Visiting Minato Namikaze

Hiruzen Sarutobi was stunned. He asked Long Ye exactly where the gold had come from.

Gold was an important strategic reserve. Neither the Land of Fire nor any of the other four great shinobi nations could possibly have stored such a vast amount.

Long Ye did not hide anything. He told Hiruzen how he had killed the Sea-Covering Shark Dragon years ago and found the gold in its belly.

After hearing the story, Hiruzen gave Long Ye an odd look and shook his head in wonder. "What incredible luck!"

The enormous haul of gold would provide more than enough money to rebuild Konoha, so Long Ye took back his bankbook containing one hundred million.

Long Ye had single-handedly solved Konoha's predicament. Hiruzen was elated.

"Long Ye, you've made an enormous contribution to the village. Tell me what reward you want. If it's within my power, I won't hesitate."

"Forget the reward. Consider it my way of giving back to the village. The Fourth saved my life, and the village took me in. It's only right that I repay that kindness."

Long Ye meant every word.

He had always repaid both grudges and kindnesses.

Hiruzen shook his head.

"Don't talk about repaying us! It's true that Minato saved you and Konoha took you in. But you've already done more than enough for the village over the past few years, especially during the Shinobi World War. If you owed us anything, you repaid it long ago."

Long Ye thought for a moment before speaking.

"If you insist on giving me a reward, Lord Hokage, then I have one small request."

"It's about Rin. I hope you'll look out for her when assigning missions in the future. I don't need her to become exceptionally strong. I just want her to be safe."

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