Konoha's Mission Master

Kakashi Hatake and Rin Nohara also presented gifts to Yakumo, and the group began practicing ninjutsu at the training ground.

Currently, Obito Uchiha and Masako Mori are sparring in close combat, while their shadow clones are practicing hand seals on the side. Yakumo is sparring with Kakashi Hatake while holding a sword.

Half an hour later, the group went out to a meatball shop and ordered some glutinous rice balls and red bean balls, as well as a refreshing red bean soup.

Although it was simple, we enjoyed the meal very much.

Yakumo saw Mitarashi Anko sitting alone in the corner eating dumplings and quickly turned her gaze away.

"Are you... Red Bean?"

Rin Nohara suddenly noticed Anko Mitarashi sitting in the corner, and quickly ran over to ask her a question, a warm smile unconsciously appearing on her face.

"You are... Nohara Rin?"

Mitarashi Anko put down the rice ball in her hand, looked up at Nohara Rin, and was slightly stunned.

"That's right, we were deskmates for two days at the Ninja Academy, but then Anko dropped out of school. Do you want to eat with us...?"

Although Nohara Rin was asking a question, she had already taken Mitarashi Anko's hand and picked up the mochi balls on the wooden table. Uchiha Obito readily made room for Mitarashi Anko.

"It's been a long time, Yakumo-kun."

Mitarashi Anko looked around and realized that she was only somewhat familiar with Yakumo, so she took the initiative to greet her.

“Long time no see, Anko-kun,” Yakumo replied.

"I'm really sorry about that time. Since we've run into each other today, let me treat you to some glutinous rice balls."

With a hint of reluctance, Mitarashi Anko pushed her favorite red bean dumplings toward Yakumo, her face full of apology.

"That matter... I've long forgotten about it."

Yakumo pushed the dumplings back to Mitarashi Anko. These red bean dumplings were extremely sweet and had a very high sugar content.

He really couldn't stomach it. Perhaps Mitarashi Anko had suffered too much since childhood, which is why she craved that sweet taste so much, and ultimately became the kind of person Furanden was.

"Shh."

A member of the Dark Guard, dressed in black and wearing a rabbit mask, suddenly appeared in the not-so-spacious dumpling shop.

The noisy surroundings instantly became extremely quiet. Everyone in the store subconsciously stopped what they were doing. The appearance of the black-clad ANBU must be carrying out the Hokage's orders.

This person had a slender and graceful figure, and even wearing a ninja combat suit could not hide her voluptuous and hot body. Her cold voice was like a cold current flowing into the room from outside.

"Ii Yakumo, the Hokage summons you."

Yakumo took a sip of red bean soup, completely unfazed.

"Sister Qingshan, don't be so cold."

Yakumo greeted him in a low voice.

That's right, this member of the secret service is none other than Yakumo's good older sister, the highly skilled and kind-hearted Reiko Aoyama.

"During work hours... please call me White Rabbit."

After exchanging a few words with his companions, Yakumo followed Reiko Aoyama toward the Hokage Building. During this time, Yakumo pondered why Sakumo Hatake had summoned him, and eventually connected the quarterly mission with this summons.

As the two ran, certain beautiful features on Aoyama Reiko's body began to move irregularly up and down.

It should be... White Rabbit, right?

In front of the office door, Aoyama Reiko stopped, hesitated for a moment, and then took out a long, blue wooden box from her storage scroll.

"Happy birthday to you."

"Okay, thank you... Sister Aoyama."

Yakumo accepted the gift from the haughty young woman, but instead of opening it immediately in front of the office door, he put it into his personal storage scroll.

"You go in first," said Reiko Aoyama.

"it is good."

Yakumo nodded and reached out to open the office door.

Behind the desk, the silver-haired Hatake Sakumo was writing furiously, while two shadow clones were also processing government orders. However, compared to the mountain of documents, it was still a drop in the ocean.

"Here you are, happy birthday!"

Sakumo Hatake put down his pen and looked up.

“Uncle Sakumo, there’s never enough work to do. I think it would be better to delegate some of the work to others.”

"No, these things must be done personally."

Sakumo Hatake shook his head and refused.

"I'm looking for you so that you can represent me and go to the City of Fire to negotiate with the Daimyo about this year's military expenses. After all, you two are... good brothers."

