Naruto Shadow Emperor – Read Fanfic

In the Hokage’s office, after Tazuna combined emotional punches, the atmosphere grew tense.

Finally, Kakashi stepped forward. “Lord Hokage, why don’t I take these kids on this B-rank mission? We’ll only charge the C-rank mission fee.”

The Third Hokage frowned. “Actually, it’s not impossible to make a special exception for the fee, but these kids aren’t ready for a B-rank mission.”

Kakashi shook his head. “I know you care about these kids, but birds kept in a cage will never grow strong. And…”

He paused, his gaze falling on Yukigetsu. “This child is already qualified.”

The Third Hokage looked at the hopeful eyes of Sasuke and the others, then at Yukigetsu. After a long silence, he finally relented. “This mission will be classified as B-rank but will only charge the C-rank fee. Even if it’s completed, only Kakashi and Yukigetsu will record it as a B-rank mission.”

He turned to Naruto and the others. “You three don’t have the qualification for a B-rank mission, so it will count as a C-rank mission for you.”

This was clearly the Third Hokage’s biggest concession. The group reluctantly nodded, even Naruto didn’t argue further.

…

Moments later, in front of Konoha’s gate, the five of them waited impatiently, but Yukigetsu was nowhere to be seen.

Kakashi sighed quietly. This kid wouldn’t be having one of his episodes again, would he?

They waited longer until Tazuna’s face was dark with anger. Finally, Yukigetsu strolled leisurely towards them, looking completely unrepentant.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” he said, but his tone didn’t match his words.

Tazuna exploded with anger at the sight of him. “Brat, do you know how long we’ve been waiting? It’s almost nightfall!”

Yukigetsu looked up at the sky, feigning confusion. “Huh? It’s getting dark so quickly. Who allowed that?”

Everyone’s faces twitched. Who allows the night to fall? What kind of question was that?

Just then, Sakura walked up, hands on her hips, looking annoyed. “Hey! Weren’t you wearing a different outfit before?”

Sasuke and Naruto also looked curiously. Indeed, Yukigetsu was now in a clean new outfit. Observant Sakura even noticed that he looked refreshed and clean, unlike the dust-covered state he’d been in earlier, suggesting he’d just returned from a mission.

Yukigetsu calmly adjusted his clothes. “It’s my habit to change before heading out.”

The next moment, Sakura jumped up angrily. “But you even took a bath!”

Everyone looked over.

Yukigetsu adopted an expression of surprise. “Wow, you can tell I took a bath?”

Sakura tilted her head in confusion, only to be startled as Yukigetsu’s masked face appeared inches from hers. “What are you doing?” she asked, stepping back.

Yukigetsu wore a pained expression. “Sakura, I never imagined you’d be so infatuated with me that you could tell when I’ve bathed. Such deep love… but…”

He stepped back, hiding behind Kakashi. “…I have to say, give up, Sakura. I don’t like you.”

Give up, Sakura… Give up, Sakura… Give up, Sakura…

Sakura stood frozen and then erupted in fury. “Yukigetsu, die!”

“Five-Five, control your subordinate. Attacking comrades is unacceptable,” Yukigetsu said, dodging behind Kakashi while continuing to talk.

Kakashi’s face darkened. This kid was unusually hyper today. Was it just a B-rank mission that had him so excited?

Little did he know that Yukigetsu was especially thrilled because he planned to rob someone. In his excitement, he seemed to unlock some extraordinary antics, becoming a bundle of chaotic energy.

“Hey! Is that kid really up to this?” Tazuna pointed at Yukigetsu, looking grim.

Kakashi chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m an elite Jonin, after all.”

“Tch…” Yukigetsu appeared beside Tazuna, eyeing him sideways. “Don’t be fooled by his rank. This guy always fights evenly, can slack off against strong opponents, and mess up against weak ones. That’s him!”

A vein popped on Kakashi’s forehead. “How can you undermine your own family like this?”

“And what about you? Didn’t you swear you could handle a B-rank mission?” Tazuna adjusted his glasses, squinting at Yukigetsu.

“Oh, that…” Yukigetsu said nonchalantly. “It’s true. I can handle it because I won’t be in danger.”

Tazuna’s face paled. “What do you mean you won’t be in danger?”

Yukigetsu smirked. “If things go south, I’ll just run. The target is you, not me.”

“Aren’t ninjas supposed to complete their missions at all costs?” Tazuna’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Yukigetsu patted Tazuna’s shoulder. “Old man, you need to understand… missions are important, but life is more precious.”

Kakashi stumbled while Naruto and Sakura looked at him in disdain. Even Sasuke, who usually maintained a cool façade, twitched. This guy was shameless.

Tazuna, who had thought he’d tricked some ninjas into protecting him, felt a sense of betrayal. This kid had seemed competent, but now he felt like he was in the hands of a rogue.

“I’m doomed, I’m doomed,” Tazuna muttered, looking utterly despondent.

Sakura was full of disgust. Yukigetsu was ruining the reputation of Konoha ninjas.

Sasuke and Naruto, however, were curious. They didn’t know Yukigetsu well, only from the recent graduation exam. But he didn’t seem like the type to act this erratically. He fought fiercely to secure the top spot and sparked debates about fate in Konoha. Was he hiding his true self?

The two boys, thinking they’d figured it out, wore thoughtful expressions.

Kakashi shook his head, smiling. Despite everything, he knew Yukigetsu best. No matter his behavior, this kid was the most reliable among them. Tazuna would be pleasantly surprised.

In truth, Yukigetsu was adjusting his mindset. Recently, he’d killed many people, and the old Root Anbu instincts were resurfacing. The Third Hokage’s timely reminder had been crucial. A ninja’s psyche is both resilient and fragile, needing a balance between life and battle to avoid collapse.

Unlike Naruto’s pure idealism, Yukigetsu, having lived two lives, deeply understood the coexistence of light and dark. He sought to bear the darkness while enjoying the light, working hard for a future of freedom.

Standing at Konoha’s gate, Yukigetsu placed his hands on his hips, a faint smile on his face. He pointed dramatically into the distance. “Let’s go, young men, for light and the future!”

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