blogombal Chapter 144 Konoha's 60th Anniversary: Graduation Season Arrives
Chapter 144 Konoha's 60th Anniversary: Graduation Season Arrives
The next day, in the Hokage's office.
"Well, given your outstanding performance these past few times, your next task is to conduct a month-long patrol mission around Konoha. This is a routine Rank B mission; you will need to patrol the area around the village twice a day, morning and evening, to check for any unusual activity!"
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage smiled and gave instructions to Ishikawa and the other two, but his eyes remained fixed on Ishikawa.
By a stroke of luck, Ishikawa gained a red eye with X-ray vision comparable to the Byakugan, which greatly increased his value and potential, making him even more important to pay attention to.
Next, we'll assign them some simple daily tasks so they can cultivate in the village and steadily improve their strength, preparing them for taking on independent responsibilities later.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Ishikawa had no objection to the Third Hokage's arrangements, immediately nodded in agreement, and turned to leave with his two underlings.
While it may seem that completing a B-level mission every month is troublesome and the reward is meager, the time they have for free cultivation increases significantly.
Patrolling near Konoha is a B-rank mission that's practically a freebie at this stage, posing virtually no danger.
"Today we'll familiarize ourselves with the patrol route. Starting tomorrow, we'll patrol once a day at 6 a.m. and once a day at 10 p.m. The rest of the time is for free cultivation."
"Yes, brother." The two underlings nodded in unison, and the three of them quickly rushed out of Konoha and arrived at the outskirts of the village to begin their mission.
Meanwhile, in a secluded forest on the edge of Konoha, Kakashi, with a solemn gaze and arcs of lightning around him, began further training and development.
Meanwhile, at a training ground, Neji opened his Byakugan and stared intently at the drunken Lee opposite him, his palms surging with chakra as they began their extreme training to mutually enhance each other!
At the Ninja Academy, Karin, under Naruto's persistent pestering, finally acknowledged him as a member of their clan. During the day, she immersed herself in intense studies and school affairs, while at night, the Third Hokage would occasionally give her extra tutoring on the basics of sealing techniques.
With everything progressing smoothly, a month passed in the blink of an eye.
After intensive training and daily tasks, the Third Hokage finally assigned new B-rank missions to the three of them and Kakashi.
The long-absent Team 7 was mobilized again, and under the supervision of Kage-level Kakashi, everything went smoothly without any unexpected incidents.
And so, the three of them would occasionally follow Kakashi on B-rank missions while also independently completing C-rank missions to train and grow.
Autumn has passed and spring has come; half a year has flown by in the blink of an eye, and it has been 60 years since Konoha was founded.
On this day, in Konoha.
"Ha! You idiots, you won't catch me. Scared? I'm very powerful..."
At the Hidden Leaf Village's Shadow Rock, 12-year-old Naruto, carrying paint, arrogantly laughed as he looked at the graffiti on the faces of past Kage. He was then surrounded and chased by Iruka and the others who arrived, thus beginning a new chapter...
[It's such a poignant and familiar scene. I can't believe graduation season is here so soon!] In front of the Hokage Building, 13-year-old Ishikawa watched the chaotic scene with a sigh.
The story is finally about to begin!
"Let's go, big brother. The Hokage said there's an important announcement today, let's go see what's going on."
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei seems to be here today too. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."
Behind them, Taro and Jiro, both a year older, urged them on. They completely ignored Naruto's prank; after all, it wasn't the first time that guy had done something like this!
However, this is the first time that the Hokage Yan Yan from all generations has been depicted in graffiti.
"Okay, let's go!" Ishikawa nodded and stepped into the Hokage Building, fully aware of what was to be announced today.
The main characters' class is about to graduate, so the Third Hokage naturally called them over to make room for them!
The Hokage's office.
"Ishikawa, Taro, Jiro, your performance over the past six months has been more than enough to stand on your own, both in terms of individual strength and other aspects. At present, you no longer need Kakashi's protection."
"Therefore, today, in the name of the Hokage, I hereby announce the official disbandment of Team 7! Kakashi will once again serve as a Jonin and go to the Ninja Academy to form a new Team 7."
"As for the three of you? I have two options."
"First, split the teams and have them join the Anbu or other departments to contribute their strength to Konoha."
"Second, form the Ishikawa Squad with Ishikawa as the center. I will also assign you a new teammate according to the optimal squad configuration of four people per group."
As expected, after a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Third Generation solemnly announced something that instantly threw Tarojiro into a panic...
Although they and their older brother Ishikawa had also left Kakashi to carry out many missions on their own during this period, being disbanded still left them feeling lost and disoriented.
Subconsciously, both of them looked at their older brother, Ishikawa.
Having anticipated this, Ishikawa didn't rush to comment, but instead turned his gaze to his teacher, Kakashi.
"Ishikawa, with your strength, you can handle anything, whether you go to the Anbu, become a Chunin captain, or go to another department. I believe you won't let me down!"
"As for Taro and Jiro, I also acknowledge that you are both excellent genin. So no matter what you choose, you will always be my most outstanding students."
"From today onwards, you are no longer my subordinates, but comrades-in-arms and partners who face danger together and rely on each other!"
"Kakashi-sensei..." Upon hearing Kakashi say this, Tarojiro paused in his breath and subconsciously called out, his face full of reluctance.
"Teacher, we will always be your disciples." Ishikawa couldn't help but say this. After spending a year together and going through several life-or-death situations, it was impossible for him not to acknowledge Kakashi.
Otherwise, Ishikawa wouldn't have gone to such lengths to help Kakashi get rid of the Sharingan's side effects!
Then, Ishikawa took a deep breath and looked at his two underlings, "Tarojiro, if you trust me, then join me in forming a team. If you don't want to, I believe the Hokage will arrange where you are."
"Brother, of course we'd like to go with you."
"We'll advance and retreat together, share both good times and bad. Brother, you haven't forgotten our promise, have you?"
Almost the instant Ishikawa finished speaking, Taro and Jiro each shouted, their attitudes self-evident.
"Is that so..." Ishikawa's lips curled into a smile, then he turned to look at the Third Hokage with a solemn expression.
"Lord Hokage, the Ishikawa Team has been confirmed for formation. We request your approval."
"Of course, this was originally my choice for you!" The Third Hokage nodded with a smile, having no objection.
As long as Kakashi is freed up for Naruto and Sasuke, it doesn't matter to him whether the three of them go to the Anbu or form a team!
"Then, you'll be attending the graduation information session at the Ninja Academy in three days. You know the new member of your team, yes, it's her..."
"Karin, I understand." Ishikawa nodded, a glint in his eyes, thinking to himself that his healer was finally returning to the team.
With Karin and their growth over the past six months, their team is not afraid of even A-level missions!