A cool breeze swept through the air.
Drake woke up from his chair and stretched lazily.
"Looks like it's time for another perfectly timed free dinner."
He rubbed his stomach and prepared to take a stroll to Happy Hot Springs.
Zzz—
White Zetsu emerged from the ground.
"Drake-sama, the Hokage just issued an order. ANBU will escort Danzō tomorrow."
"Huh? He hasn't left yet?" Drake looked surprised.
If he remembered correctly, the order had already been issued yesterday morning. It was only ignored because of Minato's rescue.
A whole day had passed—
and the mission was being issued again?
Drake thought for a moment, then smiled.
Now that ANBU was entirely under his control, Danzō still dared to request an escort?
"Got it."
With a casual wave, Drake left the courtyard.
Happy Hot Springs
Once again, Drake arrived exactly at mealtime.
This time, Kushina Uzumaki didn't complain at all—instead, she welcomed him warmly.
"Drake, perfect timing. Sit down."
"Then I must be very lucky," Drake replied, taking his seat without hesitation.
"Thank you for saving Minato," Kushina said sincerely.
"No need to thank me," Drake replied with a smile.
"I heard you killed a very high-ranking Sand ninja this time," Mikoto Uchiha joined the conversation.
"A high-ranking one?" Drake tilted his head. "Did I?"
"His name was Fūra, skilled in Wind Release," Mikoto reminded him.
"Oh? He was important?"
"He once competed with Rasa for the position of Fourth Kazekage.
He was the third-most important figure in Sunagakure."
Drake felt absolutely nothing.
Third in Sand Village?
Still got slapped flying with one hit.
He hadn't even used Wood Release.
"Oh, right," Drake said casually. "Mikoto-san, I have something to tell you after dinner."
"…Eh?"
Mikoto froze, panic flashing through her heart.
Is he serious?
Inviting me aside in front of everyone?!
As expected, Drake's words instantly drew attention.
"What can't be said in front of us?" Kushina asked curiously.
"Yes, I want to hear too," Meiko chimed in.
"I do too…" Suzune Hyūga added softly.
Seeing their curiosity, Drake's expression turned solemn.
"Are you sure you want to hear this?" he asked gravely.
"It's extremely confidential. If it leaks, you'll all be in danger."
That only made them more curious.
"It's fine. Say it—we won't tell anyone!" Kushina patted her chest.
"Yes!"
"We won't leak it," Meiko and Suzune nodded.
Drake cleared his throat.
Mikoto's forehead began to sweat.
Kushina and the others leaned in.
"Mikoto-san," Drake said slowly,
"Tomorrow, ANBU will escort Danzō Shimura out of the village."
"…Huh?"
Kushina blinked in confusion.
"That's the secret?"
Wait—
Her expression suddenly stiffened.
Why would Drake tell Mikoto this?
He's not informing Mikoto—
he's using Mikoto to pass the message to Fugaku Uchiha!
Kushina's heart jolted.
"With ANBU escorting Danzō, the mission should be foolproof," Mikoto said carefully.
"No, no," Drake shook his head.
"ANBU is very reluctant about this mission. So no matter what happens along the way—
ANBU will not intervene."
Silence exploded.
All four women stared at him.
That was… far too blunt.
Far too bold.
If anyone here leaked this, Drake would be finished.
Mikoto stood frozen, her mind buzzing.
She understood perfectly what Drake meant.
He was practically saying:
"Uchiha clan, you may assassinate Danzō tomorrow.
ANBU didn't see a thing."
The room fell into an eerie stillness.
After a long moment, Mikoto finally regained herself.
"I'm full. I'll be heading back."
She stood, bowed politely, and hurried out.
Drake continued eating calmly, expression unchanged.
Kushina and the other two had completely lost their appetite.
"Drake… if you keep doing things like this, something bad will happen sooner or later," Kushina warned.
"Something bad?" Drake chuckled.
"Kushina-senpai, do you know what I hate most?"
"…Hate?" Kushina felt uneasy.
Did I say too much?
"I hate doing missions."
"…Eh?"
"That's… what you hate?"
"That's strange."
The three women sighed in relief.
But then a new thought struck them—
Because he hates missions… he lets the escort target die?
At this rate, even the Hokage who issued the mission might end up dead.
That dinner was eaten in absolute dread.
Night
As expected, Drake soon received an invitation from Fugaku Uchiha.
Young Itachi Uchiha delivered the message in person.
"Drake-senpai," Itachi said seriously on the way,
"Can I ask you for a favor?"
"You? Asking me?" Drake raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I want you to help my father drink less tonight," Itachi pleaded.
"Drink less?"
"Yes! Last time he drank, the house was a mess—there was stuff everywhere…"
"Ahem."
Drake quickly stopped him.
That wasn't an ordinary mess.
That was the result of digging a well at Mikoto's place.
"I promise," Drake said immediately.
Entering the Uchiha district, Itachi ran off again.
Drake pushed open the door and stepped into Fugaku's room.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 60 chapter ahead on P@treon if you're interested: patreon.com/SwipeSage