Naruto Shadow Emperor - Chapter 30

Tap, tap.

The sound of Yukigetsu’s footsteps echoed through the Hokage’s office, drawing everyone’s attention. He had donned a pair of glasses and held a book titled “Ninja Handbook” as he approached Tazuna with a smile. “Mr. Tazuna, I am the Hokage’s assistant. I will now inform you about the ninjas assigned to your mission.”

His opening words piqued everyone’s curiosity. Kakashi and the others glanced at the Third Hokage, who seemed deep in thought.

Assuming a professional demeanor, Yukigetsu adjusted his glasses and continued, “These three Genin have just graduated from the Ninja Academy and have not undertaken many missions. This is their first C-rank mission, and we hope it goes smoothly…”

Before he could finish, Naruto erupted in anger. “Yukigetsu, what are you saying?! I’m telling you, any C-rank mission is a piece of cake for me!”

Ignoring Naruto, Yukigetsu turned apologetically to Tazuna. “I’m sorry, that’s just his personality. After all, he’s just graduated…”

Tazuna’s facial muscles twitched as he turned to look at Naruto with increasing unease. He then shouted angrily, “How can you assign such ninjas to protect me? I’ll die for sure!”

Yukigetsu shook his head and smiled faintly. “But they are ninjas. They can handle ordinary people without issue. While they would surely die against other ninjas, this is a C-rank mission. It’s suitable for them to practice. Don’t worry.”

Hearing that they would certainly die against other ninjas, Tazuna’s face turned ashen, and he completely broke down, the bottle slipping from his hand. “It’s over, it’s over. I’m doomed. I thought I’d get lucky and have strong ninjas protect me, but they’re just rookies…”

Yukigetsu closed his Ninja Handbook and looked at the Third Hokage, flashing a bright smile.

Bang!
The Hokage slammed his desk, his voice stern. “Mr. Tazuna, did you hide critical information?!”

Tazuna was taken aback. He wasn’t an inexperienced youngster; he had just been caught off guard by a child’s manipulation. Realizing his mistake, he now focused his angry gaze on Yukigetsu. This kid had scared him on purpose—how infuriating!

Yukigetsu shrugged, indicating it wasn’t his fault but Tazuna’s problem.

“Mr. Tazuna, I hope you realize the seriousness of this matter. Konoha does not take ninja lives lightly!”

The Third Hokage’s tapping on the desk and his serious expression radiated a heavy sense of pressure. Tazuna began to sweat, understanding the formidable presence of the leader of the strongest ninja village. Attempting to deceive him had indeed been reckless.

The old man, who had appeared as a drunk moments ago, realized he had angered the Hokage. He quickly lowered his head. “I’m very sorry. Actually, there’s a very terrifying person trying to kill me…”

“A very terrifying person?” The Third Hokage asked, puzzled. “Who is he?”

Tazuna closed his eyes and sighed. “He’s the head of a shipping company, Gato!”

“What? Gato…” The Third Hokage showed no reaction, but Iruka’s eyes widened. “Could it be Gato from the Gato Company? He’s one of the richest men in the world…”

One of the richest men in the world?

Yukigetsu’s eyes lit up. My villa, my garden, my cherry blossom trees…

“Yes, it’s him… In public, he’s the head of a shipping company. But in private, he’s a mafia boss who collaborates with ninjas to smuggle drugs and contraband… a vile criminal!” Tazuna adjusted his glasses and continued.

Yukigetsu’s mouth twitched. Why did that sound so comedic?

“About a year ago, he set his sights on the Land of Waves… Using his wealth and violence, he quickly took control of all maritime transportation on the island!”

Hearing this, Yukigetsu interjected, “For an island nation, controlling the transportation routes means controlling all the wealth. No wonder you want protection until the bridge is completed. It must be the only way to break his hold.”

Tazuna looked at him in surprise. This annoying kid, he sure is quick to catch on.

“With Gato’s wealth, he’s likely to hire ninjas to assassinate you. This is definitely a B-rank mission,” Yukigetsu added.

He then looked expectantly at Tazuna. “Grandpa, why not upgrade the mission to B-rank? Though it will be more expensive, isn’t life more precious?”

But Tazuna sighed, covering his face with his hand. “I don’t have that much money…”

Yukigetsu’s mouth twitched. Yet thinking of Gato’s wealth made him eager. His eyes gleamed as he turned to the Hokage. “Lord Hokage, I can take this B-rank mission but only charge for a C-rank one.”

Everyone was shocked, but Naruto cheered excitedly. “B-rank mission, B-rank mission, I want to take a B-rank mission!”

The Third Hokage shook his head. “Naruto, you can’t take a B-rank mission.”

Naruto froze as if struck by lightning, then protested. “Why can Yukigetsu take it, but I can’t?”

Yukigetsu chuckled, placing his C-rank mission order on the Hokage’s desk. “This is my tenth C-rank mission. According to the rules, I am now eligible to take B-rank missions.”

“What?!” Sakura gasped, looking at Yukigetsu in disbelief, covering her mouth.

How was this possible? They graduated together, and she was still trying to get a C-rank mission. Yet he had completed ten? Had she underestimated him all along?
A wave of regret washed over her, and she bit her lip hard. How could this happen…

Sasuke and Naruto were equally shocked. Especially Sasuke, who had always thought he wasn’t far behind Yukigetsu and believed he could surpass him. But in just one month, Yukigetsu had completed many C-rank missions while still doing D-rank ones. It was infuriating. He clenched his fists tightly, his expression dark and unwilling…

As everyone was stunned by this revelation, the Third Hokage, who had expected it, remained calm. “No! I don’t agree.”

“Why not?” Yukigetsu asked, frustrated.

The Third Hokage took a puff of his pipe and shook his head. “Gato’s threat is significant. This isn’t an ordinary B-rank mission. I can’t take that risk.”

“But…”

Yukigetsu didn’t know how to argue. He knew taking this mission alone was too much, and he had planned to kill Gato without regard for Tazuna’s safety preemptively. But that was too risky and showed little regard for the client’s life.

As the situation stalemated, Tazuna suddenly rolled his eyes and spoke in a low voice. “The Land of Waves is an extremely poor country. Even the Daimyo has little money, and I have even less… In short, if you don’t protect me, I’m doomed…”

“Hahaha…”

As everyone turned their attention to him, the old man laughed loudly. “It’s no big deal! You don’t need to worry! If I die, the only ones who’ll mourn are my adorable ten-year-old grandson and my daughter, who will bear a lifelong grudge against Konoha’s ninjas! But of course, that’s not your fault!”

Everyone’s faces darkened.

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