RADG: Chapter 94/95

Chapter 94: The Mission Assigned to Yakushi Kabuto, The Parents Were Invited

"It's no big deal…"

Half an hour later, Kakashi let out a long sigh, put down the book with a blank expression, and pulled out his other hand.

"The character design's solid. The descriptions are... quite vivid…"

"As expected of Jiraiya-sama's work."

After flipping through it casually, Kakashi realized the book was more interesting than he thought. He had initially skimmed over many details, only focusing on the 'exciting' parts.

That was a waste of talent.

Unable to help himself, he picked it up again for a more thorough read.

By the time he came to his senses, dawn had already broken.

"Crap, I stayed up all night?" Rubbing his rooster-like hair, Kakashi groaned as he climbed out of bed, regret flooding him.

It was painful to head into work after burning all his energy through the night.

On his way to Anbu to clock in, he stopped by the bookstore and bought two more copies of Icha Icha Paradise—one for Yami and one for his personal collection.

As for the one from last night? That would now be his daily entertainment.

Just one night, and Jiraiya had earned a loyal fan. The next time the man returned to the village, Kakashi would definitely bring his copy to get it autographed.

Arriving at Anbu, Kakashi knocked on the office door. After getting permission, he slouched inside.

"Yami, I brought the book you asked for."

Perhaps out of spite for being dragged into this, Kakashi slapped the book right onto the desk without hesitation.

"Book?"

As expected, Kurenai, who was present, perked up and picked up the book before Yami could react. His expression darkened instantly.

"Icha Icha Paradise?"

Seeing the title and the cover, Kurenai's brows instantly furrowed.

She flipped through a few pages, and her expression turned cold.

She glared at Kakashi. "Kakashi! It's one thing to corrupt yourself, but why are you dragging Yami into it too?!"

"Jiraiya-sama... how could he write this kind of thing?!"

Even Jiraiya, who was currently collecting material somewhere, earned Kurenai's ire in that moment.

"Uhh…"

Kakashi was stunned.

He had wanted to cause a little mischief, but didn't expect the blowback to land on him instead.

Kurenai's bias toward Yami was too strong!

"This task was assigned to me by Yami yesterday, Kurenai. Don't wrong me!"

Recalling how Yami had sent her home early yesterday, Kurenai realized what had happened. Her gaze turned pointed as she looked at Yami.

Yami shot Kakashi a glare, then explained to Kurenai, "It was from Jiraiya. He sent a letter saying his new book had been published and asked me to support it.

"Since he's still technically a comrade, I intended to go buy a copy myself. But when I saw it was 18+, I had no choice but to ask Kakashi to buy it."

"Hmph."

Kurenai snorted and confiscated the book. "You're still too young to be reading stuff like this. No—actually, even when you're older, you still shouldn't read it. It'll only lead you astray."

Yami sighed and nodded dejectedly.

He really had no ulterior motive. He was just a little curious about the book that would one day be famous across the shinobi world, adapted into movies, and spawn endless merchandise.

Judging from Kurenai's reaction, he wouldn't be reading it anytime soon.

"Let's go, Kakashi. I haven't checked your sales progress in a while."

Yami turned his suppressed frustration toward Kakashi, dragging him off to the training ground without giving him a chance to refuse.

Kakashi hadn't shown up to Anbu in days.

Whether it was because he was seriously injured, or just taking the chance to stay home and binge-read, Yami didn't care.

If there was a mission, he'd have to show up—even if it meant dragging half a leg.

Yami had more important things to focus on now.

Root Headquarters

Yami sat in the chair Danzō usually occupied, sipping tea slowly.

Across from him stood a white-haired boy with glasses, his posture respectful. From his expression and stance alone, one could sense his humility and sincerity—a quality superiors found very pleasing.

"Yami-sama."

"Hmm, Kabuto. It's been a while."

Yami set down his teacup.

Yes, the white-haired boy was Yakushi Kabuto.

In the blink of an eye, Kabuto had already been in Root for nearly five years. As early as the Kumo war, he had begun to display his potential.

A harmless smile, the perfect disguise of a child, and outstanding spy skills.

These factors allowed Kabuto to successfully complete several critical Root missions and secure important intel.

As he grew, his talent in ninjutsu began to shine through as well.

Even Danzō had to admit Yami's keen ability to recruit talent.

Whether it was Kabuto or Pakura, both of whom now seemed fully loyal, it was clear that although Yami's methods differed from his, his ability to judge and subdue people was exceptional.

"Yami-sama, the last time we met was 230 days ago. You and Root were on a joint mission then."

