A deathly silence settled over the area.
Shiranui Genma and the others didn't know exactly how strong Kimimaro was, but the fact that Orochimaru had called him his "most valued subordinate"—and the drastic change in Orochimaru's expression after learning Kimimaro had been captured alive—was more than enough to prove he was no ordinary shinobi.
Even if he wasn't on Orochimaru's level, he was likely the strongest among Orochimaru's subordinates.
And yet, Yagyū Souma had captured him alive.
Did that mean Souma had already reached the level of the Sannin?
Speculation churned in their minds.
"I'm really not as strong as you're imagining," Souma said, scratching his head with an embarrassed smile. "I just relied on a few secret techniques. If Orochimaru had really insisted on fighting just now, I would've been exposed."
Shiranui Genma nodded lightly, looking as if he believed him—
though inwardly, he added a silent line:
Like hell I believe that, you little fox.
No one actually bought Souma's explanation, even though it was, in essence, true.
Of course—
He had glossed over a few… minor details.
"Souma-kun, then what should we do next?"
Genma looked at him.
Among the five present, leadership had subtly shifted to Souma.
In the ninja world, strength ultimately spoke the loudest.
Souma thought for a moment. "We won't be catching the enemy. Still, we captured one and obtained some information, so it's not a total loss."
"Then we head back?"
"Not yet. Help me send this person and the intelligence back to Konoha."
Souma gestured, and his shadow clone stepped forward.
Moments later, the clone appeared carrying Kimimaro on his shoulder.
Faced with the strangely surreal sight, both Genma and Raidō Namiashi fell silent.
Just what was Souma, exactly…?
They exchanged a glance.
"Souma-kun, should you handle it, or…?"
Before this, they would have used Flying Thunder God without hesitation. But now that they knew Souma's mastery of the technique surpassed theirs, it felt oddly awkward.
Souma looked genuinely confused.
"Don't the three of you know how to do it?"
"W-We do, but not as well as you."
"You're just sending a person. How much proficiency do you need? Handle it yourselves. I just fought a battle—I'm a bit tired too."
Then he emphasized, "I'm still just a kid, you know!"
"..."
What kind of kid are you supposed to be?
Everyone complained silently.
Soon after, Raidō and the others stood together, forming the Flying Thunder God formation.
Yamashiro Aoba and Souma's clone helped place the sack containing Kimimaro into the center, while Souma himself stood off to the side, jotting something down on paper, no one knowing what he was writing.
A few seconds later—
Kimimaro was successfully sent back to Konoha.
"All right, that's done. I'll go on a date with Captain Yamato. You guys handle the rest."
Souma dusted himself off and followed his sensory perception back.
Tenten emerged from her hiding place and followed behind him.
Raidō remained silent for a few seconds before patting Genma on the shoulder.
"Good thing you didn't go."
"Yeah… under that kind of pressure, I felt like I was the subordinate."
Genma muttered quietly.
"Honestly, that hasn't really changed."
"..."
That one hit hard.
They unanimously decided not to talk to Yamashiro Aoba.
The guy had no sense of tact.
Konoha – ANBU Headquarters
The Third Hokage was discussing ANBU reforms with Yamanaka Inoichi and Morino Ibiki.
"This operation, combined with Souma's success in reforming the intelligence division, proves that ANBU is starting to lag behind the times," the Third said calmly. "I believe we should conduct a centralized training program."
Ibiki hesitated to speak, but Inoichi had fewer reservations.
"Hokage-sama, Kakashi left ANBU years ago, and recently Captain Yamato moved to frontline duty for special reasons. We're lacking a leader to helm ANBU."
"That's true. I bear much of the responsibility," the Third replied. "What do you suggest?"
He looked at Inoichi.
Inoichi wasn't as sharp as Nara Shikaku, but he was still among the smartest minds in the village—otherwise, he wouldn't be heading the intelligence division and the Yamanaka clan.
The Third trusted him greatly.
"Originally, Souma-kun would have been ideal to groom as the next ANBU captain," Inoichi said. "But he's extremely busy, and he's already the head of the research institute. It wouldn't be appropriate for him to take on the role."
There was another reason as well.
Thirteen-year-old captains weren't unheard of—but a thirteen-year-old who hadn't lived through wartime would struggle to command respect.
The Third understood this perfectly, which was why he'd never seriously considered Souma for the position.
Just as he was about to respond—
"Hokage-sama! Inoichi-sama! Emergency report!"
"Something happened in the Land of Grass?"
The Third immediately stood up. At present, Konoha's only large-scale deployment was in the Land of Grass against Orochimaru. Otherwise, even missions were scarce.
Could it be—
His heart skipped a beat as he strode forward and snatched the report from the messenger's hands.
After one glance, his eyes widened in shock. He drew a deep breath and handed the letter to Yamanaka Inoichi.
"For you."
Inoichi took it.
The Third turned back to the ANBU messenger. "Where is Kimimaro?"
"He's been further restrained with sealing techniques. Given that he possesses the Shikotsumyaku, we didn't dare take risks."
"Well done. Also, inform the medical unit—have Kitayama Oki bring people to examine Kimimaro's condition and see if treatment is possible."
Souma had explained everything thoroughly in the letter.
Kimimaro's body was in terrible shape—his life force nearly exhausted. He couldn't withstand much strain, so mental probing was off the table for now.
In that case…
Treatment came first.
After reading the letter, Inoichi frowned slightly. "Souma values him highly, yet also states he's Orochimaru's most loyal subordinate. Is he planning to attempt a defection?"
"I don't know," the Third shook his head.
After some thought, he felt it more likely that Souma was interested in the Shikotsumyaku itself—after all, a dead bloodline offered little research value.
