Chapter 83: If You’d Said So Earlier, I Would’ve Agreed!

The next day, at the Hokage Building, Kazuyama marched Sakumo straight in to see the Hokage.

He completely ignored Sakumo's murderous glare and the fact that the older man was supporting his aching back with one hand.

"Lord Hokage, I need to see you!"

Without waiting for permission, Kazuyama banged on the door and shoved it open, nearly knocking it off its hinges.

Hiruzen glanced up from his desk, his brows furrowing as Kazuyama barged in with Sakumo trailing behind.

"Hm? Kazuyama, what's going on? And Sakumo—what happened to your back?"

Kazuyama dumped Sakumo onto the sofa and stood before Hiruzen with an intensity that made the Hokage sit up straighter.

It wasn't often that Hiruzen saw Kazuyama look this serious—this wasn't one of his usual antics.

"Lord Hokage, Pakura has joined the Hatake Clan and pledged allegiance to the Konoha ninja village. I'm here to request your approval."

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock. He exchanged a brief glance with Sakumo, who looked equally taken aback.

"Are you certain about this? She's willing to leave Sunagakure to join Konoha?"

As Hokage, Hiruzen couldn't afford to take the situation lightly. Pakura's Kekkei Genkai was a rare and powerful ability, and her joining Konoha could be an enormous advantage—but it wasn't a decision to be made hastily.

"Yes," Kazuyama said firmly. "I've already spoken to her, and she's agreed. She wants to join Konoha of her own will."

Hiruzen studied Kazuyama for a moment, his sharp eyes searching for any hint of doubt. But Kazuyama's conviction was unwavering.

His mind briefly wandered to the conversation he'd had with Pakura under the moonlight the night before. He remembered her smile—genuine and unburdened, filled with relief and hope for the future.

"I am willing to join Konoha," she had said softly.

"But I don't want to be a ninja anymore. I want to be a teacher—a teacher who nurtures and helps others…"

She had paused then, looking at him with gratitude.

"Kazuyama, thank you for saving me from hell…"

Her words had carried something unspoken but unmistakable in her gaze: If you had asked me to stay, I would have said yes.

Kazuyama had seen it clearly. A person yearning to escape the darkness and seek a brighter future was worth saving. That's why he was standing here now—and why he had brought Sakumo with him.

Breaking the silence, Hiruzen finally turned to Sakumo. "What do you think?"

Sakumo, who had been silently rubbing his sore back, straightened up and stepped forward. His tone was steady and resolute.

"The Hatake Clan is willing to welcome Pakura," he said. "And I, personally, will take her as my apprentice and vouch for her with my own military achievements."

Kazuyama turned his head and glanced at Sakumo. Despite his reluctance, Sakumo was right about one thing.

His achievements in Konoha would not allow him to keep Pakura.

No one other than Konoha's White Fang could do it—not even the Sannin.

n the future, when he adopted Pakura, she'd just be a foster daughter, not his biological child, so they could part ways whenever they wanted! He could call Sakumo whatever he liked—who cares?

Have you ever seen a foster daughter's husband call someone "Father"? Yeah, no chance! Forget it!

And the old fraud claimed to be a disciple, but she was really just under the Hatake name.

"Hahaha, very well. In that case, I agree to Pakura joining the village," Hiruzen said with a smile.

"However, there are conditions. She cannot leave the village for the foreseeable future—not even during wartime—and she cannot serve as a ninja."

His tone, despite the smile, was firm and unyielding.

"No problem," Kazuyama replied without hesitation. "Pakura doesn't want to be a ninja anymore. She wants to teach at the Ninja Academy instead."

"Also, I won't lift the Five Elements Seal on her, and I'll personally ensure she stays in the village."

Sakumo, the current headmaster of the Ninja Academy, nodded in agreement. Having Pakura as a teacher made perfect sense—not only did she want to teach, but she also had a wealth of experience to share.

"I agree that Pakura can be a sensei," Sakumo said. "Even though she's no longer a ninja, her experience is invaluable.

"Many of the students already enjoy her basic ninjutsu classes. And with me overseeing the Academy, people will feel more at ease."

His final words carried an edge, clearly directed at anyone who might question Pakura's presence. But Sakumo wasn't concerned. Even though he was no longer the Anbu Commander, he was still Konoha's White Fang, a living legend with countless war victories.

"Fine. We'll proceed this way," Hiruzen concluded.

Hearing the Hokage's decision, Kazuyama felt a wave of relief. With Hiruzen's approval, everything would move forward more smoothly. After all, only a select few knew the truth about Pakura's identity.

"However, Kazuyama, granting your request comes with conditions," Hiruzen added, lighting his pipe. Smoke curled around his face, partially obscuring it.

Kazuyama was no fool—he was as cunning as a fox. How could he not understand the mind of an old fox like Hiruzen?

"Tch, of course you'd have conditions."

"Alright, what do you want me to do?"

Sakumo chuckled softly and leaned back on the sofa, clearly amused and ready to let Kazuyama handle things from here.

Hiruzen exhaled a slow puff of smoke, setting his pipe down as he rose to his feet.

"After the graduation exam and the Chūnin Exams, you'll officially join the ANBU and begin your missions," Hiruzen said.

"The Ninja World is in chaos right now, and we can't afford to take things lightly. I need your strength."

Kazuyama had a bad feeling about this. Although he had technically joined the ANBU, he hadn't started any missions yet. He had conveniently avoided getting involved by rushing off to the Land of Grass.

"Fine, I agree," he said reluctantly. "Once the assessment is over, I'll return immediately."

Hiruzen nodded, satisfied. "Good. You can go now. Sakumo and I have something to discuss."

Kazuyama gave a quick nod before activating the Flying Thunder God Technique, disappearing in an instant.

Hiruzen shook his head, amused. "That kid... can't he ever just use the front door?"

As Kazuyama vanished, Hiruzen turned his attention to Sakumo.

"Are you really planning to groom him to take over for you?"

Sakumo gave a small smile and nodded.

"Once someone has bonds to hold onto, they move forward steadily. Ebisu's family, his younger brother, and now Pakura—he has no choice but to work hard.

"He'll become an outstanding ANBU Commander and intelligence expert. My judgment of people is never wrong."

Hiruzen sighed. Sakumo's resignation had left a void in the ANBU, one that wasn't easy to fill.

After all, ANBU was Konoha's sword, and Sakumo had always been the one wielding it. Under his command, the blade had been at its sharpest. But now, without him, that edge had dulled.

"Don't worry, Lord Hokage," Sakumo said calmly. "He won't let you down.

"This kid can be a pain sometimes, but when it comes to the real work, he gets it done. These past few missions have already proven that."

Sakumo rubbed his back, a small spark of confidence flashing in his eyes.

"He'll become a ninja who can stand on his own. I'm sure of it."

His words carried weight. Kazuyama, in his eyes, was like a piece of raw gold—rough around the edges but starting to shine.

Kazuyama: Shine? Sure. But who says it'll shine golden?

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