Kabuto's tone was deeply respectful. He had matured a lot over the years. The stronger he became, the more he understood just how terrifying the boy across from him truly was.

What's more, Yami was his only hope for achieving value and saving Nonō.

"No need to be so stiff. Relax a bit."

Yami waved his hand, not caring if Kabuto followed the suggestion. "Do you know what Nonō is doing lately?"

Kabuto's heart tightened. He shook his head. "No. Root rules forbid asking about other people's missions."

"I told you, it's not against the rules if I say so."

Yami leaned back in his chair. "Yakushi Nonō is currently in Iwagakure, performing a very dangerous mission. It's related to the deaths of Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife.

"She's not in immediate danger, but... it's still the enemy's territory. You know what that means."

Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife had died during a mission—one orchestrated by the Tsuchikage himself.

If not for that old fox, who was on the same level as Hiruzen, the two elite jōnin wouldn't have died so easily. Even if they couldn't complete the mission, they should have made it back alive.

Cold sweat formed on Kabuto's forehead. As a fellow spy, he knew just how dangerous such a mission could be.

"Yami-sama, I'll do my best. Whatever task you give me, I'll carry it out."

"Smart answer."

Yami nodded. "Your value is no less than Nonō's, so I'll give you a chance."

"Go to Kirigakure and find a shinobi named Hoshigaki Kisame, currently under the command of Fuguki Suikazan contact with him."

"I can do it." Kabuto's reply was resolute.

"I believe you can. And in return, I'll have Nonō pulled out of the field."

As expected, Kabuto was visibly moved.

"As long as you remain alive and loyal, Nonō won't be assigned any more external missions. She'll only work as a medic within Root."

Kabuto dropped to one knee. "Thank you, Yami-sama."

"No need to thank me. This is a fair exchange."

Yami shook his head. "This mission won't be simple. It could take ten years to fully complete."

"I'll devote myself fully to your cause."

Yami tossed him a scroll. "The mission details and target intel are in there. You can depart in a week. If you have questions, ask."

Kabuto took the scroll, bowed again, and quietly exited.

"Hoshigaki Kisame…"

Yami tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought.

The most honest man in the shinobi world. The undisputed master of Water Release. A real man to the core.

Even in death, he made sure to pass on vital intel to Might Duy.

Regardless of his affiliations, Kisame's actions spoke volumes. Someone like that was the ideal subordinate. An S-rank enforcer.

If Nagato could make use of him, so could Yami.

Sure, Yami was a black-hearted boss but still a hundred times better than Nagato.

But it was no use recruiting him too early. Kisame needed to undergo a transformation first, shaken to his core, before he could be won over.

Now the timing was just about right.

There was a little over a year before the Uchiha massacre. Itachi would soon join the Akatsuki and work with Biwa Juzō. After Juzō died while hunting a Tailed Beast, Kisame joined.

So the time gap was about a year or two.

Right now, Kisame was likely in that uncertain phase.

One week later, Yakushi Kabuto quietly left Konoha.

Danzō knew Yami had assigned him a mission but didn't interfere. At this point, even Danzō couldn't follow Yami's long-term plans. Kabuto was just a pawn. All he needed was proper training.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Itachi gradually adapted to Anbu's work.

As a double agent, he followed Kakashi on regular assignments.

For some reason though, Kakashi had recently become addicted to reading. Unless absolutely necessary, he spent each day with a book in hand, leaving all the dirty work to Itachi.

One day, they completed an intel exchange mission.

But the intel had been false. The enemy's real goal was to ambush and kill the Konoha shinobi.

After a tough battle, Itachi defeated the ambushers.

As the last enemy fell, Kakashi finally closed his book and sighed, "You really are a genius of the Uchiha. You already have what it takes to complete missions on your own."

"Kakashi-senpai, are you just being lazy?"

Though praised, Itachi remained calm and saw through his intent immediately.

"Lazy isn't quite the word."

Kakashi shook his head. "I'm just giving the younger generation room to grow. Yami told me you have the potential to become a team leader. All you need now is enough merit."

"I still have many areas to improve." Itachi lowered his head.

Kakashi simply shrugged and resumed reading.

After returning to the village, they handed their report to Kurenai and went their separate ways.

Exhausted, Itachi returned to the Uchiha compound.

"Itachi!"

A familiar voice called out as the man appeared in front of him.

Despite his fatigue, Itachi smiled. "Shisui."

"Looks like Anbu work is taking its toll." Shisui patted his shoulder. "I won't keep you. Go get some rest."

Itachi nodded, and the two walked through the clan gates together before parting.

But… Itachi found an extra note tucked in his pocket.

