Chapter 94: The Mission Assigned to Yakushi Kabuto, The Parents Were Invited

"It's no big deal…"

Half an hour later, Kakashi let out a long sigh, put down the book with a blank expression, and pulled out his other hand.

"The character design's solid. The descriptions are... quite vivid…"

"As expected of Jiraiya-sama's work."

After flipping through it casually, Kakashi realized the book was more interesting than he thought. He had initially skimmed over many details, only focusing on the 'exciting' parts.

That was a waste of talent.

Unable to help himself, he picked it up again for a more thorough read.

By the time he came to his senses, dawn had already broken.

"Crap, I stayed up all night?" Rubbing his rooster-like hair, Kakashi groaned as he climbed out of bed, regret flooding him.

It was painful to head into work after burning all his energy through the night.

On his way to Anbu to clock in, he stopped by the bookstore and bought two more copies of Icha Icha Paradise—one for Yami and one for his personal collection.

As for the one from last night? That would now be his daily entertainment.

Just one night, and Jiraiya had earned a loyal fan. The next time the man returned to the village, Kakashi would definitely bring his copy to get it autographed.

Arriving at Anbu, Kakashi knocked on the office door. After getting permission, he slouched inside.

"Yami, I brought the book you asked for."

Perhaps out of spite for being dragged into this, Kakashi slapped the book right onto the desk without hesitation.

"Book?"

As expected, Kurenai, who was present, perked up and picked up the book before Yami could react. His expression darkened instantly.

"Icha Icha Paradise?"

Seeing the title and the cover, Kurenai's brows instantly furrowed.

She flipped through a few pages, and her expression turned cold.

She glared at Kakashi. "Kakashi! It's one thing to corrupt yourself, but why are you dragging Yami into it too?!"

"Jiraiya-sama... how could he write this kind of thing?!"

Even Jiraiya, who was currently collecting material somewhere, earned Kurenai's ire in that moment.

"Uhh…"

Kakashi was stunned.

He had wanted to cause a little mischief, but didn't expect the blowback to land on him instead.

Kurenai's bias toward Yami was too strong!

"This task was assigned to me by Yami yesterday, Kurenai. Don't wrong me!"

Recalling how Yami had sent her home early yesterday, Kurenai realized what had happened. Her gaze turned pointed as she looked at Yami.

Yami shot Kakashi a glare, then explained to Kurenai, "It was from Jiraiya. He sent a letter saying his new book had been published and asked me to support it.

"Since he's still technically a comrade, I intended to go buy a copy myself. But when I saw it was 18+, I had no choice but to ask Kakashi to buy it."

"Hmph."

Kurenai snorted and confiscated the book. "You're still too young to be reading stuff like this. No—actually, even when you're older, you still shouldn't read it. It'll only lead you astray."

Yami sighed and nodded dejectedly.

He really had no ulterior motive. He was just a little curious about the book that would one day be famous across the shinobi world, adapted into movies, and spawn endless merchandise.

Judging from Kurenai's reaction, he wouldn't be reading it anytime soon.

"Let's go, Kakashi. I haven't checked your sales progress in a while."

Yami turned his suppressed frustration toward Kakashi, dragging him off to the training ground without giving him a chance to refuse.

Kakashi hadn't shown up to Anbu in days.

Whether it was because he was seriously injured, or just taking the chance to stay home and binge-read, Yami didn't care.

If there was a mission, he'd have to show up—even if it meant dragging half a leg.

Yami had more important things to focus on now.

Root Headquarters

Yami sat in the chair Danzō usually occupied, sipping tea slowly.

Across from him stood a white-haired boy with glasses, his posture respectful. From his expression and stance alone, one could sense his humility and sincerity—a quality superiors found very pleasing.

"Yami-sama."

"Hmm, Kabuto. It's been a while."

Yami set down his teacup.

Yes, the white-haired boy was Yakushi Kabuto.

In the blink of an eye, Kabuto had already been in Root for nearly five years. As early as the Kumo war, he had begun to display his potential.

