Generally speaking, the number of Jonin in the village is strictly limited. Because of this, the leaders of many squads are actually Chunin.
Kyosuke becoming a squad leader didn't present any real issues—aside from the fact that he was a bit young.
He only had one real complaint.
"Where is Kakashi? Why isn't he the leader?" Kyosuke whined. "I want to switch places with him!"
Following Minato Namikaze would be a dream. The man was practically an inexhaustible treasure trove from whom one could learn countless Ninjutsu.
Seeing Kyosuke's unconvinced, pouting expression, Minato just smiled gently.
"Kyosuke, I know you have a responsible and bright heart. You will surely become an excellent leader," Minato reassured him. "Kakashi is currently somewhat obstinate and prejudiced because of his father's matter. I wouldn't be at ease leaving him in charge right now."
Kyosuke didn't hide anything. His gaze was sincere as he spoke his true feelings.
"Teacher, I want to learn from you. You are the most outstanding ninja I have ever seen, and I can learn so much by following you."
The most pleasant words in the world are sincere compliments.
Minato looked into Kyosuke's eyes, felt his genuine respect, and was deeply moved. He took out a custom Kunai and handed it to Kyosuke, revealing a sun-like smile.
"Kyosuke, you will always be my disciple."
A teacher this good—I won't allow you to die!
Kyosuke took the Kunai with both hands. Seeing the Flying Thunder God markings etched into the metal, he suddenly felt choked up.
Damn it, I'm a transmigrator! Two lifetimes, and I still can't build an iron heart! How embarrassing!
Caught up in his emotions, Kyosuke became somewhat impulsive and spoke without reservation.
"Teacher, I'm sorry. Actually, I've been lying to you. I'm Sensei's spy and have been monitoring you. But don't worry! I didn't say anything about those times—the time before last, the time before the time before last, and the last time."
The warm smile on Minato's face instantly vanished. The muscles in his jaw twitched stiffly.
Hey! Say that clearly! What last time?! I didn't do anything!
Seeing a thick vein throbbing on Kushina's forehead nearby, Kyosuke contentedly pocketed the Kunai. He quietly slipped away, giving the space to the two inwardly fiery individuals.
Dare to melt my heart, Minato Namikaze? You will pay the price!
"Heh heh heh. Kushina, I have something to do, so I'll take my leave now," Minato stammered.
"Wait! Clarify what happened last time first!"
"That was Kyosuke talking nonsense! I didn't do anything!"
"Then who was that woman you were shopping and laughing with?!"
Hearing the "sweet talk" echoing from behind him, Kyosuke laughed happily and returned home to check the team member profiles Minato had given him.
"Asuma Sarutobi and Shizune Kato. Two acquaintances."
Kyosuke was very familiar with these two, so he only glanced over their profiles. The third person, however, was quite something.
Kosuke. Konoha's eternal Genin.
The profile indicated that Kosuke's strength was formidable. He was highly skilled in Swordsmanship and Water Release Ninjutsu, with outstanding merits for Konoha. However, due to a past command error that caused a comrade's death, he swore to remain a Genin forever.
Looking at the kind, middle-aged uncle in the photo, Kyosuke maliciously speculated in his mind.
Arranging such a strong hidden veteran just to protect the Hokage's son, Asuma?
That evening, inside the dreamscape, the group casually chatted before their meeting dispersed.
"Back then, Kurenai was the goddess in my heart, Kyosuke. Give Asuma a good beating for me; it would be best if he miraculously became a tragic Konoha hero," Kiichiro proposed, indulging in a moment of past longing with a very 'underworld-like' suggestion.
Kyosuke scoffed. "Don't forget, in our past life, we were the exact same person. I know full well how many 'goddesses' you had. Stop pretending to be so devoted!"
Ooka Shin chimed in curiously. "Isn't Shizune also Tsunade's disciple? Why didn't she leave with Tsunade?"
