Konoha. Inside the Hokage's Building.
"Huh? You mean my mission rating was upgraded to S-rank?"
"Yes. You need to see the Hokage himself to collect the reward," the staff member replied respectfully.
Normally, unless you were a "main character" type, most Konoha ninjas handled mission reports and payments at the Mission Assignment Desk on the first floor.
Getting summoned to the Hokage's office was rare, usually reserved for high-level missions issued directly by the Hokage.
Night Namikaze felt a bit dazed. An S-rank mission on a Genin's record? That was absurd.
He expected a commendation, sure, but he didn't expect Hiruzen Sarutobi to be this generous.
He arrived at the office he had visited just yesterday. Before he could knock, he heard the muffled sounds of an argument from inside. It sounded like...
"My shadow!"
"You regret!"
The door swung open, and Danzo Shimura, dressed in battle gear, stormed out. His face was even darker than yesterday.
He spotted Night waiting outside and shot him a vicious glare with his drooping, triangular eyes before marching off without a word.
Night felt confused. I'm the victim here! Why is the old geezer mad at me?
"Come in," Hiruzen's voice called out.
Night walked in. Hiruzen was massaging his temples. "Don't mind him. Danzo is just grumpy about being deployed to the front lines immediately."
The explanation was unnecessary, but Hiruzen worried Night might get the wrong idea and spread rumors like "Danzo and the Hokage are fighting" or "The Elders are planning a coup."
"Oh."
Night nodded and didn't pry, writing it off as Hiruzen and Danzo's "special hobby."
"The village has verified your intel. It's accurate. And the scroll you brought back contains a rare S-rank Sealing Jutsu."
Night knew exactly what was in there. He had checked it on the way back. It was the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
If the system accepted duplicate jutsus, he would have pawned it ages ago instead of bringing it back for Hiruzen to play riddler with.
"The mission payment will be issued at S-rank standards. Additionally, since your squad completed a mission far beyond your capabilities, you may choose a few extra ninjutsu as a reward."
Night expected compensation, but this level of generosity was stunning. His brain short-circuited for a second.
"Then I want... the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu."
"That jutsu carries significant risks. I suggest you pick something else."
"Then I want the Flying Thunder God!"
"..." Hiruzen was silent for a moment. He quietly reached for a scroll on the bookshelf.
"Here is the learning scroll for the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Keep it safe."
"Okay."
Night accepted it outwardly, but internally he was cursing Hiruzen for being a cheapskate. Can't even play along.
As for the cash reward, he spent it all on several ninjutsu scrolls of different chakra natures. He didn't save a dime. Money was useless if you were dead, and these jutsus were hard to buy on the open market.
Under the weird look of the archivist, Night calmly walked out with an armful of elemental ninjutsu scrolls.
He didn't dare stay long. The sheer number of forbidden jutsus in that archive made his eyes spin. He was terrified he might impulsively try to grab one and get his head caved in by Hiruzen next door.
But the experience gave him an idea. He knew there was one other place besides the Hokage building that had a massive stash of goodies.
"Great haul."
Night weighed the scrolls in his hand. He wasn't in a rush to learn them. Patting his full money pouch (what was left of it), he decided to treat himself.
He kept walking until he found himself in front of the Ninja Academy.
Checking the time, he realized school was about to let out. He decided to wait for his "little brother."
Not long after, the gates opened, and students poured out.
Night spotted the "Little Sun" immediately. The blonde, good-natured shota was popular and surrounded by people.
"Yo, Minato! Over here!" Night waved.
Minato turned, saw Night lounging on a bench, and smiled helplessly. He probably wanted to sneak away, but he was too polite for that.
Night lunged forward and wrapped his arm around Minato's neck in a headlock.
"Not bad, kid. You got taller. Almost as handsome as me now."
"Night-nii..." Minato chuckled, accepting his fate.
Maybe because they were both Namikaze orphans, Minato had a soft spot for his eccentric cousin.
But Night's erratic train of thought was always hard to handle. Sure enough, his next sentence threw Minato off balance.
"Did you catch that little chili pepper girl yet?"
"Huh... W-what? Cut it out, Night-nii!" Minato stammered, his face turning red. He looked around frantically.
Seeing the girl with the bright red hair hadn't noticed, he let out a sigh of relief.
"Come on, man. Why are you so wishy-washy? No wonder she thinks you're unreliable and girly."
"Stop talking nonsense! Kushina's been in a bad mood all day. I don't know what's wrong."
Night let go and patted Minato's shoulder, his tone suddenly serious.
"Hmm... that involves some classified stuff. All I can tell you is: be nice to her. This might be the hardest time of her life."
Then, instantly switching back to his lazy persona, he added, "Let's go. Ramen on me. Call your little friend over."
Before Minato could respond, Night dragged him over to catch up with Kushina, who was walking home alone.
"Let's go grab some ramen together," Night invited with a smile.
Kushina Uzumaki looked at the two blondes, big and small. Normally, she would have refused instantly.
But something about Night felt... familiar. A vague sense of kinship made her nod before she realized what she was doing.
Ichiraku Ramen wasn't far. They arrived quickly.
"One extra-large Miso Chashu Ramen."
Night ordered like a regular. He shoved Minato into the middle seat between him and Kushina, grinning at the awkward pair.
"Don't be shy. Order whatever you want. My treat."
Minato regained his composure. Seeing Kushina hesitate, he gently suggested, "The Miso Chashu is really good here."
Kushina nodded slightly, accepting the recommendation.
The ramen arrived. The conversation died down, replaced by the sound of slurping noodles.
While the two kids focused on eating, Night's eyes drifted to the window, lost in thought. No one noticed the bold plan forming in his mind.