A harmless smile, the perfect disguise of a child, and outstanding spy skills.

These factors allowed Kabuto to successfully complete several critical Root missions and secure important intel.

As he grew, his talent in ninjutsu began to shine through as well.

Even Danzō had to admit Yami's keen ability to recruit talent.

Whether it was Kabuto or Pakura, both of whom now seemed fully loyal, it was clear that although Yami's methods differed from his, his ability to judge and subdue people was exceptional.

"Yami-sama, the last time we met was 230 days ago. You and Root were on a joint mission then."

Kabuto's tone was deeply respectful. He had matured a lot over the years. The stronger he became, the more he understood just how terrifying the boy across from him truly was.

What's more, Yami was his only hope for achieving value and saving Nonō.

"No need to be so stiff. Relax a bit."

Yami waved his hand, not caring if Kabuto followed the suggestion. "Do you know what Nonō is doing lately?"

Kabuto's heart tightened. He shook his head. "No. Root rules forbid asking about other people's missions."

"I told you, it's not against the rules if I say so."

Yami leaned back in his chair. "Yakushi Nonō is currently in Iwagakure, performing a very dangerous mission. It's related to the deaths of Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife.

"She's not in immediate danger, but... it's still the enemy's territory. You know what that means."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife had died during a mission—one orchestrated by the Tsuchikage himself.

If not for that old fox, who was on the same level as Hiruzen, the two elite jōnin wouldn't have died so easily. Even if they couldn't complete the mission, they should have made it back alive.

Cold sweat formed on Kabuto's forehead. As a fellow spy, he knew just how dangerous such a mission could be.

"Yami-sama, I'll do my best. Whatever task you give me, I'll carry it out."

"Smart answer."

Yami nodded. "Your value is no less than Nonō's, so I'll give you a chance."

"Go to Kirigakure and find a shinobi named Hoshigaki Kisame, currently under the command of Fuguki Suikazan contact with him."

"I can do it." Kabuto's reply was resolute.

"I believe you can. And in return, I'll have Nonō pulled out of the field."

As expected, Kabuto was visibly moved.

"As long as you remain alive and loyal, Nonō won't be assigned any more external missions. She'll only work as a medic within Root."

Kabuto dropped to one knee. "Thank you, Yami-sama."

"No need to thank me. This is a fair exchange."

Yami shook his head. "This mission won't be simple. It could take ten years to fully complete."

"I'll devote myself fully to your cause."

Yami tossed him a scroll. "The mission details and target intel are in there. You can depart in a week. If you have questions, ask."

Kabuto took the scroll, bowed again, and quietly exited.

"Hoshigaki Kisame…"

Yami tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought.

The most honest man in the shinobi world. The undisputed master of Water Release. A real man to the core.

Even in death, he made sure to pass on vital intel to Might Guy.

Regardless of his affiliations, Kisame's actions spoke volumes. Someone like that was the ideal subordinate. An S-rank enforcer.

If Nagato could make use of him, so could Yami.

Sure, Yami was a black-hearted boss but still a hundred times better than Nagato.

But it was no use recruiting him too early. Kisame needed to undergo a transformation first, shaken to his core, before he could be won over.

Now the timing was just about right.

There was a little over a year before the Uchiha massacre. Itachi would soon join the Akatsuki and work with Biwa Juzō. After Juzō died while hunting a Tailed Beast, Kisame joined.

So the time gap was about a year or two.

Right now, Kisame was likely in that uncertain phase.

One week later, Yakushi Kabuto quietly left Konoha.

Danzō knew Yami had assigned him a mission but didn't interfere. At this point, even Danzō couldn't follow Yami's long-term plans. Kabuto was just a pawn. All he needed was proper training.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Itachi gradually adapted to Anbu's work.

As a double agent, he followed Kakashi on regular assignments.

For some reason though, Kakashi had recently become addicted to reading. Unless absolutely necessary, he spent each day with a book in hand, leaving all the dirty work to Itachi.

