Page 326
Page 326
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't think much of it and opened the scroll to take a look.
After reading it, he fell into deep thought.
This emotional substitution technique was more effective than he had imagined.
His idea was similar to Kitazawa's; it could be used for both psychological therapy and combat.
“Rank A ninjutsu is very valuable.”
After a moment's thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "This time I'll give you two million ryo."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Kitazawa immediately said.
"You can give Tsunade her money."
Hiruzen Sarutobi put away the ninjutsu scroll and said.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa paused for a moment and then said, "Lord Hokage, there is something I would like to ask you for help with."
"what's up?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe, took a puff, and asked with a contented air.
"My ninja squad has completed many D-rank missions in the past month, and the team members have all become close with the villagers."
Kitazawa looked troubled and said, "My next plan is to take on a suitable high-level mission, but I haven't found one after looking around."
"It's more than just a lot. You've completed ninety D-level missions in less than a month. Your team is truly unique."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with satisfaction, "And you did a very good job. Many villagers have given you rave reviews."
"It's all thanks to my three teammates."
Kitazawa shook his head and said.
“Your ninja squad certainly has the capability to handle high-level missions.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and asked, "I also have quite a few high-level missions here. What are your requirements?"
If it were an ordinary ninja, he wouldn't be so easy to talk to and would just casually give them a task.
But Kitazawa is Tsunade's student, that is, her grand-disciple.
In addition, Kitazawa has a good family background, which makes him very satisfied, so it is normal for him to give him more preferential treatment.
"Ideally, it should involve a Jonin mission, but my three team members are not strong enough, so it can't be too dangerous."
Kitazawa pondered for a moment before speaking.
"Your request puts me in a difficult position."
Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly laughed and said, "But there is indeed one."
Is there really such a thing?
Kitazawa quickly expressed his gratitude.
“This is my personal mission.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone became serious as he spoke.
Kitazawa was taken aback.
What is the deal with private missions?
His first thought was that it was a task like catching someone in the act of adultery.
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's wife, Biwako Sarutobi, had already been killed by Obito Uchiha during the Nine-Tails' attack.
"It's related to Asuma."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, "Asuma was rebellious and didn't want to stay in Konoha, so he went to the Land of Fire to become a Guardian Ninja."
Kitazawa's expression turned subtle upon hearing Sarutobi Asuma's name.
Did Hiruzen Sarutobi not know about his relationship with Kurenai Yuhi?
Logically, they should have noticed something.
After all, the two of them hadn't deliberately tried to hide it from each other.
"I recently received intelligence that there are problems within the Guardian Ninja, which have split into two factions."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a serious expression, "One faction is led by Asuma, and the other by Kazuma. The two factions have already fought several fierce battles."
Kitazawa had a sudden thought and remembered the plot of the original work.
Although it was only mentioned briefly in the original work, it is true.
Simply put, Kazuma believed that the Land of Fire should only have a Daimyo, not a Hokage, and that all power should belong to the Daimyo.
This idea naturally drew opposition from Sarutobi Asuma and others, ultimately leading to a major battle between the two sides.
As a result, Kazuma's side suffered heavy losses, and the Guardian Shinobi disbanded.
Sarutobi Asuma returned to Konoha and became the mentor of Nara Shikamaru, Yamanaka Ino, and Akimichi Choji.
"Does the Hokage mean for me to go to the Land of Fire to help Asuma?"
Kitazawa asked.
“This matter involves a powerful figure and is quite sensitive. I originally did not plan to send anyone there, but you are one of the few suitable candidates.”
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "Because your teacher is Tsunade."
Kitazawa understood after a moment's thought.
The Guardian Shinobi are the personal bodyguards of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Kazuma's proposal was also very beneficial to the daimyo of the Land of Fire.
Who knows, the daimyo of the Land of Fire might be secretly supporting him.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi definitely wanted Asuma Sarutobi to win, after all, he was a supporter of the Kage faction and also his own son.
However, as he said, this matter is too sensitive.
Konoha's forceful intervention in this matter will definitely displease the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
As for Kitazawa, he was Tsunade's student.
Tsunade was also very familiar with the Daimyo's family in the Land of Fire; in fact, their relationship could be described as very close.
"That being said, it cannot be said that it was my duty to go and help."
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and said, "Just say you were passing by and thought of Asuma, so you came to visit your classmate."
Upon hearing this, Kitazawa suddenly understood.
Besides being Tsunade's student, he also has the identity of Sarutobi Asuma's classmate.
In that case, even if the Daimyo of the Land of Fire suspects him, he will have no evidence.
It must be said that in most matters, Hiruzen Sarutobi can be described as a cunning old fox.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa said in a deep voice, "Then our team will take on this mission."
Is it dangerous? Yes, it is, but it's still within an acceptable range.
There are twelve Guardian Ninjas in total.
Judging from his performance, he is only on par with Jonin level, along with Asuma Sarutobi and Jiraiya.
Besides, the outcome was already decided in the original work; Kazuma and the others were destined to lose.
Kitazawa and his ninja squad can just go and mess around.
Of course, considering the requirements of the system tasks, we can find an opportunity to kill He Ma and the others.
After all, the reputation of the Guardian Ninja is quite high.
"This mission is designated as S-rank, with a reward of one million taels."
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and then said.
It involves twelve special Jonin and Jonin, and is also related to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, so classifying it as S-rank is quite reasonable.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa paused for a moment and asked, "Should I leave right after the Jonin meeting?"
"can."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "You don't need to worry too much. As far as I know, Asuma and his group have the upper hand now."
If it's too dangerous, he won't let Kitazawa and his ninja squad go.
If something really happens, Tsunade will demolish the Hokage Building.
After finishing their discussion, Kitazawa left the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched his figure, picked up his pipe, and took another puff.
Kitazawa and Kurenai were very close, so he naturally knew that.
He also knew that Sarutobi Asuma had been pursuing Kurenai Yuhi.
But when young people are dating, fair competition is all that matters.
Furthermore, with Tsunade's connection to Kitazawa, Hiruzen Sarutobi is unlikely to intervene to help Asuma Sarutobi.
That would be too degrading.
Kitazawa returned to the mission hall.
Although supporting Sarutobi Asuma felt a little strange, he saw it as an opportunity.
how to say?
Sarutobi Asuma is actually a nice person.
Kitazawa didn't want to have any conflict with Kurenai because of Yuhi.
It wouldn't be difficult to get Sarutobi Asuma to give up.
After all, he had already defeated Kurenai Yuhi, and what he needed to do was demonstrate his formidable strength.
In the ninja world, strength is ultimately paramount, and he and Sarutobi Asuma were competing fairly.
Given his exceptional talent, Sarutobi Asuma, no matter how unwilling he was, had no choice but to admit defeat.
"Teacher Kitazawa."
The three, including Kabuto, quickly came to greet them.
"Let's go back."
Kitazawa smiled and said, "I accepted an S-rank mission from the Hokage."
Upon hearing this, Kabuto and the other two showed expressions of surprise.
Although they are quite capable, S-rank missions are still too early for them.
What exactly is the mission?
Kabuto Yakushi's instincts as an intelligence agent were triggered, and he began to ponder.
Since Hiruzen Sarutobi entrusted this task to them, he believed they could complete it.
This S-rank mission shouldn't be as difficult as he imagined.
"I'll tell you when we get to the capital of the Land of Fire."
Kitazawa glanced at him and said, "You'll be in charge of gathering intelligence then."
"Ok."
The pharmacist raised an eyebrow, and roughly understood.
This is Kitazawa's test for them.
But intelligence gathering is his forte.
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