Meanwhile, at the ninja academy.

In Iruka's office, Yami sat across from him. Behind him stood Karin and Naruto, both with heads lowered like they'd been scolded.

Yami smiled, though inwardly he was speechless.

He never expected to be summoned as a parent before even having children—invited to school by the teacher as a guardian.

Iruka's expression was awkward as well.

He had requested a parent, not the student's older brother.

"This…"

Bang!

Yami slapped his work ID onto the desk.

"Shimura Yami. Grandson of Hokage advisor Danzō. Anbu captain. Konoha's Shinigami. Guardian of Karin and Naruto's elder brother."

"Does that qualify me to handle this?"

"More than enough." Iruka broke into a cold sweat and nodded rapidly.

"Yami-sama."

Iruka now used a formal tone, but still said, "Karin injured a classmate badly enough to be hospitalized. Naruto helped. I hope Yami-sama can discipline them.

"No matter the reason, they can't treat classmates this way. We're all companions here—"

"Hold up."

Yami raised his hand and turned to the two. "Why did you beat him?"

"Because…" Karin hesitated. "He said my hair looked nice."

Naruto chimed in cheerfully, "He said Karin's head looked like a tomato. A four-eyed tomato!"

Karin wanted to punch this yellow-haired idiot.

Wasn't he ruining her image in front of Yami?

"I see." Yami nodded and turned back to Iruka, puzzled.

"Shouldn't that kind of kid get beaten? I think they did the right thing."

Karin's eyes lit up with joy. Naruto stood proudly, chest puffed, tail nearly wagging.

[Host and Uzumaki Naruto's bond has reached the second stage. Reward: Senjutsu Affinity (Advanced)]

Iruka finally understood where their tendency to punch first and talk later came from.

"Yami-sama… Even if the other kid was wrong, it's still just a small quarrel between children. It didn't need to go that far—"

"You're wrong."

Yami shook his head. "Karin helped him. By leaving a lasting memory, he'll learn what not to say in the future.

"Right now, it's just a serious injury. But if he says something like that on a mission later, the cost might be his life."

Gulp.

Iruka broke out in cold sweat and couldn't say a word.

Yami stood and gently patted Karin's head. "Good work. Though, next time, don't hold back. Break a leg if you must. We're teaching kindness, not weakness. The harsher the lesson, the faster they learn."

Karin nodded sweetly. "Understood, Yami-sama."

Yami smiled and took her hand, ready to leave, when he suddenly paused.

"Oh, right. Iruka-sensei, you haven't told me that student's name yet."

"I'd like to visit his parents and discuss their child's education."

Iruka: "....."

Are you really going to discuss education?

Or are you planning to educate the parents?

(To be continued.)

Chapter 95: Planting the Seeds

"Good job today, Naruto."

At the academy gate, Yami patted Uzumaki Naruto's little head. "Power is meant to protect those who acknowledge you, not those who are hostile toward you. When people realize that becoming friends with you means being protected by you, more and more will naturally choose to be your friends."

"Remember, affection that's given freely is never truly valued. You don't need to spend every day trying to earn other people's approval."

A person's character is shaped by both nature and nurture.

Yami believed nurture had the greater influence, but Ashura's chakra was an anomaly.

Otherwise, for a normal child, even with someone like Iruka being genuinely kind to him, Naruto would've likely gone down a dark path long ago.

Yami didn't know exactly how Naruto would change with his intervention, but it was worth trying. After all, the unknown itself could be interesting.

At that moment, Naruto's big blue eyes were blank. Yami's words were drastically different from the usual teachings he heard from the Third Hokage.

One said that only by giving yourself to others could you gain recognition.

The other said that you only needed to protect those who recognized you and didn't need to care about those who didn't.

Naruto's brain wasn't built to grasp such complex contradictions. His mind short-circuited, and he stood there frozen.

Karin scoffed in disdain.

Idiot. Why not just listen to Yami-sama? Why overthink it?

"Let's go. Don't think too hard. I'll treat you to ramen today."

Yami didn't expect Naruto to have some sudden revelation. He had simply planted a seed. Just some vague impressions would be enough.

When Naruto heard "ramen," he immediately snapped out of it and shouted excitedly.

"Let's eat ramen! Let's eat ramen!"

That evening, Yami returned home with Karin.

Uzumaki Misa already knew about Yami being called in as a "parent" today. When the two got back, she asked what had happened, then sighed and gently tapped Karin on the forehead without scolding her further.

After all, she wasn't the highest authority in this household. If she scolded her, someone else would just come and protect her, so she simply didn't bother.

"I think Karin did a great job."

