Reporting
Shirō spent the journey back listening to Sakumo's guidance while studying the magic scrolls he had brought along. A day later, he and his companions finally returned to the Hidden Leaf Village.
Upon arrival, Shirō didn't rush to the hospital. Instead, he and Nakamura went directly to report on their mission, since he was the one who ultimately dealt the final blow to "Moryō."
---
"Hokage-sama, this is the intel from our mission." Nakamura respectfully presented the scroll.
"Mm, you've all worked hard," the Third Hokage said with a calm smile as he took the report. Then his eyes sharpened. "What are your thoughts on the creature described here?"
Nakamura answered first. "That thing is troublesome. It doesn't have overwhelming offensive power, but its recovery speed is abnormal. Its chakra reserves are massive, and most concerning is its ability to control countless puppets."
Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped the pipe in his hand. "The intel from the Land of Demons claims that Moryō cannot die. Can you confirm that?"
Nakamura shook his head. "We cannot. The shrine maiden gave us this information, and while we can't verify it ourselves, judging by her attitude, I'd say it's true."
"I see." The Hokage's expression softened again as he leaned back in his chair. "Then let's proceed. This mission was originally listed as A-rank due to insufficient intel, but after review, its true level is S-rank."
The genin looked at one another in surprise.
"However," Hiruzen continued, "this mission contained two stages of greatly different difficulty. After discussion, we have decided that for the two squads—excluding Emiya Shirō—the completion rewards will be equivalent to a B-rank mission."
He turned his gaze toward Shirō. "Emiya Shirō, for your direct participation in the final battle and your exceptional performance, you will receive S-rank compensation, alongside Nakamura and Pingyi. Do you have any objections?"
"No, Hokage-sama. Thank you," Shirō replied calmly, bowing his head.
"Good." Hiruzen smiled again. "Your performance in this mission was excellent. Except for Emiya Shirō, the rest of you may each choose one B-rank ninjutsu or a ninja tool of equal value."
He waved his hand. "Nakamura, Pingyi, and Shirō, stay. The rest of you are dismissed."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
The genin bowed and left. Most of them had guessed that Shirō would receive a special reward, but they held no resentment—his contributions were undeniable.
Takeda, however, couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. As a fellow commoner, he wished he could earn the Hokage's attention too. Still, he reminded himself that Shirō's tireless training had earned this recognition. That only fueled his own determination.
The Uchiha pair, Taiyi and Miyue, were unconcerned. For them, clan acknowledgment was more important than the Hokage's. The Sharingan's true potential would always be cultivated within their family.
Shikamaru of the Nara Clan and Xiao guang of the Yamanaka were also unbothered. Both their clans were among the Leaf's strongest supporters. As long as they proved their ability, the village would never overlook them.
Takeda clenched his fists quietly. If Shirō, another outsider, could rise to prominence, then so could he—if he had the strength.
---
Once the others had left, Hiruzen's expression grew more serious.
"Shirō, you should already know about the jinchūriki, yes?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. My master explained it to me," Shirō answered cautiously.
He had indeed asked Sakumo about them. In his mind, if he couldn't obtain other Tailed Beast chakra in the future, he might one day have to face the Nine-Tails. Better to be prepared.
"You were the one who directly clashed with Moryō," Hiruzen said. "Your clan's… secret analysis technique is said to be quite sharp. Tell me, do you believe that creature could become a jinchūriki?"
Shirō froze. His pupils contracted in shock. He hadn't even considered that possibility. In his previous life, that creature had always been dismissed in favor of the Dragon Vein arc. He had long forgotten it could even be treated like a Tailed Beast.
After a long silence, Shirō shook his head. "No. Moryō's chakra feels… wrong. Too evil. Its influence is overwhelming. Anyone who became its host would almost certainly lose themselves."
Hiruzen exhaled smoke. "But isn't Tailed Beast chakra also destructive? Does that not make it the same?"
Shirō frowned slightly. He almost mentioned Kushina but caught himself, glancing at Nakamura and Pingyi. He changed his words. "From what I've sensed, Tailed Beast chakra is indeed corrosive, but it isn't truly evil. It's simply too vast and too different from human chakra. Its nature is closer to something wild and untamed, like a great serpent. But Moryō's chakra is fundamentally twisted. To seal it inside a host, you would need an entirely new sealing technique—and even then, the requirements for the vessel would be extreme. This is likely why the Land of Demons has never tried to use it as a jinchūriki."
Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully, then turned his gaze to Nakamura. "Nakamura, you once faced a Tailed Beast during the war, didn't you? How does it compare?"
Shirō blinked in surprise, staring at Nakamura with newfound respect. He hadn't expected his seniors to have such a terrifying experience—it even surpassed their so-called "fight" against Hanzō.
Nakamura crossed his arms. "Now that it's been mentioned… they do feel different. The Moryō isn't as powerful as a Tailed Beast, but its nature is far more… alien."
"I see." Hiruzen's eyes narrowed, but then he waved the matter off. "That is enough on this subject. Shirō, this scroll contains a ninjutsu reward prepared for you. If you struggle with it, consult Sakumo. And if he is not available, you may come to me. Train hard—you are the future of the village."
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Shirō accepted the scroll respectfully.
After leaving the Hokage's office, he tucked the scroll away. He'd check what technique it was later. If it didn't align with his path, he would set it aside for the time being. His system was still incomplete, his combat style not yet fully established. Adding unnecessary techniques now would only delay his foundation.
But before heading home, there was one more stop: the hospital. He needed his injuries checked by professionals. His own instincts were unreliable, and his broken system lacked proper diagnostic functions.
---
After Shirō left, Hiruzen turned to Nakamura and Pingyi. "How did the others perform?"
They immediately understood that this was not about raw talent. Being chosen for this mission already proved that. The Hokage was asking about their character.
Pingyi spoke first. "Takeda has solid potential, but more importantly, his temperament is reliable. His entire family hails from Konoha, so there is no problem with his background. Xiao guang is similar. As for Miyue… she has already awakened her Sharingan."
Pingyi's voice carried a subtle weight. As a jonin of the Mito Clan, he knew how the village viewed the Uchiha. But Miyue was also his student, so he stated only the facts. The Hokage would decide what came next.
Subscribe to patreon.com/MexxyWave to get 30+ chapters