"Who should I send...?" Kumoi murmured to himself.
This was not a high-difficulty mission—receiving a few Uzumaki Survivors who might be concealing their identities required more care, patience, and negotiation skills than pure combat strength.
The danger level was at most C-rank, perhaps even just a D-rank escort mission.
The first person he thought of was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
His senior brother was meticulous and experienced. There also happened to be a small cooperative project in the Land of Hot Water involving the joint development of specialty medicinal herbs that required a high-ranking official for preliminary talks, so it could be handled at the same time.
But Kumoi quickly shook his head.
Senior Brother Hiruzen had only just taken over Team 7. This was a crucial period for building rapport between teacher and students, and the Hokage Assistant's workload was already heavy. Sending him away for several more days would probably...
Kumoi's gaze lingered on the Land of Hot Water's location on the map for a moment before an idea suddenly crossed his mind.
"How about... sending those three brats along too?"
Team 7—Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade.
They had graduated from the academy and completed their basic training. It was exactly time for them to truly step out and see the Ninja World.
A low-risk reception mission combined with a ceremonial diplomatic meeting, with Hiruzen leading and guiding them and one or two experienced Chunin serving as support, could not have been more suitable.
It would train the new generation, combine theory with practice, let Hiruzen observe and teach his students in a real mission environment, and complete both the reception of his clansmen and the project negotiations.
Three birds with one stone.
The corners of Kumoi's lips lifted slightly.
He could almost see that brat Jiraiya shouting excitedly upon hearing