Ai, Let's Do This!

Several days later, in the Hokage Office.

"First it was Shisui, then Kabuto Yakushi. You really want to lead a team? How about we add another one for you, and we'll have a complete team."

Tsunade smiled and approved the note.

This is the Kabuto Yakushi's application to get into the hospital.

"He may not lead the team, so we can keep him for now."

Kyohiko shook his head.

Leading the team...

The situation with the Anbu isn't completely settled yet, so it's too early to say. Besides, they can't really get much out of it anyway, and both students have their own agendas.

Shisui represents the Uchiha and possesses exceptional talent.

Kabuto possesses talents in many areas, including medicine, research, and Senjutsu, and his potential is extremely high.

The third person...

Kyohiko hasn't made up his mind yet. After all, as his disciple, Jingyan might very well become Hokage in the future, so he has to choose carefully.

After Tsunade finished grading, she suddenly remembered something.

"Oh, by the way, I have a request."

As she spoke, she pulled a mission scroll from the side and tossed it to Kyohiko.

Kyohiko accepted it.

He opened it and glanced at it, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.

Kazahana Sōsetsu...

The Land of Snow.

"We mentioned the Genin the delegation from Kyoto to the Land of Snow, and it's only now that Kazahana Sōsetsu has replied. That's incredibly slow, but his request is just too outrageous!"

Tsunade complained.

Then, she chuckled and said, "However, our relations with Kyoto have improved, and those three old folks have been overjoyed lately, praising it endlessly!"

"That's how the nobles in Kyoto are. As long as they get something in return, they won't hesitate to help us get something in return. That's their rule of the game."

Kyohiko gave a cold laugh.

He was reluctant to accept these rules, but he still needed the other party's help, so there was nothing more to say; it was a normal exchange of interests, and there was no need for gratitude.

but.

Land of Snow...

That area is indeed rich in mineral resources and has its own railway transportation system, making transportation very convenient.

Furthermore, south of the Land of Snow lies the Land of Earth...

Compared to Kazahana Dōtō.

Kazahana Sōsetsu, who focuses on development and environmental improvement, has a significantly different approach to governing the country, and is indeed a target worth striving for.

After a moment's thought, Kyohiko said, "I want to go to the Land of Snow."

"A trip to the Land of Snow? You?"

Tsunade's face showed surprise. "Is this necessary?"

Although the Land of Land of Snow is vast, its environment is harsh and its population sparse. In Tsunade's eyes, it has little value for missions other than trade.

In fact, this request can be considered one of the most significant requests the Land of Snow has received in its many years of operation.

but.

Kyohiko's considerations differed.

Tsunade was focused on their economic value, while Kyohiko was interested in Kazahana Dōtō's group of subordinates Chakra Armor.

Judging by the timeline, the Chakra Armor of the raging Dotō should be completed soon.

Now is the perfect time to go and pick peaches.

Tsunade was unaware of this and thought Kyohiko was simply planning to make the trip himself for the mission. Surprised, she thought Kyohiko had gone mad.

"Even if you go, what can you do? His mission request is simply too difficult to fulfill."

The mission of Kazahana Sōsetsu --

To change the climate of the Land of Snow.

Even Kyohiko didn't think that Tsunade could complete such a difficult task.

after all.

Even ninjas have their limits, and natural disasters and climate are often the most difficult forces to resist.

"Of course I can't change it, and given the state of the Land of Snow, there's no way to make them completely change their climate."

Even in the original timeline, the so-called "environmental modification machine" that Kazahana Sōsetsu spoke of was essentially something that couldn't be kept running for long.

How could something like that possibly bring spring to the Land of Snow?

but.

Kyohiko had other plans.

for example--

Greenhouse.

Compared to large machines, greenhouses are less technologically advanced, more practical, and have a higher utilization rate.

The only problem is...

I wonder if the climate of the Land of Snow is suitable for me.

Kyohiko didn't mention the Chakra Armor, but instead started from the angles of "greenhouse" and "mineral resources".

Tsunade did not object.

"Then hurry back. With our current strength and reserves, even if Madara and the Three Great Shinobi Villages he allied with attack us together, we are still capable of resisting until you return."

"I need a few days to prepare, and I also need to finish up the work with the Police Force. Let the envoy from the Land of Snow wait for a week."

"Good."

Police Force.

"Chief Inuzuka Clan, this is the Yashiro Uchiha. He's currently my vice-captain. You can talk to him about anything, and we'll do our best to coordinate a solution."

