Chapter 173: Calling the Squad

"Sakura, your father and I are going out to buy some groceries. Make sure to eat tonight! Kakashi-sensei, you should stay for dinner!" Haruno Mebuki said with her usual warmth.

Kakashi waved his hand politely. "Oh no, that's too much trouble! I'll just finish discussing the mission with Sakura and be on my way."

Understanding the nature of Kakashi's visit, Sakura's parents chose to leave them alone. As longtime residents of Konoha, they were aware that some matters were best left unspoken.

Once the door closed behind her parents, Kakashi sighed, looking at Sakura. "You're lucky to have such loving parents."

"Yeah, but my mom's constant nagging whenever I come home…" Sakura grumbled half-heartedly before turning serious. "Kakashi-sensei, what did you mean earlier? Where can I find clues about Sasuke?"

Kakashi's tone became more deliberate as he explained. "While you were away with Sasuke, Kirito and Jiraiya-sama went to Amegakure to investigate the Akatsuki's leader, Pain."

"The leader of the Akatsuki… does that mean—"

Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Amegakure is the Akatsuki's base of operations. Jiraiya-sama confirmed it during his mission."

He raised his hand to stop Sakura from interrupting and continued, "Jiraiya-sama and Kirito confronted Pain and dealt him serious damage. Ultimately, Pain and the Akatsuki were forced to retreat.

"But the Akatsuki is far from defeated. Whether Pain seeks revenge or moves to capture the Tailed Beasts, he will undoubtedly strike again.

"To counter this, the village is forming a special 'decapitation squad' with the sole purpose of locating and neutralizing Pain's real body. And, as the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain may possess vital information about Sasuke's whereabouts."

Hearing this, a glimmer of hope returned to Sakura's eyes. "What do I need to do, Kakashi-sensei?"

Relieved to see her determination returning, Kakashi smiled. "Tsunade-sama wants you to join the decapitation squad as our medical ninja. Your role will be to support the team and counter specific abilities of Pain when necessary."

As Tsunade's disciple, Sakura's medical ninjutsu was second only to Tsunade and Kirito. Her presence on the squad would significantly increase their survival chances, especially if the team needed to hold out for Kirito's eventual backup.

Additionally, Sakura's monstrous strength and taijutsu, inherited from Tsunade, would prove invaluable against Pain's abilities, especially the Preta Path, which nullified conventional ninjutsu.

Kakashi's tone grew serious. "This mission isn't just about finding Sasuke. The Akatsuki's target is also Naruto, as the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. You've seen what's at stake. After this battle, I believe your strength will grow tremendously. You don't want to feel powerless again, do you?"

Sakura clenched her fists, recalling the despair of watching Sasuke be taken away. She thought of Naruto's unwavering optimism and the close bond they'd all shared as Team Seven.

"Kakashi-sensei," she said firmly, her eyes burning with resolve. "I won't let anything like that happen again. Leave it to me!"

Kakashi nodded approvingly. "I've always believed in you."

Sakura glanced at Kirito, who had been quietly sipping tea in the corner. "Will Kirito-senpai be part of this mission?"

"No," Kakashi replied. "Kirito has another role to play. He'll remain in the village to defend against Pain and will only join us after his mission is complete. In the meantime, he'll be training us to prepare for Pain's abilities."

Disappointed, Sakura muttered, "I see… Guess we'll have to manage on our own."

Kirito added calmly, "Don't hold back during the training. Use your Strength of a Hundred Seal and Creation Rebirth techniques freely. I'll replenish your chakra afterward."

Both Tsunade and Sakura relied on the Strength of a Hundred Seal to store chakra for critical battles. Using Creation Rebirth gave them near-invincibility at the cost of exhausting their reserves. With Kirito's mastery of the technique, he could easily replenish Sakura's chakra, ensuring she could practice without limitations.

"Understood!" Sakura replied, recalling how Kirito had once given her a "five-minute experience card" for these techniques during training, accelerating her mastery.

Satisfied, Kakashi glanced at the sunset outside. "Since you're back to your usual self, we'll leave now. There are still others to inform. Don't forget, we meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Training Ground Three."

"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura replied confidently.

After leaving Sakura's house, Kirito turned to Kakashi. "Who's next on your list?"

"Let's find Shino. Hopefully, he's back in the village," Kakashi replied.

As a member of the original Team Eight, Shino's skills in reconnaissance and surveillance were invaluable. With Akatsuki still a threat, reliable intel was more crucial than ever. Fortunately, Shino had been assigned to village duties recently, making him the ideal choice for the squad.

It didn't take long for Kakashi and Kirito to find Shino near the Aburame Clan's compound.

After Kakashi explained the mission, Shino didn't hesitate. "Sasuke is still a part of Konoha. As his comrade, I cannot sit idly by."

Although his face was obscured behind his signature glasses and coat, both Kakashi and Kirito could sense the fiery determination in Shino's voice.

Kakashi chuckled. "Good to see such enthusiasm. We'll meet tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Training Ground Three. Is that okay with you?"

"No problem," Shino replied, suppressing his excitement.

As they turned to leave, Kirito glanced back at Shino, impressed. [The squad is coming together nicely. Now it's just a matter of ensuring we're ready for what lies ahead.]

(End of this chapter)

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