Special Mission, Misunderstanding

The Third Hokage's words left the four members of Team One stunned on the spot.

They had never expected that war would break out so suddenly.

Even though the fervor for war was etched into the genes of the Uchiha clan, the members of Team One were merely three children, and Shisui had already embraced the "mainstream" ideology of Konoha.

"Shisui, you understand what I mean, don't you? The power of the Uchiha can significantly reduce casualties for the village, so I need your help."

The Third Hokage no longer held the stern authority of a Hokage; he spoke to Shisui in a tone of pure request.

Shisui immediately replied, "Lord Hokage, please do not say that. Protecting the village is also my responsibility."

It seemed Shisui was truly held firmly in the palm of the Third Hokage's hand.

A gratified smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face.

"However."

"However, what?"

"However, they are still just children. I hope they do not have to fight on the front lines, and I am willing to take on more responsibility to ensure that."

Shisui turned his head to glance at Ryosuke, Sanhe, and Miyuki behind him.

Regardless of everything, they were his clansmen, and no matter what ideals he held, he did not want to see them in danger.

"Shisui-sensei."

"Sensei."

Sanhe and Miyuki both wore expressions of agitation.

The Third Hokage picked up his pipe, took a deep drag, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Since it is your request, I will consider it. For now, I will assign them to the Anbu's independent roster, and you will continue to lead the team personally."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

"No need. However, your leave ends today. I have several special missions here that require Team One to complete. Take a look."

The Third Hokage pushed several files to the other side of the desk.

Shisui stepped forward and glanced at them, his expression instantly turning grave.

He looked up at the Third Hokage, but the man had already turned his head away.

It seemed there was no room for negotiation on this matter.

"I understand."

"Shisui, you must understand me. If you can complete these missions, it will help the village gain a massive advantage and reduce many casualties. This is what you wish to see, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Shisui turned around and looked at his three students.

"Let's go."

The four of them left the Hokage Office Building and walked slowly toward the Uchiha clan's residential district under the glow of the setting sun.

"Shisui-sensei, what kind of mission is it exactly? Is it even harder than the reconnaissance mission we carried out last time?"

Sanhe walked backward in front of the group, pretending to ask with an indifferent expression.

Shisui stopped.

"This is an annihilation mission. The targets are Anbu ninjas from the Cloud Village."

Shisui said in a low voice.

"What? Cloud Village Anbu? Is the Third Hokage joking?"

Sanhe jumped up the moment he heard this.

Miyuki and Ryosuke also wore expressions of shock.

How could they not know what kind of characters the Anbu were?

The ninjas among them were at least Chunin level or higher, and they often possessed special abilities. Not to mention, their will to protect their village was even stronger than that of ordinary ninjas; once a battle started, it was a fight to the death.

And the Third Hokage actually wanted Shisui to take three children to deal with such a group of ninjas?

This wasn't protecting the village; it was practically sending them to their deaths.

"This is war. If we cannot win, many people in the village will sacrifice their lives. That is why Lord Hokage longs for peace so much," Shisui said with a sigh.

"Besides, as long as we can complete the mission brilliantly, perhaps the Cloud Village will abandon their plans to expand the scale of the war. By then, we will all be war heroes, and this will also ease the relationship between our Uchiha clan and the village."

Seeing that the three were not moved by his words, Shisui added, "Don't worry, I will protect you, even if it costs me my life."

"Shisui-sensei."

On the other side, Ryosuke's original body spent the entire afternoon playing at the amusement park with Hinata.

Little Hinata was very happy.

However, the gazes of the others at the playground were somewhat strange as they watched them.

It was hardly surprising; a child of the Uchiha clan was actually playing with the young lady of the Hyuga Clan.

If they weren't still within the village of Konoha, some might have even suspected that Ryosuke had kidnapped little Hinata.

It wasn't until evening that he finally escorted little Hinata back to her home.

As soon as they reached the entrance, several members of the Hyuga Clan rushed out.

"Young Lady, are you alright? Where did you go? Why didn't you tell us?"

"That's right, the Clan Head scolded us thoroughly, and he's still in a rage right now."

These two were supposed to be responsible for protecting Hinata, but they had lost track of her.

"I... I went to the playground to play with Brother Ryosuke."

Little Hinata lowered her head and whispered.

Even though she was the little princess of the main branch, she was extremely cautious when speaking to the servants; such was Hinata's personality.

The two men finally noticed Ryosuke.

"A brat from the Uchiha clan? Did you abduct the Young Lady?"

"Teach him a good lesson; there isn't a single good person in the Uchiha clan."

The two drew their weapons, refusing to listen to a word from Ryosuke, and prepared to strike immediately.

Ryosuke was almost amused to the point of laughter.

But he was no pushover; he immediately drew his ninja sword from behind his back, ready to fight.

"Stop."

A dignified voice rang out from the courtyard.

Then, Hyuga Hiashi walked out.

He first patted Hinata on the head and said, "You must not sneak out alone again, do you understand? Your family will worry."

"I understand." Little Hinata lowered her head even further, her small hands fidgeting with nowhere to rest.

Hyuga Hiashi then looked at Ryosuke. "Little one, it's you again. I haven't thanked you for what happened last time; would you like to come inside for a simple meal?"

Hyuga Hiashi's attitude was incredibly amiable, leaving the two Hyuga clan members beside him stunned.

"Clan Head, he is a member of the Uchiha clan."

"That's right, he's the one who abducted the Young Lady today."

"Shut up. Do you know who saved Hinata last time? It was this little one. Today's events also owe much to him; otherwise, Hinata might not have returned safely. Do not push the responsibility for your own dereliction of duty onto others."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the two men changed drastically.

They had actually been sternly reprimanded by the Clan Head because of an outsider?

However, they did understand one thing: it was this Uchiha brat before them who had saved the Young Lady.

The two immediately bowed and said, "We were in the wrong just now. Lord Ryosuke, please forgive our rudeness."

"It's fine, I'm used to it."

Ryosuke said, his face expressionless.

He then turned around, ready to leave.

"Lord Hiashi, today is Hinata's birthday. No matter how busy you are, do not forget this; it is very important to her. Furthermore, please do not put too much pressure on Hinata. Although she is the young lady of the main branch, she is, first and foremost, your daughter."