Chapter 58 – Speculation and Rumors
Early the next morning, an official notice from the Hokage's Office was delivered to Yami's residence by an ANBU operative.
The review had clearly been expedited.
His mission report no longer required submission—his account in the Hokage's office had already been selectively recorded and archived.
The notice stated that, in light of his exceptional performance in Kirigakure—successfully preserving himself under extreme circumstances, retrieving valuable intelligence materials, and bringing back five precious Uzumaki survivors—
the "Kirigakure Infiltration" mission had been upgraded once again and was officially classified as S-rank.
Though the news was not made public, it still caused considerable shock among Konoha's upper ranks.
According to insiders, a certain one-eyed elder stormed into the Hokage's office in visible displeasure and emerged with an even darker expression. The office door itself had reportedly suffered collateral damage—left hanging precariously afterward.
If anyone were to carefully examine Yami's pitifully thin shinobi résumé, they might seriously question their own eyesight.
His recorded missions numbered only three:
Uzushio Border Reconnaissance — S-rank
Kumogakure Hostage Pursuit — A-rank
Kirigakure Covert Infiltration — S-rank
Three missions.
Two S-ranks.
One A-rank.
"Only playing in high-tier lobbies, huh?"
Such an absurd record—borderline monstrous—was almost impossible to find elsewhere in Konoha's history.
This could no longer be dismissed as mere "luck" or "talent."
It felt more like the quiet rise of a legend.
---
In stark contrast to this dazzling mission history, however, the notice also clearly stated:
Yami's promotion to Chūnin was still too recent. His seniority was insufficient, and according to regulations, he could not yet be considered for advancement in rank.
As compensation—and as a sign of the village's cultivation and trust—he would receive alternative rewards.
More notably, the document subtly mentioned that a "guiding jōnin" would be arranged for him.
"A guiding jōnin?"
Yami rubbed his chin, a faintly amused glint flashing in his eyes.
Now that… was interesting.
The so-called "guiding jōnin" was, in truth, closer to a master–disciple relationship.
And even though he had deliberately concealed much of his strength, based on what he had revealed so far, ordinary jōnin—perhaps even elite jōnin—would likely no longer be qualified to instruct him.
Those above that level were exceedingly rare, even in Konoha.
Thus, the Third Hokage's arrangement felt less like simple cultivation… and more like a gesture of goodwill. A form of binding.
Yami rolled up the scroll and tucked it away, his expression returning to calm.
Titles meant little to him. What truly mattered were tangible power—and points he could hold in his grasp.
---
After receiving the notice, Yami stepped out of his house.
The sunlight was pleasant. It suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't visited his "good little brother" and future sister-in-law in quite some time.
Arriving outside the Ninja Academy, he saw that practical combat lessons were underway. The training grounds echoed with youthful shouts and the clashing of practice weapons.
Counting the time, Yami realized that Minato still had about a year left before graduation.
Which meant… Uzumaki Kushina, his classmate, did as well.
Sensing her chakra, he noted it was still brimming with vitality—yet there was no sign of heightened security or deliberate isolation around her.
"So… the timeline really has shifted."
According to the original course of history, Uzumaki Mito should have been nearing the end of her life by now. Kushina would already have been designated as the next Nine-Tails jinchūriki, with preparations underway.
But when Yami recalled meeting Mito yesterday at the Senju compound—
Though the elderly woman bore the appearance of age and did not conceal her years, she possessed the same Yin Seal as Tsunade. Her life force remained robust, far from the brink of extinction.
Perhaps… his butterfly wings had indeed altered something.
Most likely, Nawaki's survival had changed the course of events. Without the trauma of burying a grandchild, Mito's condition had not deteriorated as it once had.
Yami shook the thoughts from his mind.
Minato's class wouldn't end for some time yet, so he decided not to linger. Turning, he headed in another direction.
He planned to visit Konoha Hospital.
After all, officially, he was still a "recovering" patient. No one could fault him for that excuse.
---
As he passed through a quiet street and turned toward the hospital avenue, an unexpected figure appeared ahead.
The man wore the Uchiha clan's distinctive high-collared short-sleeve attire, the fan crest emblazoned on his back.
His expression was stern, radiating a keep-your-distance aura.
It was Uchiha Yashiro, squad captain of the Uchiha Police Force.
He appeared to have just finished official duties; faint fatigue lingered between his brows.
Yami's thoughts stirred.
He remembered how, during the Root surveillance incident, Yashiro had indirectly helped him out of a difficult situation.
Even if it had simply been due to the Police Force's authority and dissatisfaction with Root's overreach, Yami still remembered the favor.
He quickened his pace, offering a perfectly measured smile.
"Captain Yashiro."
Yashiro paused and glanced over. Seeing it was Yami, he gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Yami did not mind the man's cool demeanor. After all, he had cleverly maneuvered Yashiro into intervening that last time.
Walking naturally at his side, Yami continued,
"Judging by your direction, Captain… heading for some dango?"
"Yes."
Yashiro's tone was calm, though faintly awkward—as if unused to such familiarity.
"Coincidentally, I have some free time. Would you grant me the honor of treating you to tea and dango? The Police Force acted impartially last time—I haven't properly thanked you."
Yashiro studied him for a moment.
Compared to months ago, the young man before him had changed markedly. Taller. Sharper. Even his speech carried an underlying confidence—almost authority.
Given the recent whispers circulating within the clan… perhaps they weren't entirely exaggerated.
Even the proud Uchiha were not entirely devoid of social sense.
The goodwill signal Yami was sending was obvious.
A rising star of immense potential extending an olive branch was worth acknowledging.
"The Uchiha Police act according to regulation, not personal favor. There is no need for thanks."
Yashiro's voice remained even, but his pace slowed slightly. He did not refuse the company.
---
The two entered the same dango shop where they had first crossed paths. It had since been renovated and now carried a refined elegance.
They chose a seat and placed their order. A brief silence settled between them.
Yashiro was not one for roundabout speech.
"You've been in the spotlight lately."
---