บท 229: Chapter 229: Whenever there is important work to be done, interruptions always follow one after another.
Being interrupted in the middle of focused work is quite annoying, but until one can live the life they desire without being separated from others, this annoyance must be endured.
Therefore, Tatsuma changed into ANBU attire, preparing to report to the Hokage Building, only to find Mandrill still present. Curiously, he asked, "Mandrill Senpai, do you have other matters to attend to?"
Mandrill nodded and replied, "I still need to get Minato, but it seems he's currently unavailable. So, I have to wait for an opportunity here. It's better for you to stay here; if you go over there and wait, you might end up getting in trouble."
Upon hearing Mandrill's words, Tatsuma couldn't help but smile inwardly. Who was Mandrill talking about? Surely it was his own sensei, who appeared calm on the surface but had likely accumulated countless negative emotions inside.
After the change of Jinchuriki, Kushina had been staying in the Senju Clan's territory these days, under the watch of an ANBU dispatched by Hiruzen. However, Tsunade broke his leg and threw him out of Senju Clan's territory.
Subsequently, Hiruzen wisely refrained from sending anyone else over. With Tsunade and Tatsuma inside Senju Clan's territory, they could neutralize or at least delay most potential dangers that might arise.
Tatsuma also sensed the situation on the other side. Minato Namikaze and Kushina's chakras were almost inseparably intertwined, making it uncertain when they could be separated.
After adjusting his attire once more, Tatsuma said, "Mandrill Senpai, you wait here. I'll go meet with Hokage-sama."
"Alright."
Mandrill nodded, and Tatsuma left directly. As for the notes and insights left at home, if Hiruzen had any intentions, he wouldn't resort to such low-level methods to obtain them.
Very trusted in Mandrill to watch over his home, Tatsuma headed straight for the Hokage Building. A few days ago, due to Kushina's situation, the village urgently recalled all the envoys dispatched outside the village.
However, this did not seem to significantly increase the village's vigilance. Tatsuma sensed that no one had noticed his presence.
Arriving at the Hokage Building, Tatsuma went directly to the Hokage's office and saluted, saying, "Hokage-sama, what are your orders?"
Hiruzen nodded. He hadn't changed out of his black formal attire under the Hokage robe, evidently returning to work at the Hokage Building after the funeral. After all, few knew of Uzumaki Mito's death, and there was no need to pretend for Tatsuma or potentially Minato, who might meet him.
After organizing his thoughts, Hiruzen spoke, "The succession of the Jinchuriki has been successfully and peacefully completed. The new Nine-Tails Jinchuriki's sealing state is also very stable.
Regarding the previous Wood Release experiments, there have been several cases of deaths among the transplant recipients. The Daimyo has agreed to shut down the Wood Release project. Your mission is now completely finished.
As for Mandrill's plan to retire from ANBU and return to normal ninja life, unable to continue as Hokage Guard, would you be willing to return to the role of Hokage Guard?"
The complete halt of Konoha's experiments was already underway, and Tatsuma, who had been removed from the project, was unaware, but he suspected it had happened in the past few days.
The first batch of funds depleted, unexpected deaths among the test subjects, and Uzumaki Mito's decision to directly transfer the Nine-Tails into Kushina after the accident. Now that the security of the Nine-Tails seal should have been validated, any pretext or motivation for the Daimyo to request Konoha to initiate Wood Release experiments has vanished, thus it had to be stopped.
Regarding the matter of returning to the Hokage guard post, Tatsuma didn't immediately agree, as he had been considering a job change. He previously thought that Mandrill could also take on the position, but was surprised when Mandrill announced he was retiring.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen had a backup candidate, it might be easier for him to propose a transfer, but now he is short of soldiers.
However, Tatsuma thought about it and still followed his own wishes and said
"Hokage-sama, actually, I wanted to tell you earlier that I won't be able to continue serving as Hokage Guard for the time being. After learning Flying Thunder God, I need to hone new combat habits through practical experience."
This was an excuse, but also a sufficiently legitimate reason. Flying Thunder God, as a system, brought significant changes to a ninja's abilities, and Tatsuma indeed needed extensive practical experience to reshape his fighting style.
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen nodded slightly, with a hint of regret. He had speculated Tatsuma learned the Flying Thunder God, considering that bringing back the "bodies" of Tsunade and Dan Kato in such a short time could only be accomplished with Flying Thunder God within Konoha.
However, Tatsuma's role as Hokage Guard was indispensable, much like having a close aide like Shikato. Finding a replacement was proving difficult.
As the head of ANBU, Hiruzen could have outright denied Tatsuma's request. Yet, considering their recent strained interactions over the past few months, refusing might lead to further discord between them in the end.
Hiruzen decided to grant Tatsuma's request. He looked at Tatsuma and asked, "So, are you planning to leave ANBU and join a combat team, or do you intend to remain in ANBU but switch teams?"
"I'll switch teams. With my current ninja rank, even if I return to a regular combat team, the missions available and their targets would hardly serve as a challenge."
Although he had already made up his mind, Tatsuma pretended to consider the options before giving his answer.
Hiruzen nodded and said, "Very well. After Mandrill retires, his team will be without a leader. You'll take charge of his original team. One of the members retired recently as well; I'll arrange a replacement for you as soon as possible."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama, for your understanding and support."
Tatsuma bowed again, and Hiruzen waved his hand, then turned his attention to the backlog of scrolls accumulated during the New Year period, saying, "Since you're here, help me with these."
