The Fourth Hokage Was Back

Konoha Village.

After a long journey, the group finally returned to Konoha. Having been through a trial, Yang Xing now realized just how peaceful and beautiful the village was.

The passersby, the noisy shops, the familiar surroundings and familiar atmosphere—all of it made Yang Xing take a deep breath and relax. This really was a wonderful place.

The air was fresh, the scenery was beautiful, and the bustling shops were a welcome sight after so long away.

And there was more... There were even several beautiful women he didn't recognize!

Damn, Konoha really was rich in resources—even its beautiful women were so...

"All right, let's hurry to the mission office."

"Yeah, wait. Let me have one more look—just one more." As he was led along, Yang Xing was clearly unhappy. "Kakashi, I don't think there's anything wrong with you being secretly brooding, but I do think it's wrong to want everyone else to become brooding like you."

Kakashi: "..."

Kakashi seriously doubted that this guy was the hidden expert who had taken out five elites in ten minutes.

At any rate, the group made it through the shopping district without incident and reached the mission office, where missions were assigned.

As Yang Xing and the others approached, the ninja who had given them their mission was still there. His eyes lit up when he saw them, and he raised a hand to call out, "Hey, perfect timing! Kakashi, you're finally back."

He hurried over, clearly eager to tell them something.

Seeing the expression on his face, Kakashi asked in confusion, "What happened?"

"The Fourth Hokage just got back. He's at the Hokage Building now. He told us that as soon as you arrived, you were to go straight there." The man's urgent words made Yang Xing and the others change expression.

"The Fourth Hokage is back?" The group exchanged glances, then immediately hurried toward the Hokage Building without another thought.

At the very center of Konoha stood its tallest building: the Hokage Building, a symbol of the village.

It was also the headquarters of the Anbu and the home of the Council of Elders. And within it was the representative of Konoha, the person who held the title of Hokage.

In short, the Hokage Building was Konoha's pride.

Security was tight. Passing several ninjas wearing cat masks, Yang Xing realized that this seemed to be his first time inside.

He was rather curious about the legendary Hokage Building.

Looking around, he followed Kakashi toward the Hokage's office.

The staircase was long. After climbing for several minutes, Yang Xing, who hadn't been watching where he was going, nearly bumped into someone.

"Hey, brat, where are your eyes?"

Yang Xing stopped short and quickly stepped back. The person who had suddenly appeared in front of him had caught him off guard.

The girl had a straw-like ponytail and looked full of energy. She was obviously displeased. She couldn't have been more than two years older than him, yet the way her fitted, long-sleeved top hugged her figure made her body seem at odds with her age.

With her hands on her hips, she glared at him angrily.

But one particular feature caught Yang Xing's attention. One area was especially full; he could probably hold it with one hand now—no, it would definitely take both. And it was so perky, too. Quite alluring.

The girl with the straw-colored ponytail lowered her head, her deep, narrow eyes filled with murderous intent. "Hey, what are you looking at?"

"Nothing!" This girl was so unfriendly. Sure, she had a great pair, but she seemed cold. Better not to provoke her. It took Yang Xing a great deal of effort to tear his gaze away from those formidable weapons.

He said it without blushing or missing a beat.

But he'd been staring so intently that his eyes had nearly popped out. There was no way she hadn't noticed—anyone could have seen it.

As soon as Yang Xing spoke, the girl's expression changed. Without another word, she grabbed him by the collar. "You were looking at me with lecherous eyes just now. Are you going to pretend you weren't?"

"I'm sorry, but I have never looked at anyone with lecherous eyes. Let me make one thing perfectly clear: from the start, I was looking at you with admiration."

"You little brat, are you asking for a beating?"

The girl raised her fist, ready to slam it into him. Yang Xing had already prepared to use the Substitution Technique at a moment's notice, but before he could act, a voice rang out.

"Anko, calm down." A fairly young kunoichi frowned at the girl with the straw-colored ponytail. "Let him go. He's a student of the Fourth Hokage. Don't talk to him like that."

"Him? Whatever. Watch yourself, brat!" Though clearly reluctant, the hot-tempered girl calmed down when she heard he was part of the Fourth Hokage's team.

Yang Xing, meanwhile, was stunned to hear the girl's name.

Anko? Mitaraishi Anko? Damn, no wonder she had such a figure.

She certainly had a bright future ahead of her. Never mind—this girl was trouble. Better not stare at her too much.

"All right, the Third and Fourth Hokage have been waiting for us. Let's go in together." Aside from Anko, there were several other ninjas. Yang Xing didn't recognize them, but judging by how close they were in age, they were probably from another team.

The woman leading them was most likely that team's instructor.

Kakashi and the others paid little attention to the woman. As she spoke, they opened the door to the Hokage's office and went in first. Yang Xing followed close behind, bringing up the rear.

As for why, it was because Anko, with her straw-colored ponytail, had been glaring at him the whole time.

He'd only gotten a close look at her breasts. Did she really have to be so angry? It wasn't as if he'd grabbed them.

Feeling annoyed, Yang Xing glared right back at her.

She hadn't expected the brat to glare back. Anko clenched her fists and silently committed Yang Xing's face to memory.

While Yang Xing wasn't paying attention, the group had already entered the room.

When he saw Kakashi, a familiar voice rang out. "Kakashi, you're back. Are you hurt?"

The Fourth Hokage walked over, concern on his face, and looked over the members of his team. It seemed he had hurried back as well.

"Yes." Kakashi nodded at the Fourth Hokage's concern and replied calmly, "Everything's been taken care of. Actually, there's something I'd like to report to you, Fourth Hokage."

"I already know. It's a relief that none of you were hurt on this mission." The Fourth Hokage patted Kakashi on the shoulder, looking as though a weight had been lifted from him.

Kakashi was puzzled. "You know?"

"Yes. I noticed something was wrong when I went to the border. Several Anbu Chunin had been killed. We captured a few ninjas, but some important figures got away. They may have been the Land of Earth's advance force." The Fourth Hokage's gaze was deep. It seemed he had learned a great deal, and his expression was grim. Once again, as he looked over the group, his eyes settled on Kakashi.