A Schemer's Protectiveness and an Unexpected Windfall

Qian Ye walked out of the gloomy underground passage of the Root Base, greeted by a breeze carrying the clamor of the streets.

The noon sunlight fell on him, bringing a touch of warmth.

Qian Ye looked down at the scroll and deed in his hand and chuckled.

No matter how he thought about it, the whole matter seemed absurd.

He had won a battle on the front lines, only for the Hokage and two advisers to suppress his merit and hand it over to Minato Namikaze.

Hiruzen Sarutobi constantly preached the Will of Fire, always claiming the village was one harmonious family.

Yet when it came time to divide up military achievements, he was more ruthless than anyone at stealing other people's credit.

Instead, Shimura Danzō, who hid in the dark underground all day and whom everyone avoided, had been the first to step forward and seek justice for him.

Danzo had not only gone to the Hokage Office to slam the table and curse Hiruzen Sarutobi while pointing at his nose, but had also scraped off a thick layer of benefits in the process.

A tax-free prime storefront on Central Commercial Street, along with the right to choose from the third floor of the Book of Seals.

Danzo had forcibly wrung out benefits that ordinary ninja would not even dare dream of.

Qian Ye toyed with the specially approved authorization and walked steadily along Hidden Leaf's main road.

The notice boards along the way were surrounded by civilians and young Genin, all discussing the front-line victory with great enthusiasm.

The notice was filled with Minato Namikaze's heroic exploits, calling him the Yellow Flash who had turned the tide of battle.

Cheers rose from the gathered crowd, their words full of awe and admiration.

Qian Ye stopped and glanced