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"Hahaha! Five million ryo—that's like completing six or seven S-rank missions all at once!"

Anko grinned wildly, practically bursting with joy.

"I'm so happy I could cry! By the way, Yoruha, what are you planning to do with all that cash?"

She laughed so hard, she looked borderline foolish.

"Well…" Yoruha tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I've kind of always lived like a rich person, so I'll just spend money like I normally do. Sorry… I guess I can't really relate to your excitement."

"…"

"Damn you, you smug little brat! If I ever hand you another opportunity to show off, I'll take your last name!"

Anko angrily stuffed a mouthful of beef noodles into her mouth.

This kid was too aggravating!

Back in Konoha Village.

Yoruha went straight to find Ino and Hinata, while Anko reported the mission details to the Third Hokage.

When it came to mission records, there was no room for embellishment. That was the unshakable rule for all shinobi.

The moment the Third Hokage heard Momochi Zabuza's name mentioned, a pleased smile tugged at his lips.

Yes, the mission had escalated beyond its original classification, but—

Neither of them had been injured.

And more importantly—

Yoruha's performance had exceeded expectations.

Talented, well-bred, empathetic.

A young man like that…

He was the perfect candidate to inherit the Will of Fire.

At the training ground.

Yoruha sat between Ino and Hinata, casually recounting the story of their adventure in the Land of Waves.

"Big brother," Ino said, her face a little pale, "you have to follow the rules next time. That was way too dangerous!"

After all… they'd gone up against an S-rank missing-nin.

"Yoruha," Hinata added, clutching his sleeve nervously, "someone like that… isn't he as strong as one of our jōnin instructors?"

Yoruha smiled reassuringly.

Zabuza was probably a notch below Asuma, but definitely stronger than Kurenai Yuhi.

"Come on, it was for the bounty. Five million ryo is hard to pass up."

He shrugged as if it were no big deal.

"Tch… what's five million?" Ino scoffed. "That's not even enough to cover the three of us for a year's worth of pocket money. Why take such a big risk?"

"Exactly!" Hinata nodded, puffing up her cheeks. "Money's not that important."

Unbeknownst to them…

Anko, who had just finished reporting to the Hokage and came looking to treat them all to dinner, had arrived at the edge of the training ground—just in time to hear that sentence.

Her cheerful face instantly turned dark.

She clenched her fists.

"Damn you brats… you're going to drive me insane!"

Elsewhere in Konoha.

Word that Yoruha had taken down Zabuza had begun to circulate through certain circles.

In a quiet room within the Hyūga clan estate, Hiashi Hyūga and Inoichi Yamanaka sat drinking tea.

The atmosphere was calm, the air thick with the scent of roasted leaves.

"A tree that grows tall in the forest will be broken by the wind," Hiashi said after a sip of tea. "Likewise, the shinobi who stands out will always be the first to be struck down."

"Yoruha's performance was too outstanding this time. I fear it's only a matter of time before he draws the attention of Konoha's darker forces."

Inoichi didn't seem concerned.

"Let them look," he said, gazing at the clouds drifting outside the window. "Yoruha isn't alone. With the Yamanaka clan and the Hyūga standing behind him—even if it's Danzo watching—what of it?"

Hiashi set down his teacup and sighed.

"It's because he has our backing that Danzo will see him as a threat."

"The Third Hokage… is getting old. He's already said he wants to groom Yoruha as his successor."

"Life won't be easy for that boy moving forward."

Inoichi chuckled softly.

"It doesn't matter. My son Yoruha—he has the makings of a future Hokage."

Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!

Yoruha sneezed three times in a row.

He blinked.

"…Weird. Do I have a cold or something?"

He rubbed his nose, puzzled.

Could someone… be talking behind his back?

Or worse…

Cursing him?

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