One day, they completed an intel exchange mission.

But the intel had been false. The enemy's real goal was to ambush and kill the Konoha shinobi.

After a tough battle, Itachi defeated the ambushers.

As the last enemy fell, Kakashi finally closed his book and sighed, "You really are a genius of the Uchiha. You already have what it takes to complete missions on your own."

"Kakashi-senpai, are you just being lazy?"

Though praised, Itachi remained calm and saw through his intent immediately.

"Lazy isn't quite the word."

Kakashi shook his head. "I'm just giving the younger generation room to grow. Yami told me you have the potential to become a team leader. All you need now is enough merit."

"I still have many areas to improve." Itachi lowered his head.

Kakashi simply shrugged and resumed reading.

After returning to the village, they handed their report to Kurenai and went their separate ways.

Exhausted, Itachi returned to the Uchiha compound.

"Itachi!"

A familiar voice called out as the man appeared in front of him.

Despite his fatigue, Itachi smiled. "Shisui."

"Looks like Anbu work is taking its toll." Shisui patted his shoulder. "I won't keep you. Go get some rest."

Itachi nodded, and the two walked through the clan gates together before parting.

But… Itachi found an extra note tucked in his pocket.

Meanwhile, at the ninja academy.

In Iruka's office, Yami sat across from him. Behind him stood Karin and Naruto, both with heads lowered like they'd been scolded.

Yami smiled, though inwardly he was speechless.

He never expected to be summoned as a parent before even having children—invited to school by the teacher as a guardian.

Iruka's expression was awkward as well.

He had requested a parent, not the student's older brother.

"This…"

Bang!

Yami slapped his work ID onto the desk.

"Shimura Yami. Grandson of Hokage advisor Danzō. Anbu captain. Konoha's Shinigami. Guardian of Karin and Naruto's elder brother."

"Does that qualify me to handle this?"

"More than enough." Iruka broke into a cold sweat and nodded rapidly.

"Yami-sama."

Iruka now used a formal tone, but still said, "Karin injured a classmate badly enough to be hospitalized. Naruto helped. I hope Yami-sama can discipline them.

"No matter the reason, they can't treat classmates this way. We're all companions here—"

"Hold up."

Yami raised his hand and turned to the two. "Why did you beat him?"

"Because…" Karin hesitated. "He said my hair looked nice."

Naruto chimed in cheerfully, "He said Karin's head looked like a tomato. A four-eyed tomato!"

Karin wanted to punch this yellow-haired idiot.

Wasn't he ruining her image in front of Yami?

"I see." Yami nodded and turned back to Iruka, puzzled.

"Shouldn't that kind of kid get beaten? I think they did the right thing."

Karin's eyes lit up with joy. Naruto stood proudly, chest puffed, tail nearly wagging.

[Host and Uzumaki Naruto's bond has reached the second stage. Reward: Senjutsu Affinity (Advanced)]

Iruka finally understood where their tendency to punch first and talk later came from.

"Yami-sama… Even if the other kid was wrong, it's still just a small quarrel between children. It didn't need to go that far—"

"You're wrong."

Yami shook his head. "Karin helped him. By leaving a lasting memory, he'll learn what not to say in the future.

"Right now, it's just a serious injury. But if he says something like that on a mission later, the cost might be his life."

Gulp.

Iruka broke out in cold sweat and couldn't say a word.

Yami stood and gently patted Karin's head. "Good work. Though, next time, don't hold back. Break a leg if you must. We're teaching kindness, not weakness. The harsher the lesson, the faster they learn."

Karin nodded sweetly. "Understood, Yami-sama."

Yami smiled and took her hand, ready to leave, when he suddenly paused.

"Oh, right. Iruka-sensei, you haven't told me that student's name yet."

"I'd like to visit his parents and discuss their child's education."

Iruka: "....."

Are you really going to discuss education?

Or are you planning to educate the parents?

(To be continued.)