A warm feeling stirred in Nawaki's heart. He hadn't expected the old man to send one of his most capable subordinates to protect him.
"Tch! The old man actually sent Anbu to protect us? He obviously doesn't have any confidence in us! Teacher Torifu, he's looking down on you, too!" Shinnosuke's attempt to stir things up was obvious, but Torifu didn't take it to heart. He knew that Nawaki was even more important to Konoha than he was.
"I say, why don't you all go back? Tell the old man we can handle this ourselves! I may be his son, but I shouldn't get special treatment!" Shinnosuke said to White Fang in his usual carefree manner.
"In fact, our primary protection target isn't Genin Shinnosuke, but Jōnin Nawaki. Besides, Anbu must carry out missions assigned by Lord Hokage!" White Fang's voice was firm behind his mask.
"What? The old man really is biased! Am I even his son?" Shinnosuke complained sourly.
Nawaki looked at the popular supporting character before him and said amiably, "Captain White Fang, if you want to travel with us, please use the Transformation Technique to change your appearance. Anbu outfits are too conspicuous; anyone with eyes can recognize them at a glance. You'll also need to conceal your Forehead Protectors. It's necessary for the mission, and I'm sure you understand, as Anbu."
Although Nawaki's tone was polite, his words left little room for refusal.
"No problem, Jōnin Nawaki!" White Fang nodded. As long as their mission target didn't obstruct them, that was all that mattered. As Anbu, they had experience disguising themselves and infiltrating places, so they had no objection.
White Fang waved his hand, and the four Anbu quickly formed Hand Seals and used the Transformation Technique to take on different appearances. They looked like