Fugaku the Yashiro Uchiha.

Then, he leaned closer and whispered, "Inuzuka Clan, some of our people are... We hope you can understand. Any problems can be discussed privately."

"Don't worry, I'm fully prepared."

Tsume Inuzuka laughed.

Their family was among the first ninjas to join the Police Force; other ninjas are still being selected.

As for the reason for joining here...

Fugaku was all smiles.

"Come with me. Kyohiko has already made arrangements for your accommodations and training facilities."

He led the way.

After a while, Fugaku brought Tsume Inuzuka to a place near the training ground.

Upon seeing this, Tsume Inuzuka's eyes lit up.

Several new houses have been built here.

There are also many dog houses underground, which are very well built.

"Are these from our Inuzuka Clan?"

"Yes, according to the plan, this place will be transformed into a ninja park that integrates training and practice, and your Ninja Hound squad can better patrol the surrounding area by being stationed here."

Fugaku paused slightly, then explained, "Furthermore, the patrol dogs trained by the Police Force can be provided with everything they need by the Police Force and the village."

"I see."

Tsume Inuzuka nodded, a hint of surprise on his face.

This is to allow them to expand their operations and conduct Ninja Hound training here as well...

Kyohiko was no joke!

From a distance.

In the dilapidated training ground, traces of demolition can still be faintly seen.

Konoha is already making preparations.

"So, I hope we can get along well from now on."

"Um."

Tsume Inuzuka nodded.

Fugaku glanced at the lake in the distance.

Currently, many ninjas have been hired to build facilities in the lake, which is considered a D-rank mission.

The collaboration between Konoha and Kyoto has deepened, resulting in more money that can be used to improve Konoha's condition.

Money, expanding scale, consolidating public security...

This is a closed-loop route.

How can one person know so much?

Fugaku was secretly amazed and shocked.

If Kyohiko were about the same age as him, he wouldn't be as surprised as he is now, but in reality, Kyohiko is only twelve or thirteen years old.

Are there really people in the world who are born with infinite wisdom?

Several days later, traces of the Inuzuka Clan participating in patrols could gradually be seen on the streets of Konoha.

The current location of the Anbu base.

Shikaku followed behind Inoichi, his eyes scanning the surroundings, a hint of doubt appearing on his face.

What mission requires him to come along?

He continued deeper into the office and saw Kyohiko reviewing documents at the main desk, while Kakashi hand...

He listlessly reviewed the intelligence.

A slight smile appeared on Shikaku's lips.

Kyohiko did this entirely to groom Kakashi as the next Anbu Captain.

How many people would love such an opportunity but can't get it?

You can watch Kakashi...

Clearly, this kid prefers fighting.

He looked at Kyohiko.

What mission requires my assistance?

"This is a very important mission. Of course, you'll be part of the team on the surface, while I'll leave midway and act alone in secret."

Kyohiko said.

Shikaku took the mission scroll, then frowned slightly.

The Land of Snow.

Is that place really that important?

Shikaku picked up another scroll.

This is a drawing by Kyohiko, which shows his ideas for growing vegetables and flowers in greenhouses.

"I certainly can't bring spring to the entire Land of Snow, but greenhouses are possible. We can profit from the Land of Snow using this method, but that's not the main point..."

Kyohiko took out the third scroll and tossed it to Nara Shikaku.

Shikaku took it, glanced at it a few times, and immediately looked at Kyohiko in surprise.

This is an intelligence report from Kazahana Dōtō Kazahana Dōtō, detailing his research and preparations outside, one of which is—

This is what I'm after.

Chakra Armor!

Nara Shikaku nodded. "I know what to do!"

Chatting with smart people is quite pleasant.

"Then it's settled. You can choose the rest of the team."

"If we're choosing from your class, let's put Kai, Kurenai Yuhi, and Genma Shiranui together. The three of them have outstanding overall abilities and are considered to have great potential."

Shikaku answered.

Among the younger generation, Kyohiko and Kakashi were so outstanding that they overshadowed everyone else. The war ended quickly, so many people did not have the opportunity to gain experience and improve.

Kakashi is now definitely at the Jonin level.

Once this year's evaluation is completed, the village can officially remove the "special" label from him, officially making Jonin, while the others...

Of the remaining people, Might Guy, who is the strongest, is now only Chunin.

even.

They haven't received a decent combat mission in a while.

"Can."

At the Konoha Gate, the envoys from the Land of Snow waited for a long time before the team finally appeared.

