Asuma returned to the Hokage's office and reported the outcome of his trip to the Land of Peaceful Bliss to Sarutobi Hiruzen in full detail.
"...Old man, that's the situation. That Tenji is Sora's summoning creature, and the contract was signed long ago. I saw that it gets along very well with Sora, can speak, and possesses very high intelligence."
Although Asuma felt some regret, his tone was relatively straightforward.
"Sora..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's hand holding his pipe paused slightly. In his mind, he quickly flashed through all the intelligence regarding Sora from recent years.
The Battle of Kikyōyama, a draw against Sunagakure's Pakura and her Scorch Release.
The Land of Lightning mission, encountering an encirclement by two squads of Kumogakure Anbu Jonin, ultimately breaking through alone and returning. Though claiming it was luck, escaping from such a lineup was no easy feat.
Combined with Nara Shikagure's evaluation of Sora from several years ago...
Sarutobi Hiruzen reached a conclusion that even made him feel a slight chill.
Sora likely already possessed Kage-level strength. His growth speed far exceeded initial expectations.
But thinking of Nara Shikagure, a trace of sorrow welled up in Sarutobi Hiruzen's heart.
That wise former head of the Nara clan, his important advisor, had recently fallen in battle during the intense conflict with Kumogakure.
Moreover, he died at the hands of the Third Raikage, who for unknown reasons suddenly appeared on the battlefield.
'Was it because of the commotion Sora caused in the Land of Lightning that attracted the Third Raikage's attention?'
Sarutobi Hiruzen subconsciously linked the two events, but there was no proof.
He just felt that ever since Sora displayed extraordinary talent, many things seemed to be deviating from their original course.
However, he quickly gathered his thoughts.
In any case, Sora's current performance was beneficial to Konoha. Although he had some secrets, which talented shinobi didn't have their own trump cards?
As for the summoning creature...
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced out the window at the Hokage Rock.
The Enma clan had been on good terms with the Sarutobi clan for generations. In a sense, Sora contracting with them meant he was half-stepping into their faction.
As long as Sora did not betray Konoha, having one more powerful summoning creature increased the village's high-end combat power.
"I understand."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded to Asuma, his tone returning to calm. "Since it is Sora's good fortune, then so be it. You did well, not acting impulsively."
He then picked up a mission scroll and handed it to Asuma.
"Your squad will rest for two days, then go execute this B-rank escort mission. The route is safe, consider it a chance for you all to relax."
Asuma took the scroll. He instinctively disliked this kind of sheltered treatment, but then he thought of Uesugi Min in his squad, pursed his lips without saying anything more, acknowledged the order, and left the office.
...
Ascension Island, underground laboratory.
After Sora returned, Nonō and the others cast inquiring glances his way.
"It was people from Konoha, nothing major, already resolved."
Sora gave a brief explanation, not detailing the matters concerning Asuma and the Enma clan to avoid causing them worry.
Seeing Sora unwilling to say more, Nonō and the others considerately did not press further.
Sora walked to the laboratory bench. Kabuto was carefully operating a centrifuge.
"Controlling the rotation speed and time is key. Different cell structures require different centrifugal forces for effective separation."
Sora pointed at the test tubes spinning in the centrifuge, explaining to Kabuto. "Observe the layering carefully. When extracting the supernatant, be steady to avoid disturbing the sediment at the bottom..."
Kabuto nodded seriously, committing every word Sora said to memory.
Although he was not yet eight years old, he had already shown astonishing talent in medical and biological knowledge.
Over the next few days, Sora guided Kabuto in preparing for basic cloning experiments, while also organizing the data obtained from Orochimaru's base, and silently calculating the time to return to Konoha to report on the mission.
...
Several days later, Hokage's office.
Sora took out a report and handed it with both hands to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama, the mission is complete. For many days, I explored the border regions of the Land of Water, but did not find the exact traces of the remaining three members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. There were only scattered activity traces of Kirigakure outposts. I judge they may have withdrawn deep into Kirigakure, or are on other covert missions."
"Oh?"
Upon hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow furrowed slightly. This was the first time since Sora joined the Anbu that he submitted a report without concrete results.
But upon second thought, he understood. The loss of four members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen at once was already earth-shattering news. The remaining three were probably under strict protection by Kirigakure or had other arrangements. Sora might genuinely have been unable to find them.
"Mm, well done."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then seemingly casually added. "I heard... you contracted a member of the Enma clan some time ago?"
Sora's heart stirred slightly. He explained, mixing truth and falsehood.
"Yes. I left the village earlier to search for a summoning creature. By chance, I encountered the injured Tenji in a mountain forest within the Land of Fire. We signed the summoning contract through a fortunate coincidence."
"Tenji... a good name."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked deeply at Sora, but did not inquire further. He just said in a mild tone.
"The Enma clan are trustworthy partners. They have been on good terms with Konoha, and with my Sarutobi clan, for generations. That you gained their recognition is your luck and your strength. Treat it well. Summoning creatures are important aids to a shinobi."
"I understand." Sora lowered his head in acknowledgment.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, seemingly encouraging, actually also pointed out the relationship between the Enma clan and himself, implying a sense of "you are now connected to my faction."
"Rise."
Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, changing the subject. His expression instantly turned serious.
"Kumogakure has the Third Raikage personally taking charge at the front lines. The pressure on the front is immense. Akimichi Torifu, as the frontline commander, urgently needs reinforcements."
He picked up a prepared transfer order and handed it to Sora.
"This time, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you. Prepare as soon as possible. Depart tonight for the northeastern border camp to support Akimichi Torifu. Follow his orders then."
Hearing this, Sora was momentarily stunned, then hurriedly accepted the transfer order.
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
But inwardly, he couldn't help cursing. 'I clearly had two days of leave left after the last mission. Now I have to work non-stop, right?'
This couldn't help but remind him of scenes from his previous life at work. The boss says "well done," and the subordinates have to work themselves to death, mostly without overtime pay.
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