Though Kazuku was only seven, his combat prowess was undeniably fierce.
Single-handedly, he crushed the team of Hiruzen and the others!
This contrast…
Made Hiruzen and the others seem weak.
So, these ninja, handpicked by Tobirama from the academy as disciples for focused training…
Were all convinced by Kazuku's immense strength.
They accepted him as the captain of this ninja team.
"Very well…"
Tobirama stood, seeing no one doubted Kazuku, and announced to them.
"Since you all recognize Kazuku, from today, he'll be your captain for your first mission!"
In truth, before the bell-snatching battle, Tobirama received a commission from another nation.
An S-rank mission!
If Kazuku could accept and complete it…
It would earn him significant contribution points.
And boost his reputation in Konoha.
"Though Kazuku has jonin-level strength, he's done few missions."
"The highest was only C-rank."
Tobirama thought.
To promote Kazuku to jonin, village contributions and reputation were essential.
In fact…
Though Hiruzen was the team's only jonin, he wasn't the only one with jonin-level strength.
Uchiha Kagami.
Akimichi Torifu with the Red Chili Pill.
Both had jonin-level strength.
But their mission count kept them at chunin.
Forcing a promotion could cause discontent in the village.
It wouldn't help Kazuku's path to Hokage.
"The key point…"
Tobirama's eyes narrowed, focusing on Kazuku.
Becoming Hokage didn't guarantee trust.
Gaining trust enabled one to become Hokage.
This was clear with Hashirama and Madara.
Konoha's villagers, including the Uchiha, chose Hashirama as First Hokage.
Was it because he was stronger than Madara?
No.
It was because they trusted Hashirama more.
So, they chose him over someone like Madara.
With this precedent, Tobirama was cautious in grooming a Hokage, considering every detail.
He needed…
A successor to Hashirama's Will of Fire.
Not someone like Madara.
Especially since Kazuku was only seven, his worldview still forming.
At least…
Tobirama thought so.
And even stepping back…
Kazuku was seven.
It's not like he was being groomed to be Hokage at eight.
Promotions could wait.
No need to rush.
"This mission is an S-rank commission from another nation's daimyo, with a bounty of two million ryo!"
Tobirama's words caused a stir.
Typically, such missions weren't assigned to chunin.
No one present had done an S-rank mission!
"S-rank right off the bat?"
Kazuku thought, Wow.
The Naruto world's currency wasn't yen but ryo.
Strictly, Kishimoto based its value on pre-inflation Japan.
Especially now, before the First Shinobi War…
Currency was worth more than in Kakuzu's time.
So, two million ryo was a fortune in today's Naruto world.
This meant the client hiring ninja with such money…
Was either…
Filthy rich and foolish.
Or…
The mission was extremely difficult!
"There can't be that many rich fools in this world." Kazuku muttered, judging.
He also felt this commission wasn't a coincidence.
Right after the bell-snatching battle, Tobirama conveniently recalled an S-rank mission?
No way.
Likely, Tobirama planned from the start…
To assign this mission to Kazuku.
"Thinking about it…"
Kazuku frowned, glancing at his subordinates around him.
He felt…
Trapped!
Considering Tobirama's cunning and strategic nature…
Kazuku was certain.
Of course, Kazuku wasn't Uchiha.
Calling it a trap was more about Tobirama arranging the mission to train Kazuku.
"An S-rank mission? I've never done one that high."
"Yeah, S-rank missions involve national-level tasks, right?"
"Like joining wars, assassinating key figures, or stealing state secrets."
Despite Hashirama's efforts leading the Five Great Villages to a peace treaty…
No more wars…
Small nations often clashed, sparking local conflicts.
Usually with samurai as units.
Sometimes, these nations' daimyo hired ninja to join the fray.
But often, a slight intervention by the Five Great Villages could quell the fighting.
Given this context…
Hiruzen felt Tobirama's S-rank mission likely wasn't war-related.
Especially…
Since Kazuku was involved.
Glancing at Kazuku…
Though Hiruzen knew Kazuku was strong, as Hashirama and Tobirama's grandson…
They wouldn't send him to a battlefield at seven.
"Likely, this mission is assassination, protection, or stealing secrets."
After analyzing, Hiruzen felt relieved.
Tobirama didn't keep them guessing.
"The mission is to protect the daimyo of the Land of Waves."
Tobirama paused, "For one week. Upon success, they'll pay two million ryo."
"This sum is crucial for the village."
Everything required money.
As Konoha's acting leader, Tobirama managed all aspects.
Every department wanted funds.
The village's main income was mission rewards.
But in peacetime, high-paying commissions were scarce.
Making this sum vital!
"Kazuku, no matter what, you must complete this mission!"
"Economy is the primary factor in the village's development."
"Remember that, Kazuku!"
Seeing Tobirama's serious expression, Kazuku had a thought.
Tobirama might…
Get along with Kakuzu.
(End of Chapter)