"Are you Lord Shikaku, who accompanied us to the Land of Snow?"

"Right."

Shikaku spoke, he turned and introduced the three people behind him, "They are my subordinates: Might Guy, Kurenai Yuhi, and... Yamato."

Hello.

Even though the three in front of him were children, the ambassador of the Land of Snow dared not underestimate them.

after all.

I heard that the Anbu Captain of Konoha's ANBU is a boy of twelve or thirteen years old, very young.

Who can be sure they don't recognize that person?

After exchanging pleasantries, the group embarked on their journey to the Land of Snow.

It's alright on land.

Once at sea...

"Kai, I didn't know you got seasick!"

"Ugh! I... I don't know either..."

Might Guy lay motionless on the boat, looking as if he had lost all his luster.

Kurenai Yuhi covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

but.

She thoughtfully used Ninjutsu to put Guy into a temporary drowsy state.

Fall asleep...

At least it wasn't that painful.

"I never expected that someone as skilled in Taijutsu as Kai would get seasick."

"The human body is truly amazing."

Kyohiko shrugged.

Kurenai Yuhi paused for a moment after hearing this, then her face instantly turned red. Fortunately, they were already in the north, and the cold wind made it impossible to tell whether the redness on her face was from being frozen or an unusual flush.

She fiddled with the hem of her clothes, looking around, before changing the subject.

Can I participate in your mission?

What do you think?

Kyohiko countered with a question.

Hong pouted.

"Then forget it. But if we head north along this route, will we encounter ninjas from Kumogakure?"

"Probably not."

Kyohiko answered, looking out at the ocean.

Kumogakure...

If it had been a month ago, he wouldn't have been worried about Kumogakure.

It's hard to say now.

According to intelligence, the Kage of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure met in this sea area and formed some kind of alliance, so a ninja war is not so imminent.

but.

The three ninja villages may have shared information and some shipping channels.

Therefore, this journey north might indeed encounter difficulties from the Kumogakure, but...

If that's the case, he's not afraid to fight them.

The Kumogakure of today is not the same as it was during the era of Kinkaku and Ginkaku. Of the many Six Paths Tools, only the Amber Purifying Pot remains in the hands of the Kumogakure.

For him, the threat posed by Kumogakure alone was not as great as it was at sea.

A slight smile played on his lips.

"Don't be afraid, it's good that we've met."

"Well, I guess I'll hope so."

The Kurenai Yuhi and the frown is hard to show.

She was somewhat confident if Might Guy was alright, but Might Guy's current condition...

She sighed.

It's best if we don't encounter it!

What I feared most came to pass!

Not far away, a ship was rapidly approaching.

At the bow of the ship, Shikaku remained calm.

"First, raise the flag of the Land of Snow."

"Yes!"

The envoy from the Land of Snow, Koi Shun, raises the flag.

soon.

The ships in the distance waited a moment, then continued to sail this way.

Koi Shun's face immediately stiffened.

Then, he looked at Nara Shikaku.

"Shikaku, your relationship with Kumogakure seems to be quite good, right?"

"Hmm... it's alright."

Shikaku nodded.

The Nara Clan is still doing business with Kumogakure, but it has changed from monthly settlements to cash settlements, and the amount of goods transported there is decreasing.

Sooner or later, Konoha and Kumogakure will go to war.

Our current interactions are merely maintaining a superficial relationship.

Upon hearing this, Koi Shun breathed a sigh of relief and then quietly waited for the ninjas from Kumogakure to arrive.

As they drew closer, Ai's voice came from a distant ship.

"A ship from the Land of Snow? What does it do?"

"We're returning home from the Land of Fire..."

What are you doing back from the Land of Fire?

Ai stood at the bow of the ship and asked through the loudspeaker.

Koi Shun will first look at Nara Shikaku.

Shikaku calmly took the instrument from the other party.

"Jonin, I, Nara Shikaku, am leading a team to escort Mr. Koi. What are your instructions?"

Nara Shikaku...

The Cloud Kumogakure around Ai immediately became excited.

The giant fish of Konoha!

But.

At that moment, Ai sensed something was amiss.

Nara Shikaku is indeed Jonin, but as the head of Konoha clan, he generally doesn't lead missions.

For a mere escort, is it really necessary for him to get involved?

"Hey, let's make our move! Capturing Nara Shikaku will reveal a lot of Konoha's secrets and information!"

"Yeah! We're definitely going to fall out anyway!"