Hospital corridor.
Several children poked their heads out cautiously, then quickly pulled them back.
"Shikamaru, is your information reliable?"
"That depends on Ino."
Shikamaru looked toward Ino.
Ino said, "Right here, I saw it myself; they just moved in!"
"Then it should be over."
Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief.
Afterward, he let out a yawn. "Let's go."
"Go where?"
Choji paused his potato chip munching.
Shikamaru rubbed his eyes. "Home, of course. I didn't get a nap today. Aren't you guys sleepy?"
"Shikamaru! Didn't we agree to go see Yakumo and Naruto?"
Ino whispered.
Shikamaru hesitated to speak, but Ino immediately brandished her fist, threatening, "Are you going or not?"
"Let's find the teacher then."
Shikamaru gave up.
Reasoning with her was impossible.
What a drag!
He followed behind with his head hanging low.
Before they even rounded the corner...
"What are you all doing, acting so sneakily?"
"Ah!"
Ino let out a startled cry and immediately covered her own mouth.
Afterward, she held up two bouquets of flowers. "We came to see Yakumo and Naruto."
Masahiko had already seen the causes and effects of that day in the plot of the seventeenth episode.
Naruto hadn't accidentally gotten trapped inside; rather, he had noticed Yakumo hadn't come out while he was halfway through running, so he turned back.
His first reaction was likely thinking that Yakumo couldn't get out due to her poor health, never imagining that she was the cause of it all.
"If you're coming, just come. No need to be so secretive."
Masahiko smiled. "Naruto is awake. Yakumo is still sleeping, but as soon as she wakes up, we can process her discharge papers. No point in her taking up a hospital bed."
"That's great!"
Ino was overjoyed upon hearing this.
"Go on."
Masahiko led them over.
However...
"Shikamaru, wait a moment."
"Huh?"
Shikamaru was stunned for a second but stayed behind as requested.
Masahiko took Shikamaru to a balcony on the side and asked, "Are there any rumors about Yakumo in class?"
"Not really."
Shikamaru hesitated for a moment before saying, "Actually, most people don't know what happened. Only a few might find out after the fact."
"Then help me make a trip and talk to them."
"Huh?"
Upon hearing this, Shikamaru instinctively wanted to refuse, but seeing Masahiko's expression, he swallowed his words.
He knew Masahiko.
If he refused, Masahiko wouldn't necessarily sabotage him, but he would definitely give him'special attention' during Taijutsu training.
Shikamaru had no choice but to nod and agree.
However...
He still said, "Regarding the Hyuga Clan's side..."
"I don't need you for that side."
...Root Organization squad base.
Danzo issued orders methodically, then picked up a dusty intelligence record.
A moment later.
"My Lord, Masahiko has arrived."
"Mm."
Danzo set down the intelligence record in his hand.
Shortly after, Masahiko entered.
"My Lord!"
"Heh, I knew you would come, and I know what you want to say."
Danzo tossed the booklet in his hand to him. "I am not a narrow-minded person. Your decision benefits the Village; on the contrary, I am very pleased."
"Thank you for your magnanimity. This subordinate was thinking... that monster could perhaps serve as a power similar to a Tailed Beast. Combined with Yakumo's Bloodline Limit, it would definitely be a great asset to the Village!"
Masahiko repeated himself anyway.
Danzo nodded and said, "As you say, if it can be successfully sealed, it can indeed become a power similar to a Tailed Beast."
He pointed at the booklet.
"Take a look."
"Yes!"
Masahiko respectfully took it.
He opened the booklet and examined it closely, pausing after a few seconds. "Are you saying that Yakumo's condition is likely related to the Village Hidden in the Sky?"
"I am not sure; I only have a forty percent certainty,"
Danzo replied.
Seeing Masahiko's surprised face, he gave a cold smile and said, "Remember, for us, forty percent... is already very high!"
"Yes!"
Masahiko bowed his head and continued reading the records.
After getting a general understanding, he respectfully handed the intelligence record back.
