Chapter 99
Chapter 99
**Ding! Yahiko's Favorability +7**
**Ding! Konan's Favorability +9**
**Ding! Nagato's Favorability +14**
…
**Favorability with Yahiko reached 183: Gained 0.2 units of chakra, partial Rinnegan power**
**Favorability with Konan reached 139: Gained 0.2 units of chakra, mid-level understanding of Paper Release**
**Favorability with Nagato reached 118: Gained 0.8 units of chakra, partial Sage Body, partial Rinnegan power**
The system's mechanical voice echoed in Haneda's mind, and he couldn't help but smile.
This experience in the Land of Rain had been quite peculiar. Arranged by Madara and Black Zetsu, Sakumo-san had stayed behind for him, nearly dying in the process.
Initially, Haneda only planned to express some of his thoughts in front of Madara, but Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato ended up trusting him far more than expected.
Thus, Haneda unexpectedly made a few friends and gained their trust, along with some unforeseen rewards—Rinnegan powers and portions of the Sage Body.
Haneda opened his system panel and glanced at his stats.
His Mangekyō Sharingan progress had reached 82%, increasing by 13%! He was now only 18% away from fully awakening it.
Once he gained the Mangekyō Sharingan, Haneda's strength would undoubtedly rise to the Kage level. Given Madara's current condition and the strength of the top fighters in the ninja world, even if Black Zetsu continued plotting, Haneda would be ready.
…
Following the river, Haneda reached the border of the Land of Fire.
The moment news of Haneda's return spread from the patrolling ninjas to the camp where the army was stationed, a group had already gathered at the camp entrance, waiting.
Present were the Third Squad led by Orochimaru, the Seventh Squad led by Minato, and the Ninth Squad led by Sakumo. Hidden among them were members of the Anbu and the Root division.
"Orochimaru-sensei, are you sure Haneda will return?" Guy asked with concern.
"The Uchiha clan head's message is reliable," Orochimaru replied, his tone indifferent.
"Orochimaru-sensei, Haneda has already fought against S-rank missing-nin from the Sand Village. Do you think I still have a chance to surpass him, my lifelong rival?" Guy asked enthusiastically.
"As of now, your chances are zero."
"Orochimaru-sensei, youth never fails..."
"Be quiet."
Orochimaru, slightly irritated, cut him off. If not for this clingy student and the Third Hokage's orders, he would've been off conducting experiments instead of standing around waiting.
Unlike the Third Squad, the Seventh Squad was abuzz with conversation.
Obito stood on his tiptoes, his two-tomoe Sharingan activated as he scanned the distance beyond the camp.
He had been waiting for a long time, but Haneda's figure was nowhere to be seen.
Frustrated, Obito muttered under his breath, "Damn Haneda. You promised you'd be back by this time, yet you're even more late than me!"
Hearing Obito criticize Haneda, Kakashi instinctively responded, "Shut up, dead last. Haneda probably got delayed for some reason. Not like you, who's late every day."
"What did you say?! Who's late every day?!"
"I, Uchiha Obito, have helped more old ladies across the street than you've eaten grains of salt, stupid Kakashi!"
"Alright, that's enough, Obito, Kakashi." Rin stepped in, placing a hand on both of them, trying to mediate as usual.
Her smile immediately melted Obito's frustration, causing him to completely forget Kakashi's taunts. Despite being trapped in his own fantasy, Obito still kept one of his Sharingan eyes open, constantly checking if Haneda had returned.
Meanwhile, Sakumo and Minato were having a conversation.
"It's hard to imagine that the commander and vice-commander of the frontline camp, along with the Anbu leader, are all here to greet Haneda's return," Minato remarked, noticing the numerous Anbu members around them.
The commander he referred to was Orochimaru, and the vice-commander was Sakumo. Both had come personally, and with ten squads of Anbu providing security, it was quite the reception. Minato had only seen this level of treatment once before, when Kushina was involved.
"As his teacher, it's only natural for me to be here," Sakumo replied.
Minato smiled. He understood that Orochimaru's presence was also due to the Third Hokage's efforts to reassure the Uchiha clan. As for himself, he was there because his students wanted to come, and also because Haneda had saved both him and Kushina in the past.
At that moment, another figure arrived—it was Might Dai. He had rushed back from the Land of Rain after receiving the news.
"Hey, Sakumo, Orochimaru! You're both here! Hasn't Haneda returned yet?"
"He should be arriving soon," Orochimaru replied, licking his lips as he glanced at Dai. This was the man who claimed he could open the Eighth Gate, and Orochimaru found him quite intriguing.
Sakumo smiled and added, "Not yet. Maybe something delayed him."
With so many important figures gathered here, Minato would have thought the Hokage himself was coming if he didn't know it was for Haneda. After all, there were three Kage-level shinobi present!
And the only reason there were just three was because Minato was too humble to count himself. If Jiraiya hadn't been away doing research, there would have been five Kage-level figures here.
…
The soft crunching of leaves underfoot echoed, signaling someone's approach.
A figure appeared in the distance, walking toward the camp. He had short, neat hair and wore a Konoha forehead protector on his brow. Dressed in a raincoat, he stood at the camp entrance.
The approaching figure was none other than Haneda.
Upon seeing him, Obito couldn't contain himself any longer and sprinted toward Haneda.
Haneda opened his arms, ready to greet him with a hug, but was instead met with a punch from Obito.
"Damn it, Haneda! You promised me you wouldn't take on dangerous missions!!"
"It was just a small mishap... How was I supposed to know someone would specifically target Sakumo-san?" Haneda replied softly, ignoring the pain from the punch, trying to calm Obito down.
"Next time—no, there won't be a next time! You better not pull a stunt like this again, Haneda!" Obito demanded.
"Alright, I won't. You know me, Obito, I value my life too much," Haneda reassured him with a serious tone.
At that moment, Kakashi walked over. Ignoring Obito, he focused on Haneda.
Haneda extended his right fist with a smile. "Did I make you worry, Kakashi?"
"Not really. I always knew you'd be fine," Kakashi replied, smiling as he extended his left fist to meet Haneda's.
It felt like nothing had changed between them.
"Alright! With Kakashi and my lifelong rival Haneda both here, let's settle things!" Guy suddenly declared as he walked up. He locked eyes with Kakashi in a fierce stare-off before extending his hand.
Kakashi swiftly beat him with a scissors gesture in their usual game.
"Looks like I win this time. Better luck next time," Kakashi said nonchalantly.
"Ahhh, I won't get to challenge you again today, my eternal rival," Guy lamented dramatically, casting a longing look at Haneda. "I had a special move saved for you, but I guess it'll have to wait."
No, you should save that for Madara or Kakashi instead, Haneda thought. He knew exactly what move Guy was referring to and was just glad it wouldn't be used on him.
After chatting with Obito and the others for a bit, Haneda turned his attention toward Sakumo.
Sakumo smiled warmly at Haneda but didn't say much. Similarly, Asuma glanced at Haneda with the same expression Haneda had when looking at Sakumo—wanting to say something, but unable to find the words.
Everything was understood without being spoken.
At that moment, Minato suggested, "Since we're all heading back to the village, how about we have a meal together, Sakumo-senpai?"
Minato hadn't invited Orochimaru since he was the commander and needed to remain vigilant with Sunagakure potentially ready to start a battle at any moment. But Sakumo could come, especially since the Third Hokage had instructed him to bring Haneda back to the village.
"Sure," Sakumo replied, looking at both Kakashi and Haneda before nodding in agreement.
…