Hero? Just a Clown!

"That old bastard loved playing these kinds of tricks."

Qian Ye walked ahead, muttering under his breath.

"He handed me command just to disgust you."

"Making a Shadow Level expert listen to the orders of a mere Chunin."

"To crush your pride."

Sakumo looked at Qian Ye's utterly irreverent face, and instead felt considerably more at ease.

The two arrived at Root's supply depot.

Qian Ye knocked on the wooden table.

"One uniform, one mask. Bring out the highest-grade set."

The Root ninja in charge of distributing supplies handed over a package with stiff movements.

Qian Ye flipped through its contents with distaste.

"This fabric is way too cheap. It'll probably generate static when you wear it."

"Why is the mask a boar? Change it, change it."

"Can't Root improve its sense of style even a little?"

The supply ninja kept a cold face and said nothing, clearly not daring to offend the man of the hour before him.

Sakumo took the package and put it on directly.

He fastened the mask over his face, hiding the face renowned throughout the Ninja World.

Qian Ye nodded in satisfaction.

"Let's go. I'll take you out to get some fresh air."

"Stay underground too long and you'll stink of mildew. Even your brain will rust."

They headed up the stone stairs.

When they pushed open the hidden iron door, sunlight spilled onto the street outside.

Sakumo raised a hand before his eyes, adjusting to the dazzling light.

Qian Ye stretched lazily, his bones cracking crisply.

"Senior, take off the mask."

Sakumo turned to look at him.

"Danzo has rules. Root members must wear masks when outside."

Qian Ye waved a hand, utterly unconcerned.

"He's counting on me to do his work now. He won't care about something this minor."

"Besides, if you