HTP: Ch. 68

Hiruzen looked at Itachi, who was reporting his mission, with deep emotion in his heart. He hadn't expected Itachi to actually succeed.

Back then, when his relationship with Ace wasn't so close, and Itachi was in a self-destructive mindset, he had just sent him over as a desperate gamble.

And the result? Akainu was actually killed by him! He truly was a formidable warrior.

Itachi finished his report, briefly summarizing the events that had occurred during his mission.

Hiruzen still had some doubts about the content and asked, "The final combat strategy was still quite strenuous for you, wasn't it? Even with Marco's flames alleviating the toll, using the Mangekyō Sharingan in that kind of 'unlimited firepower' mode must've still hurt your body."

This time, Whitebeard's side had more power than the last time, with Rayleigh and Itachi both on board. Ace, the condemned, even had a sort of plot armor, and Garp had softened earlier due to Ace calling him out over and over from the prison.

Meanwhile, the Marine's morale was extremely low.

Why would Itachi, as a mercenary, fight for the Whitebeard Pirates to this extent? The one who had ties with Ace was Hiruzen, not Itachi.

"At the time, even if you'd fought more conservatively, the Whitebeard Pirates probably could've still rescued Ace, right?"

Indeed, although Marco's flames alleviated a lot, the aftereffects still existed, his vision had deteriorated again after that battle.

The reason probably was... he had spent too much time with those carefree, chivalrous folks. Their wine was also excellent. He'd been partially assimilated. When he saw a chance to end the war earlier, he couldn't resist going all out.

"I acted on impulse."

After saying that, Itachi changed the subject: "The employer has delivered all the payment and treasures."

He then took out two sealing scrolls and placed them on the Hokage's desk.

He formed hand signs.

One of the scrolls released a Devil Fruit.

"This is an Ancient Zoan-type Devil Fruit gifted to Konoha by the other party."

Hiruzen's eyes landed on the Devil Fruit lying quietly on the desk. Having already learned the truth from Ace, his feelings were complex.

This fruit was clearly a personal gift from the Whitebeard Pirates to Itachi. He truly was a loyal retainer, he didn't even pocket a kickback during a foreign mission. With such a powerful and virtuous subordinate, how could Konoha not thrive?

"This was supposed to be a private gift for you from Whitebeard and the others, wasn't it?"

Itachi fell silent for a moment, it was clear now that the Third Hokage had been in frequent contact with Ace from the other world.

Hiruzen lit his pipe, took a puff, and said, "Keep this Devil Fruit for yourself. As for the promised compensation from the Whitebeard Pirates, Konoha will still receive one Logia or Mythical Zoan type."

Itachi gave a slight nod. Indeed, the powers of fruits like those of Akainu or Marco were much more exaggerated.

Hiruzen continued, "You've done a tremendous job this time. The Whitebeard Pirates are now fully organized, and they'll be a powerful external ally for Konoha. You truly have the bearing of a Hokage."

Itachi humbly replied that he dared not think of such a thing.

Hiruzen, puffing his pipe, gave a satisfied smile to the loyal Konoha ninja. "Stay in the village for now. Go check in with Tsunade tomorrow to get your body examined and treated."

Itachi nodded in agreement.

"As for your official position, your contributions are too great this time. Staying as an ordinary jonin would be inappropriate."

Indeed. As previously mentioned, the Whitebeard Pirates were less of a pirate crew and more like a massive warlord faction controlling vast territory. Now that a very friendly relationship had been established, even ignoring military support, the financial aid they could provide to Konoha was immense.

Itachi had made a monumental contribution.

Hiruzen stood up, walked over to the window, and paced in thought.

Konoha's current system had changed.

"Here's what we'll do, on an auspicious day, I shall confer upon you the title of Konoha's Shadow! With authority equal to Shikaku, the Grand Strategist."

Itachi looked utterly confused.

He had gone on one mission and came back to find the village practically unrecognizable. Konoha really had become a stranger to him.

Hiruzen, with a hint of pride, patiently explained, "Ever since you went on your mission to the world of the pirates, Konoha established the positions of the Five Generals, and the roles of Grand Strategist and Konoha's Shadow. These are the ones I consider future Hokage candidates."

He suddenly turned, pointed his smoking pipe at Itachi's chest, and declared:

"And you shall be the newest among them. I have high hopes for you. Before that though, you can serve as a squad leader jonin, or take up teaching at the Academy. Both are solid options."

Itachi looked hesitant, and was just about to refuse.

Hiruzen immediately understood his concern, Itachi still couldn't face Sasuke with an identity other than that of a hated enemy. He took a deep drag from his pipe, exhaled a puff of blue smoke, tapped the pipe against the desk, and said:

"In that case, why not stay in the ANBU for now?"

Only then did Itachi nod in agreement.

Hiruzen instructed, "A lot has happened in the shinobi world while you were gone. Be sure to stop by the secretary's office later to pick up a report and catch up."

Then he glanced at Itachi's Akatsuki uniform and added, "Also, swing by tomorrow and pick up a few sets of jonin uniforms. You can't keep wearing that thing."

Although, admittedly, Nagato and the others had done a decent job designing those uniforms...

Just before leaving the office, Itachi made a request, "May I ask you to pass this Devil Fruit on to Sasuke for me?"

---

With the Itachi matter settled, the Hokage officially called it a day. He entered the subspace and opened up a game.

Time to spread the Will of Fire.

Although there were new players now entering Konoha's new server, after joining, he found they were too green. They didn't even understand the meaning of a real struggle. They held no value as opponents.

He hoped these young Konoha sprouts would mature quickly.

"I have no identity, nor do I wish to live as anyone else."

After a finisher move, deliver a head-pat to the opponent, this is the Will of Fire.

Ding ding ding!

The group chat chimed again.

He paused his Will of Fire promotion to check, it was Ace messaging him.

[Ace]: I've got a great idea. I want to send Pops to Konoha! Can you have Tsunade help treat him?

[Hiruzen]: Sure, no problem.

[Ace]: Thanks so much!