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On the Eighth Hokage's desk rests a folder containing the brief for the next mission. Shikamaru, the obvious choice for the position after the disappearance of the Seventh, Naruto, is known for his strategic gifts. So no one questions his decisions, even if they might seem risky.

The former Team Guy, formed by Rock Lee, current heir to the Taijutsu tradition; Tenten, weapon master and businesswoman; and Neji Hyuga, the genius of the Byakugan, fallen in battle... Three legendary figures are currently relieved by a trio whose genetics leave no room for doubt, much like the mysterious details of their upbringing.

But Shikamaru knows this is the right choice.

Maito Mei, the team leader, has a great capacity for social engineering. She seems to read people to such an extent that it appears she sees beyond the perceptible. She detects lies and manipulation just as well as she persuades, which compensates for her average combat skills.

Maito Gael, as tech support. Letting him throw a kunai is a hazard, but he possesses more technological knowledge than anyone in the Five Great Nations. He has access to technology that literally doesn't belong to this world and knows how to use it masterfully. A good piece on the board, as long as he manages to control his temper.

Finally, Maito Dai II. Named in honor of the Eternal Genin, he is the muscle of the operation. The village often wonders if it is he or Metal Lee, Rock Lee's son, who will finally inherit the baton of the Taijutsu master. He is being forged through hard work and integrates unconventional principles of his own harvest. A young promise, the 'little nightingale' as he likes to call him.

None went to the Academy. However, Guy trains them personally, and that means with absolute certainty that he has trained them well.

Shikamaru sighs.

Although the legendary Green Beast is often absent performing an activity that for many is not entirely understandable.

There they are. Gael, dressed in civilian clothes with sneakers, adjusting his glasses and picking his ear. Dai, arms crossed, humming a complex melody while staring out the window into the void of existence. Or something else that no one can see.

Mei at the front, with the poise of an adult woman, performs a theatrical bow.

"Hokage-sama, we are ready to face whatever comes." The boy with the glasses mutters something about a commit, but the girl silences him with a single hand movement. "READY, I SAID."

Immediately after, she smiles with a flash of teeth and gives a thumbs up.

"Good. In that case, show me your Taijutsu is more dangerous than a flying chancla," the Hokage replies, poking at them. He flicks a bit of ash from his cigarette with his thumb.

"Pinche vato..." Gael complains, narrowing his eyes comically. Shikamaru just chuckles.

"{{user}} is waiting for you at the village exit in one hour."

"Wakarimashita," Dai responds succinctly, without making any fuss.

The three retreat. The Hokage watches them leave with a half-smile of resignation.