Uchiha Izumi softly rubbed Karin's little head. "Your red hair is so beautiful. Those brats just have no taste."

"Big Sis Izumi's hair is the prettiest!"

Karin looked admiringly at Izumi's waist-length black hair, still soft and glossy. "Yami-sama likes it the most."

Twelve-year-old Izumi had grown increasingly beautiful. Her gentle temperament was becoming more refined, and Karin had firmly latched onto her, building a strong bond.

"They're both very pretty. Karin, once your hair gets longer, it'll be even better."

Yami embraced them both with one arm on each side, looking like he was about to become the king of domestic bliss.

"Okay!"

That night, Izumi originally intended to go home, but Yami kept her there.

The two had gotten engaged a year earlier. As expected, Danzō had nearly exploded when he found out. The man had hated the Uchiha all his life, and now his grandson was going to marry one? It was practically a slap in the face.

But Yami managed to convince him with some twisted reasoning.

"Izumi already left the Uchiha clan. You hate the disobedient ones. Izumi listens to me in everything. There's no comparison."

Rather than saying Danzō was convinced, it was more accurate to say he couldn't change Yami's mind. Stubbornness ran in the family.

Lying in bed, Yami held the soft Izumi in his arms, took a deep breath, and took in the scent of her hair.

"Ah…"

The girl's face flushed with embarrassment. Even though she had been his hugging pillow for so long, every time she was embraced, her heart still raced uncontrollably.

"Izumi, we haven't gone out in a while. Let's find a mission tomorrow and take a trip outside the village."

The girl answered softly, "Okay. I'll go wherever you go."

While one person had a beauty in his arms, another was shivering on a mountaintop in the wind.

Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Shisui stood on a familiar cliff.

Unlike his bright smile from earlier, Shisui now looked exhausted, physically and mentally drained.

"Itachi, the situation in the clan is getting worse."

Itachi remained silent. He hadn't attended recent clan meetings, but Fugaku had been in increasingly frequent contact with Anbu and the village leadership. He could sense things heading in a dangerous direction.

Shisui didn't wait for Itachi's response and sighed, "Sometimes I wonder if we made a mistake. We revealed too much strength and talent. While we gained more influence, we also fed our clan's ambition."

"No, Shisui, this isn't your fault."

Itachi finally spoke. "That ambition was always there, buried in their hearts. Without you, my father would've stirred it up. Another Uchiha genius would've eventually stood up."

"You and I are too small to stop this trend."

"No, we still have a chance."

Shisui took a deep breath, gathering his resolve. "I called you here because I need a favor."

"Name it," Itachi said without hesitation.

"I need to meet with Yami."

Standing on the cliff, the wind rustling his robe, Shisui looked out at Konoha and locked eyes on Yami's residence. "Some things are too important. Whether it's Danzō or the Third Hokage, they all take Yami's words seriously."

"I have to speak with him."

"I understand. I'll find him tomorrow," Itachi said solemnly.

"Thanks, Itachi."

The next morning, Itachi arrived early at Anbu.

He knocked and entered the office, only to find Kurenai alone inside.

"Itachi? What is it?" Kurenai looked up and asked.

As someone who knew the inner workings of Anbu, Kurenai understood Yami's playful and occasionally condescending attitude toward Itachi.

It wasn't quite hostility. It was more like watching a monkey perform. He'd tease him just to see what he'd do.

But she treated him like any other Anbu. To her, he was just another subordinate.

"Kurenai-senpai, is Captain Yami here?"

Itachi asked softly, somewhat uneasy.

From what Kakashi had said, Yami was a hands-off captain, often disappearing without a trace. If anything, Kurenai was the real captain.

Sure enough, Kurenai shook her head.

"He left the village on a mission."

"When will he be back?" Itachi asked anxiously. Shisui was waiting. This could determine the clan's fate.

"Seven to ten days."

Kurenai frowned and didn't answer directly. "If it's important, you can tell me."

This morning, Yami had left Konoha with Izumi. It happened often. Sometimes he took Yugao, sometimes her. It was always called a mission, but it was clearly just traveling.

"Thank you, Kurenai-senpai, but I'll wait for Captain Yami to return." Itachi shook his head and turned to leave.

"Wait. Since you're here, take this mission."

Kurenai pulled out a scroll and tossed it over. "Gather evidence of these people's crimes. Report back once you've completed it."

Itachi opened the scroll and glanced at the targets, frowning slightly.

"Is this really something Anbu needs to investigate?"

Kurenai offered a sharp explanation. "They've endangered the village. Even if we don't have hard evidence, we'll create some. Understood?"

