Seeing Reiji's strange expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't even need to ask—he already knew Reiji was thinking something inappropriate again.
He reached into a drawer, pulled out a not-too-thick roster, and set it on the table.
"A Jōnin needs to lead the team!"
As he spoke, Hiruzen slowly flipped through the pages, reading aloud:
"Rie Sakuhō, eleven years old, Genin, skilled in Water Release ninjutsu.
Fugaku Uchiha, eight years old, a prodigy of the Uchiha clan, Genin, skilled in Fire Release and shurikenjutsu.
Teuchi, ten years old, a civilian ninja, Genin, skilled in Taijutsu.
What do you think of these three?"
Reiji was dumbfounded. He finally realized what Hiruzen meant—this guy wanted him to be a team leader.
You've got to be kidding me!
I'm the Daimyō of the Land of Rain, and you're making me a team leader?!
Then again… it does sound kinda fun when you think about it!
After a short pause, Reiji cleared his throat.
"Everyone else is fine, but why are you lumping Rie in too?
I already get sick of seeing her face at home every day!"
At that, Hiruzen's mouth twitched. He thought, "You've got guts saying that to me. If you dare say it to her face, I'll salute you."
He rolled his eyes and said with a weird expression,
"Rie's your sister—you take her. That way, if something happens, you won't be cursing me out!"
"No way!" Reiji waved his hand, grinning. "She's just a little Genin. All she does is chase cats and dogs around the village. What danger could there be?"
Hiruzen immediately shook his head vigorously in refusal.
"She's your sister, you take care of her. No debate. The other two, you can swap if you want, but Rie stays."
Seeing the firm look on Hiruzen's face, Reiji sighed.
Who would've thought Reiji Sakuhō would one day become a squad leader? Life really is a twisted mess.
Thinking that, he couldn't help but smile, then asked what had been bothering him.
"Old man Hiruzen, what's the deal with this Fugaku Uchiha? Did the Uchiha clan agree?"
"They probably did. Kagami told me to put him in your team." Hiruzen sold out his old friend without hesitation.
Heh, figures it was Kagami.
I wonder what the connection is between him and Itachi and Sasuke.
As for Teuchi Ōtsutsuki...
Eh, one sheep or a whole flock, may as well herd them all.
After mulling it over, Reiji nodded in agreement.
Seeing that, Hiruzen breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
If Reiji had refused, that'd be the end of it.
But if he accepted, it meant he wasn't against getting involved in Konoha life.
This was the plan Hiruzen had carefully devised: get Reiji used to daily village life, and gradually draw him into Konoha's fold.
This guy wasn't the brat he used to be. To be blunt, he could come and go as he pleased.
And the truth was, Hiruzen didn't really have any way to deal with him.
So the best approach was to slowly and quietly integrate him into Konoha.
Most importantly, Reiji had never done anything to truly harm the village.
Well, okay—picking fights with the Uchiha didn't count. Everyone's done that. No one's hands are clean!
After a few final words, Reiji said goodbye to Uncle Hiruzen and left the Hokage's office.
...
The next morning, Reiji arrived at the meeting point with Rie in tow—a modest rooftop.
When they got there, two kids were already waiting.
The older boy lounged against the railing, eyes half-closed, deeply engrossed in a cookbook. Across from him stood a sharp-faced Uchiha boy.
"Yo~ morning, boys!"
With a cheerful smile, Reiji strolled up the stairs. Behind him, Rie followed with all the flair of a boss.
Reiji casually picked a spot and sat cross-legged, calmly looking at the three before him.
"Now that we're all here, let's do a quick self-introduction.
Rie, you go first."
"Alright." Rie nodded seriously and began,
"My name is Rie Sakuhō. I specialize in Earth Release and Nintaijutsu.
My favorite foods are candied apples and taiyaki. I hate cheese.
My dream is to become Hokage.
Nice to meet you all."
Reiji rolled his eyes and said,
"Next."
Right away, the boy with the cookbook stepped up, grinning broadly.
"Sensei, I'm Teuchi. I'm good at Taijutsu.
I love ramen and researching ramen.
My dream is to save up and open my own ramen shop!"
"Mm." Reiji nodded.
This kid's got spirit! Not bad!
"Next."
With arms crossed, the cool Fugaku Uchiha spoke up slowly.
"My name is Fugaku Uchiha. I'm skilled in Uchiha Fire Release and ninja tool throwing.
I don't particularly like or dislike anything.
My dream is…"
He glanced at Rie beside him and said with emphasis,
"To become Hokage and change the current state of the Uchiha clan."
Reiji blinked, then gave a thoughtful smile.
Well now, aiming to be Hokage, huh? Looks like every kid wants a shot at the forever-sidekick throne!
He chuckled and nodded.
"In that case, Team Eleven is officially formed!
Tomorrow, we'll pick up a mission. For now, you're dismissed."
As he stood to leave, Teuchi suddenly jumped in front of him with a strange look.
"Sensei, you haven't introduced yourself yet!"
"Oh—my bad, I forgot." Reiji scratched his head awkwardly.
After working undercover for so long, it was second nature to skip anything involving personal info. Guess that's what being a double agent does to you.
"My name is Reiji Sakuhō, Jōnin of Konohagakure.
I'm kind of okay at Taijutsu. I like… salty tofu pudding and napping in the sun.
As for what I dislike—does Ibuse count?"
Teuchi stared at him, completely speechless.
You hate Ibuse? I hate pickled fish too!
Reiji had no idea Teuchi was mentally roasting him and went on,
"As for my goal—don't have one!"
He let out a deep breath, as if he'd just completed a massive task. Then he slung an arm around Teuchi's shoulders with a mischievous grin.
"Now that I've shared, it's your turn!
Teuchi, open your eyes. Let your teacher see if you're hiding a Rinnegan, a Mangekyō, or a Tenseigan!"