CH_126

Though Gan Kotetsu and Kamizuki Izumo were only eleven-year-old boys, the young shinobi of this era were mostly mature beyond their years—unlike the simple-minded Natchi.

When they were just about done eating, Izumo and Tōji made plans to work on the Mizuame technique together another time, and Izumo left with Kotetsu.

The future "Gatekeeper Duo" had a good sense of timing, giving Kenji's squad some private time to talk.

"Ahem—let's get down to business." Kenji set down his chopsticks as soon as Izumo and Kotetsu were gone.

Tōji, Natchi, and Neru put down their own utensils—they were mostly done eating anyway—and waited attentively.

"I'm going to ask the Hokage for some personnel this afternoon, then head off to the Land of Water mission."

"Natchi—don't rush to ask questions. Let me explain first."

"When I first got back, I did consider bringing you all along to gain more experience…"

Kenji glanced at Tōji, then back at Natchi—clearly these words were mainly for Natchi's benefit.

"But according to the Hokage's analysis, the situation in the Land of Water is extremely unusual. It's no longer suitable for newly promoted chūnin like you to get involved."

"So this time…"

Kenji leaned in closer and motioned for the three of them to do the same.

"This long-term infiltration mission into the Land of Water will only be carried out by a small number of jōnin."

Tōji and Neru both let out quiet sighs of relief.

But then, Tōji didn't know what to say to Kenji.

This wasn't the kind of mission where "stay safe" or "be careful" would make any difference.

Seeing the complicated look in Tōji's eyes, Kenji gave a slight shake of his head. He then looked carefully at Natchi and Neru.

In just a few short months, Kenji's squad had built a fairly strong bond.

"Then I wish the captain a successful mission!" Natchi, believing Kenji's words completely, raised his tea cup in a toast with genuine enthusiasm.

The four of them clinked cups and drank together, marking the end of the meal.

Kenji got up to pay the bill. Tōji told Natchi and Neru to go ahead, then chased after him.

"Captain—let me cover this meal! I…" Tōji caught up with Kenji at the register.

"Sure—saves me a little." Kenji grinned.

Tōji knew that even with his jōnin income, Kenji was frugal, sending most of his money back to the Kokubō clan.

Just like Tōji, who'd come back from the war with a big bonus—after setting aside some for his own expenses, he'd given the rest to his parents or the old clan head.

Stepping out of the barbecue restaurant, Tōji still had to ask, "Captain—won't you reconsider?"

Tōji knew Kenji was the backbone of the Kokubō clan—and that he had a young child at home.

"Tōji—do you know the primary duty of a shinobi?" Kenji said gravely.

It was just "follow orders," wasn't it?

"Then… Captain—please be careful. If things get too dangerous, just—" Tōji didn't know what else to say. Even if it was just empty words, saying them made him feel a little better.

"Tōji—I'm already prepared." Kenji cut off his hesitant rambling.

Those words—"already prepared"—said more than enough.

Tōji forced a smile. "Alright—I respect your decision, Captain."

Kenji suddenly grew sentimental. "You know—you're a bit too calculating, but you've got a good heart. And you're sharp. I was actually thinking of sticking with you guys for a few more years, maybe giving you some extra training—and it'd be perfect, since we share the same chakra nature…"

He ruffled Tōji's hair with a big hand, then added, "If I make it back safely—would you be willing to be my disciple?"

Tōji didn't overthink it. "Absolutely—I'd love to!"