The targets were the parents of the kids who had mocked Karin.

If Karin was harmed, then Yami was harmed. Given Yami's status, wasn't it fair to say he was Konoha?

With Kurenai's serious tone, Itachi asked no more and left with the scroll.

After he left, Kurenai still felt something was off. She pulled out another scroll, wrote a brief message, bit her finger, and formed hand seals.

"Summoning Technique!"

With a puff of white smoke, the chubby pink dream tapir appeared.

"Kurenai-sama!"

A sweet voice came from the dream tapir's mouth.

"Tapir, were you with Yami just now?" Kurenai stroked the creature's head, clearly reluctant to let her go.

"Yeah, Izumi-sama was giving me a bath." The tapir squinted happily.

"Then I'm interrupting." Kurenai smiled and tied the scroll to her. "Give this to Yami later. No need to reply."

"Got it, Kurenai-sama. I'm off!"

The tapir hummed and vanished into smoke.

Land of Rivers.

Yami had booked a hot spring inn. Aside from the staff, the only guests were him and Izumi.

When the dream tapir was summoned, Yami guessed what was up. About ten minutes later, he used the summoning technique again.

Sure enough, the tapir allowed herself to be summoned.

"Yami-sama, this is from Kurenai-sama." She shook her head, drawing his attention to the scroll on her neck.

Yami opened it, scanned it, and casually tossed it aside.

Izumi leaned closer. "Is Kurenai looking for you? Should we go back?"

"No need." Yami pulled her into his arms. "It's just about Uchiha Itachi acting strange. Kurenai sent me a report. Nothing urgent."

"Okay." Izumi responded softly.

By the time they left the hot spring, it was already dark.

Wearing casual clothes, Yami took Izumi to the liveliest night market to enjoy some local food.

People's tastes really do change depending on who they're with. Izumi had once loved sweets like dango and daifuku. But she noticed Yami wasn't into sweets, so he always ate salty food instead. Over time, her preferences gradually shifted too.

They happily sat at an oden stall, octopus balls in hand.

As a resort destination, the Land of Rivers wasn't known for military strength, but its commerce thrived. This street was packed with snacks, izakayas, brothels, and gambling dens.

Yami and Izumi wandered the bustling commercial street. But in reality, he was heading toward a particular presence.

Using the Mind's Eye of the Kagura, he sensed an extremely strong chakra.

It reached Kage-level—perhaps even stronger. Comparable to the Fourth Raikage.

When they approached, Yami stopped in front of a gambling hall.

So this is…

He was almost certain, but stepped inside to confirm.

Sure enough, a tall blonde woman with twin ponytails was shouting at the table.

"Big! Big! Big!!"

And promptly lost again.

"Damn it, small again!"

Izumi noticed Yami watching someone and followed his gaze. "Whoa… she's huge."

Damn. Another kage-level bust. Almost like Samui.

"You know her?" Izumi asked.

"No, but I sense a fat sheep. Let's go earn some pocket money."

Yami pushed through a few frustrated gamblers and placed all his money opposite the blonde's bets.

After a few rounds, his 100,000 ryō became 500,000, then a million, and finally 2 million.

Beside the blonde, a woman in black holding a pink piglet looked like she was about to cry.

"Tsunade-sama, please stop! We're going to lose everything again!"

"Shizune! Trust me. We'll win this time!"

She slammed down her last chips.

Yami calmly bet on the opposite.

Tsunade glared at him.

This brat kept betting against her.

Fine. She'd make him cough up everything he won.

But when the results were called…

She lost again.

Shizune nearly burst into tears.

It was over. Back to living broke.

She frantically tried to drag Tsunade away to stop her from borrowing money and gambling more.

Yami collected the 5 million ryō he'd won with a bright smile.

Izumi stared at him with sparkling eyes. "Yami, you're amazing!"

"It's not me. It's the big fat sheep who's amazing."

Tsunade and Shizune were still nearby.

When Tsunade heard "fat sheep," a vein bulged on her forehead.

She suddenly turned around, her expression fierce.

Shizune sensed danger and tried to stop her. "Tsunade-sama! Don't pick a fight with a kid!"

"Outta my way!"

Tsunade shoved her aside and strode up to Yami with a powerful presence… only to suddenly put on a sweet smile.

"Hey there, little guy. You won a lot just now, didn't you? Want to lend me a little? I'll pay you back more once I win!"

Yami sneered. "A fat sheep talking about profits? No way. But next time you go gambling, be sure to call me. I've got a big household to feed. Can't do it without you."

Tsunade's expression cracked. "You little brat!"

(To be continued.)