I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 231 Whenever there was something important to do, interruptions would always follow one after another.

Being interrupted while focusing on work is very annoying, but until you can achieve the life you want without the help of others, this kind of annoyance is something you have to endure.

So Tatsuma changed into his Anbu uniform and was about to report to the Hokage Building when he noticed that Xiao hadn't left. Curious, he asked, "Xiao-senpai, is there anything else?"

Xiao nodded and said, "I need to call Minato, but he seems to be busy right now, so I have to wait here for an opportunity. It's better for you here; if you wait over there, you might get beaten up."

Hearing Xiao's words, Tatsuma couldn't help but laugh. Who was Xiao talking about? It must be his teacher, who seemed calm on the surface but had accumulated countless negative emotions inside.

After the Jinchuriki was replaced, Kushina has been staying in the Senju clan's territory for the past few days. Hiruzen Sarutobi also sent ANBU to guard her, but Tsunade broke her leg and threw her out of the Senju clan's territory.

After that, Hiruzen Sarutobi wisely stopped sending anyone over. Moreover, with Tsunade and Tatsuma in the Senju clan territory, most potential dangers could be eliminated or simply delayed by the two of them.

Tatsuma also sensed the situation on the other side. Minato Namikaze and Kushina's chakra were almost stuck together, and he didn't know when they would be separated.

After straightening his clothes again, Tatsuma said, "Then, Xiao-senpai, please wait here. I'll go and see the Hokage first."

"it is good."

Xiao nodded, and Tatsuma left as well. As for the notes and insights he left at home, if Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted them, he wouldn't have resorted to such low-level methods.

Trusting Xiao to watch over his house, Tatsuma headed straight for the Hokage Building. A few days ago, because of Kushina's situation, the village urgently recalled all three clans that had been dispatched outside the village.

However, this did not seem to raise the village's vigilance significantly, as Chenma did not detect his presence.

Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, Tatsuma went directly to the Hokage's office, bowed, and said, "Hokage-sama, what are your orders?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, still wearing his black tuxedo under his Hokage robes. Clearly, he had returned to the Hokage Building to work after the funeral. After all, not many people knew about Mito Uzumaki's death, and he didn't need to pretend for Tatsuma or Minato, whom he might meet.

After tidying up his words, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "The change of Jinchuriki has been completed smoothly and peacefully, and the new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's sealing state is extremely stable."

Several transplant recipients died during previous Wood Release experiments, and the Daimyo has agreed to shut down the Wood Release project. Your mission is now complete.

As for Xiao's plan to retire from the Anbu and return to a normal ninja life, thus being unable to continue serving as the Hokage's bodyguard, would you be willing to return to that position?

Tatsuma, who had already been kicked out of the project, was unaware of the complete halt to the Konoha experiment, but it must have happened in the last few days.

The first batch of funds was exhausted, the experimental subjects died unexpectedly, and Mito Uzumaki chose to transfer the Nine-Tails directly into Kushina's body after the accident.

Now that the Nine-Tails' seal has been verified to be secure, the Daimyo's motivation or excuse for demanding that Konoha begin the Wood Release experiment is gone, so he has no choice but to call a halt.

As for returning to the position of Konoha Guard, Tatsuma did not immediately agree. After all, he had been planning to switch positions, but he thought Xiao could continue to hold the position. He did not expect that Xiao would retire.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi had a backup candidate, it might be easier for him to request a transfer, but currently they are short-handed. However, after some thought, Tatsuma decided to follow his own wishes and said:

"Lord Hokage, I actually wanted to tell you before that I will no longer be able to serve as Hokage's bodyguard recently. After learning the Flying Thunder God Technique, I need to cultivate new combat habits through actual combat."

This is an excuse, and also a perfectly legitimate reason. As a "system," the Flying Thunder God Technique has indeed brought about significant changes to ninjas, and Tatsuma does indeed need a lot of real combat experience to reshape his fighting style.

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded with a hint of regret. He had already guessed that Tatsuma had learned the Flying Thunder God Technique. After all, in such a short time, there was no other way in Konoha Village to bring back Tsunade and Kato Dan's "corpses" except for the Flying Thunder God Technique.

However, Tatsuma was just too useful as the Hokage's bodyguard, just like having a close-knit Shikamaru. It was impossible to find a replacement.

As the head of the Anbu, Hiruzen Sarutobi could certainly refuse Tatsuma's request, but considering the problems that had arisen in his relationship with Tatsuma in recent months, he feared that if he refused again, the two of them might eventually drift apart.

Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to grant Tatsuma's request. He looked at Tatsuma and asked, "So, are you planning to leave the Anbu and join a combat squad, or are you planning to continue as an Anbu member but switch to a different squad?"

"Let's switch to another squad. With my current ninja level, even if I go back to a regular combat team, the missions I can take on and the targets will hardly be helpful for honing my skills."

Although he had already planned it out, Tatsuma pretended to think before giving his answer.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said, "Alright, after Xiao retired, there was no one to lead his team. You will be in charge of leading his original team. One of the team members retired recently, and I will replace him as soon as possible."

"Thank you for your understanding and kindness, Hokage-sama."

Tatsuma bowed again, and Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, then looked at the files that had piled up during the New Year period and said, "Since you're here, help me take care of them."

For the past two years, Tatsuma has been taking time out every Thursday to handle these official duties. Hiruzen Sarutobi's approach to the arrangements has also changed from initially being reserved and asking Tatsuma for his opinions through discussion to now directly letting Tatsuma take over.

