"Well done! Naruto, at this age, you captured enemy spies and intercepted important information on your own. You have made great contributions to Konoha, and the village will not forget your dedication."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's joy diluted the inner worries and sorrows.
He originally thought that Naruto would become more and more hostile to the current Konoha under the dangerous thoughts of Uchiha Huayue.
However, the development of things far exceeded Sarutobi Hiruzen's expectations.
There is no doubt that Naruto is the successor who inherited the talents of Minato. Not only his talent in ninjutsu, but also his ability to serve the village is almost the same as that of Minato.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first, Third Generation Grandpa."
With an indifferent tone, as if he just did a trivial thing casually, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the back of Naruto and vaguely saw the figure of Minato.
There was no one around, and a figure appeared from the shadows.
Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up the newly created defense map and handed it to team leader Anbu beside him.
"Pass the order, let Konoha units change positions according to the newly arranged defense line, and be sure not to give the enemy an opportunity."
Anbu Team Leader took the order and left. After taking a final glance, his heart suddenly aroused a turmoil.
In this defense map, there are Yamanaka, Nara, Aburame, Sarutobi... except Uchiha.
The squad leader was frightened in his heart, but remained calm on the surface. He just rushed to the heads of various famous families as quickly as possible to convey the orders of Lord Third Hokage.
After Captain Anbu left, another Captain Anbu hurried over. After taking off his mask, his silver hair attracted attention.
"Sir Third Hokage, Anbu received information that some time ago, Uchiha Shisui committed suicide by throwing himself at the Naka River."
For a moment, the writing brush paused slightly and froze in mid-air, not even noticing the ink droplets dripping.
"What did you say? Shisui committed suicide by throwing himself into the river? What was Uchiha Clan's reaction?"
"Uchiha Clan is investigating the cause of Uchiha Shisui's death. The specific circumstances are unknown."
After the deathly silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand slowly, and after Kakashi left, he fell into deep thought.
'Is it because I'm too hasty, or is Shisui's actions discovered by Uchiha Fugaku, or...'
For some reason, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought of the bandage covering his old friend's face from many years ago.
"It's an illusion. Even the darkness of Konoha will not attack his companions, but..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't dare to think about it in detail. The time of Kagami Uchiha's death and the accident involving Danzo's right eye were a bit too close.
"I hope I'm overthinking it, but the problem now is, Uchiha Huayue's attitude, if this gives Uchiha Huayue the opportunity to attack..."
What will be the consequences? It is necessary to test whether he will raise the banner of rebellion against Konoha in a moment of anger.
Weighing the pros and cons and thinking about friendship, several candidates gradually emerged in Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind.
In the evening of that day, after the Ninja Academy finished school, Shikamaru and Choji, who were supposed to be the first to rush out of the classroom, stayed there, along with Ino who looked impatient.
Huayue on the podium was slightly surprised when he saw this, and asked curiously.
"What's wrong? If you don't come home so late, your parents will be worried."
"Well, teacher, actually..."
"Teacher Huayue, my dad wants to invite you to Yakiniku Q. He said we haven't seen each other for a long time and want to get together."
Seeing that one of the two teammates around him was hesitant to speak, and the other just picked up potato chips and ate them wildly, Ino had no choice but to speak first and make a quick decision.
"Eh? Mr. Inoichi, why is it so sudden? Forget it, let's go. Do you want to come together?"
"Great! But, will it delay dad and the others from talking about things?"
Choji cheered and turned into a frown in an instant. Huayue chuckled twice and motioned for the others to follow.
"Just open another table. Think of it as repaying Mr. Inoichi's kindness. I'll treat you."
"Great!"
Choji couldn't stop cheering. I didn't expect that I could take the opportunity to eat. If I don't take the opportunity to indulge my appetite and have a big meal, how can I be regarded as a foodie.
Shikamaru shook his head helplessly, feeling that it was troublesome. Father and son might be scolded again when they return home.
Ino was staring at the mask that had never been taken off, and the curious kitten became more and more active.
Half an hour later, the sky gradually darkened, and with the last ray of the setting sun, it disappeared into darkness.
The neon lights flashed, and in the private room in the corner of Yakiniku Q, the trio of Ino-Shika-Cho looked at each other with their own concerns.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting, Mr. Inoichi, Mr. Shikaku, Mr. Choza..."
Seeing the rightful owner arriving with the familiar mask still on his head, Shikaku smiled gently and welcomed him warmly.
"I haven't seen you for so long, and it's really hard for you to still wear this mask."
"There's nothing I can do about it. Mr. Shikaku doesn't know that once he takes it off, many people will immediately surround Ninja Academy. There's nothing I can do about it."
Huayue smiled and replied helplessly.
"After all these years, he is still so popular with women. After all, he is 'Konoha's Most Handsome Man' and the Konoha hero known as 'Strongest Genius Ninja'!"
Yamanaka Inoichi made a few jokes, and the whole box burst into laughter.
At the same time, in the box on the side, Ino and three others eavesdropped, their eyes full of surprise.
"Konoha's Most Handsome Man? No way. Although I know that Teacher Huayue is Uchiha Clan, but Konoha's most handsome man is a bit too much. No matter how handsome he is, can he be more handsome than Sasuke?!"
Ino was filled with indignation and muttered to himself subconsciously, but Shikamaru looked helpless and made a casual remark.
"It's probably a rumor from my father's generation. Speaking of which, I've never seen the face behind Teacher Huayue's mask."
"Choji, are you interested?"
"What interest? The last piece of the barbecue?"
Choji's mouth watered, and his eyes were fixed on the meat slices on the grilling table, almost starting to eat.
"Forget it, if you are interested, just go and take a look. You can't wear a mask when eating barbecue."
When Ino heard it, his eyes lit up, and he felt that what Shikamaru said was very reasonable.
"That's right. You can't guess correctly even when you're eating while wearing a mask. I can't tell you are so smart, Shikamaru."
After waiting for a while and seeing a few bottles of wine being delivered to the box, Ino and Shikamaru couldn't bear it anymore and quietly opened the door curtain of the box.
"Dad, Mom is probably going to rush her, but we still..."
The excuse he had prepared in advance was only halfway through. Ino froze on the spot, and Shikamaru on the side saw this and followed him in.
The next second, there was a picture of a handsome young man in his twenties who was fresh and refined, holding a wine cup in his hand and smiling silently.
"Konoha's most beautiful man... is it true?"