Sakumo Hatake chuckled and spoke to Yakumo, though his face betrayed his weariness.

The relationship between Konohagakure and the Daimyo is one of employment; the Daimyo's government pays the money, and Konohagakure is required to ensure the safety of the Land of Fire's territory for the next year.

At the same time, only the daimyo of each country have the right to declare war on other countries in the name of their nation. The annual military expenditure set by Hashirama Senju and the First Daimyo was 5 billion, with the exception of the Shinobi World War.

After Shinichi became a daimyo, he increased the annual military expenditure on Konoha Village several times, reaching approximately 6.8 billion yen per year.

"Yes, we're brothers..."

"Is Yakumo on good terms with the daimyo?"

Just then, Jiraiya suddenly jumped through the window into the Hokage's office and casually sprawled on the sofa.

"They have a good relationship, but..."

Sakumo Hatake looked like he had something on his mind.

"But... he probably really wanted me to die, and by the same token, I wanted to scatter his ashes."

Yakumo picked up the conversation and added.

Jiraiya looked puzzled.

This brotherly affection was very different from what he had imagined. No, could this terrible relationship really be described as brotherhood?

"Yakumo, don't act rashly," Jiraiya cautioned.

"I understand, I understand, the country cannot afford to lose jade."

Yakumo nodded in agreement.

Jiraiya slumped on the sofa, no longer speaking.

Sakumo Hatake lowered his head and began processing the documents at hand.

"What is the target for military spending?" Yakumo asked.

"Around 7.5 billion, but the more the better. The more you can get back, the better my situation will become."

Sakumo Hatake answered without even looking up.

"Then I'll try my best to persuade my good brother."

"Then I'll go home and get ready."

Jiraiya got up and jumped out of the window. He had a general idea of ​​the mission he needed to carry out.

"When necessary, should we use more special methods?"

The "special" here can be understood as certain unconventional methods, such as coercion, intimidation, bribery, seduction, etc.

Seduction...crossed out.

"You can decide for yourself, but it's best not to."

Sakumo Hatake continued writing furiously, as if he hadn't said those words at all.

“I understand.” Yakumo nodded.

"Let's take Kakashi with us on this mission."

Has the situation become that dangerous?

Yakumo subconsciously asked, "Is there anyone who would dare to assassinate the Fourth Hokage's children inside Konoha Village?"

They must be crazy.

"We must be on guard," said Sakumo Hatake.

It was only at this moment that Yakumo realized the pressure Hatake Sakumo was under, and that he was even prepared to perish together with the opposing forces. At the very least, they wouldn't dare to directly attack the Hokage in Konoha.

"Is it because of the order to increase the commission for Jonin?"

Yakumo quickly asked.

Sakumo Hatake put down his pen and looked up. For the first time, a look of confusion appeared in his eyes, which were always as resolute as a sharp blade.

"I don't know, but I have a feeling that it would be dangerous to leave Kakashi in Konoha."

Yakumo nodded almost imperceptibly.

"Okay...we'll set off tomorrow."

Oh, by the way... happy birthday.

"Thank you, Uncle Sakumo."

Yakumo expressed his gratitude, and Hatake Sakumo lowered his head again to continue his work. His position as Hokage was built by Yakumo himself, but when he saw Hatake Sakumo gradually losing the strength in his eyes due to pressure and busyness, Yakumo felt a pang of pity.

On the streets of Konoha, Yakumo walked towards home, reflecting on himself, realizing that he couldn't abandon all principles and stances just to complete a mission.

On the other hand, one must never hesitate in one's actions, for hesitation leads to defeat, and indecisiveness ultimately makes it difficult to achieve anything.

Yakumo happened to pass by Ichiraku Ramen.

He ate his noodles and looked around at the pedestrians.

You look like you're in a bad mood.

Jiraiya suddenly appeared beside Yakumo, ordered several large bowls of ramen, and asked Yakumo a question.

"Sometimes I wonder if what I consider justice is the justice that the vast majority of people need."

"The only thing a person should do is do what they believe is right, then not regret it and bear all the possible consequences. That is the story of a hero."

Yakumo thought for a moment and nodded in deep agreement.