Chapter 10

Ninja

"I disagree," Jason said firmly.

"You're just a brat. You can't make decisions here," Sakumo Danzo said with a dark expression.

"But he's my brother, and I said he won't join," Jason insisted.

"Keep your son in check, Sakumo. This is not his decision to make," Danzo said.

"No need to bother, Lord Danzo. I will handle it, but my son is right. I won't agree," Sakumo taunted.

"Sarutobi, this is for the sake of Konoha. Konoha can't afford to be without ROOT," Danzo said to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Sakumo, Danzo has a point. It's for the sake of Konoha," Hiruzen said, unable to handle the matter personally.

"This." Sakumo felt conflicted, torn between the interests of Konoha and his brother. Both were equally important to him, with his brother being slightly more important. But if he went against the Hokage's decision, Danzo would use it against him. If he fell, his two brothers would suffer too. Their power was still too weak.

"I disagree, Hokage-sama," Jason said.

"Young one, be mindful of the situation. You can't decide this matter," Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado warned coldly.

"I can't decide? Kakashi is someone I've looked after. If I say he won't join, then he won't," Jason retorted. Indeed, as Sakumo was part of ANBU, often on the battlefield during the Second Great Ninja War, Jason had taken care of Kakashi since they were young. Although they were the same age, Jason's soul was that of a twenty-year-old adult.

"What about Konoha's sake? Can't Kakashi contribute to Konoha without joining ROOT? Or is it that only by joining ROOT, it means he's working for Konoha? But when he carries out missions as a ninja, he's no longer serving Konoha? If that's the case, then let me tell you, I and Kakashi will quit being shinobi," Jason said, removing the Hokage headband. He was genuinely angry. In this world, his family and friends were like scales on his body. Kakashi was someone he cared deeply about. Even if he were to give up being a shinobi, in this world where shinobi were highly respected, nearly everyone wanted to become one, except for those lacking talent. If Danzo were to use Kakashi, then Jason would become Danzo's trump card.

"Absurd," two voices spoke up, one being Sakumo.

"Foolishness," another voice added, Sakumo. Seeing his brother give up being a shinobi, Sakumo was furious.

"Enough, Sakumo, don't be unreasonable. Put the headband back on. I won't let Kakashi join ROOT," Hiruzen said, seeing Jason so happy, he called him grandson.

"Really, Grandpa Hokage?" Jason asked excitedly, climbing up and calling him grandpa.

"Yes, you can go now. But remember, you're still part of ANBU, not ROOT. ANBU is the first team under the Hokage," Hiruzen said, smiling as he saw Jason's affectionate behavior. He didn't know it was all an act.

"Is my dad's current job ANBU?" Jason curiously asked.

"Yes, how is it?" Hiruzen asked.

"It's okay," Jason said.

"Good. Then you go back now and come here tomorrow with your father."

"Okay, Grandpa Hokage. I'll go back now."

"Ding."

"Completed hidden task: Demonstrate the complete Wood Leaf Six Styles in front of the Hokage."

"Obtained Three-Sword Style: Kijin."

"What? There's a hidden task?" Jason exclaimed.

"Yes, Host," the system said coldly.

"Why didn't you say it earlier?" He shook his head, speechless.

"Host didn't ask."

"Well, well, you're impressive, Big Brother. Are there any other hidden tasks in the system?"