One and a Half!

Before long, Kakashi led the several squads he had recruited to the village entrance.

Shinji glanced over and saw that Jonin like Asuma, Kurenai, and Shizune were among them. There were also two ANBU squads, and with their six students, the group numbered more than thirty people.

Clearly,

Kakashi understood that taking the Ninja Academy's geniuses out to gain experience wasn't an easy job, so he had made ample preparations to ensure Shinji and the others' safety.

His gaze swept over everyone's faces. "You should all know the details of this mission by now. We're not the only ones—Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Sunagakure have also sent reinforcements. So while the enemy is powerful, our forces are even stronger!"

Everyone nodded in unison.

This force, made up primarily of Jonin and the Ninja Academy's talented students, was indeed formidable, and everyone was in high spirits!

Kakashi turned to Shinji. "You're in charge of the Ninja Academy students. Don't act on your own without my permission!"

Shinji nodded. "Understood!"

After giving his important instructions, Kakashi wasted no more time and immediately announced, "Move out!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

In an instant, the thirty-strong ninja force, organized into three-person squads, rushed out of the village with a wind-cutting whistle!

At Konoha Hospital.

Sakura peeled an apple for Sasuke and handed it to him. "Here, Sasuke!"

Sasuke kept a cold expression and didn't take the apple Sakura offered. Instead, he asked, "Where's Kakashi? I want to see him!"

Sakura quickly replied, "All right, I'll go find Kakashi-sensei for you."

"No need!"

A voice suddenly came from outside the door.

Sasuke and Sakura looked over and saw Shion walk in carrying some pastries.

She set them on the bedside table. "Kakashi-sensei is on a mission today. He just left the village!"

Sasuke asked, "What mission?"

"How would