The next day.
Sakumo set off alone for the Hokage Building.
None of his former squad members from the Sakumo Squad accompanied him because starting today, he would be assigned new teammates by the Hokage to form a brand new Sakumo Squad for missions.
Walking up to the office door, Sakumo gently knocked. Once he heard the voice saying "Come in" from inside, he entered and thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
"Lord Hokage."
"Ah, you've arrived, Sakumo."
Sakumo, now in his prime, had fully restrained his aura. Clad in his ninja attire, he stood there as ordinarily as any regular person.
One couldn't feel the sharpness that one would expect from the Konoha White Fang.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, nodded to himself. Among the many Jonin in Konoha today, Sakumo indeed stood out.
Neither the genius Jonin of the new generation nor the ninjas of his own generation could match his brilliance.
This would, in turn, alleviate much of the pressure on him.
Today, various businessmen and foreign officials coming to Konoha to commission tasks would name Sakumo specifically for their missions, showing his great renown and trust.
"I'm sorry, but the original Sakumo Squad needs to be disbanded."
"From the day I led them, I was already prepared for this. They've all become independent ninjas."
Sakumo said this.
Hiruzen acknowledged Sakumo's perspective.
Since its inception, the Sakumo Squad completed countless S-rank and A-rank missions.
Excluding the sole Medical Ninja in the team, since they aren't combat personnel, the other two hailed from prestigious families and recently succeeded in becoming Jonin, turning into Konoha's main force.
Breaking apart the Sakumo Squad was a multifaceted consideration.
The key factor was still the attitudes of the Uchiha and Hyuga.
"I wanted to ask, what arrangements will be made for them next?"
Sakumo still inquired with concern.
"Hyuga Ayane will serve as the guardian for the next Patriarch of the Hyuga Clan, while Uchiha Ruri will join the Uchiha Security Team, becoming a sub-captain. As for Chiba Hakushi, I plan to assign him to work at Konoha Hospital. Or he could act as an assistant at the Ninja School. Tsunade mentioned his theoretical knowledge is solid; during his studies, he made no common errors and is a rather outstanding Medical Ninja."
In recent years, with a strong push to cultivate Medical Ninjas, Konoha now has double the number compared to the period during the Second Great Ninja War.
But Konoha is one of the Five Great Ninja Villages, with a vast number of ninjas. Even with twice as many Medical Ninjas, it's impossible to cover all aspects.
Therefore, both the Ninja School and Konoha Hospital currently lack Medical Ninjas.
"Is that so? I heard Tsunade is currently teaching at the Ninja School..."
"Yes." At this point, a fleeting look of gloom crossed Hiruzen's eyes, hinting at some regret, before he composed himself and said, "Tsunade happens to be short of an assistant; he can be assigned there."
Sakumo smiled, a sense of relief finally washing over him.
He's not overly worried about Ruri and Ayane, but Hakushi's future is what truly concerns him.
Working at the Ninja School or Konoha Hospital guarantees a stable life ahead, free from life-threatening risks.
As for any political factors involved, Sakumo preferred not to trouble himself with such matters.
He's inherently uninterested in politics, focusing instead on enhancing his strength, protecting his companions, and completing missions flawlessly.
"Here are the members of your new squad; see if they're suitable."
Hiruzen placed the information about the other three new squad members on the desk. Sakumo stepped forward and quickly skimmed through it.
"No problem, a Perception Ninja, Medical Ninja, and a Jonin to assist in combat. The configuration isn't much different from before."
"As long as you are satisfied. Lately, for some reason, my health feels like it's worsening. Having a squad led by you can alleviate a lot of my burden."
Hiruzen said with a smile.
"You're joking, Lord Hokage. You're not even fifty yet."
"About to be. Besides, sitting here working all day, I only occasionally get to go out and practice Ninja Techniques. I'm not sure if my skills have deteriorated."
Hiruzen seemed rather melancholic.
"You're the Professor of Ninja Techniques, the Hokage Konoha relies on."
"Haha, don't worry. Before passing this position on to the next Hokage, I can still hold on."
Hiruzen also knew that once a ninja reaches fifty, it generally marks a downward slope.
Adding to the battles he fought with the Second Hokage in his early years, he carried many old injuries, and recently felt increasingly strained.
Indeed, it's time to consider the matter of the next Hokage.
Perhaps in two or three years, we should conduct the ceremony to elect Hokage candidates, Hiruzen thought.
As for who to entrust with the role of the Fourth Hokage, Hiruzen hadn't decided.
The main issue was having too many choices.
The White Fang, the Sannin, and many excellent Jonin from the new generation—all qualified to vie for the Hokage position.
They are all outstanding ninjas who can inherit the Will of Fire.
This is the kind of troubling happiness, isn't it?
At that thought, Hiruzen felt much lighter.
◎
Hyuga Clan's territory.
People strolled down the corridor of the vast courtyard.
At the front of the group was Hyuga Hiashi, the next Patriarch of the Hyuga Family, followed by a man and a woman.
The man appeared to be in his twenties, with a peaceful demeanor, was a remarkably outstanding Jonin of the Hyuga Clan, serving as guardian to the next Patriarch Hiashi, firmly committing to this mission.