Ninja World: Power through Bonds

When out on missions, you represent yourself, but you also have to make sure others know who you are.

Denji had no intention of becoming like Asuma—another second-generation descendant living aimlessly in the village.

In a corner of the mission hall, Denji unfolded a stack of mission scrolls and spread them out on the ground.

He then called over his team and crouched down. "Pick one—whichever seems best," he said.

Hizashi found this approach rather unorthodox. It was his first time choosing a mission in such a casual manner. Being a branch member of the Hyūga clan and the younger brother of the clan head, Hizashi was used to orders being handed down, not picking and choosing for himself.

Most weaker shinobi had little say in the matter, and once strong enough to reach jōnin rank, they simply received assignments befitting their status without question. 

But Denji, the grandson of Danzō, turned this norm on its head. His manner—so direct, so informal—might seem unusual, but considering his pedigree, Hizashi decided it made sense.

Kurenai and Yugao, meanwhile, were utterly speechless. Under previous leadership, they had no say; they simply followed the jōnin's instructions and took on the assigned tasks. But now they found themselves squatting next to Denji, flipping through mission scrolls like customers browsing a menu.

"How about this one?" Denji pointed to a mission that caught his eye. Hizashi glanced at it and shook his head firmly. 

"No way. We don't send kids to the front lines unless absolutely necessary." 

Despite Konoha's truce with Sunagakure, tensions with the other major nations remained high. Border skirmishes and supply raids continued, and this particular mission involved ambushing a team from Iwagakure. Sending a newly graduated genin into that kind of situation? That was a recipe for disaster—not to mention a guaranteed trip to the Root's prison cells before they even reached the border.

However, Yugao's eyes flashed with something different. Hatred? Determination? 

She seemed keen, but Hizashi quickly moved on, settling on a different mission. The one he chose was a B-rank assassination task: targeting a merchant from the Land of Fire who was secretly smuggling grain to the enemy.

Though smuggling alone might not have been a big deal, the merchant had been evading taxes, prompting a formal request from the feudal lord for his elimination.

Among assassination missions, this type was relatively straightforward. The target wasn't a seasoned shinobi, just a wealthy merchant. Additionally, the job came with a decent reward, perfect for bolstering Hizashi's savings.

After all, he wasn't eager to risk running out of money—especially with a son like Neji, who would need plenty of nourishment.

"Fine, we'll take that one," Denji said, though a twinge of disappointment lingered. He had hoped for something more intense, a chance to forge "life-and-death bonds" with fellow ninjas. 

Kurenai and Yugao didn't object, and the four prepared to return the other scrolls. Just as they were about to hand them back, a masked Anbu agent appeared in front of them.

"Hizashi, the Hokage would like to see you. Please bring your team to his office immediately," the masked Anbu stated.

Hizashi paused, processing the sudden summons, but quickly responded. 

"Understood. We'll head there now."

Shimura Denji couldn't help but feel curious about what Sarutobi Hiruzen had planned. He handed the mission list to the Anbu and went ahead upstairs.

At the Hokage's office, Hizashi knocked lightly. 

"Come in," answered the voice inside, and he led the team in.

The room was thick with smoke. Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his desk, his pipe in hand. At either side, the two elders, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, were seated. 

"Lord Hokage, elders," Hizashi greeted respectfully, bowing his head. The two kunoichi followed suit.

Decades of leadership had cemented these three as pillars of Konoha's administration. Their combined experience carried an air of authority that few dared to challenge.

Except Denji.

Denji scowled slightly, his small nose wrinkling. The room reeked of pipe smoke, and the lack of ventilation only made it worse. The windows were shut tight, allowing the gray haze to settle heavily in the office. 

What's with all this smoke? he thought.

Are they trying to choke us out with secondhand smoke?

Hiruzen noticed Denji's grimace. With a chuckle, he stood and pushed open the window behind him, letting in a breeze that thinned the fog and brought in some much-needed fresh air. 

"Forgive us," the Hokage said with a hint of humor. "We old-timers have grown accustomed to the smoke."

[Host has established a junior bond with Utatane Koharu. Reward: 0.5 standard unit Jōnin Chakra.] 

[Host has established a junior bond with Mitokado Homura. Reward: Fire Release nature transformation (proficient).]

Denji didn't bat an eye at the system notifications. Given Danzō's close ties to the elders, their goodwill toward him made sense. After nodding politely at the two elders, Denji turned his attention to Hiruzen.

"So, Old Monkey, what do you need us for?" he asked bluntly, cutting straight to the point.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the casual address, but his smile remained. 

"I wanted to see how you're settling in with your new team, Denji," he said smoothly. "And given my long-standing relationship with your grandfather, it's only natural for me to take an interest in the younger generation."

Denji tilted his head, unconvinced. 

"My old man says you're a bad guy who laughs more the worse your schemes get," he said matter-of-factly. "So, what's your angle here?"

Hiruzen froze, his smile faltering for a fraction of a second. Around him, even the air seemed to grow still. Hizashi's mouth opened slightly, as if to intervene, but no words came out. The two kunoichi stared, wide-eyed. No one had spoken to the Hokage like that in years. 

A snort of laughter broke the silence. Utatane Koharu covered her mouth, but it was too late. She quickly tried to play it off. "Danzō certainly didn't hold back in raising you," she said, shaking her head. "You're lucky he didn't turn you into a little clone of himself."

Hiruzen's nostrils flared as he shot her a glance.

What truths? My friendly smile is fine! he thought indignantly. But instead of rising to Denji's bait, he took a steadying breath, deciding it wasn't worth the argument. He changed the topic, his tone turning serious.

"Hizashi, I called you here because I have a mission for you," he said, his voice calm and measured. "It's an important assignment. With most of the village's jōnin out on other tasks, you and your team are the most suitable candidates."