Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Selfless Yuuto
It wasn't difficult for village ninjas to meet the Hokage.
For someone like Hyuga Yuuto, returning from a mission, reporting to the leader was standard.
Led into the Hokage's office by an ANBU wearing a dog-faced mask, Yuuto knelt respectfully.
"Reporting to Hokage-sama!"
In the room,over fifty years old Sarutobi Hiruzen turned slowly. He wore Hokage robes, a pipe in his mouth, his hair graying. Less like a village shadow, more like a friendly neighbor.
But Yuuto knew Hiruzen Sarutobi, at this age, was still a formidable ninja, Konoha's top power.
Sixteen years later, during Orochimaru's attack, Hiruzen's body would weakene Even without sealing himself using the forbidden jutsu, he wouldn't have lasted long after.
As Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi's strength in battle matched his wisdom and leadership. Under his rule, powerful ninja clans respected the "shadow's" authority, and Konoha's geniuses thrived.
Calling him a "hero" wasn't flattery.
"Yuuto, rise. No need to kneel," Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a smoke ring, eyeing the boy who stood.
"The Barrier Corps reported detecting only your chakra," he continued.
"I apologize deeply, Hokage-sama." Yuuto stood, visible pain on his face.
"Tetsujiro Sugisaki, Mahiro Sato, Reiro Yamagata, Eiji Hirano... all killed. I'm the sole survivor from the covert reconnaissance team."
"Tetsujiro Sugisaki too," Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed softly.
"Tetsujiro-senpai was cornered by Kumogakure ninjas and didn't make it... Here is the mission scroll."
Yuuto handed over the Scroll.
Sarutobi Hiruzen accepted it, tapped it before Yuuto, unsealed it with a special jutsu, and read.
Throughout, Yuuto kept his head lowered, fingers still.
Once he guessed Hiruzen had read it all, Yuuto recited the mission report rehearsed countless times:
"The first leg of the mission proceeded smoothly."
"We acquired intel from the agreed grotto in the Land of Rain, but encountered trouble returning."
"In the Land of Rain, we were ambushed by Kumogakure ninjas. We resisted, moving towards the Fire border. Unexpectedly, even jounin were mobilized from their end..."
Ninety-nine percent true, Yuuto disclosed all but the crucial "Sugisaki Tetsujiro killed in action" detail. He even detailed where Konoha ninjas fell.
Following this, Konoha's ANBU would clean up. Based on Yuuto's report, they'd retrieve fallen ninja bodies, dissect them for examination, reconstruct the incident.
This was the procedure. Every ninja village traced similarly. Subordinates' accounts weren't blindly trusted.
After Yuuto finished, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, Yuuto standing obediently, eyes on his toes.
"After leaving assist ANBU with their investigation," Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke suddenly.
"Tetsujiro Sugisaki was a jounin. His death in battle demands an independent ninja record. No oversight."
"Yes, Hokage-sama. I understand and will cooperate fully."
"Well... As expected of the Hyuga. Despite your age, you handle matters maturely." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled suddenly, handing the scroll to Yuuto.
"Take a look. The Hyuga clan Leader should decipher it easily." The young man nodded, understanding the information's worth at a glance.
"Food prices rising in the Land of Lightning... Is war imminent?"
"Those warmongers in Kumogakure Village itching for conflict again."
"Konoha will prevail," Yuuto declared respectfully, rallying.
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled. He wouldn't discuss inter-village wars with a twelve-year-old Hyuga. He led the conversation using the scroll.
"This scroll is valuable. It exposes Kumogakure's war plans and supply routes. It'll take time and effort to exploit this intel."
"Moreover, you eliminated numerous enemy ninjas, including a jounin."
"All team members, except you, perished. Konoha will send hero pensions to their families. All battle honors go to you."
"Since genin, you've completed ninety-two tasks, including five high-risk A-level missions, flawlessly."
"This time... you've amassed considerable merit."
"Go to ANBU, Hyuga Yuuto. Special access granted. One of my ANBU captains is aging. Time for you to mature."
An ordinary Konoha ninja might burst with excitement. ANBU, the Hokage's elite guard. Captains were Hiruzen's trusted aides. A stepping stone to top ranks in Konoha!
But Yuuto didn't hesitate.
"I'm sorry, Hokage-sama. I haven't decided on my reward... May I have a few days?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't reply, blowing a smoke ring. Fragrant smoke filled the room.
Unhappy, Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered.
"Is the Hyuga clan's code above the village's?"
As Konoha's leader, he knew when Yuuto returned, he went straight to the Hyuga clan. Secretive, but not hidden from him.
Hinata Hizu instructed this response, right? Delay first, then secure the best reward for the Hyuga clan. Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.
The village's interests and authority surpassed all ninja clans. Hinata, Uchiha... They still had much to learn.
But Sarutobi Hiruzen, "The Professor," retained his grace. Not enough to vex a twelve-year-old, estranged from the Hyuga.
"Understood. Take your time," Hiruzen Sarutobi said calmly.
"But, Yuuto, give me an idea. What reward do you seek... in general?"
Yuuto's heart tightened.
Here it comes! Finally!
No righteous answers. No disdain for the Hyuga or ire towards the caged bird.
Yuuto must reply, revealing a hint of "self," and Sarutobi Hiruzen would respond, based on his station. A chance to advance his plan.
Emotion, action, words... all must adjust.
Yuuto paused in the quiet Hokage's office.
Then, he raised his head, revealing snow-white Byakugan.
Soft, firm voice, tinged with teen timidity:
"Hokage-sama... I think it'd be wonderful if the reward pleased everyone in the village."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone