"Minister Oda, here are my onboarding documents. Please review them."
Sakumo dared not underestimate the young minister, who was a year younger than him. A few years ago, he had witnessed the boy's terrifying combat prowess firsthand.
His current strength might not even match the minister's strength from several years ago, let alone now. The gap between them could only have grown.
Rikuo lazily opened his eyes, casually straightened up, then picked up the documents Sakumo had presented and made a show of reading them.
After reading them, Rikuo nodded.
"I have every faith in Minister Kakuzu's recommendation, and your performance in the Combat Execution Division since graduation has been outstanding. However, the Combat Execution Division and the Special Assault Department handle missions differently. To get a clearer picture of whether you qualify to stay here, I have a mission for you."
"Yes, sir."
Sakumo immediately stood at attention.
As expected of the Special Assault Department, where all the best gather. They're giving me a difficult mission right from the start.
"Take a look."
Rikuo took out a mission scroll.
Sakumo stepped forward to accept it, then unrolled it and scanned its contents.
Well, completing this mission would not be difficult with his abilities. The only real problems were the long journey and the complicated procedures involved.
Finishing it would likely take more than two weeks, perhaps even a month.
"Any problems?"
"No, sir."
Sakumo shook his head in answer to Rikuo's question.
"Good. Then set out as soon as possible."
"Yes, sir."
Just as Sakumo turned to leave on his mission, Rikuo seemed to notice something and called him back.
"Wait."
"Is there something else, Minister?"
Sakumo turned slightly and gave Rikuo a puzzled look.
"Bring me the Chakra Blade on your back. Let me take a look."
Rikuo