Hyuga Ao brought Kuroki Shinya back to Konoha silently and without a trace, taking him straight before the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage looked up from the mountain of paperwork before him, gazing at the two with confusion.
Then his eyes lit up, as though he had thought of something.
"Ao'er, what is this?"
Hyuga Ao stepped forward, held up two fingers like a sword, and reported solemnly:
"Jonin Hyuga Ao, mission complete! I successfully brought the rogue ninja Kuroki Shinya back. During the mission, former Konoha Jonin Kuroki Shinya cooperated of his own accord, was willing to repent, and deeply recognized and reflected upon his mistakes."
"I hope the village can carefully consider how Kuroki Shinya should be dealt with!"
"This is my judgment as a Jonin!"
"Oh?" The Third Hokage's expression became unreadable. Instead of replying, he picked up his pipe and silently took a puff.
After blowing out two or three rings of smoke, the Third Hokage tapped his pipe.
"As I recall, you haven't officially been promoted to Jonin yet, have you? Hyuga Ao, Chunin."
"Yes, but before I set out, Third Hokage..."
Hyuga Ao paused, then spoke more emphatically.
"No, Grandmaster, you said that completing the mission would automatically promote me to Jonin."
At this, the Third Hokage's expression softened slightly. He pointed his pipe at Kuroki Shinya, whose forehead was covered in cold sweat.
"You go out first!"
Kuroki Shinya felt as though he had been granted a reprieve. He left the room to wait outside, casting a worried glance at Hyuga Ao before he went.
For an ordinary ninja like Kuroki Shinya, the Hokage was an absolute existence they could not oppose. He had never expected Hyuga Ao to be so forthright, formally requesting that the Hokage seriously consider his situation.
He was