A Sudden Elementary School Field Trip

How did you know?

Katsuki almost jumped up. He had just gotten Orochimaru's stamp and hadn't even left the Hokage Building when Sakumo blocked his way.

The speed at which they received the message is incredibly advanced!

"Haha, have you forgotten what I used to do? I was the Anbu Chief for several years. I have quite a few old connections in the Anbu. I knew yesterday that you came to the Lord Hokage to get his stamp." Sakumo said with a smile.

Katsuki scratched her head, wondering how she could have forgotten about that.

Sakumo was once the Anbu Chief, but he was removed from his position as chief of the Dark Bureau because he was commanding large-scale military operations abroad for a long time during Second Shinobi War, and the position was handed over to the former chief.

Finally, the war ended, and young people like Katsuki began to show their talents. Kakashi was also born. Sakumo refused several invitations from the Third Hokage and refused to continue serving as the Anbu Chief. As a result, the Anbu was kept in control by an elderly elder for a long time.

Until Orochimaru came to power, Katsuki, on Sakumo's recommendation, became the fifth leader of the Anbu.

Katsuki was able to take over the Anbu smoothly because, on the one hand, he was strong enough and had a great reputation, and on the other hand, he was a disciple of Sakumo.

"... That's right, the Lord Hokage has already stamped it, we can go back and deploy the operation." Katsuki nodded decisively.

"Katsuki, let's take Kakashi with us on this mission!"

Sakumo's words were startling.

"Huh? Huh--!! Teacher, you... did I hear that right? You're bringing Kakashi on the mission?" Katsuki's eyes widened.

"That's right."

Sakumo nodded affirmatively.

"Um... Kakashi is only ten years old this year, isn't he a bit too young...?"

"You're not young anymore. Weren't you this age when you went to the battlefield? Besides, the battlefield in the Land of Rain is far more brutal than this kind of operation to wipe out the black market. If Kakashi can't even handle a small-scale battle like this, then he shouldn't be a ninja. Going to the battlefield is just sending him to his death. You have to learn how to kill as early as possible!"

Sakumo waved his hand aggressively, and his words, "Kill them while you can," left Katsuki speechless.

"But Kakashi hasn't graduated yet..."

"It's an internship, isn't it? You went to the battlefield as a student the first time you went." Sakumo's answer was flawless.

"Well... alright then!" Katsuki was at his wit's end. This guy kept bringing up his past as examples, which left him speechless. In his impatience, he asked one last question, "Is everything alright with Master's wife?"

"It's alright, just tell him to bring Kakashi to stay at your place for a few days. He used to visit you all the time, so your teacher's wife won't suspect anything." Sakumo said casually, but Katsuki was sweating profusely.

Doesn't this mean he has to fool his teacher's wife...? Katsuki wanted to slap himself twice. Why didn't he just agree? Now look what's happened, he's made a mess of things.

After leaving the Hokage Building, the master and apprentice parted ways. They agreed that Katsuki would pick up Kakashi when he went on a mission. Sakumo went straight to Konoha Hospital, while Katsuki dragged his heavy steps to the Anbu base, feeling very depressed. Why did a perfectly good secret operation suddenly turn into a babysitting session? It felt like he was organizing a school field trip for elementary school students.

"Damn it, have I been a teacher for too long?"

Katsuki sighed deeply. What's done is done, and it's too late to say anything now. She should start thinking about how to take care of the child while working!

Speaking of which, why not bring Kuyue along too! Katsuki thought of her newly accepted apprentice. She had been sending Shadow Clone to instruct him these past few days, which felt a bit too casual. It would be good to bring him along for practical training.

Whether you're herding one sheep or two, it's the same thing, there's no difference...

"Qinghai, how are the preparations going?"

Katsuki asked a question.

"Lord Commander, everyone has arrived. All twenty squads, sixty people in total, are here."

Hiruzen's eldest son pointed to the six rows of Anbu Ninja lined up on the training ground. They were all dressed similarly and wore almost identical masks. Although there were sixty of them, they were all quiet and there wasn't a single discordant sound.

A well-trained elite force.

"Very good, thank you for your hard work." Katsuki patted Hiruzen's eldest son on the shoulder to show his approval. This capable deputy had really been a great help.

"You know the action plan, right?"

"Yes!"

The synchronized responses echoed throughout the enclosed underground training ground.

"Good, do you have any questions? If so, ask now. When the operation begins, just follow orders obediently. I don't want anyone causing trouble during the operation."

With a glance sweeping over the sixty people, Katsuki spoke in a cold voice.

"Lord Commander, I have a problem."

The Anbu, wearing a cat-face mask with red polka dots, spoke in a deep voice.

"Speak!"

"Are the two little children behind you going to come with us too?"

Behind Katsuki, Kakashi and Kuyue stood ramrod straight, one on each side like two gatekeepers.

"That's right, they are also part of this operation. And remember, this operation is not only about eliminating the target, but also about ensuring their safety. That's an order. Any other questions?" Katsuki said sternly.

"No, sir."

"... Depart, disperse."

With a wave of Katsuki hand, sixty elite Anbu vanished in an instant, leaving behind Katsuki, two children, and Hiruzen's eldest son, the Deputy Chief.

"Qinghai, I'll leave the follow-up cleaning work to you."

"Don't worry, leave it to me."

Unlike Asuma's somewhat immature younger brother, Hiruzen's eldest son has a very good temper and is hardworking and conscientious, making him a role model for all of Kōdai's lieutenants.

The sixty-two people led by Katsuki... this team of sixty-two is a strike force, responsible for eliminating the resistance forces in the black market as quickly as possible. As for the subsequent cleanup of the battlefield, other teams will be responsible for it. The whole plan is laid out on Katsuki's table.

Having been established for so many years, the Anbu has long since developed a set of established strategies. There are ready-made examples of how to act in different situations and how many people are needed. Only minor adjustments to the details are required.

"Kakashi, Kuyue, let's go too. This is your first lesson in practical training. Keep up with the Anbu's marching speed."

A flash of silver lightning appeared beneath Katsuki's feet, leaving a blurry afterimage in its wake.

"... It's starting already?" Kakashi's eyes widened, somewhat bewildered.

"What are you standing there for? Hurry up and chase after them!"

Kuyue's reaction was more astute than Kakashi's. Her experiences in the Land of Water had a profound impact on her. She didn't develop the deep-seated pride and laxity that Kakashi and Asuma possessed. She always had to be ready for battle, which was the lesson she learned in the Land of Water.

Watching Kuyue disappear into the only entrance and exit of the training ground, Kakashi hurriedly chased after her, calling out to her repeatedly.

"Wait for me, Kuyue! Can't you slow down a bit? I'm still your senior uncle!"