Time flew by in the blink of an eye.
On Konoha's bustling streets, the sign "Konoha Premier Pot" had grown from one location to five. Every branch was perpetually packed; that domineering aroma had become a unique landmark of the village.
Training Ground Three.
A red-haired young woman moved with agile grace, facing a storm of incoming kunai without the slightest trace of panic.
"Ha!"
With a sharp cry, several golden chakra chains burst from her back, weaving instantly into an impenetrable net mid-air, intercepting every single projectile.
Clang, clang, clang.
The kunai clattered uselessly to the ground.
Uzumaki Karin retracted her chains; the baby fat had long vanished from her now-sharp, confident features.
Anbu Headquarters, a dimly lit corridor.
Sora strolled along lazily when two figures approached.
Yamato and Uchiha Itachi.
Their Anbu uniforms remained the same style, but the masks on their faces had changed—to those representing squad captains.
"Captain Sora," Yamato greeted steadily with a nod.
"Senior," Itachi added, his voice as calm as ever but now carrying the respect of a peer.
"Yo," Sora raised a hand in lazy acknowledgment, not breaking stride as he continued toward his office.
The paperwork on his desk had piled even higher than last year.
Sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm patches across his body.
Comfortable.
Sora sank into his chair, leisurely flipping through an ancient text on Uzumaki sealing techniques—one of the "heirlooms" from Master Jiraiya.
The office door opened softly.
Yamanaka Kaede entered carrying another stack of fresh documents.
She neatly arranged them beside the existing "mountain" on the corner of his desk, moving gently so as not to disturb what appeared to be a nap.
Over the years, she seemed unchanged.
Still the crisp high ponytail, still the efficient demeanor, still the unparalleled master of paperwork.
But Sora noticed subtle shifts.
For instance, when reporting now, her usually icy tone carried a faint warmth.
Or how she occasionally stole glances when she thought he was "asleep."
Sora was fully aware but pretended total obliviousness.
Maintaining one's persona was fundamental for advanced slacking.
"Captain, these are last week's mission summaries. They need your signature," Kaede said softly.
"Just leave them there," Sora replied without looking up.
Kaede didn't leave. After a brief hesitation, she pulled a small bento box from her pouch and placed it on the desk.
"I... made extra this morning."
Sora's page-turning paused.
Oh? She's progressed to feeding him now.
"Thanks," he said casually, still not lifting his head.
At that moment, the door swung open without warning.
A silver-haired figure leaned against the frame, mask in place.
Anbu Vice-Commander, Hatake Kakashi.
"Yo, Sora. Researching new techniques to retire even faster?" Kakashi's perpetually sleepy dead-fish eyes glinted with amusement.
"Where?" Sora finally closed his book, flashing his trademark bright smile. "I'm studying how to boost work efficiency so I can clock out early and feed the cats."
"Is that so?" Kakashi stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the suspicious bento. "Because I heard Training Ground Seven needed major repairs the other day—someone testing an 'improved' lightning technique nearly leveled the place."
Sora rolled his eyes inwardly.
This guy and his gossip.
"Just a minor academic experiment," Sora brushed off with a laugh. "Gotta contribute a little to ninjutsu progress."
Kakashi shrugged noncommittally.
He wasn't here to banter.
He placed a list on the desk.
"This year's Ninja Academy graduate roster. Your little sister did pretty well."
Sora casually picked it up. At the very top, in the most prominent position, was the familiar name.
Uzumaki Karin.
Top graduate.
The smile on Sora's face grew a touch more genuine.
Not bad. The investment over these years hadn't been wasted.
After seeing Kakashi out, the office quieted once more.
Kaede gathered the signed documents and left.
Sora stood alone by the window, gazing down at the bustling streets below.
The Ino-Shika-Cho commercial alliance was now firmly bound through the hot pot chain—their wealth, manpower, and intelligence network ready for his use at any time.
Under Fugaku's leadership, the Uchiha clan was actively transitioning into an "administrative family"—his future reserve force for controlling the village bureaucracy.
Master Jiraiya had already given his commitment of support.
Everything in the shadows was prepared.
But...
He recalled a casual remark the Third Hokage had once made.
"No matter how strong the Anbu are, they remain merely the village's shadow. A true Hokage must be the sun that illuminates everyone."
Right now, he was that shadow.
Anbu squad captain.
This position granted power and deterrence—but not recognition or prestige among the people.
The merits he'd earned over the years would only become classified files gathering dust in archives—forever unknown to the public.
He had no desire to become another Kakashi.
That genius ninja had toiled in Anbu for years—strength unquestionable—but to ordinary villagers, he was just "that perpetually late silver-haired weirdo."
To become Hokage, one needed to accumulate unparalleled, openly recognized military achievements and fame—like the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, had done under the sunlight.
It was time to step out of the shadows.
Sora returned to his desk.
He summoned every member of his squad.
He also invited Yamato and Itachi—who had become squad captains themselves.
Once everyone gathered, Sora leaned back in his chair and announced in the same casual tone one might use to decide afternoon tea:
"I'm planning to submit my resignation to Lord Third and leave Anbu."
The words detonated like a depth charge in still water.
The office air froze solid.
Though Yamato and Itachi wore masks, Sora could sense their momentary shock.
Yet both quickly processed the implications—they were sharp enough to understand instantly.
Only Kaede.
For the first time, visible cracks appeared on her usually expressionless face.
"Why?"
Her voice carried a faint tremor of panic she herself hadn't noticed.
Sora let out an exaggerated sigh, spreading his hands helplessly.
"Karin's graduating soon, right? As her big brother, I have to personally guide her onto the right path—can't let her go astray."
"And..." He pointed at himself with mock despair. "Anbu life is too comfortable. Reading books and sunbathing every day—I'm worried I'll actually go soft if I stay any longer."
The reason was half-true, half-false—yet utterly unassailable.
Yamato was silent for a moment before speaking first.
"I understand, Captain Sora. We'll support whatever choice you make."
Itachi gave a concise nod.
"Anbu will be a bit duller after you leave, senior."
Though his words were plain, the sincere respect was unmistakable.
They had both once been his subordinates—witnessed firsthand this man's unfathomable strength and intellect.
After Yamato and Itachi departed, Kaede remained standing in place.
She clutched the documents tightly, knuckles whitening from the pressure.
"Captain... are you really sure?"
"Who will handle all these files after you're gone?"
She tried to use work to hold him back.
Sora looked at her and suddenly laughed, flashing bright white teeth.
"Isn't that what you're here for, Kaede?"
He walked over and patted her shoulder with an encouraging "I believe in you" tone.
"Capable people bear more burdens. I have faith in you! Once I'm gone, the load on your shoulders will be heavy—good luck!"
Kaede: "..."
She stared at that dazzling, almost blinding smile—all her words stuck in her throat.
Sora picked up the resignation letter he'd prepared long ago and sauntered out of the office.
He walked toward the Hokage Tower.
Passing his flagship "Konoha Premier Pot"—even outside mealtimes, it bustled with life.
Passing Training Ground Three, he saw Karin sparring with Naruto.
Golden chakra chains danced freely in her hands—seamless offense and defense, completely suppressing her opponent.
Her face radiated unprecedented confidence and vitality.
Sora nodded in satisfaction.
Every step of his plan over these years had proceeded exactly as intended.