Although Ōnoki had grown old over the years and his body had gradually declined, he refused to admit it. Still, his voice remained as vigorous as ever.
Hearing that tremor in his voice—something she had never heard before—Kurotsuchi instinctively wanted to raise her head and speak. But before she could fully lift it, she saw the warning mixed with pain in her old man's eyes. That look made her shudder all over, reminding her of his instructions before they set out and his repeated warnings along the way. Gritting her teeth, Kurotsuchi forcibly suppressed the urge and lowered her head again. Though his eyes were practically all whites by now, Ōnoki said, "All right, get up."
After admiring Ōnoki's trembling for a while, Yuu waved his hand and spoke. Amid a series of rustling movements, Ōnoki struggled to straighten his back with Kurotsuchi's help. His miserable appearance made Hiruzen Sarutobi's cheeks twitch. He and Ōnoki had been old rivals.
They had faced each other during both the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars.
Although Iwagakure, where Ōnoki was from, could now practically be considered a vassal of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi still very much wanted to laugh at the sight of his old rival making a fool of himself.
Having barely managed to stand, Ōnoki naturally noticed Hiruzen Sarutobi's smug expression. His face nearly turned green.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, you bastard!
What are you so proud of?! Isn't it just because Konoha produced Saiki Yuu?
If it weren't for him, I'd smash that bastard's head to pieces!
After cursing in his heart for a while, Ōnoki hurriedly forced out a smile and waited for Yuu's lecture. The smile on this old monster's face made Kurotsuchi's entire body stiffen. Was this really her old man?!
He was smiling so ingratiatingly.
"The purpose of