Does the Hokage Have a Guard?

The group chatted idly, their topics drifting like fallen leaves in the wind, shifting from the weather to recent amusing anecdotes.

Just like that, they walked along until they arrived, without realizing it, in front of the "newly opened" noodle shop the two had mentioned.

However, when Qile looked in the direction they were pointing, he couldn't help but freeze. This place looked nothing like a newly opened business!

One look at the tables, worn so smooth by customers that they were practically polished, made it obvious that it had been operating for quite some time.

Still, Qile wisely chose to remain silent, opting not to expose them.

What he didn't expect, however, was that Kagami, who had come along with him, also noticed this detail.

Although Kagami had a gentle personality, he was still young, and the Uchiha Clan didn't care much for social nuances—nor did anyone teach them—so he turned his head, a look of confusion on his face, and asked in a low voice, "Is this really a newly opened noodle shop?"

Hearing this, a flash of embarrassment appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face. He let out a dry laugh to cover it up, then began scratching his head incessantly, as if trying to dig a reasonable explanation out of his brain.

But in the end, unable to come up with a good excuse, his eyes darted around until he shifted the focus to Shimura Danzō, who was standing beside him, watching his embarrassment with great interest.

"Ah, well, actually... Danzō knows more about this, right! Danzō!" Sarutobi Hiruzen said, not forgetting to give Danzō a wink, hoping the other would help him smooth things over.

Danzō, who had been savoring the sight of Sarutobi Hiruzen's predicament, never expected the fire to burn him.

The moment Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke, Danzō hadn't even had time to wipe the smile from his face. For a moment, the scene became incredibly comical.

"Cough, cough, cough, what's going on with him! Ah! Right, you know, um... I mean, yes! Ha, you get it." Danzō gestured wildly while spouting nonsense. Finally, unable to fabricate a reason, he glared at Sarutobi Hiruzen. "I'm going to order the noodles."

"Pfft..." Seeing Danzō leave in such a flustered state, the others suppressed their laughter, letting out only a few soft chuckles before walking into the shop with light steps.

In reality, judging by the current situation, this Danzō was a far cry from the near-maniacal, obsessive figure he would become in the future.

At this moment, what he displayed was merely that indescribable, complex "emotional entanglement" he shared with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

There was even a touch of innocence to it...

As everyone filed into the noodle shop, they quickly found seats that suited them.

Interestingly, before Qile even had a chance to look at the menu, Yeling, having observed his dietary preferences over the past two days, had already intuitively ordered him a bowl of authentic Tonkotsu Ramen. She stood behind Qile without taking a seat.

Seeing this, Qile looked up and said, "Sit down! We'll talk about anything else when we get home."

Hearing this, Yeling glanced at Qile, then, without a word, sat down beside him.

Seeing her seated, Qile shouted at the top of his lungs, "Boss! Add another bowl..."

"Tonkotsu."

"Add another bowl of Tonkotsu!"

Once everyone was seated and had ordered, they chatted to pass the time while waiting for the noodles to arrive.

At this point, Qile asked curiously, "By the way, have you guys graduated from the Ninja Academy yet?"

Hearing this question, Sarutobi Hiruzen paused slightly, a look of reflection crossing his face as he slowly replied, "Not yet, but it shouldn't be long now. Only about two months left, give or take."

Just as Sarutobi Hiruzen finished speaking, Danzō, who had been silent beside him, suddenly took over the conversation. "And I've heard recently that after graduation, there will be a teacher with at least Chūnin-level strength assigned to lead and guide us!"

At these words, the previously listless Qile's eyes lit up, and he instantly became full of energy.

In truth, his earlier question had been a probe, aimed at figuring out whether these two had already been taken in as disciples by Senju Tobirama.

However, based on what Danzō just said, it seemed that Senju Tobirama had yet to have any real interaction with them.

So, he hurriedly pressed, "Do you know who the instructors might be?"

Hearing Qile's eager inquiry, Sarutobi Hiruzen was stunned for a moment before falling into deep thought.

After a while, he finally looked up and answered slowly, "I really don't know. But according to my elders, to become an instructor, one must first submit an application to the Hokage's office. Only after the First Hokage personally reviews and approves it can they lead the graduating students."

After listening to Sarutobi Hiruzen's explanation, Qile nodded, but immediately asked impatiently, "And what are the rules for that?"

Danzō then said slowly, "At the very least, one must possess Chūnin-level strength or higher, and one must have successfully completed several important missions assigned by the village."

At this point, Danzō paused. He scanned his surroundings warily to ensure no one was eavesdropping before lowering his voice to a volume only they could hear. "Though they are called 'instructors' in name, in reality, they are the captains of each squad! After all, we'll be executing missions as ninja squads from now on!"

Hearing this, Qile rested his elbows on the slightly worn wooden table and propped his chin up with his palm, his thoughts drifting away.

Although it's nominally the First Hokage's approval, he mused to himself, the one truly making the call on the instructors is likely Senju Tobirama!

As time passed, batch after batch of students would grow up under the guidance of his teachers.

It was foreseeable that Senju Tobirama's prestige would skyrocket.

Not only that, but the reputation of the entire Senju Clan would rise along with it.

In stark contrast, the Uchiha Clan, which remained insular and refused to engage actively with the outside world, would gradually be abandoned by the era, with the gap between them and other clans widening ever further.

However, no matter what actions or strategies Senju Tobirama took, one fact was undeniable—he was working tirelessly to integrate the Senju Clan into the Konoha family. Such boldness and determination were truly admirable.

Just then, a flash of inspiration struck Qile, as if he had suddenly remembered something of vital importance.

Without hesitation, he leaned toward Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō, who were sitting across from him, and brought his head closer.

He lowered his voice and asked, "Do you guys know if the Hokage has his own personal guard unit?"

Qile dared to ask, but Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzō dared not answer. The two exchanged a look, then turned to the shop owner and shouted, "Boss, are the noodles ready yet? We're starving!"