Early the next morning, in the Hokage's office in Konoha.
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"Lord Hokage!"
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"I've brought Yamato!"
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An Anbu wearing a mask appeared in the office and dropped to one knee, speaking respectfully.
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Minato Namikaze, seated behind his desk, brightened at the news and smiled. "Send him in."
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Creak...
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The door opened, and a young man who looked barely grown stepped inside. He had long brown hair, a Forehead Protector styled like a face guard, and a black combat uniform with a thick, high collar.
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The young man also dropped to one knee and called out, "Lord Hokage!"
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"Good!"
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"Yamato, ever since I heard of your exceptional talents while you were in Root, I've wanted to bring you out of there. After sending so many people to speak with you, you've finally come around."
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Minato spoke to Yamato with relief.
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"Lord Hokage, you flatter me!"
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"Root is also an organization that serves the village! I believe Lord Danzo will realize that sooner or later."
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Yamato kept his head lowered and spoke in a somber voice, seemingly unwilling to bring up the past.
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Minato waved his hand lightly. The masked Anbu flashed away and disappeared.
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"Yamato!"
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"I have a very important mission for you!"
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Minato's tone suddenly turned unusually grave.
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"Just give the order, Lord Hokage. I'll lay down my life to carry it out!"
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Yamato kept his head bowed, eyes closed and expression calm, as though he wasn't worried about being assigned some impossibly difficult mission.
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"You're going to teach my son, Naruto, Wood Release!"
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At those words, Yamato slowly raised his head. His lips parted, surprise showing on his face. But when he saw Minato's grave expression, his confusion only