If Tatsuma thought there was no problem, Hiruzen Sarutobi would sign it directly. If Tatsuma thought there was a problem, he would write down his suggestions for revision and then have Hiruzen Sarutobi sign it.

More than an hour passed, and the backlog of official business had been mostly dealt with. At this moment, the two heard footsteps outside the door.

Although he recognized it as Minato, Tatsuma still looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who said, "No need to avoid it."

Tatsuma then remained where he was. Soon, a knock sounded at the door. Hiruzen Sarutobi let Minato in, and after exchanging greetings, Hiruzen said to Minato:

"Minato, we owe you a lot this time. If Kushina had really been kidnapped, it would have been a huge problem for the village's future."

In the past few days, Minato belatedly realized how important it was that he had saved Kushina, and he also understood what Kushina had gone through in the past few days. However, he did not intend to take credit, but instead said:

"Lord Hokage, I just don't want to lose my comrades. Any Konoha ninja would have done the same as me and chosen to rescue them."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand with a smile and said, "No matter what, you rescued the village's candidate Jinchūriki at such a crucial time. The village will not forget your contribution."

"Tell me what you want, and the village will do its best to fulfill your request."

Upon hearing this, Minato pondered for a moment and decided to accept Hiruzen Sarutobi's offer. However, he did not reply immediately but instead looked at Tatsuma beside Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Although Tatsuma was wearing a mask, his hair, posture, and mannerisms allowed Minato to recognize him at a glance. Tatsuma nodded slightly, and Minato then looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said:

"Lord Hokage, to be honest, I am very interested in the Flying Thunder God Technique developed by the Second Hokage."

"no problem."

Hiruzen Sarutobi readily agreed, then said, "I will send someone to deliver the Flying Thunder God Technique to you later. Besides that, is there anything else you want?"

"I've already asked for enough; I'm already very grateful that the village can provide for me."

Minato shook his head, and Hiruzen Sarutobi then said, "Then let's leave it at that. By the way, how's your preparation for the Anbu recruitment exam going?"

As he spoke, Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Tatsuma. The calmness in Tatsuma's eyes did not surprise Hiruzen, but his look at Tatsuma was not merely to see if he knew or not, but rather...

"Yasha, do you think Minato can pass the Anbu's test?"

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, Tatsuma almost burst out laughing. He was younger than Minato, so he was easily amused. He suppressed his laughter and said, "I know a bit about Minato Namikaze, and I think highly of him."

Minato felt a bit aggrieved. This Tatsuma was actually taking advantage of him. He was so mean. No wonder nobody liked him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi noticed the unspoken interaction between the two, and a smile appeared on his aging face.

With a genius like Tatsuma around, it would seem that the priority of cultivating others should be lowered, but he still used the same attention and resources to cultivate Minato.

The purpose was to deepen the bond between Tatsuma and Hiruzen Sarutobi, especially through the Wood Release experiment, which made Hiruzen Sarutobi realize that Tatsuma was different from Minato; he also had his own grievances and could get angry when things didn't go his way.

Compared to the naturally gentle Minato, Tatsuma's emotions were more like those of a normal person. But normal people can be led astray, especially when Tatsuma seemed to have picked up some of Orochimaru's bad habits, which made Hiruzen Sarutobi even more nervous.

He needed someone to restrain Tatsuma and prevent him from leaning towards the dark side, and from the current perspective, Minato has undoubtedly played this role brilliantly.

With a smile, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "In that case, if Minato joins the Anbu, why not just incorporate him into your squad?"

"Okay, I've never mentored a 'junior newbie' before."

Tatsuma's pronunciation was clearly intended to continue "adding a generation," and this kind of playful banter unique to young people helped Hiruzen Sarutobi's pent-up emotions ease, making it hard for him to suppress his smile.

He looked at Minato, who had suffered a loss but had maintained his composure and politeness, and said, "Minato, what do you think?"

"Of course, no problem. It is my honor to be able to learn from my seniors."

Even though he knew perfectly well that behind that comical Yaksha mask was his friend, Minato still had to follow the rules. Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "If there's nothing else, you two can go back now."

"Minato, I'll have Yasha deliver the Flying Thunder God Technique. You focus on preparing for the assessment. Yasha, I'll also arrange for you to connect with Xiao as soon as possible."

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

The two bowed and then left the Hokage Building. Both headed straight for the Senju clan's territory. Upon returning home, Tatsuma removed his mask and handed over the original data related to the Flying Thunder God Technique to Minato.

Looking at the documents in his arms, Minato smiled and said, "Senior Yasha, I heard that even with your talent, it took you three years to master the Flying Thunder God Technique. How about we have a competition to see who can master this technique faster after obtaining the scroll?"

After he finished speaking, Tatsuma's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. In the past three years, although Minato had not directly come into contact with the Flying Thunder God, the two of them had solved the difficulties related to the Flying Thunder God together.

In other words, Minato was only missing one original data point to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique. How could Tatsuma compare to him?

Seeing the rare smug smile on Minato's face, Tatsuma said viciously, "I'll have you dress up as a woman and seduce the mission target! With your looks, you'll definitely succeed."

"No, no, no! I give up!"

"Ding~"

The sudden announcement in his mind startled Tatsuma; he hadn't expected that this would actually work.

(End of this chapter)