the arriving Genin were Kiba Inuzuka, Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, Sasuke, Lee, and Tenten.
A total of nine people.
'Now, a special mission will be assigned to you,' Shikaku began. 'Ninja forces from smaller nations are wreaking havoc in Konoha's rear area.
Although we've dispatched ninja forces to intercept them, we've only managed to hold them off.
The main battle against Danzo's forces is about to begin.
Therefore, securing the rear area is of utmost importance.
You nine Genin are considered the elite among Genin.
I know you've been eager to take on missions, and Lady Tsunade has given the order.
You are to go and halt the enemy forces in the rear area, and assassinate the leaders of these enemy ninja forces.'
Shikaku's expression became serious as he continued.
'These small nation ninjas dared to take advantage of the situation, hoping to profit from Konoha's chaos!
As the strongest ninja village of the five great nations, even in such circumstances, we must show the ninja world that Konoha… can deal with these small nation ninja forces with just Genin!'
'Your mission is simple: assassinate the leaders of their ninja forces.'
The targets were from the Land of Rain, the Land of Rivers, the Land of Waterfalls, and the Land of Grass four small nations' ninja forces.
Four targets, three teams.
Although the numbers didn't perfectly match, successfully assassinating even one or two leaders would instill fear in these small nation ninja forces.
'Do you have confidence?' Shikaku asked, looking at the nine of them.
The nine remained silent.
'What? Are you scared?'
Suddenly, Shikamaru spoke up. 'Dad, are those all the instructions? If you're done, I'd like to see the intel on these assassination targets.'
'We should start the mission immediately. Isn't the main battlefield urgent as well?' Shikamaru asked.
Hearing this, Shikaku smiled. 'I'll provide the intel.'
'Shikamaru, are you confident in being the captain for this mission?' Shikaku asked. 'Will you lead your companions to complete the assassination mission?'
This time, Shikamaru didn't decline as he usually would.
He simply nodded decisively. 'Leave it to me, Dad.'
'The main battlefield is in your hands!'
For the first time, Shikaku felt a sense of masculinity from his son. He was quite surprised.
If his son was this confident, then as a father, he couldn't afford to lose face either.
'Don't worry, Danzo is nothing to fear.'
'Oh, one more thing, Dad,' Shikamaru added. 'Since I'm the captain, what's the deal with this guy? Care to explain?'
Shikamaru pointed at the newcomer, 'Sasuke,' as he spoke.
Shikaku nodded. 'You're the captain, so you should understand your team members' backgrounds.
He's an Anbu ninja, codenamed Senju, temporarily taking Neji's place.'
With that single sentence, Shikaku felt he didn't need to elaborate further.
Hearing this, Shikamaru looked at Sasuke in surprise.
'Senju… Could this guy have inherited the abilities of the Senju clan?'
Otherwise, why would he dare to use 'Senju' as his codename?
If that were true, this newcomer was likely very powerful.
The Senju clan was renowned for their extraordinary chakra reserves!"
"I understand, Dad. Leave the rest to me!"
"Give me the intel, and I'll draft the battle plan!"
Shikaku: "Someone will bring it to you soon. Once you're ready, have your team set out. Remember, act swiftly and make them understand the terror of Konoha..."
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