005 : New Gains

Konoha, inside the Hokage's office

"It seems we were one step late, and Orochimaru still managed to escape."

Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the report in his hand while smoking tobacco from his pipe.

He glanced at the assembled ANBU standing before him, especially Shigen standing behind everyone.

He then once again opened his mouth with some helplessness as he said "Although there were some losses, obtaining information about Orochimaru and destroying one of his illegal labs is already a good result. Moreover, our preparation was insufficient this time and this mission was well above you capabilities, hence, this mission will not be considered a failure. Thank you all for your hard work."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

The assembled ANBU immediately bowed slightly, while Shigen in the crowd couldn't help but purse his lips.

Is this considered achieving a 'most successful failure case'?

Shigen actually knew that the Third Hokage probably didn't want to deal with Orochimaru at all.

Otherwise, when Orochimaru fled Konoha, why didn't the Third Hokage, who was still at the end of his peak form, didn't form an extermination squad and pursue him?

You should know that this is the same person who, in a few years, will nod to a Single shinobi exterminating one of the biggest clans in Konoha.

In Shigen's eyes, Hiruzen is a highly irrational person that makes decisions on whims, and a person like this being in charge of Konoha? No wonder Konoha has been on a path of decline ever since he became the Hokage.

"Alright, you guys go down and rest first."

While Shigen was lost in thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly spoke, but he then looked at Shigen again and suddenly smiled.

"Shigen-kun, I'm sorry but I will have to trouble you to stay a little longer."

Shigen, who was standing behind everyone and preparing to leave, suddenly heard these words, and his body couldn't help but stiffen slightly.

He didn't know what this Third Hokage was up to again, but he still stayed where he was obediently.

After all, a workaholic who wants to improve still has to listen to the boss, right? Otherwise, how will he receive more mission?

"Shigen-kun, according to the report, your performance this time was very excellent."

"Also, how does it feel to be in ANBU compared to ROOT?" The Hokage smiled and asked after the other ANBU members had walked out the office.

"Thank you for your concern, Hokage-sama. Whether in ROOT or in ANBU, I am serving Konoha."

Shigen immediately showed a righteous expression, but in his heart, he was sighing already, ANBU is much better than ROOT!

Not to mention anything else, the LV3 sealing technique cost him a lot of free points.

With these free points, his physical fitness could have reached LV7 immediately after completing just a couple more mission.

What's more, Danzo's personality is like that one hated drill sergeant - hated by people and dogs alike because he gave just too much work!

Otherwise, even with a system, it would have taken Shigen a few more years to reach the level he was right now. It wasn't a good thing, Okay? Because Shigen himself was on the edge of burning out, suffering a mid life crises when he was barely even a teenager.

Danzo threatened to kill your whole family and everyone you know at every turn.

Besides Shigen himself, how many normal people could there be among his subordinates?

"That's right, we are all serving Konoha in the end" The Hokage didn't know what Shigen was thinking as he seemed to be very satisfied when he heard Shigen's words.

"Although our responsibilities are different, Danzo has really cultivated a good seedling for Konoha this time. The meaning of ROOT is to cultivate and train talents for ANBU."

"…"

Shigen didn't know how to respond for a moment when he heard these words. Obviously, Orochimaru was right, that is, Hokage already knew very well why he was sent to ANBU.

And if his subtly bitter expression was anything to go by, this is not the first time Danzo had done something like this.

"Your performance this time was very excellent. I will personally see that you receive appropriate rewards through the ANBU system." The Third Hokage then continued to smile.

"Although the mission went better than expected consider the circumstances, there were still many ANBU causalities this time . Some teams will be reorganized. Your current team will also be one of them. I will see that qualified Shinobi enter this team."

"… …"

Shigen was slightly stunned. Is this Danzo exerting his strength?

Using Orochimaru's hand to kill a few ANBU members, and by the way, let himself hand over the research materials to Orochimaru, and also let himself be able to dispatch even more people into the ANBU?

What a scheming old bitch!

Shigen was even considering whether to leave him a whole corpse or chop him up into pieces when he finally kills this old man in the future.

"I accept Hokage-sama's arrangements."

Shigen nodded and agreed directly.

"Good."

Hiruzen still had a smile on his face.

"Yugao cooperates well with you. Fujikawa was injured this time, so let Fujikawa rest for the time being. You should go down and rest too. I am very much looking forward to your good performance in ANBU." (We will watch your career with great interest ahh moment)

Truly worthy of the title "Professor"

Shigen couldn't help but complain in his heart as he turned and left the office.

The way these two old people speak really shows their skills in manipulation. What they say is one meaning, and what they mean behind their backs is another.

Fortunately, Shigen is not someone naive. He can understand these words, and due to his training, he can understand some words while pretending not to at the same time.

The relationship between these two old coots is really something else.

'Did the Third Hokage's wife really died in the Nine-Tails incident or was it Danzo who...?'

Suddenly, Shigen couldn't help but shudder. For some reason, the image of Third Hokage being 'Railed' by Danzo kept appearing in his mind.

This weird scene made his face turn pale. It was too damn disgusting!

At least turn off the lights and don't let this scene appear clearly in his mind!

"You're out?"

Just when Shigen was disgusted to the point of being unable to bear it, a voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts, finally pulling him out of this weird scene.

"Yugao-senpai?"

Shigen turned his head and saw Yugao, who had already taken off her mask. He simply took off his mask and then asked with a smile.

"Senpai, were you waiting for me?"

"Yes.", Yugao nodded directly, and then continued seriously. "You have just entered ANBU and are not familiar with many things. Moreover, you saved me twice in this operation. I…"

Could it be that she wants to offer herself in return? hehe...

Shigen raised his eyebrows and thought it was a bit funny. After all, he was very confident in his 'solemn' appearance.

In fact, no matter what job you do, a good appearance is always better than a bad one, even in in a profession where they cover their faces with mask.. Otherwise, why are people with good looks always destined to be together?

"Then I'll treat Senpai to ramen!" Although his mind was full of outrageous ideas, the words coming out of Shigen's mouth were still very amicable, focusing on to pleasing this new Senpai of his.

"Eh?" Yugao was stunned for a moment. How did it turn into Shigen treating her?

Without waiting for Yugao to speak, Shigen continued with a smile.

"As a junior, it's only natural for me to treat Senpai. Moreover, if nothing unexpected happens, we will still be teammates in the future. Please take care of me in the future!"

"This…" Yugao was a bit stunned when she heard these words and was still a little hesitant, However Shigen didn't give her a chance to say anything more.

Reaching out his hand, Shigen grabbed her and then said with a smile.

"Alright, Senpai, let's go. I heard that Ichiraku Ramen is a good place. I haven't tried in so many years. Besides, I also want to thank Senpai."

"Thank me?"

Yugao was a little confused, but Shigen just smiled and led her away without answering.

However, a piece of information appeared in Shigen's retina.

[Completed side mission: Rescue ANBU members]

[Mission rating: B]

[Reward: Konoha-style Swordsmanship (Uzuki Yugao)]

[Due to having Taijutsu LV5, the rewards are merged]

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T/N : Two Chapters Everyday.

Every 300 Power stones will be an extra chapter

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