"Could it be that he thinks I'm already considered Master Chen's disciple, and the tacit understanding and bond between Takashi Ishizuka and me no longer need to be cultivated through teamwork, so he has given me a new teammate with whom I need to build a bond?"
"And because I haven't yet demonstrated any talent in Genjutsu, therefore..."
Shinichi's gaze inadvertently swept over Kurenai Yuhi's long, dark hair and calm red eyes: "A team member with exceptional talent in Genjutsu, to fill our team's potential shortcomings in Genjutsu? A more balanced team composition?"
This speculation seems reasonable. As the Hokage, it is only natural to plan a more comprehensive growth path for subordinates with potential, including building teams with complementary abilities.
But such meticulous, even tailor-made, arrangements still made Shinichi inwardly complain: "Why does it feel like I'm the third Hokage's biological son, with everything arranged so thoroughly..."
...
As time passed slowly, the classroom door kept being pushed open. One team leader after another appeared, called out names, and led away their respective team.
The noisy classroom gradually became empty and quiet.
In the end, only the three students from team 10 remained, still sitting in their original seats.
Their team leader has yet to appear.
"What's going on?"
Shizune finally couldn't hold back and complained in a low voice, "All the other teams have left! Has our team leader forgotten about us? This is so unreliable!"
Kurenai Yuhi frowned slightly, resting her chin on her hand, her gaze frequently drifting towards the door: "Perhaps... It's a team leader who likes to test teammates' patience?"
She tried to think positively, but there was a hint of uncertainty in her tone.
Shinichi maintained a calm expression throughout and did not add any complaints.
He was also wondering what kind of team leader the third Hokage would assign to him, to this seemingly special team 10 consisting of him, Shizune, and Kurenai.
This team leader needs to be strong enough to guide him and reliable enough to entrust good talents like Shizune and Kurenai with their guidance.
At the same time, their philosophy must also align with that of the third Hokage... or rather, be deeply trusted by the third Hokage.
Just as Shinichi's patience was about to run out, Kurenai Yuhi also began to look uneasily toward the classroom door.
"Squeak."
The classroom door was finally pushed open once again.
A figure that surprised all three of them walked in with a slightly lazy yet undeniable air of authority.
A golden ponytail, a delicate face, a signature light blue diamond-shaped mark on her forehead, wearing a loose sleeveless top underneath a tea-green long coat with black trim.
Tsunade!
All three of them were stunned.
How could it be her?
The same thought popped into the minds of all three of them at the same time.
Kurenai Yuhi was utterly shocked and incredulous.
Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin, granddaughter of the first and second Hokage, disciple of the third Hokage, the Konoha's top-tier Medical Ninja and combat powerhouse, had actually become their Jonin leader?!
This feels like a dream, it's unreal!
Shizune's feelings were even more complicated.
She was initially taken aback, but then she remembered that Tsunade had indeed told her a few days ago, "I'll give you a surprise later."
At first, she thought it was something else... turns out, the surprise, or rather, the shock, was here!
Tsunade actually came to lead the team herself? And serve as her Jonin leader!
This made her feel both incredulous and subtly warm and nervous, as if she were being specially cared for.
Shinichi was initially surprised, but then he understood. Perhaps his previous two exchanges had touched the heart of the Sannin, who was deeply mired in pain and avoidance, and even cured or suppressed her hemophobia.
She couldn't force Shizune to change her mind about becoming a ninja, just as she couldn't reverse the tragedy of the past. But she couldn't bear the thought of Shizune, the girl she considered family, the one who carried her longing for Dan and Nawaki, repeating the same mistakes and disappearing silently into a mission.
Therefore, she chose the most direct and domineering way: To become the team leader herself.
She placed Shizune under her wing, teaching, shaping, and personally protecting her.
As for Shinichi himself, this young Chunin, who was valued by the third Hokage and possesses special abilities, being assigned to this team was undoubtedly a move by the third Hokage to go with the flow.
As Konoha's top powerhouse, Medical Ninja, and the third Hokage's personal disciple, Tsunade, serving as their team leader in itself signified the highest level of protection and guidance resources.
In addition, the third Hokage may be hoping that the contact between the two will bring about some positive changes.
Regardless, from this moment onward, Shinichi had truly entered the third Hokage's faction, becoming in the eyes of Konoha's upper echelon an absolute insider, even, it could be said, a successor.
As for Kurenai Yuhi, her addition might be to fill the team's shortcomings in Genjutsu or other areas, forming a more balanced triangle, or it might simply be to make up the numbers.
But in any case, becoming Tsunade's student was undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity for her.
"What, are you surprised to see me?"
Tsunade snorted, crossed her arms, and glanced at the three people's still-astonished faces.
"G-Good afternoon, Sensei!"
Kurenai Yuhi quickly stood up, her movements unusually hurried, revealing her inner turmoil.
She quickly adjusted her breathing and said in a slightly faster but still clear tone, "Tsunade-sensei!"
Her red eyes gleamed with barely suppressed excitement and respect; after all, Tsunade, the Legendary Sannin, was an idol for many girls.
Tsunade gave a noncommittal, hmm, in response, then turned her gaze to Shizune.
Shizune was feeling conflicted. When Tsunade looked at her, she subconsciously pouted and muttered something under her breath.
"Shizune."
Tsunade's ears were clearly sharp, and she frowned slightly. "What are you muttering about? Didn't I teach you how to greet people properly at home?"
'You really haven't taught this.'
Shizune couldn't help but mentally complain, but she quickly composed herself, stood up, and drawled, "Tsunade-sensei."
"Hmm."
Tsunade nodded, unconcerned about her reaction, and finally, her gaze fell on Shinichi.
Shinichi stood, calm in demeanor, neither slightly flustered like Kurenai due to excitement nor carrying Shizune's private awkwardness. He simply maintained the respect due to a teacher and spoke clearly: "Tsunade-sensei."
Tsunade looked into his calm eyes, as if trying to read something from them, but in the end, she only raised her chin almost imperceptibly.
"Alright, stop standing there like idiots."
She finally turned and walked towards the classroom door, the hem of her tea-green jacket drawing a clean arc, her voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Team 10! Follow me."