chapter 95 part 4
He just wondered if the Third Hokage would dispatch him this time, and if so, in what manner?
Soon, Tsukasa Kaede found out. A week later, Tsukasa Kaede arrived at the Hokage Office.
"That's the situation. Compared to the squad invasions from other Ninja Villages, Iwagakure's aggression is the most radical. The Village has decided to strike back forcefully and make them feel the pain."
The Third Hokage said, "They want to bleed us dry, but why can't we seize the opportunity to wipe out the forces they've sent? However, according to reliable intel, the situation has changed somewhat."
"Jinchuriki? That's the only thing I can think of. In terms of the number of top-tier Ninja, they can't compare to us. In terms of absolute military strength, they also can't compare. The only area where they can suppress us is that they possess two Jinchuriki who can be deployed at any time, while ours cannot be used." Tsukasa Kaede said.
The Third Hokage was very pleased, "Precisely. You have an extremely keen sense for tactical matters. The moment Iwagakure deploys a Jinchuriki, it signifies a significant escalation in the conflict between our two Villages."
Jinchuriki! Even the current Hidden Leaf Village would find such opponents troublesome.
"Jiraiya has already left the Village with his newly formed squad to intercept the enemy, but I'm concerned he might not be able to handle it, so I need your assistance."
The Third Hokage exhaled a smoke ring, then said gravely, "Minato Namikaze of Jiraiya's squad possesses Space-Time Ninjutsu and can move flexibly on the battlefield. The other person with Space-Time Ninjutsu is you."
"I see. If the opponents are Jinchuriki, many things indeed become unpredictable. I'd be happy to accept this mission." Tsukasa Kaede readily agreed.
He could tell that the Third Hokage was somewhat anxious now.
Two Jinchuriki! Even during the Second Great Ninja War, the Hidden Leaf Village never faced two Jinchuriki in a single battle, but now it was happening. Even someone as strong as Jiraiya would be in a very passive position if simultaneously attacked by two Jinchuriki and other Iwagakure Ninja.
"You fought against the Four-Tails Jinchuriki in the Land of Hot Water and clashed with the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki in Kumogakure. You're no stranger to Jinchuriki combat styles. I'll be relying on you."
The Third Hokage produced two documents. "These are the mission assignments. I've also prepared two subordinates for you, making your team a standard four-person squad."
"Besides me and Hidan, who else?"
"A standard elite squad needs a Medical Ninja. I've decided to assign Shizune, Kato Dan's niece, to you. I'm also transferring Ibiki Morino to your squad."
"Hokage, my squad still lacks a Sensor Ninja. Ideally, I would face one Jinchuriki, and the remaining three would also possess powerful combat and endurance capabilities."
Tsukasa Kaede continued, "I previously met Hizashi of the Hyuga Clan at the barbecue restaurant, and he strongly recommended a young Ninja named Hyuga Takashi to me."
Hyuga Takashi, the Third Hokage pondered, vaguely recalling such a person, but honestly, he hadn't seen any special talent in Hyuga Takashi. Relying on the Byakugan, he would at most become a supporting Ninja, existing to assist others.
"As far as I know, you also possess Sensory Perception abilities. You shouldn't need assistance from a Hyuga Clan descendant. Moreover, considering separate squad combat now... isn't that a bit premature?" The Third Hokage was somewhat surprised.
His intention was to assign Ibiki Morino, who had excellent interrogation and intel analysis skills, to Tsukasa Kaede to give Tsukasa Kaede an advantage in intelligence gathering.
But Tsukasa Kaede's suggestion exceeded his expectations.
Making Hidan, Shizune, and Hyuga Takashi capable of independent combat? In a battle involving at least two Jinchuriki? Shizune was a Medical Ninja, providing support, and Hyuga Takashi didn't have any powerful Jutsu. Or rather, no one in the entire Hyuga Clan could currently use extremely destructive Jutsu.
"So, it's Hidan? After these past few months of training, you think so highly of him? I'm worried he might not be able to handle the pressure—not emotionally, but in terms of strength."
The Third Hokage also realized that Hidan was a simple-minded fellow. And relying on his undying body, he felt no fear or cowardice whatsoever. There was basically no need to worry about him abandoning his teammates and fleeing in extreme situations.
But after all, the opponents were Jinchuriki, and it was hard to guess how much strength they could display.
"You don't need to worry about that. I will try to teach Hidan the Corpse Release Secret Technique. His performance will definitely be satisfactory. I wouldn't say he'll achieve any eye-catching achievements, but protecting his teammates will be more than enough."
Hyuga Takashi locks targets, Hidan acts as a super tank and invincible damage dealer, and Shizune provides healing. This was a very standard mission squad. Regardless of the situation, such a team would have extremely strong resilience.
As long as Hidan, the core member, didn't fall apart, the other two could remain steady. And Hidan, being immortal, absolutely wouldn't fall apart.
Of course, extreme situations like getting hit in the face with a Tailed Beast Bomb were unavoidable. Currently, no one in the entire Hidden Leaf Village had the ability to directly withstand a Tailed Beast Bomb. They could only use various means to try and alter the Tailed Beast Bomb's trajectory.
In the Valley of the End battle, the Quintuple Rashomon summoned by Hashirama Senju was pierced through by a Perfect Form Nine-Tails' Tailed Beast Bomb. Even if the Four-Tails and Five-Tails were far less powerful than the Nine-Tails, the Tailed Beast Bombs they spat out were not easily defended against.
"Very well, you are the Captain. You are more qualified than anyone to choose squad members that fit your tactical system. So, from today, Shizune and Hyuga Takashi are your subordinates. I hope you can guide these three new generation Ninja well," the Third Hokage said with a smile.
Now it was up to Tsukasa Kaede's leadership and ability to train his juniors.
Although Tsukasa Kaede had previously wiped out three hundred Kumogakure troops by himself, proving his ability to operate independently, if Tsukasa Kaede could also train juniors and deepen his bonds with others, subtly increasing his sense of belonging to the Village, it would absolutely be worthwhile.
This was also why the Third Hokage had been willing to have a brief conversation with Hidan back then. He saw that Tsukasa Kaede wasn't isolating himself stubbornly but was willing to choose suitable young people to train, which made him very happy.
Now he was even happier. Tsukasa Kaede actively choosing personnel meant that Tsukasa Kaede was also continually deepening his understanding of other comrades, and it was because of that understanding that he made tactical choices.
After leaving the Hokage Office, Tsukasa Kaede first went to visit Kato Dan. It was Tsunade who opened the door.
"Tsunade, it seems you're officially living together now. When's the wedding?"
Tsukasa Kaede wasn't surprised at all.
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Still a bit of a wait, probably next year or the year after."
With Mito Uzumaki's death, Tsunade, as her granddaughter, still had to consider appearances somewhat, stretching out the time between joyful and sorrowful events as much as possible. Neither she nor Kato Dan was in a hurry anyway.
Tsukasa Kaede entered Kato Dan's home, and as soon as he took off his shoes, a young girl approached him.