Iron Gate, Iron Bars, Iron Chains~ (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

Chapter 39: Iron Gates~ Iron Bars~ Iron Chains~ (Seeking Recommendation Tickets!)

Inside the Hokage's office, Minato closed his eyes alone, lost in thought.

After a long while, he suddenly opened his eyes and summoned his assistant.

"Notify the two advisors... and Danzō. We'll have a meeting in an hour. Also, send a small squad of Anbu to re-investigate the destruction of Tachibana Village. Don't overlook any suspicious details."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

After the assistant left, Minato turned to look out the window, muttering, "I hope I'm just being overly cautious."

Clearly, the suddenly appearing medicinal bath formula had somewhat aroused his suspicion.

Although he wasn't a suspicious person, for the sake of the village's safety, it was necessary to be more cautious.

No one knew what happened in the meeting except for the participants.

However, Danzō, who had been 'warned,' appeared somewhat grim.

He admitted that he often resorted to unscrupulous methods, but a mere formula wasn't enough to tempt him, nor could he use it.

However, once the village began selling it, Root would naturally receive a sufficient quota, and he could use this opportunity to request more funding.

For something that benefited the village and himself, he naturally had no reason to object.

He was just somewhat displeased that the credit for this achievement belonged to Minato, the Hokage.

As for the kid who provided the formula, Danzō didn't pay him any mind. Perhaps he was just lucky and found it, or perhaps he had ulterior motives, but what did that have to do with him!

If the re-investigation found no issues, then so be it. But if problems arose... even better!

Then he could use it as an excuse to attack!

Danzō always assessed the risks and potential gains before making a move. If the conclusion was that it was worth it, he would definitely take the risk.

Clearly, at this moment, in Danzō's eyes, a certain kid wasn't worth his effort.

Neither the formula submitted to the village nor the Kekkei Genkai that had bored him at first glance could pique his interest.

Moreover, Minato and the retired Hiruzen would certainly not allow him to act recklessly. To secure the position of Hokage, he needed to lie low and bide his time.

Waiting patiently for the best opportunity...

On the other side, after leaving the Hokage building and bidding farewell to Jonin Mikawa, Qingyu began to wander around the village.

Clearly, today's gains had put him in a good mood.

As he walked, he passed through the bustling streets and unknowingly arrived near the Hokage Rock.

Looking up at the giant, lifelike statues of past Hokages carved into the rock face, as well as the Fourth Hokage's statue, which had just been completed these past two days, he felt a strange sensation.

This was Konoha's iconic landmark and a source of spiritual sustenance.

For the villagers, it seemed that just looking up here gave them immense motivation.

Although he wasn't a true Konoha resident and had even come here with other intentions, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion every time he stood beneath it.

If not for the hellish start and the dog system screwing him over, perhaps one day, he too could have his likeness carved here for future generations to admire!

Just thinking about it felt exhilarating...

Perhaps sensing his mood at the moment, the dog system, which frequently came back to life, once again appeared to cause trouble!

Ding!

A Bronze-class Death-Seeking Mission has been issued!

Mission Name: The Fifth Hokage Arrives!

Mission Description: Leave your own statue on the Hokage Rock for the world to admire.

(Don't just think about it, act! Young man, go bravely!)

Mission Requirements: The statue's completion must be above the passing standard (size no smaller than 1:1), and it must bear the inscription 'Fifth Hokage Shimiya Aoba Arrives,' seen by at least one hundred people.

Mission Deadline: Seven days.

Mission Reward: Bronze Treasure Chest x1, Beginner Skill Card x1.

Mission Failure: Iron gates~ Iron bars~ Iron chains~

Damn it all!

I was just daydreaming!

Qingyu never expected that just because he felt a tiny bit envious, the dog system would issue such a suicidal mission!

Defacing and carving the Hokage Rock without permission was a serious crime!

Don't look at how Naruto could scribble on the Hokage Rock in the original story without any consequences; that was because he was the son of the deceased Fourth Hokage! That was because Hiruzen protected him!

Otherwise, how could the punishment have been so light, just having to wipe away his 'artwork'?

It was a joke!

Try another person, you give it a shot!

You've dug through the bottom of the prison!

And this wasn't the most troublesome thing for Qingyu. After all, he had just offered the medicinal bath formula, a great contribution to the village. Coupled with his young age, Minato would surely go easy on him, treating it as a child's prank. At worst, he'd be released after a few days in confinement.

But the most serious problem was... the carving!

How was he supposed to carve his likeness onto the Hokage Rock under everyone's watchful eyes?

Even carving a 1:1 scale statue would be absolutely impossible!

Every day, the village patrols would routinely inspect the Hokage Rock, as it was Konoha's landmark and must be protected.

If he were just drawing it, he might have been able to buy some time. But carving... he'd be caught in minutes!

To make matters worse, the dog system had actually added a time limit to the mission this time!!!

He had to secretly carve his likeness onto the Hokage Rock within 7 days, hiding it from everyone, then write that declaration that was pure suicidal intent. And he had to attract at least a hundred people to witness this scene...

"I must be crazy!"

Qingyu frantically scratched his head after realizing the difficulty of this mission!

How was he supposed to do this?

Just as he was so frustrated he felt like spitting blood, a familiar voice called out from behind him, "Isn't this little Qingyu? What, looking for work again? You're too late, the Fourth Hokage's statue is already finished, just waiting for these last few days to observe and solidify. If you're looking for work, you've come to the wrong place."

An old man, dressed in simple clothes and carrying a toolbox, greeted Qingyu with a smile.

"Grandpa Yamashita? I'm not looking for work, I was just passing by. Heh, just passing through..." Qingyu replied a little awkwardly.

This Grandpa Yamashita was actually the foreman of the artisans who had allowed him to clear the rubble here. So, he held great respect for this kind and enthusiastic old man.

However, his mind was in a mess right now, filled with thoughts of how to pull off a switcheroo and a grand deception, making him seem somewhat absent-minded.

"Since you're just passing by, that's perfect. What do you think of the Fourth Hokage's statue? Don't just say nice things, tell me honestly." Grandpa Yamashita asked with a hint of pride, like a child showing off a new toy.

What else could Qingyu say? Of course, he gave a thumbs-up and praised it profusely, "It's simply perfect! Wonderful! The composition and the handling of the details are impeccable. It's truly a work of art!"

"Oh, you're just saying pretty words to make an old man happy again. Alright, I should be heading back. Remember to visit an old man like me when you have time. I can't promise much, but I can definitely introduce you to some odd jobs to earn some living expenses, no problem."

"Mhm, I'll remember that, Grandpa Yamashita. I'll definitely come by when I have time."

Watching the old man's brisk retreating figure, Qingyu couldn't help but chuckle. He clearly loved hearing people praise his craftsmanship and compliment his work, yet he always pretended not to care, deliberately putting on a stern face that couldn't hide the pride and satisfaction in his eyes. What a stubborn old man!

However, combining that with what Grandpa Yamashita had just said, a sense of urgency grew in his heart.

Perhaps he had less than 7 days...

Because once the finishing touches were done, all the ropes and scaffolding currently hanging on the Hokage Rock would be removed.

So, he had to hurry and take advantage of the existing conveniences to complete the mission before the finishing work was done!

Also, he had gained some inspiration regarding how to complete this seemingly impossible mission.

It seemed he absolutely had to visit Grandpa Yamashita!

PS: Thanks to Ye Hupou Zhuge for the 500 reward. Also requesting recommendation tickets! Recently, so many big shots have come out with new books, the competition is too fierce, I can't keep up. Please support!