Chapter 97: Teams

To celebrate Sato's achievement of becoming a Jōnin, Teams 8 and 10 threw a 'promotion banquet' in his honor. This time, the celebration included an invitation to Kurenai Yuhi, who had been absent from the previous promotion banquet due to her duties. Now, she joined the festivities to congratulate Sato on his accomplishment.

Looking at Sato donning the same Jōnin vest as herself, Kurenai, the only adult present, felt a mixture of emotions. Her pride, however, was evident as she spoke, "I never thought that within just a year, Sato, you would become a Jōnin like me." She commended him for being one of the two Genin to become Chūnin that year and the first to achieve Jōnin status. She also expressed curiosity about Kakashi and the others' reactions when they learned of Sato's accomplishment.

Kurenai's comment prompted Ino–Shika–Chō to remember a past incident, causing a momentary shadow to cross their faces. Sato quickly changed the subject, offering Chōji some barbecue, his favorite. As the conversation continued, Ino sighed, contemplating the fate of their tenth Team without a guide Jōnin after Asuma's death. Kurenai reassured them that Tsunade would surely appoint new guides as the situation stabilized.

Kurenai emphasized that Ino–Shika–Chō was a renowned combination in Konoha and the ninja world, assuring them that Tsunade would never disband their team. Despite the potential for other teams to dissolve, Ino–Shika–Chō's reputation and importance guaranteed their continuity. Their guide Jōnin would be arranged as soon as the Fire country stabilized, and the Jōnins returned.

This perspective mirrored Kurenai's words. Even though any team could be disbanded, including Sato's eighth Team and Naruto's seventh Team, Ino–Shika–Chō, as the most prominent combination, held a unique position. Tsunade's intention was clear—to ensure that this renowned trio would remain together under the guidance of Jōnin instructors.

A few days later, Ino–Shika–Chō were summoned to the Hokage's office. To their surprise, their new guide Jōnin was none other than Kurenai Yuhi. The shock was evident on their faces, and Ino couldn't believe it. Tsunade confirmed Kurenai's new role, officially appointing her as their guide Jōnin. Shikamaru inquired about the fates of Sato and Hinata.

Tsunade explained that she had disbanded Team Eight and reorganized it. She intended to train the new generation of Ino–Shika–Chō as Sato's team members. She also mentioned Shino, who had the option to participate in the Chūnin exam or the Anbu assessment, the latter potentially leading to a position as direct Anbu under Tsunade.

As for Sato and Hinata, Tsunade mentioned a "security bandit" arrangement for them. However, the specifics were kept confidential. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the information, Ino–Shika–Chō and Kuroyuki didn't press for more details.

This arrangement led the somewhat bewildered new tenth Team to cross paths with the eighth Team, which was on the brink of disbandment. Shino revealed that he had been aware of his Anbu assessment invitation, while Ino expressed surprise at Kurenai's new role as their guide. The announcement brought mixed emotions to the group, prompting Ino to question Sato and Hinata about their upcoming roles in Tsunade's plans.

Upon hearing the discussion about the disbandment of Team 8 and the arrangements for Hinata and herself, Hinata's expression went from blank to anxious. The revelation from the new tenth Team made her realize the impending change. If it hadn't been for their conversation, she might have been panicked and even tearful due to the unexpected news. Sato, equally surprised, speculated that Tsunade's decision was likely a whim or had an incredibly high level of confidentiality. His relationship with Tsunade indicated that she wouldn't make such a significant decision without informing him.

Curious about Tsunade's motivations, Sato decided to visit Hokage's office after the dinner. Tsunade greeted him with a request to assist in moving documents to the first floor. After completing the task, Shizune joined Sato with another batch of documents, explaining that the quest system had restarted with the Fire Nation's stabilization. Sato helped Shizune with the documents, and when they returned, Tsunade's office was brimming with paperwork. Tsunade decided to take a break, tired from the heavy workload.

As they relaxed, Tsunade teased Sato about his supposed concerns over separation from his "girlfriend." Sato laughed off the suggestion, explaining that he was simply curious about Tsunade's plans. He expressed contentment with any role she assigned him. Tsunade playfully remarked on his thick skin and praised his progress with his "three girlfriends."

Their conversation turned serious as Tsunade addressed the disbandment of Team 8 and the reorganization of Sato's situation. She explained that due to his Jōnin status, he was qualified to guide other Jōnin. Tsunade revealed her decision to disband Team 8 and form a new special team consisting of Sato, Hinata, and karin. This team would serve as intermediaries between light and darkness, with unique code names.

Tsunade emphasized that Karin's Uzumaki lineage and her exceptional talents, such as Physical Healing, Kagura Mind Eyes, and Adamantine Sealing Chains, were being wasted as a common medical ninja. Sato's qualifications and abilities made him an ideal choice for overseeing Karin's training. Additionally, reorganizing Sato's eighth and tenth Teams would enable them to harness their unique abilities effectively.

Sato absorbed Tsunade's reasoning. The combination of Hinata, Karin, and himself offered remarkable synergies. Hinata's Byakugan paired with karin's Kagura Mind Eyes, along with their respective medical skills, made for a formidable team. Combined with Sato's Wood Style, Flying Thunder God Technique, and his illusions, their potential power was unmatched below Kage-level. Sato recognized the brilliance of Tsunade's decision and the potential for his new team to excel.