Chapter 99: First Mission

In a private room at the restaurant, Hinata and Karin experienced being out of favor for the first time.

Previously, when they all gathered for dinner, Sato treated the three girls equally, taking care of them and showing no favoritism. Even if he sometimes unintentionally neglected Karin , Sato would make up for it when they returned home.

But now, Hanabi had claimed the exclusive attention that used to be divided between Hinata and Karin. She didn't just sit next to Sato; she took a seat on his lap to eat.

Observing Sato still wearing his Jōnin vest that he hadn't taken off yet, Hanabi seemed to have just noticed and asked with her beautiful eyes slightly widened, "Sato big brother, why is the vest you're wearing different from before?"

Smiling as he transferred some delicacies from his plate to Hanabi's, Sato replied to Karin, "That's because your big brother has become a Jōnin, and this is a Jōnin's uniform."

"Amazing…" Hanabi exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.

Despite being only eight years old, Hanabi wasn't completely ignorant. In fact, she was much more precocious than her sister Hinata was at the same age. While she allowed herself to be a child around her sister and Sato, she presented herself as a mature individual in front of her father, elders, teachers, and even her teammates. As the standout genius of the Hyuga clan without the competition from the Senju or Uchiha clans, Hanabi excelled as the top student in the ninja academy.

In addition to her combat prowess, the top student needed to excel in areas like cultural knowledge and teamwork, among others. Hence, Hanabi was well aware of the different ninja ranks and their requirements.

To her knowledge, the fastest record for a ninja to become a Jōnin was twelve years old, and that was achieved during a war. Sato, on the other hand, was the same age as her sister and only two months older than her. He had attained Jōnin status at the age of thirteen.

This realization left Hanabi in awe. No wonder people hailed Sato as Konoha's hope and the Hokage who had risen from adversity.

Unaware of Hanabi's thoughts, Sato, seeing her lost in thought, playfully pinched her cheek and encouraged her to focus on eating. "Hanabi, you'll become just as strong in the future. Let's eat for now."

Excitedly, Hanabi returned to the present. "Sato big brother, when I graduate, can you become my Jōnin instructor?"

Sato inquired with a smile, "do you want to be my disciple ?"

"mhmm!" Hanabi nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

After pondering for a moment, Sato nodded and agreed, "Alright, after you graduate, I'll apply to Master Hokage to become your Jōnin instructor."

"Really? That's great! Thank you, big brother!" Hanabi cheered.

Unbeknownst to them, Sato's swift agreement was part of his playful antics. With Hanabi being five years younger than him and Hinata, by the time she graduated from ninja school, Shippuden would have concluded, giving Sato ample time to act as her mentor.

This was why Sato readily accepted. However, Hanabi, Hinata, and Karin had no idea about his underlying intentions.

Time continued to pass, and a few days later...

In the Hokage's office, Sato, Hinata, and Karin's enigmatic team assembled for the first time.

Shizune handed them three storage scrolls, each containing Anbu uniforms and Anbu manuals. With a solemn expression, Tsunade addressed the team, "Your current team is not just active ninja; you are also Anbu, entrusted with information and intelligence that will remain confidential. Even your names will not be disclosed as Anbu members. Do you understand?"

A unified "yes" came from Sato and the others.

"Very well. If you have time, you can give your team a name and also select your own code names," Tsunade said, nodding with satisfaction. She then retrieved a small storage scroll from her desk drawer and tossed it to Sato. "This is your first mission. After studying the Anbu manual, take action promptly. It must be completed within a month."

Upon receiving the flying scroll, Sato briefly examined the seal. When he noticed a large 'S' written on it, his Sharingans contracted slightly. However, his demeanor remained composed as he acknowledged, "Understood, Lord Hokage."

In work mode, Sato had switched to addressing Tsunade differently.

Tsunade didn't mind the change and smiled, "After you complete this mission, your reward is access to the Forbidden Technique library. If you wish to learn powerful Forbidden Techniques, work hard."

After the demise of the two elders and the disbandment of Danzō's Root organization, Konoha had entered the era of Tsunade. She now had absolute authority and could appoint new elders, continue to let the current Hokage's assistant and elder assist her, or simply leave the positions vacant. She had the final say in all matters. She chose not to appoint anyone who might countermand her decisions, ensuring that Sato and F4's merits remained intact.

Sato replied, "Yes, Lord Hokage."

Hinata and Karin, on the other hand, had relatively subdued reactions. They had no desire for Forbidden Techniques, as they were content with Tsunade's true medical ninjutsu, the Chakra Enhanced Strength, and the Hundred Healings Mark. Additionally, Karin had received a gift from Tsunade: knowledge of the Uzumaki family's sealing techniques, passed down from Uzumaki Mito. These were more than enough for them to learn, especially considering their limited time.

As the three left the Hokage building, they didn't disband but instead headed to Sato's home.

In Sato's living room, he opened the mission scroll provided by Tsunade, revealing the content of their first S-rank mission. Their reactions varied.

Sato raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of surprise.

Hinata and Karin, however, were visibly shocked. Their first foray into the dark world of S-rank missions left them wide-eyed, challenging their worldviews. Their mission was the extermination of an entire clan.

Sato noticed their unease and comforted them, "Don't burden yourselves too much. We're simply following in the footsteps of senior Anbu, safeguarding Konoha's peace from the shadows. In times of peace, Anbu are the unsung heroes and true ninjas."

Hinata and Karin, despite having witnessed violence for an extended period, were reassured by Sato's words. They quickly composed themselves and nodded in agreement.