Nohara Rin: Young Master Ryo is Handsome and Rich

Inside the study, Sarutobi Ryo spoke with unwavering certainty.

"Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, the two advisors, strongly believe Namikaze Minato should be the next Hokage..." His voice was calm, but the words were explosive.

"Danzo disagrees. He wants Orochimaru to take the position..."

Each revelation that escaped Sarutobi Ryo's lips left Hatake Sakumo more astounded than the last.

He was completely taken aback, struggling to grasp the complex power struggles at the highest levels of the village.

This was the stark difference between them, born from their different lives.

Hatake Sakumo, though incredibly powerful, was politically naive, sheltered from the backroom dealings of the village.

Sarutobi Ryo, however, had been a keen observer of politics in his previous life, absorbing knowledge both actively and passively.

History, he knew, was the greatest teacher. It was a chronicle of power struggles, and Sarutobi Ryo recognized the ploys and schemes of the elders instantly.

"And you, Konoha White Fang," Sarutobi Ryo continued, his tone serious, "your accomplishments outshine your leader. Your strength is too great, too obvious..."

From the elders' perspective, Hatake Sakumo was a threat, a dangerous element due to his immense power and popularity.

This was another key difference between him and Jiraiya.

Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, had the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, as his mentor.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura saw Jiraiya as one of their own. They would never intentionally harm him.

Hatake Sakumo, on the other hand, stood alone. Without allies or powerful family connections, he was an easy target, someone the elders felt they needed to control.

Sarutobi Ryo paused, looking intently at Hatake Sakumo. "Sakumo-sensei... sometimes, choosing not to take a side... is itself a choice."

"Not taking sides... is also a way of taking sides..." Hatake Sakumo repeated, his head bowed, lost in contemplation.

In this world, no one could truly remain neutral and detached.

Wherever people gathered, political factions and agendas would inevitably emerge.

It was a fundamental truth: Politics touches everyone's lives.

This was not an empty statement.

Hatake Sakumo's expression shifted, as if he were battling with difficult thoughts. After a long silence, he finally looked up at Sarutobi Ryo, a hint of pleading in his eyes. "Young Master Ryo, if that's the case, why can't they just tell me directly?"

Why couldn't they be honest and straightforward, instead of speaking in riddles and veiled threats?

Sarutobi Ryo slowly rose, his gaze drifting towards the window. "During the Warring States period, a philosopher named Shuren once said: 'I know their methods; they won't kill me directly, fearing the consequences. Instead, they'll weave a web to force my hand.'"

----

"Kakashi, goodbye," Sarutobi Ryo said.

In the courtyard, Kakashi watched his friends depart.

Sarutobi Ryo and Yamanaka Hui emerged from the study.

"Where's Father?" Kakashi asked, noticing his father wasn't there to see them off, which was unusual.

"Sakumo-sensei is feeling a little tired. Kakashi, we'll be going now," Sarutobi Ryo replied casually.

Kakashi scratched his head, completely unaware of the weighty conversation that had just taken place.

----

As they walked down the road, Sarutobi Ryo, Nohara Rin, and Obito were together.

Yes! This is my chance to walk Rin home! Obito thought excitedly, eager to impress her.

But Sarutobi Ryo quickly took the lead. "Nohara Rin, although it's late, there's something I wanted to ask you about, regarding Anbu..."

The mention of "Anbu" immediately caused Obito and Nohara Rin to tense up.

To most people, Anbu was the most secretive and mysterious organization in the village.

It was also a department that was rarely, if ever, discussed openly.

Obito immediately fell silent, wanting to go home.

Anbu secrets were not something a young student like him should be hearing.

"Obito, I'll personally walk Nohara Rin home later, so don't worry," Sarutobi Ryo said, subtly dismissing him.

"Oh, Rin... I'll go home first, see you," Obito said, waving goodbye before quickly running off.

"Anbu?" Nohara Rin couldn't help but look at Sarutobi Ryo.

In the moonlight, his already handsome face was bathed in a mysterious glow, making her feel somewhat lightheaded.

His maturity was something Kakashi couldn't compare to at all.

What am I doing? Why am I getting so flustered?

