CH_167
“Orochimaru-sensei… in the future you foresaw, he shouldn't have seen the things you left in the Land of Seas, right?” Minato asked softly, showing no hint of reproach. “And those things—they're very bad for you?”
“Exactly as you analyzed, Lord Hokage! I'm very sorry!” Tōji hadn't chosen to make a “deal” with Minato at first—he'd chosen Orochimaru instead. That really hadn't been appropriate.
But Tōji had his own reasons. So he only felt awkward. After all, Minato and Orochimaru had recently been political rivals.
“Orochimaru-sensei hasn't left for the Land of Seas yet. You still have time to get your things back.” As he spoke, Minato pulled out a special kunai. “If you run into trouble, use this.”
“Thank you… thank you, Lord Hokage!” Tōji felt he was saved this time!
Though Minato was unwilling to change fate—which, at this moment, genuinely felt like a shame to Tōji—Tōji had always intended to let the plot play out normally anyway.
“What happened today won't be known to a third person. Don't worry!” Minato's words actually made Tōji realize—Minato knew about Tōji's little schemes!
“Of course, there's a condition!” Minato's tone shifted. “After you complete this Land of Seas mission, you'll secretly join the Anbu.”
“The Anbu? I don't think I'm qualified…” Tōji was genuinely shocked.
“In terms of strength, you're slightly lacking—but you're young. Improvement won't be hard. So—you'll be responsible for protecting the future!” When Minato said that last line, it should have sounded cringey—but it only felt inspiring to Tōji!
“Protect that kind of future, huh…” Tōji found it a bit absurd. The future he knew was full of too many disasters.
But as long as he did nothing, that “future” would arrive on schedule. There was no difficulty at all.
“I'll give you an official position on the surface, and keep your Anbu identity secret.” Minato turned and walked back to sit in the chair that rightfully belonged to him…
He continued, “Simply put, I'll just create an Anbu file for you. This represents my trust in you as Konoha's Fourth Hokage! As for the specific arrangements—we'll discuss them after you return from the Land of Seas.”
“Understood, Lord Hokage!” Tōji immediately switched to calling himself “your subordinate.” An Anbu shinobi was the Hokage's direct tool.
“Hehehe—good!” Minato smiled, looking pleased.
“By the way—I know your Body Flicker is excellent…”
“And recently, the village has produced another Uchiha genius famous for Body Flicker—'Shisui of the Body Flicker.'”
“I suggest you study that style of combat. It could compensate for your lack of attack power.”
Tōji was a little moved—because a big shot could remember a small fry's single performance for so long…
“Thank you for your guidance, my lord! I'll try.” Tōji was suddenly full of motivation.
After all, the huge problem that had him frowning all day yesterday now had Minato's support—solving it wouldn't be hard anymore. And he'd also gained Minato's trust and a “nominal” appointment.
At this moment, Tōji was already thinking, 『From now on, your savior—I'll help you watch over him!』
“If there's nothing else, you should set out early.” Minato was politely dismissing him.
After all, Minato still had piles of official business.
Tōji quickly took his leave.
Walking out of the Hokage Tower, Tōji turned to look back up at the Hokage's office… Minato happened to be at the window, watching him, and gave him a smile.
Tōji waved both hands exaggeratedly, like a real kid, then left happily.
『I've been infected by these people's Will of Fire, huh.』 Tōji knew it—but he didn't reject it.