"Then what should we do?"
"Leave things as they are for now. Ensure his life is preserved, but don't allow him to escape his restraints. If he breaks free, he'd pose a severe threat to Konoha."
"Yes!"
Inoichi and Ibiki acknowledged.
"I'll return to handle other matters. As for ANBU training, I'll think about it further."
"Thank you for your efforts."
"Heh. I am Hokage, after all."
The Third smiled and rose to leave.
Outside ANBU headquarters, his steps were slow and heavy.
Souma had sent Kimimaro back and given detailed instructions, yet since Flying Thunder God had been used, the intelligence could have been sent along as well.
Had Orochimaru destroyed it in advance?
Or—
Was the information too important to be routed through ANBU?
Perhaps both.
Lost in thought, the Third then considered another matter—
A Curse Mark–enhanced Shikotsumyaku shinobi would be terrifyingly powerful. If Souma could capture him alive, just how far had Souma's strength progressed?
Could it be—
That he'd developed something new from his "Sage-blood talent" research?
"The cooperation with the Fire Temple seems even more valuable than I anticipated," the Third sighed softly. "Fortunately, relations between the Fire Temple and Konoha will deepen further—though dealing with the daimyo remains troublesome."
If not for that, he wouldn't have had to send Shikaku to the capital, nor would ANBU matters still be unresolved.
Just as he returned to the Hokage Building—
"I'm sick of these D-rank missions, Kakashi-sensei! Let's take a C-rank one!"
Naruto's voice rang out loudly from inside.
Iruka's irritated scolding followed shortly after.
But—
Sakura and Sasuke were backing Naruto up.
The Third smiled faintly.
It seemed they really couldn't hold back anymore. Then again, Naruto hadn't come to complain lately—that alone was proof of growth.
That boy had truly matured.
Inside, Kakashi scratched his head, then glanced toward the door.
"How about you wait here? I'll go talk to the Third Hokage."
"Yes! Kakashi-sensei, you have to tell Hokage Grandpa that we're strong enough for C-rank missions now!"
Naruto shouted excitedly.
Kakashi sighed and stepped outside, running into Hiruzen Sarutobi on his way back.
"Hokage-sama."
"Heh, Naruto's as energetic as ever."
"Yes… that kid really is something," Kakashi said. "His stamina is incredible. Just as Souma suggested, he's extremely suited for Shadow Clone and Multiple Shadow Clone techniques."
Kakashi briefly discussed Naruto's recent progress.
Ever since following Souma's proposal—having Naruto use shadow clones for extra training—Naruto had improved rapidly.
The main body trained physically; the clones trained techniques.
It was far more exhausting than normal, but Naruto enjoyed it.
Kakashi couldn't quite understand that enthusiasm.
He'd been a prodigy since childhood. Even when working harder than others, he'd never experienced Naruto's despair—trying again and again, only to fail every time.
Still, Kakashi was deeply relieved.
As long as Naruto was willing to work hard, there was room for growth. By comparison, he was more worried about Sakura.
After returning, her condition had shown signs of worsening again.
After hearing this, the Third smiled. "So you believe Team Seven is capable of C-rank missions?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. They're special cases—not suited to standard training methods. The pressure and challenge of missions may actually stimulate their growth."
Kakashi nodded.
"If that's how you feel, then proceed. You have my support."
As he spoke, the Third stopped Kakashi from leaving. "Wait. There's something I'd like your opinion on. Let's talk in my office."
"Should I explain things to them first?"
"Yes. I'll wait for you there."
The Third nodded.
Kakashi created a shadow clone, then quickly followed him.
Hokage Office
The Third gestured for Kakashi to sit, then explained the situation regarding Souma.
Kakashi immediately realized—
After mastering Sage Mode, Souma's strength had skyrocketed. Even Kakashi himself wouldn't dare claim a guaranteed victory anymore.
Thank goodness I'm no longer his team leader…
Otherwise—
As a teacher, he'd have lost all dignity.
Kakashi felt secretly relieved.
"Kakashi."
"Hokage-sama?"
"What do you think of ANBU's current strength?"
"ANBU is strong—elite among elites," Kakashi replied honestly. "But whether it's Orochimaru or the Shikotsumyaku, their enemies have exceeded what standard ANBU squads can handle."
ANBU wasn't weak.
Their opponents were simply too powerful.
"I agree," the Third sighed. "Since Souma began contributing, I've had ANBU squads learn many new techniques, and their strength has improved noticeably—but it still seems insufficient."
Kakashi understood.
The Third wanted to strengthen ANBU further, but it wouldn't be appropriate to appoint Souma as captain, given his role as head of the research institute.
So—
He wanted Kakashi to suggest a candidate.
Kakashi ran through possibilities in his mind, eliminating them one by one.
After a long pause, he said, "If Gekkō Hayate's health weren't an issue, he'd be suitable. Unfortunately… What about Uzuki Yūgao?"
"Her?"
The Third frowned slightly.
Uzuki Yūgao was certainly strong, but her skill set was narrow, relying heavily on swordsmanship.
"She's joined the research institute," Kakashi reminded him. "She can learn a lot from Souma."
The Third's eyes lit up.
That's right!
Yūgao was now part of the research institute—and Hayate as well. Both interacted frequently with Souma.
When the time came—
The village could formally exchange resources with the institute, allowing Yūgao to receive Souma's guidance.
Souma would design techniques and strategies; Yūgao would execute them.
A perfect solution.
The Third wasn't afraid of Souma holding power—he was afraid of others pushing Souma into the spotlight and ruining his future.
For example—
A certain ROOT leader.
The Third narrowed his eyes, then smiled and nodded.
"Kakashi, go on. I've got it."
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