I Am Who I Am

The handover went exceptionally smoothly. After all, it wasn't his first time leaving the Anbu; he had experience with this.

Yet beneath Houka's seemingly calm expression, his emotions were anything but simple.

Back then, Hiruzen Sarutobi had repeatedly sent people to persuade him to join the Anbu and take over the Inspection Department. Now, he had kicked him out with one foot. It was chilling.

Especially since, if Hiruzen Sarutobi had been just as "decisive" with Danzo, many things would never have happened.

The thought only left Houka even more disappointed in Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Perhaps Hiruzen Sarutobi truly had his own difficulties. Perhaps he truly acted for the village's greater good. But Houka no longer wanted to put himself in his shoes and think from his perspective.

I am who I am, a firework unlike any other.

News of Houka's dismissal quickly spread. Nara Shikaku was the first to visit. He knew the full story and understood that Houka had gotten exactly what he wanted, so he did not say much. He only asked Houka not to reveal Haku's identity, lest it stir dissatisfaction among the other clans in the village.

Houka nodded in agreement.

Haku had already left the village, and with the "evidence" gone, no one would believe him even if he revealed Haku's identity. Besides, Nara Shikaku had helped him tremendously. He had to give him this much face.

After that, Akimichi Choza, Yamanaka Inoichi, Shibi Aburame, and the others came one after another to visit. They did not know what had happened; they only knew that Houka had suddenly been removed from office. The moment they arrived, they questioned him relentlessly until he was sick of it. In the end, he could only open his mouth and spout all sorts of nonsense, giving each of them