As Nohara Rin's thoughts raced, Sarutobi Ryo continued, "Over in Anbu, a certain expert "Nonou" is away on a mission, so the research and analysis of some enemy remains has been delayed... It's causing me some concern."

Having instilled the Will of Fire in Ringo Ameyuri, he had also acquired the remains of a Yuki Clan Jonin.

Now, everything was in place; all that was missing was the key to unlocking their secrets.

He needed a skilled Medical Ninja to decipher the remains.

I forge my own path.

The system's prompts were helpful, but the destiny of a strong individual was ultimately in their own hands.

Sarutobi Ryo believed that was the true purpose of the system.

"Today, I saw your Medical Ninjutsu and recognized your talent... Perhaps you could help me unlock the secrets of these remains. Nohara Rin... can I entrust this to you?"

Sarutobi Ryo stopped walking, placing his hands behind his back.

Under the moonlight, he looked down at the young girl before him.

His resolute and handsome features caused Nohara Rin to nod almost involuntarily. "No problem, Young Master Ryo..."

----

A dozen minutes later, inside the Sarutobi Clan's compound, specifically the Third Hokage's ancestral home.

A corpse lay on a platform, surrounded by an array of surgical tools.

The room was protected by alarm barriers and traps.

A specific "password" was needed to enter and exit freely.

Sarutobi Ryo told Nohara Rin the password, giving her permission to come and go as she pleased.

Nohara Rin promised to keep the secret, knowing that Anbu work was always confidential.

"This is an advance payment... a total of 30,000 ryo. You can count it first."

Sarutobi Ryo produced a bag filled with money.

The reward for a D-rank mission averaged around 5,000 ryo, which had to be split with the supervising Jonin and two teammates.

After taxes, a Genin would likely receive only 500 ryo.

30,000 ryo was equivalent to the reward for 60 D-rank missions, or 10 C-rank missions.

For Nohara Rin, this was an unexpected windfall, a massive sum of money!

"This is just an advance payment. If the analysis is successful, I'll pay you another 150,000 ryo. How does that sound?"

150,000 ryo was equivalent to the after-tax income of a Jonin completing two A-rank missions solo.

"..."

Nohara Rin's eyes widened in disbelief.

It was simply... too much!

Even with Sarutobi Ryo's experience as a Jonin, he wouldn't have had access to that kind of money normally.

But things had changed when he defeated the guardian female Ninja and took over the Port Town's industry.

With the dock transport business under his control, Sarutobi Ryo was well on his way to becoming a millionaire.

For ninjas, lofty ideals were important, but so were food, clothing, and other necessities.

In fact... only with material comfort could they truly pursue their dreams.

Young Master Ryo is really handsome and rich, Nohara Rin thought to herself, nodding enthusiastically.

While she didn't crave material possessions, buying herbs and studying Medical Ninjutsu required a significant amount of money.

Now that such a great opportunity was presented to her, allowing her to contribute to the village, Nohara Rin was overjoyed.

As the cloth was removed, the Yuki Clan Ninja's corpse was revealed to Nohara Rin.

"Rin, this is the Yuki Clan Ninja's corpse that I acquired... I'm wondering if it's possible to analyze the combination of 'Wind' and 'Water' attribute Chakra to gain insights into the 'Ice Release Kekkei Genkai'..."

Sarutobi Ryo explained, showing his appreciation for the Jonin's remains that Ringo Ameyuri had defeated.

"In this regard, I have to rely on you as a professional Medical Ninja..."

By offering money, confidence, and encouragement, Sarutobi Ryo had successfully won Nohara Rin over.

Sarutobi Ryo believed this was a promising start.

"Young Master, the Honorable Hokage is here..." Yamanaka Hui said softly, entering the room.

"Okay, I understand. Hui, stay here with Rin. If she needs anything, help her find it..."

Sarutobi Ryo nodded, gave a few instructions, and left the secret room.

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[T/N: And that's the last chapter drop for Young Master, Please Become Hokage! today! Hope you enjoyed them! Any favorite moments? Current Weekly PS: 29. Almost there! Let's push past 50 for those extra chapters! Power Stones help a lot! 🙏 Weekly Goal: Every +50 Power Stones this week = 2 bonus chaps next day!🚀 Also translating: Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise & One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!. See you all tomorrow! ✨

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