"Please give your instructions, My Lord!"
"I don't need you to do anything for now. Keep an eye on Yakumo; he might come again."
Danzo said, "I let you see this mainly so you understand who the enemy might be and can prepare in advance."
"Yes!"
Masahiko responded.
Danzo said, "I am assigning a squad to you. From today on, they will follow your commands."
As he spoke, he tossed over an information sheet.
"This subordinate will certainly not fail your expectations!"
Masahiko took it.
Three names were written on it.
From top to bottom, they were—
Aka, Shin, Sai.
The first two were clearly codenames within the Root Organization, but the third name was very familiar.
Danzo clapped his hands.
After the applause, three people appeared before Danzo.
One tall, two short.
Masahiko looked at the three.
The shortest one was clearly Sai.
Although he was still studying at the Ninja Academy at this time, Masahiko had checked; he spent most of his time training and practicing in Root, and his enrollment at the Ninja Academy was just a formality.
Shin was slightly taller than him, but it was clear he wasn't very old.
"From now on, you will assist Masahiko in protecting three targets within the Ninja Academy."
"Yes!"
..."Masahiko-sensei, please take care of us."
"Shin, Sai, from now on at the Ninja Academy, you must attend classes seriously, understood?"
Masahiko said with a smile.
"Yes, My Lord, we understand your meaning!"
Shin answered seriously.
Sai stood to the side, remaining silent.
Masahiko nodded, then looked at the third person. "Senior Aka, you are older than me; you can handle most of the arrangements."
"Captain, I'm afraid that..."
Aka was somewhat hesitant.
Masahiko smiled. "We are both subordinates of My Lord. As long as we serve My Lord and Konoha, what does it matter who is in charge? Besides, I don't have that much free time..."
"Yes! This subordinate understands!"
Aka bowed his head in response.
"What is your identity at the Ninja Academy?"
Masahiko asked.
Aka replied, "This subordinate is a member of the Ninja Academy's new security team, responsible for patrolling and maintaining public order in the vicinity. My name is Akai Osamu."
"Good. If I have orders for you, I will find you at the security team."
Masahiko said, "Dismissed."
"Yes!"
Aka nodded and agreed.
The three left using Body Flicker.
Masahiko walked toward home, fully aware of Danzo's intent in sending the three.
Besides helping, they were also meant to monitor Masahiko's activities within the Ninja Academy.
However, within the Ninja Academy, Masahiko indeed performed his duties as a teacher seriously; his clandestine activities were mostly outside the school.
As for constant tailing... the people from Root weren't bad, but he was certainly no amateur either.
If they tried to follow him closely, he had ways to lose them.
Masahiko smiled and quickened his pace.
Having subordinates was a good thing!
For example—
Shin and Sai.
The two of them likely hadn't undergone their final 'assessment' yet. If he put in some effort, he might be able to win them over.
Furthermore, Danzo's willingness to give him men was itself a sign of trust.
It was just that... a man like Danzo was destined never to fully trust anyone.
Masahiko's mind was calm.
However, before reaching the Village, he saw a middle-aged man with graying temples rushing toward the Village carrying a load of vegetables.
Masahiko stopped and walked toward him.
"My Lord, I am a vegetable farmer from the neighboring Village..."
The man bowed, showing complete respect.
Masahiko looked at him for a few moments and said, "Don't be afraid. I just wanted to ask, now that the Military Police Force is gone, do you think it's better or worse?"
"Huh?"
The middle-aged man was stunned for a second, set down his load, and hesitated for a moment.
Masahiko smiled. "I am a teacher at the school, currently in charge of social practice courses. Just answer honestly."
"There are still Ninja Lords maintaining order, and children helping to sweep and keep things organized..."
The man said cautiously, "I think... it should be a good thing, right?"
"Do you need help?"
Masahiko reached out.
The man smiled and picked up his load, saying, "We who do farm work and sell vegetables run back and forth every day; we're long used to it."
"Alright, then carry on."
Masahiko nodded with a smile and left.