Actually, when Kenji mentioned it was a mission, the four of them began to get excited.
In the Anbu, any mission that requires leaving the village is absolutely a very important one.
It is either scouting enemy intelligence or assassinating key figures.
However, this kind of mission is usually assigned to a powerful team that the Hokage trusts enough to complete.
They had originally thought that after the former captain sacrificed himself and Kenji took over, this unit would be sidelined for a long time.
They didn't expect that just a few days after Kenji took over, an assassination mission would be assigned immediately.
If one said there wasn't something fishy about this, no one would believe it.
Kenji handed a file to the four of them and said, "Here is an overview and intelligence regarding this mission. Read it carefully. I don't hope to see failure in our first cooperation."
"Yes, Captain, we will definitely not slack off!" the four said in unison, their morale high.
Step, step, step!
At that moment, footsteps rang out, and a ninja, also wearing a mask, walked out from the shadows.
"Who is Kenji Ishizaki?" the masked ninja asked in a cold tone, his attitude even somewhat arrogant.
"Looking for..."
Kawamoto was just about to answer, "You are looking for my captain," but was stopped by Kenji.
"Who are you?" Kenji stared at the ninja, questioning him coldly.
"I am a member of Root, under Lord Danzo." The masked ninja glanced at Kenji, a hint of surprise in his eyes, before saying, "Kenji Ishizaki? Come with me. Lord Danzo wants to see you."
"Can't you see I'm in a meeting?" Kenji said coldly. "Go back and tell Danzo I don't have time."
"..."
The masked ninja was instantly stunned. He had never seen anyone dare to refuse Danzo's summons like this.
An Anbu Squad Captain was indeed impressive to ordinary people. But in front of Lord Danzo, what did that count for?
"Captain!"
Kawamoto and the others were also anxious. They thought their captain was cool enough, but offending Lord Danzo? Even with the Hokage backing him, they feared he wouldn't be able to handle it.
"Kenji Ishizaki, do you really intend to disobey Lord Danzo?"
Kenji's expression remained unchanged. "I never bother paying attention to rude fellows. Don't forget, this is my place. If Danzo really wants to see me, tell him to send someone who can speak human language to invite me."
"Presumptuous!"
The masked ninja was furious. Kenji was clearly insulting him, calling him rude and implying he didn't speak human language.
Immediately, he drew the ninja sword from his back.
"By Lord Danzo's order, even if I have to tie you up, I will take you."
Seeing this, Kenji merely sneered.
Instantly, before the opponent could move, Kenji took a step forward.
A simple step, yet it directly crossed a distance of several meters, bringing him instantly in front of the masked ninja.
"You dare say such things with your ability?"
Kenji's left hand lightly touched the blade, while his right hand formed a fist and smashed into the masked ninja's abdomen.
Bang!
The masked ninja felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He was sent flying immediately, crashing into the stone wall.
"Damn it, you..."
"Get lost!" Kenji shouted with a sinking breath.
An invisible pressure washed over the ninja, causing genuine fear to rise from his heart. His body trembled uncontrollably.
At that moment, he dared not speak another word. He turned and ran away quickly.
"Captain, you were too impulsive. This will cause big trouble." Kawamoto both admired and worried for Kenji.
"I have my own measure in doing things; there is no need to worry. Study this intelligence well. Also, if you see Yuna, tell her to find me. I have something to discuss with her."
"Did he really say that?" Hearing his subordinate's report, Danzo couldn't help but frown.
Having received news from Hiruzen Sarutobi, he was naturally very interested in this newly appointed Squad Captain, Kenji, so he sent someone to summon him.
If he was truly a natural-born talent, he planned to win him over and see if he could be of use.
But unexpectedly, the person he sent returned without success and seemed to have been beaten up?
"Lord Danzo, this Kenji Ishizaki is only twelve years old, yet relying on the Hokage's backing, his attitude is extremely atrocious. He even spoke rudely about you."
Having been humiliated by Kenji, the masked ninja naturally couldn't help but add fuel to the fire, completely painting Kenji's image black.
However, Danzo wasn't a fool. He believed that someone valued by Hiruzen Sarutobi, even if arrogant, wouldn't contradict him for no reason. It was likely his subordinate who had offended him first.
"Enough, you may leave!" Danzo waved his hand.
The masked ninja wondered why Danzo didn't get angry, but he didn't dare ask more. He retreated respectfully.
"Lord Danzo, how about I go there?"
At this moment, a ninja appeared silently, kneeling on one knee before Danzo. "Regardless of the reason, refusing Lord Danzo's summons is unwise."
Danzo pondered slightly, then shook his head. "No need. There is no rush to see him. Let's wait until he comes back alive from this mission."
The ninja understood. Lord Danzo's interest in this Kenji Ishizaki was in a "wait and see" phase.
"Send Yuna to see me first."
"Yes!"
The ninja flashed and disappeared.
Moments later, a woman with a voluptuous figure walked into the hall.
It was the only Jonin of the 7th Unit, Yuna.
"Lord Danzo, you were looking for me?"
"It's rare that I can invite you. I thought I would be rejected twice in one day," Danzo said, though his tone was cold even while joking.
Yuna was slightly stunned. "Is there someone who dares to refuse Lord Danzo's summons?"
"That new captain. I sent someone to invite him, and he kicked my man out."
"Ah?" Even with Yuna's temperament, she couldn't help but show astonishment.
On the surface, she acted indifferent, but she naturally paid attention to Kenji, the new captain.
She hadn't expected this young boy to not only have impressive strength but also such terrifying guts.
"You must know about the mission the Hokage assigned?"
"Mn. Although I'm surprised the Hokage would give such a tricky mission to our team, I will assist the new captain in completing it."
"Not just assist..." Danzo paused, then continued, "Keep an eye on the movements of this mission for me. When you return, I hope to hear a most detailed report."
"You want me to monitor him?" Yuna hesitated.
"Let's call it that. I have his preliminary data in hand. But the data shows he is just a fresh graduate from the Academy. Why he suddenly possesses strength comparable to an Elite Chunin is intriguing."
"...Alright, I will keep watch." Yuna could only agree. "If there is nothing else, I will go back first. He is probably looking for me right now."
"Mn, go ahead!"