Ninja Squad

Mito hadn't expected Watanabe to say such a thing.

He wasn't afraid of Tsunade; instead, he wanted to take on the risk of becoming a Jinchuriki for her.

Mito suddenly understood why Tsunade had secretly given Watanabe Hashirama's necklace and Tobirama's Ninjutsu.

If, in her youth, a boy she admired had been so devoted to her, she probably would have acted the same as Tsunade.

"Senior Mito, is it possible? Can I seal the Nine-Tails Fox Demon?" Watanabe pressed.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was best for him to seal the Nine-Tails. He possessed the trait of Karma Reversal, so any negative effects of becoming a Jinchuriki would be transformed for the better.

Mito gazed deeply at Watanabe. She saw only sincerity on his face, not the slightest hint of coveting the power of a Tailed Beast.

At that moment, Mito suddenly felt a stir of interest.

Yes, would it be better to have Watanabe become the Jinchuriki?

Mito had heard from Tsunade about Watanabe awakening the "Meat Release" Kekkei Genkai, and she had personally witnessed Watanabe remain unharmed despite Tsunade's constant heavy blows. His self-healing ability was comparable to Hashirama's.

Watanabe, with such a formidable Physique, would indeed be more suitable to be the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki than Tsunade.

"Senior Mito, you might not know this, but my Physique is very good. Even Tsunade's monstrous strength can't hurt me..."

"We'll discuss such matters later."

Mito interrupted him. The choice of a Jinchuriki was no trivial matter and couldn't be decided hastily.

However, Mito was now indeed considering Watanabe as a candidate for Jinchuriki.

"Since you've decided to help Tsunade bear the pressure, I won't stop you. I only hope you won't let Tsunade down. And our Senju Clan will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Watanabe felt that Mito's words implied she saw him as a kept man, so he spoke his mind: "Actually, even if Tsunade wasn't a Senju, I would still like her the same."

"..."

Is it because I'm old?

A layer of goosebumps rose on Mito's skin. She could hardly bear to hear the heartfelt confession of a young boy.

She took a deep breath and led Watanabe out of the Spiritual World.

"From now on, like everyone else, you'll accumulate experience by taking on missions for a while. Afterward, I'll arrange for you to enter the higher ranks," Mito said, standing up and walking out of the room.

Even if Watanabe didn't become a Hokage's disciple, Mito could ensure his promotion was faster than that of a Hokage's disciple.

"Okay."

"If you encounter any problems you can't solve, come find me at the Senju Clan Compound."

"Thank you, Senior Mito."

At noon, Watanabe arrived at the Ninja Academy. Most of his classmates greeted him with looks of admiration.

Previously, everyone had only thought of Watanabe as a dead last who had luckily gained Tsunade's favor. But ever since Watanabe became famous in the Training Ground battle yesterday, their perception of him had changed. When facing a strong individual, people instinctively feel reverence.

Watanabe scanned the classroom and, as expected, didn't see Orochimaru or Jiraiya. However, he did see Hiruzen.

Hiruzen is quite unlucky, Watanabe thought. The Third Hokage wanted to take a civilian as a disciple, and Hiruzen desperately wanted it, but he wasn't chosen.

"Watanabe, do you know where Jiraiya and Orochimaru are? If they don't hurry, they'll be late."

Hiruzen sidled up to Watanabe and asked.

Watanabe knew Hiruzen was a sensitive person. Fearing he would feel uncomfortable knowing Jiraiya and Orochimaru's circumstances, he shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe they overslept."

"They're really careless, daring to be late for something as important as graduation registration."

Hiruzen grumbled about them.

"They are quite careless..."

As the two were chatting, they saw Osaka Rukawa rush in carrying a wooden box.

Osaka Rukawa first congratulated everyone on their successful graduation, then took out the Ninja Headbands from the box and distributed them one by one.

"Your ninja teams have already been assigned. I will announce them now."

Osaka Rukawa read from the list in his hand:

"Dan Katō, Sakurajima, Yamanaka Fu, your jonin-sensei is Aburame Ryōryō. Assemble at the Izakaya at 3 PM."

"Inuzuka Kiba, Nara Shikan, Gekko Mai, your jonin-sensei is..."

Some jonin-sensei were Special Jonin, some were Jonin, and some were Elite Jonin. It all depended on the graduation results of the new genin in the squad. The better the squad's results, the stronger their jonin-sensei would be.

As Osaka Rukawa continued to announce the team assignments, Hiruzen's mood grew more anxious. Watanabe, sitting beside him, could clearly feel it.

It's a matter of his future, so it's understandable to be nervous.

Watanabe was different. He already had Mito watching his back, and he would eventually enter Konoha's higher ranks.

"Watanabe, Hyuga Rei, Hiruzen, the three of you will have Uchiha Chiri as your jonin-sensei. Assemble on the rooftop of the Mission Hall at 3 PM."

When Osaka Rukawa finished announcing the last group, the entire class erupted in a commotion, and envious glances were cast towards Watanabe and Hiruzen in the back row.

Uchiha Chiri is Konoha's most renowned elite jonin, possessing both strength and beauty. It would be best to be assigned to her squad.

"Uchiha Chiri?"

Hiruzen froze, then disbelief washed over him.

I actually got into Chiri-senpai's squad??

"Hyuga Rei... I don't really want to deal with her." Watanabe felt a headache coming on. That girl, skilled at deception, was probably holding a grudge against him.

"No, Hiruzen's grades are average. How did he get into Chiri-senpai's squad?"

Suddenly, someone raised a question.

"Yeah, it would be normal for Watanabe and Orochimaru to join Chiri-senpai's squad. Hiruzen's grades are worse than mine."

"Speaking of which, I don't think I heard which squad Orochimaru was assigned to earlier?"

"Jiraiya either?"

"Quiet!"

Osaka Rukawa interrupted the murmurs and said sternly, "I originally didn't plan to tell you, but since someone asked, I will."

"Orochimaru and Jiraiya have already been taken on as disciples by the Hokage, so they do not have ninja squads."

"What!"

Everyone was shocked.

Hiruzen's jaw dropped. He had been worried about Jiraiya and the others being late, only to find out these two had become the Hokage's disciples!

They had eaten together just last night, and after only one night, they had both ascended to the heavens. Hiruzen felt a bit sour, and the joy of joining Uchiha Chiri's squad was somewhat diminished.

Osaka Rukawa continued, "The ninja squad assignments are decided by higher-ups. If anyone is dissatisfied, you can go and negotiate with your assigned team leader yourself. Whether you can persuade them will depend on your own abilities."

"I have one last thing to say to all of you: temporary results mean nothing. There's no need to envy or be jealous of others. Your future paths are still long, and everything is just beginning."

The classroom fell silent.

Whether everyone truly heard him or not, they at least gave Osaka Rukawa their respect by not raising any further objections.

"Let's go. Head home and get ready, we're gathering this afternoon."

Watanabe patted Hiruzen on the shoulder.