Naruto: Troublesome Ninja Haruta

Chapter 5: New Gains

"It looks like we were a step too late. Orochimaru still managed to escape."

In the Hokage's office in Konoha, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, held a pipe in his mouth as he read the report in his hands.

He glanced at the assembled Anbu before him, his gaze lingering on Haruta, who stood at the back of the group. With a hint of resignation, he finally spoke.

"Although we suffered some losses, obtaining intel on Orochimaru is already a significant gain.

Besides, we were unprepared, so this mission isn't considered a failure. You've all worked hard."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage."

The gathered Anbu members immediately bowed slightly in response, while Haruta, standing among them, pursed his lips.

So this counted as an achievement for the "most successful failure case," huh?

Haruta knew full well that the Third Hokage probably never really intended to deal with Orochimaru in the first place.

Otherwise, when Orochimaru defected from Konoha, why didn't this Hokage—who was still at the tail end of his prime—put an end to him?

After all, in just a few years, this very man would give his nod of approval to someone who would go on to commit a true "I-wiped-out-my-entire-clan" act…

But whatever the Third Hokage was thinking had little to do with Haruta. He stayed in Konoha partly because the "civil servant benefits" were attractive, and partly because he hadn't killed Danzo yet.

Besides, staying in Konoha meant he had its protection. And even if he ever did something questionable, Konoha could take the blame for him. That was a pretty sweet deal.

"Alright, you may all go rest now."

Just as Haruta was lost in his thoughts, Hiruzen suddenly spoke again. However, his eyes once more landed on Haruta, and he unexpectedly smiled.

"Haruta-kun, I'd like you to stay for a moment."

Haruta, who had been about to slip away with the others, stiffened slightly upon hearing this.

He had no idea what kind of trouble the Third Hokage was about to throw his way, but he remained standing obediently.

After all, if you wanted to get ahead in the workplace, you had to listen to the boss…

"Haruta-kun, according to the report, your performance in this mission was outstanding."

Once the other Anbu members had left, Hiruzen finally spoke with a smile.

"By the way, how does working in Anbu compare to your time in Root?"

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Hokage. Whether in Root or Anbu, I am always serving Konoha."

Haruta immediately put on a righteous expression, though inwardly, he couldn't help but think—Anbu was way better than Root!

Not to mention, he had spent quite a few Free Points to level up his Sealing Jutsu to LV5.

If he had used those points for physical attributes instead, he could have pushed his physique to LV7 by now…

And then there was Danzo—that stubborn old snake who was as unbearable as a can of rotten herring.

Always acting like he was about to order the massacre of someone's entire family… Aside from Haruta, were any of his subordinates even normal people?

But no matter what he thought, facing the Third Hokage—who was both Danzo's old buddy and someone willing to let Orochimaru off the hook—Haruta decided to keep his thoughts to himself.

"That's right, all for Konoha."

Hiruzen, oblivious to Haruta's true thoughts, looked quite pleased with his response.

"Although our roles are different, my old friend really did train an excellent talent for me. Root's purpose, after all, is to nurture and prepare operatives for Anbu."

"..."

Hearing this, Haruta didn't even know how to respond.

Clearly, Orochimaru had been right—this Third Hokage was well aware of why he had been thrown into Anbu.

Which wasn't surprising. Hiruzen and Danzo had likely been engaged in behind-the-scenes power struggles for ages.

"You did exceptionally well in this mission. According to Anbu regulations, you will receive a fitting reward."

Hiruzen continued with a smile.

"Additionally, since there were casualties this time, some squads will be reorganized. Your current squad will also be restructured—I will be assigning new members to your team."

"..."

Haruta froze for a moment.

Was this Danzo making his move?

Using Orochimaru to take out a few Anbu members, forcing Haruta to hand over research materials, and even gaining some control over Anbu's personnel assignments?

Not bad, old man. Not bad at all.

Haruta was already considering whether, when the time came to kill that old snake, he should at least leave him a whole corpse.

"I will follow Lord Hokage's arrangements."

Haruta nodded and agreed without hesitation.

"Good."

Hiruzen still wore that ever-pleasant smile.

"Yuugao works well with you, and since Fujikawa is injured, he will take time to recover.

So, you should also rest for now. Relax a little—I'm looking forward to your future performance in Anbu."

Truly a master and apprentice…

As Haruta turned to leave the office, he couldn't help but scoff internally.

These two spoke in circles—what they said on the surface was one thing, but the underlying meaning was something else entirely.

Good thing Haruta was a seasoned player. He knew exactly which words to take seriously and which to conveniently "misinterpret."

"But their relationship is too weird… Could it really be because of the Nine-Tails incident? The Third lost his wife, and so…"

Suddenly, Haruta shivered, an inexplicable image flashing through his mind—Danzo being forced to bow his head under Hiruzen's grip, stammering with hesitation.

The sheer absurdity of the thought turned his face pale.

God, that was disgusting!

At least let the lights be off before such a horrifying mental image appears…

"You're finally out?"

Just as Haruta was feeling nauseated by his own imagination, a voice interrupted his thoughts, pulling him back to reality.

"Yuugao-senpai?"

Turning his head, Haruta saw the unmasked Uzuki Yuugao. He casually removed his own mask and smiled.

"Senpai, were you waiting for me?"

"Mm."

Yuugao nodded before speaking seriously.

"You're still new to Anbu, so there are many things you're unfamiliar with. And during this mission, you saved me twice. I…"

Was she about to offer herself as repayment?

Haruta raised an eyebrow in amusement.

After all, he was quite confident in his "dignified and handsome" appearance.

In any profession, good looks were always an asset. Otherwise, why was it that attractive people always ended up together…?

"How about I treat you to ramen, Senpai?"

Despite his outrageous inner thoughts, Haruta spoke with a perfectly normal suggestion.

"Huh?"

Yuugao was momentarily taken aback. How had the conversation suddenly turned into Haruta treating her instead?

Before she could respond, Haruta grinned and continued.

"As a junior, it's only natural for me to treat my senpai. Besides, if all goes well, we'll likely be teammates from now on. I hope Senpai will take care of me in the future."

"This…"

Yuugao hesitated, but Haruta didn't give her a chance to refuse.

He reached out, took her hand, and smiled.

"Alright, Senpai, let's go. I heard Ichiraku Ramen is a great place. Can you believe I've never tried it all these years?

Besides, I also wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?"

Yuugao looked puzzled, but Haruta simply smiled and led her away without explaining.

Meanwhile, in his vision, a system notification appeared.

[Side Mission Completed: Rescue Anbu Teammate]

[Mission Rating: B]

[Reward Obtained: Konoha-Style Kenjutsu (Uzuki Yuugao)]

[Merged with existing Taijutsu LV5]