Naruto: I, who didn't want to be hacked to pieces, saved the ninja world.

The Hokage's office was already filled with smoke.

The whole room is filled with secondhand smoke.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the instigator, showed no shame whatsoever and continued to puff away on his cigarette.

His deep gaze remained fixed on the crystal ball on the table.

Inside the crystal ball, there was a picture of a blond boy running around in the street, seemingly looking for someone.

Knock knock knock!

A knock came at the door.

Hiruzen Sarutobi first took the crystal ball under the table before speaking.

"Come in."

A member of the Anbu ninja pushed open the door and walked in.

He handed a document to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Lord Hokage, these are the details of Shirakumo Aoba and his family."

Yes, Shirokumo Aoba only had a brief encounter with Naruto before Hiruzen Sarutobi set his sights on her.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took the document and quickly glanced through it.

He was somewhat surprised at first glance.

"So he's Ye Shan's nephew. No wonder the surname seemed so familiar."

"Were your parents also heroes who sacrificed themselves for Konoha? The name Aoba carries the Will of Fire from birth."

As Hiruzen Sarutobi continued reading, his appreciation for Aoba Shirakumo deepened considerably, as the background was remarkably clean and accurate.

After reading the rest of the content, he also found out why Shirokumo Aoba helped Naruto so much.

"He'll step in to help anyone who's being bullied, that's very much the Will of Fire, but he's a bit greedy, and his methods are sometimes a bit too extreme..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his chin and pondered for a while, seemingly considering whether or not to let Aoba Shirakumo continue to approach Naruto.

Born into a small, respectable family, and with a good personality...

"Let nature take its course. Naruto needs to make friends on his own, so I won't interfere."

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down the documents in his hand and then spoke to the ANBU ninja.

"Continue with the protection mission. Make sure to record any special circumstances and report them promptly."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

With the Anbu ninja gone, Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped paying attention to Naruto's affairs and focused on handling other matters in the village.

At the same time.

In a dark and twisted corner.

"White clouds and green leaves?"

"Baiyun Yeshan's nephew?"

"Humph!"

Danzo slammed the document in his hand on the table with a "bang" and let out a cold snort, his expression extremely angry.

Hayama Shirakumo is an elite Jonin in the village, and is considered one of the village's top combat forces.

He has a resolute character, remains calm and composed even in the face of big situations, and is meticulous in his work.

He is equally capable of accurate analysis, has rich experience, and possesses excellent command skills when carrying out missions.

And that's why he understands the other person so well.

It's because he had invited the other party to join the Roots in the past, but the other party directly refused.

He had long forgotten about this matter, but unexpectedly, information about the other party's nephew was now in front of him again.

It brought back his memories.

However, Danzo was angry, but he didn't take the matter to heart.

If someone of unknown origin or from a powerful ninja clan comes into contact with a Jinchuriki, he can go and cause trouble for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Take this opportunity to get some benefits from the roots.

If it were the Uchiha clan, he would have even more reason to suppress them.

But Baiyun Qingye's background is too clean, and he is also the orphan of a hero with an upright character.

The key is that it is protected by Baiyun Yeshan.

There was no need for him to go and make a fool of himself by going to Hiruzen Sarutobi's place.

He was also hurt every time Hiruzen Sarutobi hit his sore spot.

"Continue with the surveillance mission."

"Yes, Lord Danzo!"

The Root ninjas withdrew.

Danzo Shimura, on the other hand, buried himself in his work again, continuing to ponder how to deal with the Uchiha problem.

The masked man had already spoken to him, but he was still unsure of Hiruzen Sarutobi's attitude and dared not make a move.

-

Ichiraku Ramen.

Four large empty bowls were already stacked next to Hinata's seat.

As Hinata finished the last bite of noodles, a satisfied expression appeared on her little face.

The feeling of fullness in her belly made her feel incredibly happy.

At home, I wouldn't dare eat like this to maintain proper etiquette and image.

"Amazing!"

Ayame, who had been watching from the side, instinctively let out a gasp.

While adults can eat several bowls of noodles at once, it's rare to see such a young girl eat so much.

In particular, Ayame noticed that Hinata's belly hadn't swelled up much.

Where does the food go after you eat it?

After hearing Ayame's exclamation, Hinata suddenly realized that quite a few people in the noodle shop were looking at her.

Her big eyes blinked rapidly.

Then her whole face flushed red, as if steam would rise from it at any moment.

She was swaying unsteadily, and Bai Yun Qingye was worried that she would faint.

"Are you full?"

Shirokumo Aoba glanced at the empty bowl in front of Hinata and asked.

"I'm...I'm full!"

Hinata nodded her head like a chick pecking at rice.

Shirokumo Aoba still looked at Hinata with some suspicion.

After eating five bowls of ramen, I felt perfectly fine. Is this some kind of dimensional stomach?

"Now that you've filled your stomach, I'll take you home."

It's getting late, and even though they're in the village, it's still quite dangerous to let Hinata go back alone.

After saying that, Bai Yunqingye thought for a moment and then paid her share of the money.

Upon hearing this, Hinata instinctively clenched the hem of her clothes even tighter.

For some reason, she suddenly felt a great sense of loss and reluctance.

"Hinata, it's time to pay."

Seeing Hinata lost in thought again, Shirakumo Aoba couldn't help but remind her.

Although it's impossible for a young lady of the prestigious Hyuga clan to be unable to afford a few bowls of noodles, what if she forgets?

As for having Shirakumo Aoba pay, forget it.

These five large bowls of noodles are enough to buy a game pass.

"Ah good."

Hinata quickly came to her senses and hurriedly took out a small wallet from her pocket.

Bai Yunqingye glanced at it and her eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

I didn't look closely before, but now that I do, it's completely full of cash, all of it is a thousand taels of silver.

I estimate it's worth tens of thousands of taels.

This is more money than every day.

Although Hinata rarely goes out, Hiashi Hyuga still gives her a considerable amount of pocket money.

Baiyun Qingye's mind wavered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.

Looking at Hinata's porcelain doll-like face, he suddenly realized that he had no reason to take money from her now.

"At least, we'll have to wait seven years..."

In the short time that followed, Hinata had already handed the money to Ayame.

But when she finished paying and looked back, she found Bai Yunqingye muttering to herself.

Hinata tilted her head cutely.

She didn't remind Bai Yunqingye, but instead carefully leaned closer to hear what the other person was saying.

She rarely does anything so daring; she's letting loose a bit today.

"what are you doing?"

Before Hinata could hear anything clearly, Shirokumo Aoba had already come to her senses.

He also looked at Hinata, who was almost pressed against him, with a curious expression.

"Well!"

Hinata's face turned bright red, and she quickly distanced herself from him, looking down at him.

what's going on?

Baiyun Qingye looked puzzled.

But seeing that Hinata was practically steaming, he didn't want to ask any more questions.

"Let's go, it's getting late."