Recommended Teammates (Seeking Collection!)

On his way back, Sosuke inadvertently caught sight of a lively figure.

Watching that golden ponytail, Sosuke skillfully masked his emotions, greeting her with a gentle smile on his face.

"Tsunade, long time no see."

Hearing that familiar voice, Tsunade paused slightly, looking up at Sosuke.

"It's you! Sosuke, long time no see! How have you been lately?"

The moment she saw Sosuke, her eyes seemed to brighten, and she hurriedly waved her hand, asking him with great delight.

To this, Sosuke chuckled softly.

"I've been doing quite well. How about you? How does it feel to be the Hokage's student?"

Tsunade seemed unimpressed by the title of Hokage, or perhaps she recalled something unpleasant, as she hurriedly waved her hands in embarrassment.

"It's fine, I suppose. But I imagine if you asked that guy Jiraiya the same question, his answer would be that he's perfectly satisfied with his current life."

"Is that so? It seems that guy Jiraiya really gets along well with the Hokage. That's for the best." Sosuke said with a smile.

Seeing Sosuke's gentle smile, Tsunade blushed slightly, her face flushing as she said.

"That's not it at all! Those two are birds of a feather!! They're just idiots and fools who love to peep at women! If you joined the team, Sosuke, it would never be like that!"

Regarding Tsunade's outburst, Sosuke had a general idea of the cause. Thinking of Jiraiya's character, he couldn't help but offer a tolerant smile, saying to Tsunade.

"Try to be more understanding of them. Regardless, Jiraiya is a trustworthy guy; that much is undeniable."

At this, Tsunade asked Sosuke with a hint of urgency.

"By the way, what about you, Sosuke? I heard that you don't have a teacher leading your team yet."

Hearing Tsunade's words, Sosuke did not hide anything. He adjusted his glasses and said gently.

"That's true, but that was news from a few days ago. My instructor now is Captain Kazumi."

Hearing the title "Captain Kazumi," Tsunade looked slightly puzzled.

"Is there a Jonin in the village named Kazumi?"

Faced with Tsunade's inquisitive spirit, Sosuke gave a wry smile and could only clarify.

"Her full name is Shimura Kazumi."

"Ah!? The Shimura Clan!!"

Clearly, even Tsunade was surprised by this name.

A member of the Shimura Clan!? If someone like that is his teacher, will Sosuke be forced into the infighting between clans as her student!! Should I warn him!!

Tsunade's mind raced with thoughts, worried about Sosuke's situation.

At this moment, Tsunade's expression was one of deep concern and conflict. Having grown up in a prestigious family, she had naturally heard of the ways of such major clans, and she was very worried that Sosuke would be targeted by others.

She looked at Sosuke with a serious gaze and said in a low voice.

"Sosuke, if you agree, I will ask the elders of my family to help you get a different instructor."

"You should know that the Shimura Clan doesn't have the best reputation in the village. People who harbor hostility toward them might project that hatred onto you!"

Sosuke naturally would not agree to this; he still intended to use Danzo's schemes to pull off a switch.

Moreover, he believed that with the existence of Kyoka Suigetsu, he had nothing to fear from those who hid in the shadows.

So, he looked at Tsunade with a smile.

"It's alright, Tsunade. Don't you know me by now? I wouldn't do anything without being certain of the outcome. Even if I face many dangers, I believe it will bring me sufficient value."

Hearing this, Tsunade knew that no amount of persuasion would work on Sosuke. She could only silently resolve that if anything happened to him, she would make sure the Senju Clan stepped in to resolve the crisis.

The assembly time for the mission was the day after tomorrow, and as of now, Sosuke still didn't even know what the mission entailed.

The next day, after purchasing some supplies for the mission, Sosuke found Shimura Kazumi.

Both were in casual attire, making no attempt to hide their identities.

Sosuke kept a smile on his face and spoke first.

"Captain Kazumi, I wonder if I am the only member of our team? Are there any other reserve members?"

Shimura Kazumi, who could never maintain a good mood in front of Sosuke, remained calm, steadily brewing a pot of tea.

Amidst the swirling steam, her fair face, long purple hair, tall stature, and slender legs gave her a feminine charm in every movement.

But upon hearing Sosuke's words, her brow furrowed slightly, adding a touch of agitation to the calm and elegant atmosphere.

"What is it, Sosuke? Are you dissatisfied with being on this team?"

As soon as she said it, she regretted it!!

Damn it! Why does this brat make me so angry with just one sentence! Do we have some kind of grudge!!

Sosuke naturally heard the dissatisfaction in her voice. Instead of rushing to explain, he smiled and took a sip of the fresh tea first.

Slowly swallowing the tea, he savored the bitter yet sweet fragrance lingering on his tongue, a long-lasting aftertaste.

Sosuke praised softly.

"Captain Shimura Kazumi, your tea ceremony skills must have been honed over many years. The sweetness and flavor of the tea bring a sense of relief after bitterness, leaving a lingering fragrance on the lips and teeth. This taste is truly exquisite, a testament to your mastery of the art."

Hearing Sosuke's praise, the compliment was clearly well-received by Shimura Kazumi, who had repeatedly felt overshadowed in his presence.

However, this made it impossible for her to maintain the indifferent and aloof demeanor she had intended to keep.

This was because, coupled with the magnetic tone of Sosuke's admiration, it caused the tips of Shimura Kazumi's ears to flush a faint red.

Fortunately, the swirling steam from the tea helped conceal her embarrassment, and Sosuke did not notice this detail.

He continued in a soft voice.

"I have a candidate I would like to recommend for the squad. However, as you are likely aware, I will be carrying out a mission for Root tomorrow and will not have the time to handle this matter. If you find it appropriate, perhaps you could look into him."

Hearing this, Shimura Kazumi finally understood the purpose of Sosuke's visit. She knew he was about to undertake a mission for Root, though her uncle had not told her the specifics of the assignment.

She did not find Sosuke's request troublesome; on the contrary, she felt a sense of curiosity about the person he was recommending.

What kind of person could possibly catch the attention of a guy like him?

"Mm, that won't be a problem. If the assessment goes well, I will apply to have him join my squad. However, you should know the confidentiality protocols of Root; joining us also means joining Root."

"I don't think that will be an issue. If it's not too much trouble, I would appreciate your help. His name is Might Duy."

Sosuke said softly.