Uchiha's Massive Windfall

The two ANBU guards at the door sensed that something was off, their hands clamped tightly around the hilts at their waists.

Sakumo said nothing, taking everything in.

At the mention of "the mission" and "Warehouse No. 7," Hiruzen's eyes widened instinctively before his pupils contracted.

It was a purely physiological reaction to extreme tension.

Cold sweat trickled down from his left temple, yet he did not even think to wipe it away.

Most importantly, before Hiruzen spoke, his body instinctively leaned half a step forward.

Only someone truly worried about a comrade's safety or the mission itself would unconsciously make that motion.

The huge stone that had weighed on Sakumo's heart all the way back finally lowered somewhat.

The tension in his back eased by an inch, releasing the force he had kept ready to explode at any moment.

His expression softening slightly, Sakumo reached into his robes and pulled out a crumpled mission scroll, its edges still marked with scorch burns.

He presented it with both hands.

"Reporting to Lord Hokage."

Sakumo's voice was calm and firm.

"Iwagakure's Underground Warehouse No. 7 has undergone a chain detonation and been completely destroyed."

"The mission was completed successfully."

"The full details are in the scroll. Please review it."

It was worth noting that Sakumo had not mentioned Uchiha Yehuo or Ye in his report.

Their identities were far too sensitive. Being implicated in an incident like this would only harm them.

Moreover, Sakumo had already sealed his teammates' memories concerning the two of them.

As long as the mission was complete and the report was plausible, the higher-ups would not investigate its details.

Upon hearing that the mission had been completed successfully, Hiruzen smiled as well.

"Good! Good! Good!"

His tense shoulders instantly slumped, and he shouted "good" three times