Chapter 26: Staying in Character  

Tap, tap, tap… 

A group of Konoha shinobi dashed across the river's surface, converging toward them. 

Seeing the approaching reinforcements, Gekkō Yoru finally snapped out of his childish tantrum and immediately released Umino Yoru, swiftly regaining his usual aloof demeanor as if nothing had happened. If not for the faint hint of embarrassment visible through the eyeholes of his cat-faced mask, one might have thought it was all just a genjutsu. 

Umino Yoru scanned the newcomers and noticed that, aside from the mobile patrol squad led by Akimichi Torifu, Sarutobi Eijirou had also returned. 

Clearly, he ran into them while fleeing and decided sticking with the heir of the Sarutobi clan was safer than delivering the intel alone. 

Seeing the five arrivals—especially Sarutobi Shinnosuke—Yoru couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. 

This guy's luck is unreal. Even on the frontlines, he's got an elite jōnin like Akimichi Torifu watching his back, plus teammates like the legendary "Eternal Genin" Mitarashi Anko and the future head of the Aburame clan, Shibi. Meanwhile, we're just disposable pawns with nothing. 

This squad was practically invincible below Kage-level. 

Even without considering Anko's peak combat skills, if push came to shove, Torifu could pop a Three-Colored Secret Pill and stall even a Kage-level opponent. 

"Good work, kid." 

Torifu, holding the spiky-haired jōnin captive with one hand, clapped Yoru's shoulder with the other, clearly pleased with his nominal subordinate. He was impressed not only by Yoru's unwavering Will of Fire but also by his combat prowess. 

As the leader of the mobile patrol unit responsible for this sector's defense, Torifu technically commanded all nine lookout squads in the area. 

Now, out of all the expendable grunts, one had actually distinguished himself. As a superior, Torifu couldn't help but feel proud—and thrilled at gaining such a capable underling. 

Thanks to Aburame Shibi's scouting insects, Torifu already had a rough idea of the situation before arriving. Though the details were still unclear, the broad strokes were undeniable—especially Yoru's standout performance. 

Just his mastery of mechanized tools alone puts him near jōnin-level combat ability. With his dedication to the Will of Fire, the village should be nurturing talent like this, not wasting him on border patrols. 

Now, Torifu's squad had lucked out, acquiring a hidden gem. This was someone worth keeping close. 

"Thank you for the timely backup, Torifu-sama. Without you, we'd have been wiped out." 

Yoru showered his superior with earnest gratitude, laying on the praise just thick enough to make Torifu laugh heartily. 

This kid knows how to handle people. A damn good subordinate. 

"You were amazing too, senpai! Holding off two Suna pursuit squads and taking down so many of them…" 

Sarutobi Shinnosuke, flattered by the praise, blushed slightly. His admiration for Yoru's skills and unwavering spirit was obvious. 

Clearly, the Third Hokage raised his eldest son well—no trace of the arrogance typical of major clan heirs. 

Say what you will about Sarutobi Hiruzen's future failings, but his parenting was impeccable. 

"Where the leaves dance, the flames will never die." 

Yoru flashed a Might Guy-approved thumbs-up and declared loudly, "You are Konoha's future! I'm sure you'll surpass us old-timers in no time!" 

His passionate speech radiated profound understanding of the Will of Fire. 

"Mm!" Shinnosuke nodded eagerly, visibly inspired. 

"Tch." A scoff came from Eijirou, who muttered under his breath, "Just a washed-up chūnen cannon fodder. Of course we'll be stronger." 

"Huh? Eijirou, didn't you already retreat to deliver intel? Why are you back?" 

Yoru feigned confusion, subtly reminding everyone that this guy had abandoned them under the pretense of "mission priority"—only to return without completing his task. 

"You still have the intel, right? You didn't lose it, did you?" 

He stepped forward as if to check, making Eijirou recoil in panic. 

"Stay the hell away from me!" 

Eijirou scrambled back, eyes wide with fear. "You idiot! Back off! You're gonna blow us all up!" 

His terror wasn't directed at Yoru—but at the explosive tags covering his body. 

"Oh! Right, I forgot about these." 

Yoru scratched his head sheepishly. "I was ready to take that Suna-nin with me. Totally spaced on the tags. Let me get these off." 

His apologetic tone made no mention of his earlier bravery—nor did it technically call out Eijirou's cowardice. 

Yet, his humility only reinforced the image of his self-sacrificing resolve. 

This guy's hardcore. 

"Senpai, let me help!" Shinnosuke volunteered fearlessly. 

"No, no! I've got it!" 

Yoru hurriedly backed away from the Hokage's precious heir. If Hiruzen finds out I let his golden boy near live explosives, I'm dead. 

With practiced ease, he removed every tag and stashed them away. 

"Hmph. Should've blown you up." 

Eijirou's muttered curse didn't escape anyone's sharp ninja hearing. 

Shinnosuke immediately glared. "That's enough, Eijirou! Apologize. Now." 

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