Mission Report

After waiting for about ten minutes, Kakashi finally walked out of the office. The look in his eyes beneath his mask was somewhat complex, but Yuzuru Hyuga didn't seem concerned at all.

"Don't tell me you're reporting me to Lord Third and feeling uneasy about it?" Yuzuru Hyuga's teasing tone made Kakashi sigh.

He removed his mask, but his face was still covered by his forehead protector. Only his voice conveyed his helpless sigh.

He remained silent, wanting to say something, but in the end, he just picked up his forehead protector to cover his Sharingan and softly murmured to himself, "At this time of day, Ichiraku Ramen is probably the only place open."

Kakashi turned and left gracefully, while Yuzuru Hyuga chuckled twice and pushed the door open. The Third Hokage was standing with his back to him, looking out the window.

After he entered, the Third Hokage smiled and gave him an affirmative nod.

"I've already heard Kakashi's report on the mission, Yuzuru. Your judgment was correct; Orochimaru is indeed not someone you two could have stopped. With your intel, other ninjas will carry on the pursuit."

Yuzuru Hyuga flashed a brilliant smile. "Thank you, Lord Third!"

Then, he lowered his head, a look of shame on his face. "It's my own lack of ability. If I were a little stronger, perhaps I could have figured out a way to keep Orochimaru there."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's kind eyes showed no hint of insincerity. He walked up to Yuzuru Hyuga and affirmed, "To have saved the lives of the innocent Iburi Clan in that situation, and to have protected yourself and your companion, Yuzuru, you are far more outstanding than I imagined."

"Yes," Yuzuru Hyuga replied, feigning guilt.

Hiruzen Sarutobi released his hand and sighed, then suddenly asked, "What are your thoughts on Root?"

Yuzuru Hyuga feigned surprise, then fell into an uneasy silence. Finally, he expressed a degree of dislike and aversion towards Danzo. "I believe Root's authority might be a bit too great. I apologize, I misspoke."

The Third Hokage nodded noncommittally, but in his heart, he was considering the issues Yuzuru Hyuga had pointed out. He said softly, "You don't need to worry about these things. Rest assured, Konoha will get better."

He smiled, placing great hope in the young man before him. "You will be Konoha's new flame. I believe that one day, the raging fire you ignite will ensure Konoha no longer needs this kind of unavoidable darkness."

He knew what to say to whom. For Yuzuru Hyuga, who appeared so clearly defined between good and evil, gentle and kind, the Third Hokage offered encouragement and support. He believed that everything the Hyuga Branch Family was currently enduring would surely make this young man feel like he was sitting on pins and needles. If he could firmly stand behind the Branch Family and offer appropriate 'support,' then he could win over the people's hearts.

Yuzuru Hyuga simply smiled in response. "Thank you, Lord Third! I definitely won't disappoint you!"

Yes, I will transform into a phoenix, cry out in the sky, and ignite a blazing fire to burn Konoha's demons and monsters to ashes like rotten wood. In short, I'll take your kind words to heart~

After the 'heartwarming exchange' with the Third Hokage concluded, he gave Yuzuru Hyuga a grand promise. Not only did he count this mission as an A-rank mission and record it as a merit, but he also generously stated that upon his next return, he would consider promoting Yuzuru Hyuga to Chunin, along with a special mysterious reward.

At the same time, he also told him that there was another mission tomorrow and to get some rest.

What could Yuzuru Hyuga do?

He could only say: "Thank you."

After bidding farewell to the Third Hokage, Yuzuru Hyuga leisurely walked along the street towards Ichiraku Ramen.

He lifted the curtain and saw Kakashi still sitting in his usual corner, but he hadn't ordered yet, just sitting quietly.

A few Civilian Ninjas also seemed to have just finished their shifts, currently eating their noodles heartily and chatting with smiles.

"Good evening, Uncle Teuchi."

"Oh! Little Yuzuru, sit down quickly! The usual today?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Kakashi, you too?"

"Mm."

The two sat down next to each other, waiting for their ramen. The Civilian Ninjas nearby subtly sensed that the atmosphere was a bit off. After finishing their noodles, they cast furtive glances at the two imposing young boys as they left, arm in arm.

Whether it was Kakashi Hatake or Yuzuru Hyuga, in the eyes of Konoha's ninjas, neither of them were simple individuals. The two of them together made them seem even more unapproachable.

People only envy those who are slightly stronger than them. For those who are unimaginably excellent compared to themselves, they can't help but feel a sense of awe.

So-called geniuses also have gaps between them.

"I'll be watching you," Kakashi said out of the blue.

But Yuzuru Hyuga couldn't help but break into a bright smile because of it.

"Ah."

His confident reply made Kakashi eager to see what would happen.

Kakashi reached up and pulled down his forehead protector. He had been wearing the protector and mask for several days, and now he felt the urge to breathe freely. With no one around, he simply pulled down his mask, taking in the fresh air while turning to look at Yuzuru Hyuga.

"Let's forget today's mission. Next time, even if there's danger, we must complete the mission! A senior once told me that Anbu ninjas should see themselves as tools for killing. If a tool cannot complete its mission, it is our dereliction of duty!"

"Although I don't entirely agree with that statement, Anbu missions are not as simple as you think."

"As ninjas, we sometimes face not only perilous situations but also difficult circumstances and desperate situations. Even so, when there's a possibility of completing a mission, we must still prioritize the mission."

"As captain, I will do my best to protect you as my teammate, but we absolutely cannot choose to abandon the mission again because of its danger!"

He looked very serious.

Yuzuru Hyuga just smiled. "Don't worry, as long as it's a normal mission, I'll complete it seriously, not something that clearly exceeds our capabilities."

"But, isn't the lives of comrades more important than the mission?" Yuzuru Hyuga's expression also turned serious.

He looked at the silent Kakashi and stated his stance clearly. "When a mission and the safety of comrades conflict, I will also make a choice that prioritizes preserving life, just like today. Ninjas are not tools for killing. If becoming an Anbu ninja means treating oneself as an emotionless tool."

"Then what is the meaning of the Will of Fire?"

"Even though Senior Kakashi and I both graduated early after only two years, the first thing we learned in school was the so-called Will of Fire, wasn't it?"

"Or, deep down, Senior Kakashi believes that Fire..."

"Enough!" Kakashi stopped Yuzuru Hyuga from continuing. He turned his head away in exasperation, not wanting to look at him.

This guy was incredibly skilled at picking fights. If he wasn't careful, he'd be subtly hinted at a few things by him.

After a moment of silence, Kakashi abruptly spoke in a muffled voice, "You're right."

He just wanted to tell him to discard the weakness in his heart, not to think about retreating at the first sign of danger. He also wanted to use a senior's words to hint that his future life in the Anbu might be quite 'cold and monotonous.'

But now, it seemed he was prepared for life in the Anbu, had clear opinions on certain matters, and, he had to admit, these opinions were quite to Kakashi's liking.

As for the so-called 'tool theory'...

In fact, Kakashi didn't agree with it either.

And, coincidentally, the Anbu senior who had told him about this 'Anbu iron rule' had sacrificed himself before the New Year, not even living to see Orochimaru's defection.

"In short, for future missions, don't expect to lead them as you did today and respond passively," Kakashi finally decided against giving a long speech like a previous senior and directly stated his thoughts.

Yuzuru Hyuga just chuckled lightly, looking at Kakashi teasingly. "Senior, in my heart, you'll always be my captain."

"...I hope so," Kakashi said weakly.

Why was the ramen taking so long to come out today?