"Probably not yet. It doesn't matter," Kyosuke replied sourly. "Chisuke is already slaying foes in the war and interfering with the timeline. Who knows what the future holds for these figures anymore."
Chisuke laughed proudly. "How about that? I've become famous, haven't I! Let me tell you, for the entire day today, the Konoha Ninja just stayed put defending their camp. They didn't dare attack! If it weren't for being wary of Orochimaru, I would have already broken through them!"
Kyosuke felt annoyed watching Chisuke's arrogance. "I'm still growing and need my beauty sleep. I'm leaving!"
The group dispersed amidst laughter.
The next morning, Kyosuke unusually paid for his own breakfast and walked toward Training Ground Two while eating.
"The Hokage is really something, scheduling the team meeting so early and forcing me to spend money on food."
When he arrived, Kyosuke saw that his three team members were already waiting for him.
As Kyosuke appeared, the three turned to look. Without missing a beat, Kyosuke pulled out his last meat bun and immediately stuffed it into his mouth, chewing unapologetically in front of them.
"Hey, hey! We got here early to wait for you, and you're just leisurely eating a bun? You didn't even bring one for us! That's too much!"
Asuma wasn't afraid of Captain Kyosuke. Seeing his terrible attitude, the boy immediately voiced his dissatisfaction.
Last night, when the Third Hokage told him Kyosuke was his captain, Asuma almost defected on the spot. It wasn't that he hated Kyosuke; it was just that they used to be classmates. Having his peer suddenly become his superior made Asuma incredibly uncomfortable.
Facing Asuma's anger, Kyosuke ignored him and continued to chew slowly.
The meat bun was huge, and since he'd stuffed it in hastily, his cheeks bulged. He couldn't swallow it right away even if he wanted to.
Seeing Kyosuke's cheeks puffed out like a toad, Shizune smiled. "Kyosuke, we aren't fighting you for it. Why are you eating so fast? If you can't swallow, spit it out. Don't choke."
Asuma snorted and mocked him. "He's always like this. Extremely stingy. Maybe those buns were bought by someone else."
Kosuke watched the three youngsters bicker and fondly recalled past events. He cheerfully uncapped his water flask and offered it forward.
"Have some water."
Gulp, gulp. After drinking the water and finally swallowing the bun, Kyosuke patted his stomach and let out a happy burp.
"According to procedure, we introduce ourselves first. My name is Uesugi Kyosuke, your captain. Things I like: someone treating me to meat for free. Things I hate: paying for my own meals."
Saying this, Kyosuke glared seriously at Asuma.
"Also, this is the first time I've ever paid for my own breakfast. Don't tarnish my innocence!"
Asuma was almost driven to laughter by the sheer shamelessness. "You never paid for breakfast before! What are you so proud of now?!"
Shizune smiled gently and stepped in. "My name is Shizune. I like rice, dislike pork, and enjoy reading books and visiting cultural heritage sites. Also, I am quite proficient in Medical Ninjutsu, and I will work hard to treat everyone's injuries."
It always feels like Med-nin are cursing us to get hurt, Kyosuke thought.
Both he and Asuma were left speechless after her last sentence.
"Wait, you dislike pork? We can share meals in the future!" Kyosuke's eyes lit up. "I'll give you my rice, and you give me your pork—a win-win cooperation!"
He had discovered a new source of meat. Heh heh heh.
Shizune showed a polite yet awkward smile, entirely unsure of how to respond to her captain's weird energy.
Kosuke spoke up at the perfect moment. "My name is Kosuke, a Konoha Genin. My hobby is cooking delicious wild game. I hope you all will enjoy it."
Hearing this, Kyosuke was overjoyed. He began pacing back and forth excitedly.
"Our team combination is absolutely perfect! Uncle Kosuke cooks, I eat the meat, Shizune eats the rice, and Asuma pays for the ingredients. Perfect! The Hokage is brilliant!"
Kyosuke waved his hand and shouted an astonishing slogan with high spirits.
"Konoha's Gourmet Dream Team! Officially established!"