Chapter 63

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Early in the morning, just after Mina left for Konoha Hospital, someone knocked on the door.

Upon opening the door, Yoichi was surprised to see who it was. "Sakumo-san..."

"Yoichi-kun, I apologize for the intrusion. I wanted to thank you in person after hearing you were back."

Sakumo said, presenting a gift box he brought along, demonstrating perfect etiquette.

"There's no need for formalities. Please come in, Sakumo-san, and you too, Kakashi."

Yoichi felt somewhat uncomfortable with these formalities. Although the Uchiha clan had its protocols, many clan members didn't care much about them. They weren't as rigid as the Hyuga clan, often behaving quite casually.

After welcoming Sakumo and Kakashi into the living room, Yoichi went to get two cups of tea, opting for chilled barley tea, as he wasn't particular about his beverages.

"Sakumo-san, I heard from Elder Kenji about your speaking on my behalf in front of the Lord. Thank you."

"Yoichi-kun truly played a crucial role. Without you, the mission would have failed, putting the Lord in significant jeopardy."

Sakumo shook his head, refusing to take credit that wasn't his.

After Hiruzen and Sakumo returned from the lord's mansion, the Fire Country's lord sent a second delegation to the Land of Rivers, strongly condemning Sunagakure for daring to assassinate a lord in violation of the shinobi code.

Sunagakure naturally wouldn't accept the blame, claiming it was the work of Konoha's White Fang who was there to protect the Land of Rivers' lord.

Only a few knew the truth about Sunagakure's intentions, including the lord of the Land of Rivers, his inner court, and personal guards, all of whom are now dead. In the shinobi world, only the Yamanaka clan of Konoha could extract information from the brains of the deceased.

Thus, Sunagakure's story was difficult to dispute, especially since Yoichi shouted Rasa's name in the Land of Rivers and conveniently eliminated many of the lord's guards.

After Yoichi left the lord's mansion, the surviving guards believed Sunagakure was responsible; their accusations led others within the mansion to believe it was Rasa's doing.

By the time Sakumo returned to the village, he heard that the lord's wife was already en route to the Land of Rivers.

"That's pretty much it. The aftermath is now in the hands of the Fire Country's lord and the Third Hokage. Yoichi-kun, your actions indeed greatly aided us."

Sakumo's tone was serious, with no hint of politeness, pausing before continuing to Yoichi, "I came today also because of this. The lord originally wanted to reward you and Kakashi, but I felt money would be useless to you, so I suggested an S-rank mission reward. After some discussion, the village decided to allow you and Kakashi to choose a ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals."

"Choose a ninjutsu from the Scroll of Seals? Sakumo-san, is this for real?"

Yoichi asked in surprise. Although he had heard about this possibility from Elder Kenji, his relationship with the village's higher-ups wasn't the best, and it wouldn't have been surprising if they reneged on the reward.

"It's true, Yoichi-kun. For significant achievements, the village rewards ninjutsu, which many civilian ninjas have obtained this way."

Sakumo stated, then glanced at Kakashi beside him, adding, "Moreover, I want to thank you for the experience Kakashi gained."

Yoichi laughed, "No need to be formal, Sakumo-san. Kakashi is talented and strong; we helped each other."

Kakashi, overhearing his father and Yoichi's conversation, rolled his eyes, feeling like a child being praised by elders.

"By the way, Yoichi-kun, don't set your expectations too high for the Scroll of Seals. The most suitable techniques are often those best suited to oneself. Some Forbidden Techniques, even if chosen, cannot be used due to their stringent requirements."

Sakumo advised, mentioning his own experience with the Scroll of Seals, which offered him little beyond a multi-shadow clone technique for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

These words, shared at home with Kakashi, were now reiterated as advice from a senior.

"I understand, Sakumo-san."

Afterwards, Yoichi followed Sakumo towards the Hokage Tower.

Receiving a technique as a reward was an unexpected joy, but it also hinted at the considerable benefits Konoha gained from the affair at the lord's mansion.

Soon, the trio arrived at the Hokage Tower, coincidentally meeting two people exiting the building.

Rather than say they were leaving, it appeared the red-haired woman was being pushed out by the blonde young man.

"Minato-kun."

Sakumo greeted the blonde youth with a smile.

Seeing Sakumo, Minato stopped pushing Kushina and awkwardly smiled, "Sakumo-senpai, are you here to see the Hokage?"

"Yes, this is Uchiha Yoichi, and this is my son Kakashi. I'm taking them to see the Third Hokage for a matter."

After introducing everyone, Sakumo said to Minato, "Minato-kun, we'll head up first, as we've already arranged with the Third Hokage."

"Please, go ahead, Sakumo-senpai."

Minato responded respectfully. Although he was a Jonin, he couldn't compare to Sakumo, whose reputation was at its peak, even surpassing the Sannin and overshadowing a genius like Minato.

Hearing Minato's name, Yoichi guessed the redhead was the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki but quickly diverted his attention, nodding to Minato before following Sakumo into the Hokage Tower.

Once Sakumo and the others had entered, Kushina suddenly exclaimed, "Right, Uchiha Yoichi! I remember now, Mina is staying at his place!"

"Minato, wait here with me until Yoichi comes out, then we can ask if we can visit his house."

Minato immediately shook his head, "That's not possible, Kushina. The Hokage just refused, and you're under protection."

"What protection? That's clearly surveillance. Although I didn't control the Nine-Tails well before, I've been getting better at using its chakra. Yet he won't even allow me a bit of freedom!"

Kushina complained, then whispered to Minato, "You know the Flying Thunder God Technique. You could leave a mark on me, visit Yoichi yourself, then bring me over."

"Kushina, let's not. The Hokage would be furious."

Minato adamantly refused, knowing full well the trouble it would cause. A missing Jinchūriki would trigger an all-out search by the Anbu, and he understood the severity of such a situation.

"You refuse everything. I think you just don't want to help me!"

Seeing Minato's refusal, especially after not supporting her in the Hokage's office, Kushina turned away with a huff, "Fine, I'll wait here for Yoichi to come out!"

(End of Chapter)