194-Knowing Your Worth

The morning sun cast a warm, golden light through the windows of Iwata's office, illuminating the room with a soft glow. Renjiro sat opposite Iwata, his posture relaxed but his mind still reeling from the events of the past few days.

The mission had been anything but ordinary, and now, as he recounted the details to Iwata, he could see the concern growing on the older man's face.

Iwata listened intently, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly as Renjiro detailed the ambushes, the assassination attempt, and the mysterious curse mark that had claimed Saseki's life. He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled as he absorbed the information.

The mission was supposed to be an ordinary escort mission, a simple task to ensure the safe passage of the Daimyo's son to Tanigakure. But it had turned into a complex and dangerous operation, revealing threats far beyond what anyone had anticipated.

"So that's what happened," Iwata said finally, his voice tinged with a contemplative edge. He tapped his fingers against the desk, a habit Renjiro had noticed when the man was deep in thought.

"This was supposed to be an ordinary escort mission, nothing more. But it seems things took a much more serious turn."

Renjiro nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Iwata-sama. The use of a Juinjustu to silence Saseki shows that they were part of a larger and more dangerous organization."

Iwata sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm the one who chose this mission, or rather the ones where you picked it from. I didn't expect it would turn out this way. I should have been more cautious."

Renjiro shook his head. "There's no way you could have known, Iwata-san. We dealt with the threats as best as we could, and we managed to protect Akihiko-sama. That's what matters."

Iwata smiled faintly, appreciating Renjiro's words. "You did well, Renjiro. You and your team will get the right compensation for this mission. I'll make sure of it."

Renjiro hesitated. He had been debating whether to tell Iwata about the offer from Fumio, the head guard. It wasn't something he had to disclose, but a part of him felt that being honest about it might help build trust between him and Iwata and the clan in general.

After all, while it was not outrightly shown, Renjiro felt that his relationship with the clan was starting to falter. Especially when he asserted his decision not to stay in the police force longer than the agreed time.

Finally, he decided to go ahead. "Iwata-san, there's something else I need to tell you."

Iwata raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Go on."

"During our last conversation, Fumio-dono made an offer to me," Renjiro began, choosing his words carefully.

"He suggested that I could work directly for the Daimyo. He said that his superiors were impressed with my performance and that they believed I could be an asset to the Daimyo's court."

Iwata's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of surprise and interest flashing across his face.

"A position in the Daimyo's court? That's quite the offer. What did you say?"

Renjiro exhaled slowly. "I declined the offer. I told Fumio-dono that I would only agree to it if either Daichi-sama or the Hokage allowed it. I felt that was the most respectful way to handle the situation."

Iwata leaned back in his chair, clearly impressed. "So you were honest with him about it?"

"Yes," Renjiro confirmed. "I thought it was important to be upfront, given the nature of the offer. I didn't want to give the impression that I was considering leaving Konoha without proper approval."

Iwata nodded slowly, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "I appreciate your honesty, Renjiro."

Renjiro smiled slightly, but there was a hint of unease in his eyes. "Thank you, Iwata-san. To be honest, Konoha has been my home ever since the fall of Uzushiogakure. I can't imagine leaving it before I've paid back everything the village has done for me."

Iwata's gaze softened as he listened to Renjiro's words. "Your loyalty to the village is admirable, Renjiro. But let me ask you this—why did you tell Fumio-dono that you would only agree to work for the Daimyo if Daichi-sama or the Hokage approved? Was it just a way to politely decline, or was there more to it?"

Renjiro paused, considering his response carefully. "At first, it was just an excuse to decline the offer without offending Fumio-dono. But as I thought about it more, I realized that if either Daichi-sama or Lord Third agreed to it, I would follow their orders. It would still be a way of giving back to the village."

Iwata leaned forward, his interest deepening. "Do you believe they would approve such a request?"

Renjiro shook his head slightly. "I don't think so. I believe that my worth and skills offer more value to the village than just working for the Daimyo. Konoha is where I belong, and where I can make the most difference."

Iwata chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "It's good that you know your worth, Renjiro. And you're right—the village needs shinobi like you, dedicated and skilled. But I do wonder, should I relay this matter to Daichi-sama or the Hokage? Do you think it's something they should be made aware of?"

Renjiro considered the question carefully. "If you believe it's necessary, Iwata-san, then by all means, inform them. But I'm confident that they would prefer I stay in Konoha, serving the village as I've always done."

Iwata regarded Renjiro with a mixture of respect and admiration. "You've handled this situation well, Renjiro. Not many shinobi would have the presence of mind to navigate such an offer so tactfully. I'll think about whether to inform Daichi-sama or the Hokage, but for now, I believe it's safe to say that you'll continue to serve Konoha in your current capacity."

Renjiro bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Iwata-san. I'm grateful for your understanding."

As Renjiro stood to leave, Iwata spoke again. "Renjiro, one last thing. You've proven yourself time and again, not just as a capable shinobi, but as a leader and a protector of Konoha's interests. I want you to know that I trust you implicitly. If ever you find yourself in a situation like this again, remember that you have the full support of the village."

Renjiro nodded, feeling a deep sense of pride and responsibility. "Thank you, Iwata-san. I won't forget it."

As Renjiro stepped out of Iwata's office, Renjiro's mind was still occupied.

'What should I do next?' He wondered,

'I'm not really that tired,' Renjiro mused, considering how best to use the time.

'I should probably train for a couple of hours before resting.' The idea of training felt like a good way to clear his mind.

Physical exertion had always been his method of processing complex thoughts, and there was no shortage of jutsus he had to train.

Just as Renjiro made up his mind, he turned a corner, still absorbed in his thoughts, and abruptly collided with something—or rather, someone. The impact was enough to jolt him out of his reverie, and he quickly steadied himself, blinking in surprise as he looked up.

"Renjiro," Miwa said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You seem lost in thought. Where were you rushing off to?"

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