Over the past two years, Tatsuma has dedicated time every Thursday to handle these official matters. Initially, Hiruzen's approach involved cautious discussions to seek Tatsuma's input on handling them, but it has evolved into straightforwardly handing over the responsibilities to Tatsuma.
If Tatsuma found no issues, Hiruzen would sign directly. If there were concerns from Tatsuma, he would write down his suggested changes for Hiruzen to approve.
After over an hour, most of the piled-up official tasks had been dealt with. At this moment, they both heard footsteps outside the door.
Though Tatsuma recognized them as Minato's, he still looked to Hiruzen. Hiruzen said, "No need to avoid him."
Only then did Tatsuma remain in place. Shortly after, a knock sounded on the door. Hiruzen let Minato in, and after exchanging greetings, he addressed Minato:
"Minato, thanks to you this time. If Kushina had truly been abducted, it would have posed a significant problem for the village's future."
In these past few days, Minato gradually realized the importance of rescuing Kushina and understood what she had been through recently. However, he had no intention of seeking credit. Instead, he said:
"Hokage-sama, I simply couldn't bear to lose my partner. Any Konoha ninja would have chosen to rescue her, just like me."
Hiruzen chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "Regardless, you rescued a candidate Jinchuriki of the village, and at such a critical time. The village won't forget your contribution. Whatever you wish for, speak boldly, and the village will fulfill it to the fullest extent."
Upon hearing this, Minato pondered for a moment. Eventually, he decided to accept Hiruzen's goodwill. However, instead of answering immediately, he glanced at Tatsuma beside Hiruzen.
Though Tatsuma wore a mask, Minato recognized him instantly from his hair, posture, and mannerisms. Tatsuma nodded slightly, prompting Minato to turn back to Hiruzen and say:
"Hokage-sama, to be honest, I'm very interested in the Flying Thunder God Jutsu developed by Second Hokage-sama."
"No problem."
Hiruzen readily agreed, then continued, "I'll have someone send you the Flying Thunder God Jutsu shortly. Besides this, is there anything else you desire?"
"I've asked for enough already. I'm satisfied if the village can fulfill that."
Minato shook his head, and Hiruzen then said, "That settles it. Oh, by the way, how are you preparing for the ANBU entrance exam?"
As he spoke, Hiruzen glanced at Tatsuma. Tatsuma's calm demeanor didn't surprise Hiruzen, but when he looked at Tatsuma, it wasn't just to gauge his awareness.
"Yaksha, do you think Minato can pass the ANBU exam?"
Upon hearing Hiruzen's question, Tatsuma almost laughed. He was physically younger than Minato, so the question amused him. Holding back his laughter, he replied, "I know Minato Namikaze quite well. I have high hopes for him."
Minato felt somewhat aggrieved; Tatsuma actually took advantage of him like this, behaving so unfairly. No wonder no one liked him.
Hiruzen noticed the unspoken interaction between the two, and a smile appeared on his aging face. With a genius like Tatsuma around, it seemed logical for the priority of cultivating others to decrease. However, he continued to invest the same attention and resources into nurturing Minato.
The purpose was to deepen Tatsuma's bonds, especially considering the Wood Release experiments. Hiruzen increasingly understood that Tatsuma was different from Minato; he harbored discontent and could become angry when things didn't go well.
Compared to Minato's naturally gentle disposition, Tatsuma's emotions were more akin to those of an ordinary person, prone to being led astray. Particularly concerning was Tatsuma's seeming adoption of some of Orochimaru's negative traits, which made Hiruzen increasingly anxious.
He needed someone to restrain Tatsuma, to prevent him from veering towards darkness. From what he could see, Minato undoubtedly excelled in playing this role.
With a smile, Hiruzen said, "In that case, how about integrating Minato directly into your team if he joins ANBU?"
"Sure, I haven't mentored any 'junior newcomers' yet."
Tatsuma's pronunciation emphasized the playful tone of "junior newcomers," typical of youth, which eased Hiruzen's pent-up feelings over the past few days, making it hard to suppress his smile.
He looked at Minato, who had maintained courteous composure despite his disadvantage, and asked, "Minato, what do you think?"
"Of course, I have no objections. It would be my honor to learn from Senpai."
Even though he knew that beneath Yaksha's comical mask was his close friend, Minato still had to adhere to protocol. Hiruzen chuckled and said, "If there's nothing else, both of you can head back now. Minato, I'll have Yaksha send over the Flying Thunder God technique for you. Prepare well for the exam. Yaksha, I'll arrange your coordination with Mandrill as soon as possible."
"Yes! Hokage!"
The two saluted and then left the Hokage building. They both went straight to the Senju clan. When they returned home, Tatsuma took off his mask and handed all the original materials related to Flying Thunder God to Minato.
Looking at the information in his arms, Minato smiled and said, "Senior Yaksha, I heard that even with your talent, it took you three years to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique. Why don't we compete to see who can master this technique faster after getting the scroll of the Flying Thunder God Technique?"
After he finished speaking, Tatsuma's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot. In the past three years, although Minato had not directly contacted the Flying Thunder God, the difficulties related to the Flying Thunder God were solved by the two of them together.
In other words, Minato was actually only one piece of original information away from learning the Flying Thunder God. How could Tatsuma compete with him?
Looking at Minato's rare smile of success, Tatsuma said viciously, "Then I'll make you dress up as a woman to seduce the target of the mission! With your looks, you will definitely be able to seduce them successfully."
"Alright, alright, I give up!"
Ding~
Suddenly, a notification sound rang in Tatsuma's mind, leaving him momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected things to turn out like this.
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