New Gains

"It seemed we were a step too late. Orochimaru still escaped."

In Konohagakure's Hokage Office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, held a pipe between his teeth as he looked over the report in his hand.

At the same time, he swept his gaze over the Anbu standing before him, especially Hidezawa at the back of the group, before speaking with a hint of helplessness.

"Although we suffered losses, obtaining information on Orochimaru was already very good.

"And we were insufficiently prepared, so this mission cannot be considered a failure. You have all worked hard."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

The Anbu present immediately bowed slightly, while Hidezawa, standing among the crowd, could not help pursing his lips.

So this counted as earning the achievement for 'the most successful failure case'?

Hidezawa actually knew that the Third Hokage probably had no intention of dealing with Orochimaru at all.

Otherwise, when Orochimaru fled Konohagakure, why had the Third Hokage, who was still near the end of his prime, not carried out righteous punishment even against someone close to him?

In just a few years, after all, he would nod in approval at a true madman who had "killed his entire clan."

Still, whatever the Third Hokage was thinking had little to do with Hidezawa. He stayed in Konohagakure partly because the village's "civil servant position" was appealing, and partly because he had not strangled Danzo to death.

Besides, hiding in Konohagakure meant having its protection. Even if he did something, Konohagakure would take the blame for him. What a wonderful arrangement!

"Alright, go get some rest first."

While Hidezawa was lost in wild thoughts, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly spoke. However, his gaze once again fell on Hidezawa, and he smiled.

"Hidezawa-kun, please stay a moment longer."

Hidezawa, who had been standing at the back and preparing to slip away, heard those words and his body stiffened slightly.

He had no idea what the Third Hokage was planning this time, but he obediently remained where he was.

After all, as a workhorse who wanted to advance, he still had to listen to his boss.

"Hidezawa-kun, according to the report, your performance this time was exceptionally outstanding."

After the other Anbu had left, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and asked,

"Also, how does being in the Anbu feel compared to Root?"

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage. Whether in Root or the Anbu, I am serving Konohagakure."

Hidezawa immediately put on a righteous expression, though inwardly he lamented that the Anbu was far better than Root!

For one thing, Sealing Technique LV5 had cost him quite a few Free Points.

With those Free Points, he could have pushed his physical abilities to LV7.

And Danzo was such an insufferable bastard—everyone hated him, people and dogs alike. His behavior was just too damn dark!

With the way he casually threatened to kill entire families, how many normal people could he possibly have had under him, aside from Hidezawa himself?

But even though that was what he thought, facing the Third Hokage—Danzo's good friend, who could even forgive an attempted assassination—Hidezawa decided to endure it.

"That is right. You are both serving Konohagakure."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had no idea what Hidezawa was thinking, and he appeared very satisfied upon hearing those words.

"Though our duties differ, my old friend truly has cultivated an excellent prospect for me. Root's purpose is to train and cultivate talent for the Anbu."

"..."

For a moment, Hidezawa did not know how to respond. Clearly, Orochimaru had been completely right: the Third Hokage knew very well why Hidezawa had been sent to the Anbu.

Still, that was hardly strange. The Third Hokage and Danzo had probably long since been exchanging verbal fire behind the scenes.

"Your performance this time was excellent. I will reward you adequately according to Anbu regulations."

The Third Hokage continued with a smile.

"Also, there were casualties this time, and some squads will be reorganized. Your current squad will be reorganized as well. I will assign new people to it."

"..."

Hidezawa was slightly stunned. Had Danzo made his move?

Using Orochimaru's hand to kill a few Anbu, while also having him hand the research materials over to Orochimaru, and letting him be maneuvered within the Anbu?

Impressive, old man!

Hidezawa was even considering whether, when he killed that old man someday, he ought to leave him an intact corpse.

"I will follow Lord Hokage's arrangements in all things."

Hidezawa nodded and agreed without hesitation.

"Good."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was still all smiles.

"Yugao works well with you. Fujikawa was injured this time, so let Fujikawa recuperate for now.

"You should get some rest as well. Relax properly. I have high expectations for your performance in the Anbu."

Truly worthy of being master and disciple.

As Hidezawa turned and left the office, he could not help mocking them inwardly.

The way those two spoke was truly all about saying things in fragments. What they said on the surface meant one thing, while what they meant underneath was another.

Fortunately, Hidezawa was an old hand. He understood all of it, and according to his workplace habits, there were some things he could understand and some things he could pretend not to understand.

"But their relationship is far too subtle. Could it really be because of the Nine-Tailed Fox Incident, when the Third Hokage lost his wife, so..."

Suddenly, Hidezawa shuddered. For some reason, the image of Danzo being pinned down by the Third Hokage, lowering his head and stammering speechlessly, kept appearing in his mind.

That bizarre image made his face turn pale. It was just too damn disgusting!

At least turn off the lights so the image does not appear so clearly in my head...

"Are you out?"

Just as Hidezawa was thoroughly disgusted with himself, a voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts and finally pulled him out of that bizarre image.

"Senior Yugao?"

Hidezawa turned his head and discovered Uzuki Yugao, who had already removed her mask. He simply took off his own mask as well, then smiled and asked,

"Were you waiting for me, Senior?"

"Mm."

Yugao nodded directly before speaking seriously.

"You have only just entered the Anbu, so there are many things you are unfamiliar with. And during this operation, you saved me twice. I..."

Could she be trying to offer herself to me?

Hidezawa raised his brows, amused by the thought. After all, he was very confident in his dignified, handsome appearance.

In truth, no matter what job one did, good looks were always combat power. Otherwise, why did beautiful people always end up together?

"Then let me treat you to ramen, Senior!"

Though his mind was full of ridiculous thoughts, the words Hidezawa spoke were still perfectly reliable.

"Huh?"

Yugao froze for a moment. How had it suddenly become Hidezawa treating her?

Before Yugao could speak, Hidezawa continued with a smile.

"As your junior, it is only proper for me to treat you. Besides, unless something unexpected happens, we will be teammates in the future. I hope you will look after me then, Senior."

"This..."

Yugao was also stunned by those words. She was still hesitating, but Hidezawa gave her no chance to say anything else.

He reached out and took her hand, then smiled.

"Alright, Senior, let us go. I heard Ichiraku Ramen is a great place. I have never tried it in all these years. Besides, I want to thank you as well."

"Thank me?"

Yugao was rather baffled, but Hidezawa merely smiled and led her away by the hand without answering. Yet a message appeared across his retina.

Completed side mission: Rescue Anbu member

Mission evaluation: B

Reward obtained: Konoha-Style Swordsmanship (Uzuki Yugao)

Because Taijutsu is LV5, rewards merged