Nara Shikaku: ???
Shizune: ???
Kakashi: 'Why am I involved in this too?'
...
Hearing Tsunade's question, even if Nara Shikaku's IQ were cut in half, he still wouldn't give the wrong answer.
"No problem, I guarantee the task will be completed." Shikaku declared, deciding to put his brilliant mind to work and finish things as quickly as possible.
Hiashi furrowed his brows, seemingly deep in thought.
Observing the varied expressions across the room, Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "If there are no objections, everyone can return to work! I also need to get started. Shizune, bring me the documents—it's time to work!"
This was a rare moment of motivation from Tsunade. She wanted to clear out all these documents as fast as possible... so she could slack off freely.
Just thinking about it made her feel exhilarated.
[Sigh, finally done. I thought I was going to die from exhaustion!]
Tsunade: 'Are you even human?'
She turned her head slightly to glance at Kamizuki Hikari, who stood motionless behind her like a statue, and smiled—a faint trace of killing intent drifting in the air.
I'm the one doing all the work here! After all the talking and decision-making, you, the slacker standing behind me, dare to complain about being tired? Believe it or not, I'll have you scrubbing toilets!
Speaking of which, a few toilets were recently built near Danzo's area. Maybe she should check it out sometime.
As the crowd dispersed, only Nara Shikaku remained.
"Shikaku, is there something else?" Since he was her designated errand boy, Tsunade's attitude toward Shikaku had softened a lot.
Shikaku was flattered. "Tsunade-sama, it's a personal matter. Regarding my son Shikamaru's team leadership, I'd like to request your decision."
"Shikamaru? Isn't his jonin-sensei Asuma? Where is he?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
Shikaku glanced at Shizune, confirming she hadn't informed Tsunade yet, before answering in a low voice.
"A while ago, Asuma mentioned he was leaving the village to tame Enma and further improve his strength. It's been a week now, and I'm concerned that if he doesn't return soon, Shikamaru's training will be affected. So, I was hoping Tsunade-sama might... reassign someone."
Reassign?
Tsunade instinctively turned her gaze to Shizune.
"Tsunade-sama, not Shizune. I mean Kamizuki Hikari!"
Tsunade blinked, then gestured for Hikari to step forward.
[Damn it! That old fox Shikaku sold me out. I just want to laze around—I really don't want to be a squad leader!]
[Tsunade can't be that heartless and just agree, right?]
Tsunade smiled. 'Calling me heartless? Hikari, you're digging your own grave.'
She had originally planned to scrutinize Shikaku's request for hidden motives, but after hearing Hikari's thoughts, she just wanted to get rid of him quickly.
Having him around, either fantasizing about her or silently mocking her—this bastard deserved to be thrown into the field for some real experience.
"Shikaku-dono, you must've misspoken!" Hikari really wanted to say Shikaku was senile, but considering Shikaku wasn't that much older and was far more respected, Hikari could only swallow his frustration.
In the face of Hikari's protest, Shikaku smiled calmly.
"Don't worry, I didn't make a mistake."
"Shikamaru and his team have already shown progress in their training. They're still young though, and mainly need someone to keep them on track and prevent them from slacking off."
"Besides, missions will mostly be D-rank or C-rank. The genin will do the work, and you'll get half the commission. Where else are you gonna find such a sweet deal?"
Holy—
That's a thing?
Hikari felt like a whole new world had opened up.
If he were to lead the Ino-Shika-Chō team, he could just spam C-rank and D-rank missions. With their abilities, he'd basically be sitting back and collecting money.
How did such a cushy job fall into his lap?
[Though I'm fine with just having a position to idle in, the chairs in the Hokage's office are so comfortable. Tsunade's voice is pleasant, and her figure is amazing—I really don't want to leave.]
Tsunade looked down.
She really couldn't keep up with his train of thought.
If she could, she'd love to crack open his skull and see what the hell was going on inside.
"Alright, I approve."
With a wave of her hand, Tsunade ignored Hikari's pleading gaze.
"Hikari, starting now, you'll temporarily take over as the Ino-Shika-Chō team's leader, with the same authority as a jonin-sensei. Once Asuma returns, the post will be handed back."
"Much appreciated, Tsunade-sama." Shikaku bowed, then added, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Hikari blocked Shikaku's escape. "Make sure to tell Shikamaru—tomorrow at 8 AM, Training Ground 10. If he's late, the punishment will be severe."
"Shikaku-dono, I take student training very seriously. If I push them too hard, I hope you won't cry about it."
Shikaku smiled. "The tougher, the better. I'm looking forward to seeing your training plan."
"Good luck."
With that, Shikaku left.
Hikari slumped into his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling as if all color had drained from his world.
[Life is so hard.]
[Aside from my looks, I haven't even revealed my strength. Am I just so dazzling that even the darkest night can't hide my brilliance?]
[Born this way—I really do feel sorry for all the ordinary people out there].
This guy... Could he be less narcissistic?
Hearing Hikari's inner monologue, Tsunade completely forgot the annotations she had planned for the documents and had to start all over.
"Tsunade-sama, I'll head out too."
As the newly appointed head of the Mission Department, Shizune could no longer linger in the Hokage's office all day.
"Go ahead."
With only half a stack of documents left, Tsunade was confident she could finish within an hour. As for Shizune—this indispensable assistant still had her own duties to manage, easing Tsunade's workload.
Thinking about how relaxed work would be in the future, Tsunade started to feel a bit nostalgic.
'It's not that I don't want to work hard—it's just that my subordinates are too capable.'
Mentally indulging in this humblebrag, she sped up her document review.
'Come on, nothing beats slacking off.'
Looking at Kamizuki Hikari dazing off in a chair, Tsunade couldn't help but feel jealous.
'Good. My goal is to sit around doing nothing every day, finishing all paperwork within an hour.'
[Come to think of it, I haven't had a proper chat with Tenten since returning. I still haven't given her the souvenir I bought in the capital.]
[And then there's my brother Izumo's marriage problem. What kind of woman should I find for him?]
[I have to wrap it up before Tsunade gets involved. As shinobi, we move fast—find a match in three days, finalize the marriage in two weeks.]
Tsunade smirked.
'You little brat, didn't expect me to hear your thoughts, did you?'
'You don't want me to step in? Well, now I have to.'
'Given our relationship, don't worry—I'll make sure he gets special treatment.'
'You can count on me.'
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