"I have decided that you will be the captain of this team."
Hiruzen showed full confidence in Shintaro.
On one hand, trust in his strength. Shintaro had helped Shikaku complete a similar investigation mission when he was still a Genin, and his strength was also revealed during the Chunin exams, showing he was not at all weaker than an average Jonin.
On the other hand, there was trust in Shintaro himself. This mission involved the relationship between two major ninja villages. If not handled carefully, it could trigger a war. Assigning this mission to him actually carried a lot of risks.
Fortunately, Shintaro's current network of relationships made Hiruzen feel comfortable with him.
Shinku and Shikaku were both loyal subordinates of Hiruzen, and Orochimaru was his favorite student.
If Shintaro was recognized by these people, he would naturally be recognized by Hiruzen as well.
Shintaro bowed and said, "I will live up to Hokage-sama's trust."
Hiruzen nodded happily and continued, "As for your team members, you can choose them yourself, but I will recommend two people for you to consider."
Generally, saying this meant that these two people should definitely be included in the team; otherwise, it would not give face to the Hokage.
"Shirakumo Hayama is a young Chunin. He is proficient in wind element ninjutsu and [Shunshin no Shisui]. He has good strength and has the ability to become a Special Jonin."
"Maruboshi Kosuke made some mistakes in his youth, so he doesn't want to be promoted to Jonin. In fact, he is fully capable of being a Jonin."
"Hayama can be the vice-captain on the surface, but in reality, Kosuke is the good helper I found for you. With the three of you, this team is fully capable of completing this mission. You can find the rest yourself."
"You will depart tomorrow morning. If you complete it, I can record it as an S-rank mission for you."
Shintaro's eyes lit up, and he had already found the third candidate in his mind. He then responded, "I will complete the task."
After Hiruzen exchanged a few more friendly words, he handed over the information about the two people before allowing Shintaro to leave.
Before the sky completely darkened, Shintaro first went to Orochimaru's research institute and left a message indicating that he was on a temporary mission.
Then he found the residences of Hayama and Kosuke according to the addresses in the information.
Shirakumo Hayama was a handsome young man, not much older than Shintaro. He was immediately excited upon hearing there was an S-rank mission.
Maruboshi Kosuke was middle-aged, with slightly graying hair, and an unimpressive appearance. However, Shintaro knew as soon as he met him that Kosuke indeed had the strength of a Jonin.
A young genius with the strength of a Special Jonin could indeed meet the requirements of an S-rank mission.
As for the remaining quota, Shintaro had no intention of giving in.
He would find the Eternal Genin. That was Guy's father, Might Duy.
Shintaro now knew that Duy had mastered [Hachimon], thus the issue of meridians in the body he observed earlier was also answered.
This meant Duy had once opened [Hachimon] and reached Jonin-level strength.
Guy had once taken Shintaro to his house. The house was very dilapidated, showing poverty from inside out.
Shintaro knocked on the door.
After a while, Duy opened the door wearing an apron.
"Ah, it's Shintaro. Are you here to see Guy? He's not home today, but I happened to just cook some rice. Would you like to stay for dinner?"
Duy asked enthusiastically, his attitude toward Shintaro very good.
Perhaps it was due to Shintaro's previous praise for him.
Shintaro smiled and nodded, saying, "It just so happens I haven't eaten after a busy day."
Duy's smile brightened, and he quickly said, "Alright, I'll grab two more dishes."
Shintaro stopped him and said, "Don't bother, just follow the original plan."
"Uncle Duy, I'm not here to see Guy this time. Actually, I'm here to see you."
Duy asked with a surprised expression, "Looking for me? Why are you looking for me?"
He really didn't know what connection he, an Eternal Genin, could have with the top genius of Konoha in front of him.
"I have a mission here..." Shintaro then told Duy about the entire mission.
At first, Duy couldn't believe it.
"Such an important mission... Why give it to me?"
Shintaro replied, "I believe you are strong enough to complete this mission."
After being stunned for a long time, Duy suddenly cried.
Wasn't he living this life just to gain some words of recognition?
"Shintaro... I promise you, I will do my best to complete this mission even if my body is torn to pieces. I swear on my youth."
Duy wiped his tears and spoke earnestly.
Shintaro stood on tiptoe and patted his shoulder.
"Uncle Duy, don't take it too seriously. This mission won't be dangerous unless something unexpected happens."
Duy nodded after calming down and invited Shintaro into the house.
Although the house looked shabby from the outside, the furniture and environment inside were clean and tidy.
This showed that both Duy and his son had a positive and optimistic attitude towards life and never gave up on themselves despite their poor family background.
Shintaro highly appreciated this.
Duy enthusiastically introduced today's dishes, "Guy went on an impromptu mission today. The bacon, chicken, and eggs originally prepared for him are just for us tonight."
Although the Might family was poor, they never treated themselves badly when it came to food.
Regardless of the taste and quality of the food, at least the most basic nutrition was guaranteed.
Only in this way could the daily needs of the two taijutsu ninjas in the family be met, especially since Guy was still growing.
Even if Duy went hungry, Guy would not go hungry.
Duy was working in the kitchen wearing an apron, and Shintaro helped beside him, quickly preparing a large pot of rice and setting the table.
The two of them sat and ate their meal.
Shintaro had been busy working in Orochimaru's laboratory all day and certainly did not have enough to eat at that time. After he left, he was summoned by the Hokage and spent some time finding two teammates in the village.
So now he was having his first meal after breakfast, and he devoured it. Duy was also happy seeing this, feeling that his cooking skills were recognized.
He smiled and gave Shintaro a piece of chicken, saying, "Eat more, let's have some meat."
Shintaro took the chicken into his bowl and thanked him sincerely.
Duy sighed, "If this mission is completed, the reward from the S-rank mission will be enough for me to renovate the entire house. I can also buy fresh pork and beef. I won't have to eat bacon every day."
"Thank you so much, Shintaro."
Duy thanked him from the bottom of his heart, then bowed deeply to him.
Shintaro quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks and helped Duy stand up. After all, Duy was also an elder, and he could not sit and accept such extraordinary respect calmly.
The two then cleared the table.
After everything was done, Shintaro went home.