Chapter 248: Worthwhile After All
Seven hours had already passed since they set out from the village.
"This looks like a good spot," Alice announced.
Aoba quickly dismounted, and the rest of the team followed suit, eager for a moment to rest.
Setting up tents and pulling supplies from the carriage, they each worked with smiles.
As twilight settled in, they gathered around a small crackling fire to eat.
"So, Alice, is it true that you're in line for the next Hokage?" Aoba asked.
At that, Inoichi laughed loud enough for the nearby animals to hear. "I wouldn't doubt it! She has that in her, don't you think, Iruka?"
"Absolutely," the academy teacher chimed in, crossing his arms with a proud grin. "Alice had one of the highest test scores in our class one year."
"Right," Hayate added, "and I think Baki told me she scored a perfect score on the written exams."
Alice honestly didn't know what to think. Perhaps she did do all those things, but the prospect of being Hokage was never part of her aspirations. And while she appreciated their encouragement, she wanted to stay humble—just a woman in a girl's body with a secret mission that didn't involve leadership or gain.
"Come on, guys," she said, waving a hand with a lighthearted smile. "I'm just here to help. I don't want to be Hokage anyway. Besides, it's about serving the village regardless of what our titles are."