Tsunade Can Hear My Inner Voice

"What? You want me to lead the team?!"

Kamizuki Hikari's original body had just returned to the Hokage Building with Tsunade when she assigned him the Land of Snow mission without hesitation.

Tsunade sat there leisurely, sipping tea like a seasoned official, completely unbothered.

"Yes, it's you."

"Why me? Cross-border missions like this usually require a jōnin to lead! And I don't even have a squad—how is this appropriate?" Hikari listed his objections, expecting Tsunade to reconsider. Instead, she simply smiled at him.

"Originally, this mission was meant for Kakashi, but he's accompanying me to negotiations with the Kumo and Iwa shinobi. Maito Gai is also needed for security. Right now, you're the most suitable candidate, Hikari. I know your strength—this mission to the Land of Snow is perfect for you!" Tsunade spoke with such gravity that anyone who didn't know her might have believed her.

"No way, it's too cold there... I mean, my skills aren't up to par!"

If he could laze around in Konoha, why would he want to suffer in a place like the Land of Snow?

"Actually, I could also protect you, Hokage-sama!"

"No. Only jōnin are permitted to participate in these negotiations. Unless... you're willing to become a jōnin? If so, I'll allow you to accompany me."

"That won't be necessary. I can't break Konoha's rules just for my own sake."

Becoming a jōnin might bring prestige, but the accompanying responsibilities were something Hikari wanted no part of.

Being a chūnin was perfect—work when he wanted, slack off when he didn't, with no one bothering him. Genin were too low-level (except for certain exceptions).

In war, genin were primary targets.

In peacetime, everyone pretended to get along.

But everyone knew—children were the future of the shinobi villages. If a war wiped out all the young shinobi of a village, what future would that village have?

By comparison, chūnin were neither prioritized nor targeted, whether in battle or on missions.

Mediocrity had its perks.

"Fine then."

Seeing Hikari's refusal, a faint look of pity flashed in Tsunade's eyes before she moved on.

"For this mission, you'll lead the Ino-Shika-Chō team. How's that?" As she spoke, she glanced at Nara Shikaku, who stood nearby.

Shikaku gave a slight nod, not objecting to the arrangement.

As Konoha's strategist, he had to be present for the negotiations. And if talks broke down, the three great shinobi villages might go to war.

Those on the frontlines would face the greatest danger.

The Land of Snow, however, was remote, far from the meeting point. Even if negotiations collapsed, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio wouldn't be dragged into the conflict.

This was ideal.

"Wait, isn't the Ino-Shika-Chō team led by Asuma? Did you even ask him?" Hikari pressed.

But he had underestimated Shikaku—Konoha's top tactician wasn't called a genius for nothing.

"I've already discussed it with Asuma. As one of Konoha's elite jōnin, he must attend the summit."

With that, Shikaku shut down Hikari's argument.

Defeated, Hikari turned to Kakashi for help—only to see the man flash him a smile before looking away.

That traitor.

"So... you all planned this already?"

Tsunade nodded. "Exactly. When Kazahana Koyuki came to Konoha for her movie promotion, we already knew her identity. After all, Kakashi was the one who completed her mission years ago. Now that Asama Sandayū wants to help her reclaim the throne, it was only a matter of time before they commissioned us again."

Typical Konoha. Sandayū's intentions had been laid bare before them.

"It's simple, really." Shikaku added. "Konoha may be prosperous, but it's still a shinobi village. Koyuki's movies are... laughable to most shinobi. Promoting them here wouldn't boost sales much. So I had Kakashi gather intel beforehand and reported it to Tsunade-sama. Sure enough, Sandayū issued the mission."

Watching Shikaku analyze the situation so effortlessly, Hikari took an involuntary step back.

Dealing with people this sharp was exhausting.

If possible, he'd prefer to never see Shikaku again.

Spending too much time with someone like him made you feel like you had no privacy left.

"Any other objections?" Tsunade asked, still smiling.

Smart people really enjoy toying with others, huh?

"No... but sending just one weak squad? Are you really confident in this? How about I take Team Gai along too?"

Tsunade: Weak? Are you joking?

Kakashi rolled his eye, silently acknowledging Hikari's shamelessness.

Even the ever-calculating Shikaku was left speechless by Hikari's audacity.

Brother, there are no outsiders here. Stop pretending in front of us. If you were weak, would we really let you lead the future of the Ino-Shika-Chō clans?

"Fine. So, when do we leave? Please don't say right now—please tell me it's not now..."

Hikari trailed off as Tsunade's grin widened. He wanted to slap himself.

Why did he have to open his big mouth?

"Of course not." Shikaku interjected. "The movie promotion still has one more day. You'll depart tomorrow after it wraps up. Until then, Hikari, take care of any unfinished business."

"The way you say that makes it sound like I'm preparing my will, Shikaku-senpai. I am taking your son on this mission, you know!" Hikari whined.

Shikaku nearly slammed the table.

'I was telling you to pack your things! And my son is under your care—do you think I'd wish death on you?!'

'Even if you die, you better complete the mission and bring my kid back first!'

Thankfully, his self-restraint held.

"That's not what I meant. It's just a long journey to the Land of Snow. You should at least let Izumo know."

Before Hikari could retort, Kakashi pulled him aside—any more arguing might actually give Shikaku a stroke.

"Hikari, intel suggests Koyuki isn't easy to deal with. Be careful on this mission."

"Relax, she's just a girl. Handling little girls is my specialty. Just wait and see—"

Before he could finish, a chilling aura crept up his spine.

"Oh? So you're that skilled, huh? Maybe I should warn all the girls in Konoha to stay away from you."

Tsunade's voice was sweet, but the underlying frost was unmistakable.

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