With Saitama's nod of approval, Tsunade continued speaking.
"Although Saitama has already explored the location, as a precaution, I'll be sending another investigation team tomorrow. Everyone here will help arrange it. Any volunteers?"
Tsunade rested her chin on one hand, her tone firm and authoritative, exuding the composure of a seasoned leader.
"Heh." Saitama smirked subtly, glancing at Shizune, who stood silently behind Tsunade.
Shizune could feel his gaze, but she maintained her composed posture, eyes fixed on the table in front of her. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks despite her efforts to stay focused.
"The Hyuga clan will dispatch two teams according to Tsunade-sama's arrangements," said a composed voice. It came from Hyuga Shin, a branch house Jonin responsible for coordinating Hyuga forces at the front lines.
"Understood," Tsunade nodded and turned to the rest.
"The Uchiha clan will continue to assist," said Uchiha Tenaki. "Since we were among the first to discover this issue, we intend to see it through."
"The Aburame clan will send a bug-user to accompany the team," said a quiet voice from beside Hyuga Shin. The speaker, Aburame Ruifeng, was a calm figure in dark glasses, sitting upright and expressionless.
"Good," Tsunade acknowledged. Beside her, Mitokado Homura removed his glasses and placed them on the table.
"To ensure the integrity of the intel, we don't need a large squad. However, the presence of the Hyuga and Aburame is essential," Homura said thoughtfully, eyes glinting with insight.
"We'll form a temporary unit with a Byakugan user from the Hyuga, a tracking specialist from the Aburame, and an Uchiha intelligence operative. They'll set out tomorrow to confirm the situation."
The named clan representatives nodded in agreement.
Saitama remained still, his expression neutral. He had expected this outcome. He knew his involvement in this operation was a given.
"Then let's move on to other matters," Tsunade said, shifting the meeting forward.
---
After the meeting, Saitama walked alongside Uchiha Tenaki and Uchiha Mori as they returned to the Uchiha sector of the camp.
"Saitama," Tenaki said with a note of concern, "when you infiltrated the site today, the enemy may have noticed. Expect tighter security—or even a counterattack."
As the clan's top field commander, Uchiha Tenaki bore the responsibility for his people's welfare. With Saitama gaining prominence among the younger Uchiha, his safety was a personal concern.
"I understand," Saitama replied with a quiet nod.
"Don't worry, Tenaki-sama," Mori added with a confident smile, placing a hand on Saitama's shoulder. "He's used to missions like this. Don't underestimate him."
Tenaki gave a curt nod and quickened his pace.
---
"Alright, that's enough for today. I'm heading back," Saitama said, flexing his wrist—still a bit numb from a hit he took during sparring with Shizune earlier.
"Yeah, me too." Shizune looked up at the moon. Its position in the sky had shifted noticeably—it had been hours.
"You go ahead. I'll stay and practice a little more. I don't have any missions during the day—just need to stay near Tsunade-sama," Shizune said, laughing lightly. Her short hair stuck to her forehead with sweat, giving her a fresh, determined look.
"Alright, see you." Saitama adjusted the sword at his hip and turned to leave.
"Good night," Shizune waved, her tone unusually warm. She had started to develop a fondness for Saitama, and it showed in her demeanor.
Saitama had only walked a few steps when Shizune's voice called out again.
"Hey, Saitama!"
He stopped and turned, smiling faintly as he looked at her standing there with a kunai in hand.
"Be careful tomorrow," she said, her voice softer. "Come back safely. If you do… I'll start teaching you that medical ninjutsu you asked about."
For a moment, Shizune felt awkward, but she forced herself to finish.
"Alright, get some rest," Saitama replied, then continued walking. There was no reply behind him—just silence.
"Shizune, do your best," she murmured, tightening her grip on the kunai as she watched him disappear around the corner.
The moonlight bathed the Konoha camp in silver. Lanterns illuminated the tents and patrols moved diligently, maintaining a tense but orderly atmosphere.
---
Back in his tent, Saitama washed his face and feet quickly before lying down. His short sword rested beside him, always within arm's reach.
Earlier, he'd visited Shizune as planned. They'd trained briefly, and spent some quiet time together. It was a rare kind of peace.
"Tomorrow's another long day," Saitama whispered to the ceiling before closing his eyes.
---
The next morning…
"These are your teammates for this operation," Tsunade announced, arms crossed, addressing the three shinobi standing before her.
"Understood," they responded in unison.
The Hyuga representative was a young Jonin named Hyuga Dun, around twenty. The Aburame was a reserved Chunin named Aburame Ruifeng.
"Saitama will serve as team captain," Tsunade added. "He gathered the intel and has the strength to lead."
Saitama glanced at Hyuga Dun, remembering that this was the same Hyuga who had tried to approach him earlier during their march to the front.
Hyuga Dun's eyebrow twitched slightly at the announcement. Though he didn't object, a hint of discomfort crossed his face. He knew Saitama's reputation, but it still rankled.
Aburame Ruifeng made no comment. Behind her dark glasses, her thoughts remained hidden.
"Let's go," Saitama said simply. He'd accepted his role and didn't waste time asserting authority.
"Be careful," Tsunade called out, then turned away.
As Saitama walked past, he didn't acknowledge the subtle glances from behind Tsunade. He simply led his newly assigned team toward the camp gate.
Shizune, walking behind Tsunade, watched Saitama's back silently.
"Something on your mind, Shizune?" Tsunade asked without turning.
"It's nothing, Tsunade-sama," she replied, lowering her gaze.
Tsunade didn't press the matter. "Alright, suit yourself," she said, continuing on.
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