The Third Hokage's words left all four members of Team One stunned.
They had never imagined that war would break out so suddenly.
Even though a passion for war was practically written into the Uchiha Clan's genes,
the members of Team One were still just children, and Shisui had already accepted Konoha's "mainstream" way of thinking.
"Shisui, you understand what I mean, don't you? The Uchiha's strength can greatly reduce the village's casualties, so I need your help."
The Third Hokage had none of the authority of the Hokage now. He spoke to Shisui in a completely pleading tone.
Shisui replied at once, "Lord Hokage, please don't say that. Protecting the village is my responsibility too."
It seemed the Third Hokage had Shisui wrapped around his finger.
A relieved smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face.
"But..."
"But what?"
"But they're still just children. I hope they won't have to fight on the front lines. I'm willing to take on more responsibility myself."
Shisui turned his head and looked at Ryosuke, Sanhe, and Miyuki behind him.
After all, they were members of his clan. Whatever his beliefs might be, he didn't want to see them put in danger.
"Teacher Shisui."
"Teacher."
Sanhe and Miyuki both looked moved.
The Third Hokage picked up his pipe and took a deep drag. He pondered for a moment before replying, "Since it's your request, I'll consider it. For now, I'll assign them to Anbu's independent division, with you personally leading the team."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
"No need. But your leave ends today. I have a few special missions here that Team One needs to complete. Take a look."
The Third Hokage pushed several files across the desk.
Shisui stepped forward to look them over, and his expression immediately grew grave.
He looked up at the Third Hokage, but the man had already turned away.
It seemed there was no room for discussion.
"I understand."
"Shisui, you have to understand. If you can complete these missions, you'll give the village a tremendous advantage and prevent many casualties. That's what you want too, isn't it?"
"Yes."
Shisui turned and looked at his three students.
"Let's go."
The four left the Hokage Office Building and walked in silence toward the Uchiha Clan's residential district, beneath the fading glow of the setting sun.
"Teacher Shisui, what kind of mission is it? Is it even harder than the reconnaissance mission we did last time?"
Sanhe walked backward ahead of the group, pretending to be nonchalant as he asked.
Shisui stopped.
"This time, it's an elimination mission. Our target is Anbu Ninja from Kumogakure."
Shisui spoke in a low voice.
"What? Kumogakure's Anbu? The Third Hokage can't be serious, can he?"
Sanhe leaped up as soon as he heard.
Miyuki and Ryosuke looked just as shocked.
They knew exactly what kind of people Anbu were.
Even the weakest among them were at least Chunin, and they often had special abilities. Not to mention, their determination to protect their village was far stronger than that of ordinary ninja. Once battle began, it would be a fight to the death.
And the Third Hokage was asking Shisui to take three children and fight a group like that?
This wasn't protecting the village. It was sending them to their deaths.
"That's war. If we can't win, many people in the village will die. That's why Lord Hokage wants peace so badly."
Shisui sighed.
"Besides, if we complete the mission well, Kumogakure might give up on expanding the war. Then we'll all be war heroes, and that could ease the tension between the Uchiha Clan and the village."
Seeing that his words hadn't convinced the three of them, Shisui added, "Don't worry. I'll protect you, even if it costs me my life."
"Teacher Shisui."
Meanwhile, Ryosuke's main body had spent the whole afternoon at the amusement park with Hinata.
Little Hinata was overjoyed.
But the other people at the amusement park couldn't help looking at them strangely.
It was no wonder. A child from the Uchiha Clan was spending time with the young lady of the Hyuga Clan.
If they weren't still inside Konoha, some people might have suspected that Ryosuke had kidnapped little Hinata.
It was evening by the time he brought little Hinata home.
As soon as they reached the entrance, several members of the Hyuga Clan rushed out.
"Miss, are you all right? Where have you been? Why didn't you tell us?"
"That's right. The clan head gave us an earful, and he's still furious."
The two of them had been responsible for protecting Hinata, but they had lost track of her.
"I-I went to the amusement park with Big Brother Ryosuke."
Little Hinata lowered her head and spoke softly.
She was the little princess of the Main Family, yet she was always so careful when speaking to the servants. That was just Hinata's nature.
Only then did the two men notice Ryosuke.
"You little brat from the Uchiha Clan! Did you abduct Miss?"
"Let's teach him a lesson. There isn't a single decent person in the Uchiha Clan."
They drew their weapons without even listening to Ryosuke and immediately moved to attack.
Ryosuke was so annoyed he almost laughed.
But he wasn't about to let them push him around. He immediately pulled the Ninja Blade from behind his back, ready to fight.
"Stop."
A voice full of authority rang out from inside the courtyard.
Hyuga Hiashi then walked out.
First, he patted Hinata's head and said, "Don't sneak out by yourself again, all right? Your family will worry about you."
"I understand." Little Hinata lowered her head even further, her hands fidgeting awkwardly.
Then Hyuga Hiashi turned to Ryosuke. "Little one, it's you again. I never got the chance to thank you for what happened last time. Would you like to come inside for a simple meal?"
Hyuga Hiashi's manner was very friendly. The two Hyuga Clan members beside him were dumbfounded.
"Clan head, he's from the Uchiha Clan."
"That's right. He abducted Miss today."
"Enough. Do you know who saved Hinata last time? This little one did. We have him to thank for what happened today too. Otherwise, Hinata might not have made it home safely. Don't blame someone else for your own failure."
The two men's faces changed dramatically.
Had their clan head really just rebuked them so harshly over an outsider?
Still, they understood that the Uchiha boy standing before them had saved Miss.
The two immediately bowed and said, "We were in the wrong just now. Ryosuke, please forgive our rudeness."
"It's fine. I'm used to it."
Ryosuke spoke expressionlessly.
Then he turned around to leave.
"Lord Hiashi, today is Hinata's birthday. No matter how busy you are, don't forget that. It means a lot to her. And don't put so much pressure on Hinata. Even though she's the young lady of the Main Family, she's your daughter first."
Before you continue