Not even Tenten's strength or contributions in this war qualified her for ANBU membership. But qualifications didn't matter when you had connections, or more precisely, when your connection was Uzumaki Naruto. When Sasuke grew tired of Tenten pestering him daily at ANBU headquarters, he simply waved his hand and assigned her to the Amegakure garrison.
Strictly speaking, Tenten wasn't even his direct subordinate. She was a year above them, and their closeness only came from the Chunin Exams. So why was he tolerating her constant harassment? I should've just thrown her out, he thought, though the realization came only after he had already assigned her. By the time it occurred to him, it was too late.
After sending Tenten away for the third time that week, Sasuke finally relaxed. At least Neji is there. That's enough. When he turned around, he saw Naruto sneaking into ANBU headquarters again, clearly here to freeload food. Sasuke's patience snapped instantly.
"Dead-last! That cat food is for Kiki. What are you eating?!"
Naruto blinked innocently. "Eh? Isn't this fish canned food?"
"It's for cats! Are you so poor you're stealing from a cat now?"
"But it actually tastes pretty good."
A vein popped on Sasuke's forehead. He snatched the can and threw it into the trash, then looked down at Naruto coldly. "Tell me. How much money are you borrowing this time?"
Naruto scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Uh, I'm not borrowing money this time. I just want ramen. No chashu, just noodles."
"Where did your mission money go?"
"I spent it all. The Sixth Hokage is too harsh, he won't even give me missions anymore," Naruto said, his tone pitiful.
Sasuke sighed inwardly. He shouldn't be exposed to this world right now. Naruto was not suited for war. He should not see what was happening behind the frontlines. He only needed to keep moving forward. That was all.
"How much do you owe me?"
Naruto counted on his fingers. "Three thousand four hundred forty one ryo." He looked like a child caught stealing sweets, then shamelessly licked his lips, still tasting the cat food oil.
Sasuke's face darkened completely. Who would've thought the so called Hero would be starving like a stray cat. "Let's go. Ramen. But no chashu. If you order extra, I'll throw you into the cat food."
"Yes sir! No chashu! I swear!"
Meanwhile, Neji was already regretting everything. Tenten had somehow forced her way into the Amegakure deployment, and Neji knew exactly what this job meant. Post war cleanup operations were dirty, exhausting work, and Tenten was not qualified. Not even close. Compared to someone like Mitarashi Anko, she was far behind. So when she reported in with full seriousness, Neji immediately said two words.
"Go back."
Tenten puffed out her chest. "Neji sama, I won't cause trouble! I can be useful!"
"You won't. Go back."
Tenten's face crumpled. "Ne, ji, please. I won't hold anyone back. Don't underestimate me."
Neji's headache intensified. "No means no. Stop messing around. This isn't a mission you can apply for. Go home."
Tenten switched tactics immediately, grabbing his sleeve and shaking it. "I already begged everyone else. Don't make me do it again. I really won't cause trouble. I'm strong too!" The ANBU nearby quietly laughed. Even Hyuga Neji had moments like this.
Finally, Neji sighed. "Fine. Stay. But don't interfere with operations."
Tenten instantly brightened and hugged him. "Neji is the best!"
Neji rubbed his temples. "Just don't get in the way."
Elsewhere, Danzo received a visitor: Kazekage Gaara. Danzo understood immediately that the war's cleanup phase had begun. The major battles were over, and now came the redistribution of prisoners and spoils. The Kazekage's brother, Kankuro, had died in battle. It wasn't widely publicized, but the leaders knew, and now Gaara had come for one thing.
"The prisoners of Amegakure."
Danzo calmly poured tea. "May I ask what the Kazekage intends to do with them?"
"To bury them with my brother." Direct. Honest. Uncompromising.
Danzo smiled faintly. "That is emotionally driven."
Gaara didn't touch the tea. "I was once a weapon. Uzumaki Naruto saved me. Because of him, I learned what it means to be human. My brother and sister never abandoned me, no matter what I became. My brother died for me in this war. I watched him die." His gaze did not waver. "So tell me, Hokage, is this emotional reasoning?"
Danzo's smile didn't change. "Your grief is understandable. Please accept my condolences."
Gaara shook his head. "I'm not here for condolences. Name your price."
Danzo set down the teacup. Good. Direct negotiations. The Kazekage was young but efficient, and Danzo respected that, even if he wouldn't show it.