Naruto Shadow Mage

"Master Minato?"

Hearing the familiar laughter outside the ward, even before the person entered, Yoroi knew it was the Fourth Hokage, the current leader of this Konoha ninja unit!

But hearing what the Fourth Hokage said afterward, Yoroi couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Especially when he looked at Shikaku and saw the subtle smile on his uncle's face and the wise glint in his eyes, Yoroi was taken aback and thought to himself:

"Could it be... Uncle Shikaku said all that just for Master Minato to hear?"

"If that's the case, Uncle Shikaku is really clever, anticipating my awakening and Master Minato's arrival!"

Admiring Shikaku's strategic thinking, Yoroi also sighed internally about the political intricacies within Konoha.

Almost instantly, Yoroi realized why Shikaku had come to reprimand him despite his flawless handling of official matters.

It was just as Shikaku had planned, to show those with ulterior motives that any potential misconduct was being addressed.

Originally, Yoroi thought that since Asuma had returned to the Konoha camp before escaping, no one could make an issue out of it. Little did he know that in Konoha's history of internal strife, those with ulterior motives could use even the smallest stain to drag someone down to the depths of hell, never to recover.

Just like in the original story, Konoha's White Fang, Kakashi's father, Sakumo, was driven to "suicide" over a small matter.

Thus, Shikaku's reason for discussing official matters with Yoroi was twofold: to silence potential critics and secure the Fourth Hokage's support.

With the Fourth Hokage's backing, the Third Hokage would also support Yoroi.

Out of respect for their guardianship of the Hokage, both the Fourth and Third Hokage would grant Shikaku some leniency in certain matters.

At this moment, Yoroi's thoughts were spot on.

Originally, the Fourth Hokage had only intended to listen outside the ward. But upon hearing Shikaku's stern lecture about official matters, he couldn't help but step inside.

First, he smiled at Shikaku, then turned his gaze to Yoroi.

Seeing the bandages soaked with blood around Yoroi's shoulder, the Fourth Hokage's smile faded, and he apologized to Shikaku:

"Shikaku, I'm sorry. It's my failure for not protecting Yoroi."

"No need for such words, Minato."

Hearing the Fourth Hokage's apology, Shikaku smiled nonchalantly and replied, "You have so many matters to handle daily; how could Yoroi's situation trouble you?"

With that, Shikaku stood up, subtly handed something to Yoroi, and said to the Fourth Hokage: "Alright, Minato, I have other matters to attend to, so I won't intrude on your conversation with Yoroi any longer."

"Take care!"

"Goodbye, Uncle Shikaku!"

"Alright, Shikaku, see you later!"

Watching Shikaku leave, Yoroi glanced at the item in his hand and realized it was a blue pill.

A pill, and it's blue?

Recalling a certain type of medication from his previous life, Yoroi looked at the blue pill and couldn't help but twitch his eye.

But the Fourth Hokage, with his keen eyes, noticed the blue pill in Yoroi's hand and chuckled: "Yoroi, Shikaku really cares about you! Don't underestimate this blue pill. Even your Nara clan produces very few of these secret medicines annually, and only a few are given to the village. The last time Kakashi was severely injured, I had to plead with Shikaku for a long time to get this secret medicine from him."

"Otherwise, even if Obito gave his Sharingan to Kakashi, without the effect of this secret medicine, Kakashi's Sharingan might have been rendered useless!"

"Sigh!"

Mentioning the "deceased" Obito Uchiha, the Fourth Hokage couldn't help but sigh deeply.

As for Yoroi, he stared at the blue pill in shock.

Are you kidding me?

Kakashi's eye was critically injured, hastily implanted with a Sharingan, and this blue pill had a miraculous effect, aiding his recovery.

Now, with just a shoulder injury, Uncle Shikaku gave me such a precious secret medicine?

Filled with thoughts of Shikaku's care, Yoroi held the blue pill as if it were a priceless treasure, afraid it might dissolve in his hand.

As the Fourth Hokage sighed about the "deceased" Obito, he prepared to discuss important matters with Yoroi.

Seeing Yoroi's changing expressions, the Fourth Hokage nodded subtly, thinking Yoroi was indeed a person of strong feelings. He got straight to the point and said, "Yoroi, your status is only as a temporary ANBU. Even if you achieve great feats on the battlefield, the village might not be able to give you much reward. I hope you can understand."

"Is this the treatment of a temporary worker?"

Seeing the Fourth Hokage start with this topic, Yoroi smirked internally but maintained his enthusiastic demeanor and replied, "Completing the mission is a ninja's duty."

"Master Minato, it would be inappropriate to talk about merits."

"Yoroi, for someone so young, having such a mindset is commendable. You truly are my disciple. But you must understand, not everyone in the village has your sense of duty, like the Uchiha…"

"Never mind, it's best not to mention it."

Shaking his head, the Fourth Hokage continued: "Moreover, Yoroi, due to the situation with Asuma, the village might not be able to reward you much. I hope you can understand."

"But as I said when I arrived, how can there be no reward for completing a mission for the village?"

"Even if the village doesn't reward you, as your teacher, Yoroi, do you think I would treat you unfairly?"

"So, starting today, stay by my side. Whenever I have time, I'll guide you in your next stage of training!"

Hearing this, Yoroi had no other thoughts, just nodding silently.

But thinking back on everything being caused by Asuma, recalling his arrogant demeanor, Yoroi couldn't help but feel a surge of anger!

"Asuma Sarutobi, you better not return to Konoha!"

"Also, even in the original story, didn't you end up with Kurenai and have a son named Mirai Sarutobi? With me here, your Mirai will become my Mirai!"

"Just wait and see!"

As a member of the Nara clan, Yoroi couldn't openly retaliate against Asuma.

But knowing the original storyline, he could at least intervene in Asuma's love life, right?

Moreover, Kurenai Yuhi was already a beauty at a young age. Even if it wasn't for revenge, it wouldn't be wrong for Yoroi to pursue her for his own future, right?

However, wooing Kurenai at four years old wasn't feasible yet. Yoroi could only lay the groundwork for their future together.

While Yoroi was lost in thoughts of Kurenai's innocent face, the Fourth Hokage's words brought him back to reality.

"Yoroi, I see your injuries have improved; you should be able to walk, right?"

"I have some time now, so let me accompany you for some recovery training!"