Outmaneuvered by the Third Hokage

Chapter 16: Outmaneuvered by the Third Hokage

Shimiya Aoba, who was busy tidying up the house, had thought that one thousand ryo was a lot. But to a ninja, even the lowest-ranking Genin, it was merely pocket money they could casually hand out.

The reward for an ordinary D-rank mission—a simple task that involved no fighting or danger—was between five thousand and fifty thousand ryo...

And the minimum reward for an S-rank mission was over one million ryo!

So, one thousand ryo in living expenses was nothing to Mikawa, who was already a Special Jonin. If Aoba had not still been so young, giving him tens of thousands of ryo would have been no more than the reward for a few D-rank missions.

Of course, Mikawa probably had not taken on such trash missions as D-rank missions in a long time.

Inside the Hokage's office, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi was gazing warmly at the young man before him, his heart filled with relief.

After Orochimaru defected and Jiraiya and Tsunade left in succession, he was grateful that there were still more outstanding people shining brightly. One of them had even become a figure who struck fear into the enemy's hearts, constantly reminding him of Sakumo in the past...

"Minato, have you prepared tomorrow's speech? I know you don't like this kind of formality, but the inauguration ceremony for the next Hokage isn't merely a matter of appearances. It's also an important gesture through which Konoha displays its strength to the other major nations. Surely those bastards lurking in the shadows, itching to make a move, won't dare do anything after seeing the illustrious 'Yellow Flash' take the Hokage's seat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi deliberately teased him in a mocking tone, making Minato Namikaze feel rather embarrassed.

But there was another reason he had not mentioned. Besides genuinely feeling that he was no longer up to the task, he was eager to step down and make way for someone more capable because he wanted to give an explanation to the many people who had sacrificed themselves for Konoha, as well as to the other major nations, and bring this war that had swept across the entire shinobi world to an end as quickly as possible.

Since even his teacher's teacher had put it that way, Minato could not argue any further. He could only nod and indicate that he would prepare carefully and would not disgrace Konoha.

Just then, someone knocked on the door outside.

Taking the opportunity, Minato said goodbye. "Then I'll head back and prepare."

"Mm. Give my regards to Kushina. It's been so long, and she still hasn't come to visit this old man."

Minato gave an awkward laugh, then vanished with a Flying Thunder God Technique.

Only then did a melancholy expression appear on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face. The Uzumaki Clan had always been a thorn in his heart. Although they had rescued Kushina back then, the fact remained that they had abandoned their ally instead of helping and supporting them.

Even though those who knew the truth had long since buried the matter, leaving hardly anyone aware of what had really happened, every time he saw that distinctive red hair, his guilt grew a little stronger. Perhaps he truly was not suited to be Hokage.

"Come in!"

After composing himself and restoring his usual authority, the person waiting outside to deliver a report pushed open the door and entered. It was Special Jonin Mikawa, who had left Aoba not long ago.

"Lord Hokage."

"Oh, it's Mikawa. How have things been with that little brat?"

Mikawa hesitated, but gritted his teeth and chose to report the truth. "I'm sorry, Lord Hokage..."

After listening to Mikawa's account, Hiruzen fell into deep thought. His original intention had been to use familial affection to subtly change the boy, then nurture him into an outstanding talent who would give everything for Konoha in the future.

This was the best plan he had come up with after confirming the authenticity of the boy's identity and clearing him of suspicion.

After all, judging from the surveillance reports submitted over this period, everything the boy had gone through had caused his already immature mind to veer drastically off course. Not only did he have violent tendencies, he was also unruly and vindictive. This did not fit the so-called 'Will of Fire' at all.

He simply had not expected that not only did one little brat have ideas of his own, even the 'mission agent' he had sent had begun forming opinions of his own.

"Mikawa, you can't look at this as just another mission. The war has only temporarily stopped, and the Cloud ninja's attitude is still unclear. Don't you want to continue your family line?"

At the mention of continuing his family line, a sorrowful expression immediately appeared on Mikawa's face, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

"I'm sorry, Lord Hokage. I've disappointed you."

Hearing Mikawa say that again, Hiruzen knew he could not force the matter any further and could only sigh.

"Go back. As for Shimiya Aoba, I'll arrange for someone else."

"This..."

"What is it? Is there something else?"

Mikawa had achieved his purpose and could have said nothing more, but after hesitating, he still spoke up on Aoba's behalf. "I don't think we should force this matter. I can tell that the child is extremely resistant to being adopted. We might only end up making things worse."

Hiruzen was not the sort of person who stubbornly insisted on having his way. If anything, he was rather soft-hearted. Otherwise, he would not have repeatedly allowed Danzo to cause trouble, nor would he have been constrained by the so-called High-Level Advisor of Konoha. After all, the two Hokage before him had each ruled with absolute authority, and no one had dared criticize them to their faces.

This was both a strength and a major weakness.

After thinking it over, Hiruzen also felt that Mikawa had a point. However, Shimiya Aoba's awful disposition made it impossible for him to feel at ease.

So, after pondering for a moment, he said, "How about this? I can agree to let him live on his own, but you have to become his guardian. If he causes any trouble, you'll be responsible for dealing with it. Also, the village's finances haven't been doing well lately, so there won't be any subsidies. You'll have to figure out his food and lodging yourself. However, once he turns six, his tuition and miscellaneous fees at the Ninja Academy can all be waived. What do you think of that arrangement?"

Mikawa's long face immediately fell!

What difference was there between this so-called guardianship and adoption?

Aside from not having to spend his days disciplining the boy, he would still have to pay for everything from food and clothing to housing and transportation. If the boy caused trouble, he would still be responsible for dealing with it. This was merely a different name for the same thing!

And as for waiving his school fees...

I really can't thank you enough. How generous of you!

Mikawa dared guarantee that even if the brat did not have a single coin, Lord Hokage would still make sure he went to school. Otherwise, would all the effort they had invested so far not have gone to waste?

Once the boy displayed his talent, everyone who was loyal to Konoha would hope that he would grow into an independent ninja and repay the village for nurturing him.

So did this mean he had fallen into a trap?

Lord Hokage really did get more cunning with age...

A string of disrespectful remarks was buried deep in Mikawa's heart.

Damn!

Old fox!