New Blood in the Akatsuki

Uzumaki Yugao froze for a moment, then walked into the office with growing unease.

Bang.

The door shut behind her.

Yugao lowered her head nervously. "Third Hokage!"

Behind the desk,

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his ceremonial robe, studied the file in his hand. "Uzuki Yugao... born a commoner, skilled in Konoha Style swordsmanship, a Special Jōnin. That's no small feat. And you're only seventeen this year?"

"...Yes!"

Hiruzen smiled. "It's been a long time since I've seen such a talented ninja from a civilian family. Gekko Hayate is another. Unfortunately, he's injured. Otherwise, this mission would have gone to him."

Yugao stiffened. Her heart rose into her throat.

Gekko Hayate?

A mission?

"Uzumaki Yugao, I want you to form a team with Kakashi and Mitaraishi Anko and leave Konoha on a mission. Can you do that?"

Yugao looked up at Hiruzen's imposing figure behind the desk, then quickly lowered her gaze.

"I..."

"Don't worry."

Hiruzen encouraged her. "This mission isn't dangerous. The one leading you will be Konoha's hero—the Fire Release God of the Uchiha, Shinji Uchiha..."

Yugao's heart skipped a beat.

"Complete the mission, and you'll receive special approval to join the ANBU..." Hiruzen coaxed.

"Don't worry. With Shinji Uchiha there, the rest of you won't have much to do. You have only one task: record everything that happens during the mission, every word each person says, and bring the complete account back to me..."

"Can you do that?"

Yugao's pupils widened slightly.

Her legs began to feel numb.

Go on a mission with Shinji, record everything everyone said and did along the way... and then join the ANBU?

After a long silence, she answered hoarsely, "Third Hokage, I accept the mission!"

"Good!"

Hiruzen clapped his hands and laughed. "I knew I was right about you. Don't worry, I'll