Not long after, Uchiha Ying Yue pushed open the doors to the Hokage Office.
"Hokage-sama, you wanted to see me?" Ying Yue asked curiously.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and nodded. "Ying Yue, the village needs talents like you to lead the new generation. I've decided to appoint you as the jonin leader of a three-man squad, responsible for training the next generation of outstanding shinobi."
"Is that so?" Uchiha Ying Yue was mildly surprised, but he quickly accepted the assignment. "Then, Hokage-sama, which students have you selected for me?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled faintly. "Your students will include Yuhi Kurenai, a gifted young girl skilled in genjutsu; Sarutobi Asuma—my somewhat disobedient youngest son; and finally, Shizune, Dan Katō's niece and a future medical ninja."
Uchiha Ying Yue nodded gently after hearing this. It was indeed a highly promising combination. Genjutsu, combat, and medical skills—the three together would form a fairly balanced squad.
"In that case, Hokage-sama, I'll do everything in my power to teach them." Ying Yue spoke with a flash of resolve in his eyes.
"I believe in you, Ying Yue." Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke earnestly. "They will become the pillars of Konoha in the future, and you will be the beacon that guides their growth."
Uchiha Ying Yue took his leave, already planning this squad's future training regimen in his mind.
After receiving Sarutobi Hiruzen's assignment, Uchiha Ying Yue was somewhat puzzled, but he still accepted the responsibility.
Ying Yue knew full well that by entrusting Yuhi Kurenai, Sarutobi Asuma, and Shizune to him, Sarutobi Hiruzen was placing not only his trust in him, but also the weighty responsibility of cultivating Konoha's next generation of exceptional shinobi.
"Being a jonin squad leader has its advantages too," Ying Yue murmured to himself. "I can learn about the potential of the new generation