"Isn't this written pretty well?"
Lifting his head, Takeshi glanced at Yakushi Kabuto, whose face was filled with nervousness. He closed the file and casually tossed it onto the desk.
Itachi, who had been busy with his own work, paused and picked up the file curiously.
"Suggestions for improving the medical corps… Kabuto, you really did a good job. Why don't you dare to submit it?"
After reading the contents, Itachi came to the same conclusion as Takeshi.
"Though, there are some parts that could be improved."
Sitting down on the sofa with the file in hand, Itachi pulled out a pen and began making revisions.
Takeshi sat down next to him without hesitation, resting his head on Itachi's shoulder regardless of its weight, watching as he wrote.
Haku and Kimimaro exchanged a glance, nodded, and each moved to Takeshi's side from left and right. Whether they understood or not didn't matter—what mattered was staying by his side.
Only Kabuto was left standing there blankly.
Wait a second—wasn't that my work? Why are they all crowding around like this?
Feeling the two kids pressing close against him, Takeshi had no intention of pushing them away. Naturally, he placed his right hand on Kimimaro's head, gently brushing through his white hair.
Kimimaro narrowed his eyes, seemingly enjoying the sensation.
Seeing this, Haku's eyes burned with jealousy, turning almost red. He leaned even closer to Takeshi.
"Alright, alright, don't squeeze in too much. You'll break Itachi's focus."
Takeshi lightly patted Haku's head, signaling him to give a little space.
"Hey, Takeshi, you—"
Obito's voice suddenly rang out as he pushed open the office door. The first thing he saw was Takeshi surrounded by children.
Did he come to the wrong place? This was supposed to be the Hokage's office, yet it looked more like a ninja academy classroom.
Scratching his head, Obito turned a puzzled look to Kabuto, who was standing stiffly.
"You're Kabuto, right? What's going on here?"
Kabuto sighed and quickly explained the situation.
Half a year ago, he had graduated from the academy. Instead of taking missions afterward, he joined the medical corps as an intern under Nonō's recommendation.
After six months of training, aside from submitting the required internship report, he also compiled some of his own insights into a file. He had planned to revise it when he was more experienced.
Unexpectedly, Yamato, who had come to chat with him, discovered the file. Soon after, it ended up in Takeshi's hands—leading to the scene now unfolding.
"I remember Tsunade-sama is the one in charge of the medical corps. Kid, you've got guts. No wonder they call you one of the geniuses of your generation."
Recalling Tsunade's temper, Obito gave Kabuto a thumbs-up.
To dare offer her suggestions—well, that was something.
"By the way, how's Rin lately? Has anyone been bullying her in the medical corps?"
Remembering that Rin also worked there, Obito asked Kabuto about her.
He had been tied up with missions lately and hadn't found the chance to chat with her.
"Rin-senpai is highly respected. How could anyone bully her?"
The two spoke in low tones for a while, until Itachi finished his edits.
"This way it's much more polished, sensei."
He handed the revised file to Takeshi. Without even glancing at it, Takeshi signed his name.
Watching this, Haku's eyelids twitched.
Was Takeshi the Hokage—or just Itachi's puppet?
The scene gave off a strong impression that Itachi was holding the Hokage hostage to command Konoha.
"Yeah, sign Kabuto's name on it, and send it to Tsunade directly."
Takeshi summoned a ninja from the Internal Affairs Division. The man, unfazed by the children-filled office, took the file and vanished.
Kabuto's face turned pale.
Why was Itachi's revised file still being signed under his name?
Thinking of Tsunade showing up to work drunk half the time, Kabuto was already preparing to leave a will with Nonō.
"Don't be so tense, Kabuto."
Amused by his ashen face, Takeshi chuckled and wiped away tears.
"Tsunade's temper may be bad, but she controls her strength well. Basically, she won't kill you."
Hearing this, Kabuto turned even paler.
Seriously—was that supposed to be comforting?
"In any case, Konoha is in a period of rapid growth. Everyone should feel free to make suggestions."
After joking, Takeshi grew serious.
"Kabuto, don't be afraid of the consequences of speaking up. Konoha isn't mine alone—it belongs to everyone. Each of us should contribute to its growth."
The words stirred one's blood. But Itachi had a different take.
Sensei… isn't it just because you can't handle all the workload by yourself?
Obito rubbed his chin. He actually had a suggestion.
Maybe give every jōnin a few days off. He really wanted time to talk with Rin.
But…
Sneaking a glance at Takeshi, he felt that the moment he voiced that idea, he'd be dragged straight to Internal Affairs.
He had heard his own teacher was recently sentenced to death, only to be released later for some reason, and was now accompanying his senior on a diplomatic mission to Sunagakure, living like a beast of burden.
"Um…"
Suddenly, Haku raised his hand, looking at Takeshi with anticipation.
"What is it?"
Pinching Haku's soft cheeks, Takeshi smiled, urging him to speak.
"I suggest that Hokage-sama make some time to come home for dinner. Kimimaro and I haven't had supper with you in a long time."
This child… no wonder Takeshi had gone all the way to Kirigakure to bring him back.
Takeshi was so touched he nearly cried.
Finally, someone cared about him. Everyone else complained about living like beasts of burden lately, but didn't realize he was the biggest one of all—the head beast.
"Alright, Itachi, I'll leave the rest of the files to you. You forge my signature so well anyway."
Overwhelmed with emotion, Takeshi didn't hesitate. Without waiting for Itachi's reply, he grabbed Haku and Kimimaro's hands and activated the Flying Thunder God.
"Sensei, you—"
Itachi began to speak, only to find the space beside him empty.
Wait—I'm still underage, okay?
Obito: Strange, why do I feel ignored? Why did I even come here again?
After a moment of thought, Obito's expression changed drastically.
"Wait, Takeshi can't leave yet! I've got intel—someone's planning to assassinate him!"
Itachi and Kabuto, who had been about to return to their tasks, whipped their heads around.
"What?"
Especially Itachi—he shot to his feet, stepping quickly toward Obito.
"Is that true, Obito-senpai?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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