Chương 55: No Longer Rogue
A/N: Triple Release (2/3). For a Double Release next Monday, let's hit 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!
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Goro soared high above the clouds on the back of his water phoenix. He had already removed his cloak and mask, ensuring his presence went unnoticed as he approached the Hidden Leaf Village.
From the sky, Goro spotted the village gates and the two shinobi standing guard—Izumo and Kotetsu. They seemed relaxed, going about their usual routine, completely unaware of his arrival. As the village came into clearer view, Goro urged the phoenix lower, descending toward the ground.
The moment Goro touched down in front of the village gates, several figures appeared out of nowhere. Anbu surrounded him in an instant, covering all angles, their kunai gleaming as they pointed toward him. Their movements were swift, leaving no room for escape.
Goro raised his hands slowly in surrender and casually said, "Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble. I've just returned."
The Anbu, however, were not interested in his explanation. They remained in their positions, unmoved by his words.
'This again.. If they attempt to knock me out, I won't let them this time.'
"Iguchi, inform the Hokage," one of the Anbu said.
The Anbu named Iguchi flickered away without a word, causing the Anbu to adjust their formation to cover the gaps. "They wouldn't say their real names so freely.. Iguchi.. That's a code name," Goro thought to himself.
Off to the side, Izumo and Kotetsu watched from a distance, their expressions curious but not particularly alarmed. They seemed content to let the Anbu handle the situation.
"It seems Goro's back.." Izumo said, glancing at Kotetsu.
Kotetsu nodded and replied, "I wonder why he left to begin with. They kept his reasons for leaving under wraps for the most part, so we couldn't figure it out. Rumors said it was due to some injustice perpetrated by the village, but those rumors were quickly silenced."
Shifting his gaze back onto Goro, Izumo pondered, "From what I know of Goro, he isn't a bad kid. He must've had a really pressing reason that would make him leave the village. I don't see why a child like him who had a promising future here and was quickly advancing through the ranks would leave otherwise. He's returned right when Lady Tsunade became Hokage, so it makes me believe the rumor that it was a wrongdoing on the Leaf's part that made him leave…"
Before long, Iguchi returned and spoke directly to the lead Anbu. "The Hokage would like to meet him," Iguchi informed the leader.
At those words, two of the Anbu moved quickly to Goro's sides. One gripped his left arm firmly, while the other wrapped his hand around Goro's right arm. Without a word, they flickered from the gates, transporting Goro straight to the Hokage's mansion.
Inside the Hokage's mansion, they escorted him through the halls and stopped at the door to the Hokage's office. The lead Anbu, the one who had been giving orders, stepped forward and knocked on the door.
"Come inside," a woman's voice called from within.
The lead Anbu pushed open the door and entered first, Goro following close behind, with two Anbu flanking him. The office was spacious and well-lit, filled with stacks of papers and scrolls scattered across the desk. Behind the large wooden desk sat Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage. She looked up, removing her reading glasses with a sigh and pushing a pile of papers to the side as she stretched her arms with a wide yawn.
'It looks the same as when I left. Being in the Hidden Waterfall got me used to seeing changes every day. It's nice to return and see things are still as they were. But, Tsunade she's…'
"She's beautiful…" Goro said under his breath, momentarily distracted by Tsunade's beauty.
Quickly composing himself, Goro bowed respectfully. The Anbu that had entered the room with him dropped to one knee.
"You're Goro?" Tsunade asked, her eyes looking over the young shinobi standing before her.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Goro responded, his tone formal.
Standing off to the side, Shizune, Tsunade's trusted assistant, watched Goro closely, her expression intrigued. She had heard rumors about this boy, but seeing him in person stirred her curiosity.
Tsunade studied Goro for a moment, her brow furrowing in thought. 'This child is the same age as Naruto?' she thought to herself. 'He gives off the aura of a seasoned shinobi... He also seems to be aware of who I am, unlike Naruto.'
Tsunade leaned back in her chair, her eyes still on Goro. "I've heard about your case from Asuma. While I understand your predicament, going rogue was an extreme choice."
Goro straightened his posture, meeting her gaze. "I apologize. I thought I had no other choice."
Inwardly, Goro's thoughts were less apologetic. 'I had other things I needed to do. Staying in a prison cell isn't something I'm willing to live through twice.'
Tsunade sighed, her gaze softening. 'He's still a child after all. He failed to realize the implications of his actions and that's what led up to this dilemma,' she thought, though she didn't let the sympathy show in her voice.
Looking Goro directly in the eyes, Tsunade spoke firmly. "This unfortunately cannot go unpunished. I would demote you, but I've been told that the Third Hokage himself hosted your Chunin Exam. I'm not sure why he went to such lengths, though. No matter. In respect of his memory, I can't do something like that."
"Great," Goro thought, relieved that the punishment would not be as severe as he had initially feared.
Tsunade continued, her tone more authoritative. "Instead, you will be tasked with guarding the Hokage Mansion, so we can keep an eye on you for the time being."
"Damn," Goro cursed inwardly. "They want to keep tabs on me." However, knowing he wasn't in a position to protest, Goro bowed slightly and replied, "I accept the task."
"That's far too light a punishment, Lady Tsunade!" Shizune interjected, her voice filled with concern. "He went rogue—surely something more severe is warranted!"
Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she looked at Shizune. "The boy was already unjustly held in a cell. There's no reason to pile on punishments."
Shizune, though clearly displeased, nodded and stepped back, the discussion about Goro's punishment effectively closed.
Tsunade turned her attention back to Goro. "You're already wearing your uniform, so your shift starts now. The rest of you are dismissed," she said, waving her hand dismissively at the Anbu.
In an instant, the Anbu flickered away, leaving Goro alone in the room with Tsunade and Shizune. Goro gave one final bow to Tsunade before turning and exiting the office.
Once outside, Goro positioned himself at the gates of the Hokage Mansion, beginning his new role as a guard. His thoughts drifted back to the conversation inside.
'This doesn't get in the way of my mission, so I'll go along with it for now. The only thing I need is for her to place me on the Sasuke retrieval mission.'
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Reminder: For a Double Release next Monday, let's hit 500 powerstones by Sunday. This story's continuation depends on your support—so don't forget to give the story powerstones! Goal: 500 Powerstones!
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