"Pat-pat-pat."
Hearing the approaching footsteps behind her, Senju Toka, dressed in Beige casual outfit, suddenly asked, "Are you worried?"
"Um!"
"Focus on your work. The other Clan have made arrangements. Besides, this day was bound to come sooner or later. If you can't overcome it, then... well, that's fate."
"My lord...?" Chiharu's lips moved slightly as she hesitated, but she swallowed back the question in her heart.
Hearing the hesitant voice behind her, Senju Toka stopped and turned to look into the girl's eyes, saying, "I offered him other choices, and so did the Clan, but he still gave up a peaceful life and chose to be Ninja."
"The killer is killed; isn't that the fate of Ninja?"
"Have you forgotten your first lesson as Ninja when you were a child? Do you think you're behaving the way you are right now?"
She was worried about her only nephew even more than Senju Chiharu!
However, she was born in the Warring States period and was initially just a member of the Senju with mediocre talent.
He began his mission career at the age of 8.
They fought and lost everything along the way.
Over the past forty years, she has come to understand the true nature of Ninja and has learned how to control her own emotions.
She and her Clan have provided the best possible protection for their only nephew.
If he still dies after all that, then we should ask him what kind of spiritual practice he had been doing all this time!
Listening to my Aunt's question reminded me of my first lesson as Ninja when I was a child.
Senju Chiharu lowered her head instinctively.
Yes... Ninja... destiny!
When did I lose my Ninja composure?
Is it because... I've been at home too long and haven't been on any missions?
His Clan had made ample preparations for him, and he was well aware of this.
Why are you still so worried?
Thinking back on the year or so she spent with the young man after their engagement, the calmness in her mind began to warm up again.
Seeing the girl's changing expression, Senju Toka knew that her words had been wasted again.
She sighed helplessly to herself.
Matters of the heart can really cause a lot of harm!
My former disciple was so outstanding, decisive, calm, and intelligent.
How could things have fallen to this state in just over a year?
It seems we'll have to let it out and let it run for a while!
One can be emotionally Ninja, but one should not let it lead to chaos or panic.
Controlling emotions and remaining calm are among the fundamentals for Ninja to survive.
With that thought in mind, Senju Toka shook her head and, having made the decision to release her disciple, walked straight into the Clan Leader's Office!
I waited outside the council chamber complex for about ten minutes.
Time slowly ticked down to 8:40.
After making a rough estimate in her mind, Uka Senju then glanced at her wristwatch to check the time.
This ability was something they specifically trained in when they were young at the clan school.
After all, sending messages is not so convenient in many situations when you are away from home.
Therefore, this ability to control time becomes one of the fundamental skills of Ninja!
Just as he was thinking that the two should have arrived, the figures of two people and a dog gradually appeared in the distance.
Good morning, you two!
"Woof~ woof."
"Morning!"
Good morning, Uka-kun.
A familiar, soft voice rang out as she looked at the two people dressed in combat gear.
The three exchanged a smile and then turned to look at their teacher.
Good morning, Teacher Tsukika! The team is all present!*3
"Hmm~ Let's go then!" After responding to the three students with a faint smile, Senju Tsukika took the lead and walked into the council hall.
Seeing the teacher set off, the three of them quickly followed.
After passing through the covered walkway, the four entered the first main hall on the left.
After several turns, guided by Senju Chiharu, the four entered the Senju Clan Head's private office!
Looking at the large desk, I saw a middle-aged woman dressed in casual clothes.
Even though I knew this person was my teammate's Aunt!
However, due to their changed status, Uka Senju and the other two still bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Senju Clan Head."
As they bowed.
Senju Tsukika, standing at the front, also bowed and said, "Clan leader, the Wood Release Squad has assembled and can begin the mission!"
"Okay, get up!" After replying, he nodded to Tsukika.
Looking at the three little ones in front of her, Senju Toka picked up the three Forehead Protector from the table and tossed them over, saying, "Since you've gained the approval of the Jonin the team, you're qualified to wear these Forehead Protector."
"From this moment forward, you will be Genin belonging to the South Battlefield of Konoha."
"You can accept your first mission from me. For the rest of the daily missions, just go to the Mission Center; there will be staff there to handle them."
"Yes, it's three!" the three replied quickly after receiving and dividing the items.
Looking at the white-haired figure among the three, Senju Toka was in the first seat, couldn't help but narrow her eyes.
She ignored the three of them.
He then took out a Scroll and handed it to Tsukika, saying, "The suitable tasks are all recorded here. Just arrange them according to the plan."
"Yes, clan leader!" he replied, taking the Scroll.
Seeing that Toka had no further arrangements, Senju Tsukika led the three of them to bow again and leave the Clan Leader's Office!
As I passed that small desk in the outer room, I saw a worried look in the eyes of the person behind it.
Uka Senju smiled at him, secretly leaving behind a wooden ring, and then followed her teacher and teammates outside.
Today's procedure is a small change that has been made to the Senju.
In the past, talented Genin would receive their first mission in the Hokage's office.
Now, the children of allies like the Senju are having their first mission in the Senju Clan Leader's Office!
Because of this move, the neutral faction also changed their previous assumptions and began to make their own arrangements.
This was a blow to the Hokage's authority, but due to the difference in strength between the two sides, Hiruzen Sarutobi had no choice but to accept it.
Leaving the Senju Clan Compound, the three walked along Konoha's main road, led by their teacher.
Only then did they begin to examine the items they had brought from the office.
He looked at the Uzumaki iron Forehead Protector in his hand.
Uka Senju played with it in her hand for a few moments before binding it to her left arm.
This thing is Ninja's identity and proof of leaving the village.
As for why those missing-nin chose to make a cut instead of simply abandoning the item?
He only learned about the current pricing for missions from the outside world by chance.
Different ninja villages have different prices.
In other words, it's someone who dares to make a cut while wearing this thing.
In the black market, their value is inherently higher than others.
" Uka, why aren't you wearing it on your head?" Seeing her friend's action, Aburame Kaun asked curiously.
As he asked the question, he tied his Forehead Protector around his head.
"It's inconvenient to use my head, but my left hand is perfect. It won't bother me, and it can even serve as a small protective gear!"