Chapter 33

Chapter 33

'Daimyo's Palace? A Princess? Funding?

Do you think I can get any information from a young princess?

Also, does the daimyo dare to refuse funding to Konoha?'

Haneda was filled with disbelief regarding the reasons the Third Hokage had given him. He was more concerned about the political motives behind it.

For example, by having him, a talented young Uchiha, engage in important village affairs, the Hokage was trying to win over the Uchiha clan.

After all, a child like him couldn't participate in any real governance, but his mere presence implied a lot of things.

Of course, his talent was also a significant reason for the Third Hokage to woo him.

Haneda quickly responded, his cheeks slightly flushed with excitement, "Lord Hokage! Can I really do this?!"

"With your abilities, you are more than capable; there is no other child in the village who can replace you," the Third Hokage said gently.

"But... Kakashi can do it too! Lord Hokage, I'm really not sure about this task; how about bringing Kakashi along?"

"Kakashi?" The Third Hokage thought about how Sakumo had recently become quite distant with him and nodded.

When trying to win over the Uchiha, he could also draw Shakumo in without much concern…

Haneda scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed as he said, "Lord Hokage, can I bring another person? Just one!"

"Your elder?" The Third Hokage first thought of the Uchiha.

"No, it's my friend's father; his name is Might Guy," Haneda shook his head.

"Might Dai? There's no such person among the jonin or chuunin…" The Third Hokage thought to himself.

At this moment, Haneda's voice came again, filled with some pleading.

"Uncle Dai has been a chunin for many years and is often mocked by other ninjas; he even has a nickname, 'the eternal genin.' I want to help him, Lord Hokage!"

"I see…" After pondering for a moment, the Third Hokage agreed, "Alright, let's have him temporarily join the Hokage's bodyguard unit to be responsible for my safety."

For the Third Hokage, allowing another non-Uchiha chunin to join was insignificant.

Moreover, Haneda was doing it for the sake of his friend, a companion.

He had just finished teaching about the Will of Fire, and it wouldn't be right to refuse.

Furthermore, considering Haneda's earnest request, he had no reason to turn it down if it meant winning over this talented boy.

As for why Haneda wanted to bring Kakashi and Dai along, there were three purposes.

First was the political motive.

Kakashi was backed by the White Fang of Konoha; given how he interacted with Kakashi, the Third Hokage knew their relationship well.

This implied that Haneda had support not only from the Uchiha clan but also from Hatake Shakumo.

Thus, when the Third Hokage considered this matter, he had to take Shakumo into account as well.

This served as a safeguard.

Second, there was his own safety to consider.

Who knew if the 5.5th Hokage would attempt something against him when he left the village?

Such foolish actions had been taken by that dark figure in the ninja world many times.

Notably, there were Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Sasuke, and Orochimaru…

All of these were powerful figures, not to mention Danzo's numerous reckless actions.

With Uncle Dai, who could open the Eight Gates, by his side, he felt no fear of any potential attacks.

The third purpose was to build rapport.

For the sake of the Eight Gates, he wanted to secure some benefits for Uncle Dai.

...

Afterward, the Third Hokage didn't engage Haneda in much more conversation, briefly discussing school life before letting him leave.

As he stepped out of the Hokage building, even the air smelled sweeter.

Dealing with the old fox that was the Third Hokage was exhausting; it required constant organization of thoughts while trying to decipher his intentions.

"Uncle Dai, I have some good news and some bad news for you. Which do you want to hear first?" Haneda cheerfully asked as he approached Uncle Dai at the entrance of the Hokage building.

"Good news and bad news?" Dai stopped doing push-ups and looked up at Haneda, puzzled.

"Let's start with the bad news," he replied.

"The bad news is that you might not see Gai for the next few days; you'll be leaving Konoha for a while," Haneda said with a smile.

"And the good news?" Dai looked at the grin on Haneda's face, even more confused.

Could it be that the Hokage was assigning him a mission?

But why not come to notify him directly?

"The good news is…" Haneda paused dramatically before joyfully proclaiming, "Uncle Dai, you've been selected for the Hokage's bodyguard unit!"

"The task order from the Hokage will be sent to you shortly!"

"Congratulations, Uncle Dai!"

"What?! The Hokage's bodyguard unit!!!"

Dai was momentarily stunned, then suddenly burst into laughter, followed by tears of joy.

Since graduating from the ninja academy, he had been a chunin for over ten years, doing menial tasks like carrying things for others and catching stray cats for D-rank missions.

Whenever he ran into former classmates or peers, he was met with ridicule as the 'eternal genin.'

Now, he was being selected for the Hokage's bodyguard unit to protect the Hokage!

The contrast was overwhelming.

It felt like a dream, one he didn't want to wake from.

But soon, Dai realized something: why would an eternal genin like him be chosen for the Hokage's bodyguard unit?

After all, the ninjas serving in the bodyguard unit were at least special jonin level.

Yet he was just a chunin who had only executed a few C-rank missions.

Thinking of this, Dai quickly turned to Haneda: "You recommended me to the Hokage, didn't you?"

Haneda nodded gently, "Uncle Dai, your strength is far more than just a chunin. I saw that when you wanted to help me before."

"I believe that your abilities and talents should not be wasted among the chunins, doing those lowly and tedious D-rank tasks."

"You deserve a better stage to showcase your ambitions, Uncle Dai."

Suddenly, a figure wearing a bird mask jumped down from the Hokage building.

He landed in front of Dai and handed him a scroll.

"This is the Hokage's official appointment letter, Might Dai; please review the details yourself."

After that, he handed another scroll to Haneda.

"Tomorrow morning at 7 AM, gather at Training Ground No. 13. Remember not to be late."

With that, the figure vanished from sight, leaping onto a rooftop and disappearing into the distance.

After the masked ninja left, Dai eagerly unrolled the scroll.

The large characters spelling out "Hokage Bodyguard Unit" made him tear up once more, and the weight he had been carrying in his heart lifted completely.

Dai embraced Haneda, overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, saying, "Haneda, I really don't know how to thank you…"

A gentle breeze swept through, and the setting sun cast its golden glow down the street.

The sunset illuminated Dai's robust figure, making him shine with a sprinkle of starlight.

***

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