I Challenge You to a Duel

Ye Liang had never imagined that his careless mistake would bring such terrifying consequences to Konoha.

After visiting several markets without finding suitable work, Ye Liang decided to try his luck with the Hokage.

These were extraordinary times. Most ninja survived on bounty missions issued by the Hokage. An outsider like Ye Liang, whose background was unknown, would never be hired by an ordinary shop.

So if Ye Liang wanted to survive, he really had to have a talk with the Third Hokage.

"Knock, knock."

Ye Liang knocked on the door to the Hokage Office.

"It's rather quiet here." He pursed his lips.

Along the way, aside from seeing a young man who looked like Shikamaru rushing off in a panic, he had seen no one else.

"Come in."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice came from inside the office.

Ye Liang walked in, putting on an unassuming yet neither servile nor overbearing manner.

His current image was extremely mysterious—so mysterious that everyone regarded him as some super expert. An expert naturally needed the bearing of one, so he was not particularly humble.

"Third Hokage, long time no see," Ye Liang said calmly, then casually found a chair and sat down.

"Yes, it has been a long time," the Third Hokage replied.

What was going on? This old man's attitude was a little off today.

It felt somewhat cold and stiff.

But I don't seem to have offended him, do I?

Ye Liang found it strange, but his current situation forced him to continue.

"Third Hokage, you've seen my situation. Although you've allowed me free access throughout Konoha, I'm a traveler without even enough money to eat. So I wanted to ask whether there are any simple bounty missions. I'd like to complete a few for Konoha and earn some compensation along the way."

"Bounty missions?" Hiruzen Sarutobi was instantly startled.

But then he realized Ye Liang had a point. Although he had kept Ye Liang in Konoha, the kid truly seemed to have no money for food. That was rather awkward.

"There are a few bounty missions, but they're all confidential Konoha missions and aren't suitable for outsiders. As for the low-level missions, the rewards are only a few hundred ryo. I'm sure someone like you wouldn't think them worth doing, would you?" Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head.

"A few hundred ryo? I'll do them!"

Ye Liang was suddenly shocked.

A few hundred ryo in the Naruto World was roughly equivalent to a few hundred dollars in the real world. A bowl of ramen here cost around forty ryo, so a few hundred ryo was enough for Ye Liang to eat several good meals.

I want a few hundred ryo too! Ye Liang screamed inwardly, but he could not say it outright.

After all, he was an expert. Naturally, he had to maintain an expert's dignity.

"Uh, the reward may be small, but how can someone refuse to help others just because the money is little? I think I can still take on such work."

"Hm?" Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a surprised sound.

He had not expected Ye Liang to say something like that. But he could not be bothered with Ye Liang right now. Even if Ye Liang was willing to take on low-level missions, Hiruzen Sarutobi could not be bothered to issue them.

After all, Ye Liang had driven Minato Namikaze away!

In truth, everyone had personal feelings, even a Hokage in a position of great authority.

Just as he was about to dismiss Ye Liang, three teenagers suddenly rushed in.

"Third Hokage! Did our teacher leave on a mission? When will he come back? What are we supposed to do about our missions during this time?"

They all spoke at once, clamoring nonstop.

Ye Liang did not care.

He casually glanced at the teenagers who had barged in. They looked about thirteen or fourteen: two boys and one girl.

The boys were handsome, while the girl was delicate and pretty.

"Why does that white hair look so familiar?" A trace of confusion crossed Ye Liang's face. Then, after looking at the other boy wearing goggles, he suddenly understood.

"It's Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha!"

Right, Minato Namikaze had been their teacher before!

"Lord Hokage, has our teacher really left?" they asked anxiously.

"Yes. Your teacher has a secret mission and had to leave temporarily. But don't worry. He'll be back before long."

Hiruzen Sarutobi answered, but his gaze seemed to casually sweep over Ye Liang at the same time.

What's this old man looking at me for? How ridiculous. Ye Liang grumbled inwardly, then turned his eyes toward the only girl.

"So this is Rin Nohara. She really is pretty. She's so young, yet she already has such a curvy figure. No wonder Obito and Kakashi fought over her so fiercely. A beautiful woman truly brings disaster."

Ye Liang smacked his lips as he looked at Rin Nohara, but Obito Uchiha saw it all.

It could not be helped. The Sharingan was simply too perceptive. Although Ye Liang had been very careful when sneaking glances at her, Obito still noticed!

"Who the hell are you? What are you staring at? Keep looking, and I'll punch you to death!"

Like an absolute meathead, he waved his fist at Ye Liang.

"No wonder Rin Nohara doesn't like him. He's such an idiot. Of course she likes Kakashi, who's always acting cool." Ye Liang shook his head.

Hiruzen Sarutobi beside them grew anxious.

In his eyes, Ye Liang was an extremely mysterious expert. Obito speaking to him with such sarcasm made Hiruzen Sarutobi worry that Ye Liang would teach the boy a lesson.

After all, Ye Liang was the man who had forced Minato back.

"What nonsense are you talking about? This gentleman is an honored guest of Konoha. Don't be so rude."

"What honored guest acts so sleazily? Staring straight at someone without even knowing who he's looking at!"

"You brat—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was furious, and Rin Nohara immediately bowed to Ye Liang. Girls were always more thoughtful in such matters. Seeing the Third Hokage's attitude, she instantly understood the situation.

"I'm sorry, sir. Obito is always so rude, but he's a good person. Please don't take offense."

She apologized, but Obito was unhappy.

His goddess was apologizing to another boy. How could he stand that?

Though Ye Liang looked several years older than him, he still struck a challenging pose.

"You! I challenge you to a duel!" He raised his middle finger at Ye Liang.

Ye Liang frowned.

"What an idiot. Look at Kakashi beside you—he knows how to behave and hasn't said a word. That's the demeanor of a handsome guy. No wonder no girl likes you." Ye Liang sneered inwardly, then flashed forward and charged at Obito.

The easiest way to shut someone up was to use force!

Bang!

Before Obito could react, Ye Liang slammed him to the ground. Still, he was only a child, so Ye Liang did not use much force.

"So fast!"

Kakashi's eyes flickered. Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated in his swivel chair, was equally shocked.

When Orochimaru had briefed him before, he had not said that this fellow could use such a fast Body Flicker Technique. It seemed their assessment of this man needed to be raised substantially.