Chapter 55: Choose One: Adopted Daughter or Sworn Younger Sister
The entire Hokage Building seemed to have only the Hokage's Office still lit.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and opened the window to let the smoke out of the room. Only then did he turn around and smile at Nohara Rin.
"What's wrong? Don't you recognize this old man anymore?"
His face still wore the same kind and genial smile as before.
Nohara Rin quickly shook her head and respectfully called out, "Lord Third Hokage."
She already knew that Lord Fourth Hokage had died in battle. She hadn't expected that even after her death, Konoha would still suffer an attack by a Tailed Beast.
Moreover, the Third Hokage standing before her looked much older.
"Congratulations on regaining your life."
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked around the Hokage's desk and suddenly bent down to give Nohara Rin a slight bow.
"Lord Hokage!"
Nohara Rin's shrill, childlike voice rang out at once.
She raised her hands but didn't know what to do, looking somewhat flustered.
Lord Third Hokage had bowed to a little girl like her?
"This is what you deserve." Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly raised his head, his face filled with sincere gratitude. "I learned everything you did from Kakashi long ago. You gave up your young life without hesitation so that Konoha wouldn't be threatened by the Tailed Beast. As Hokage, I must represent the village and express my gratitude for your sacrifice and your resolve."
"Lord Hokage..." Nohara Rin's little face flushed bright red. "I-I only did what every shinobi would do. It was nothing special..."
In Nohara Rin's heart, this really wasn't worth praising.
After all, far too many shinobi had died for Konoha during the war.
She was merely one insignificant person among them.
Not only had she failed to save