Chapter 32: The Supreme Fifth Hokage, Rojie, Today

“Hokage-sama.”

Rojie instantly slipped into NPC mode, his words and actions perfectly consistent.

This is the basic conduct every Hidden Leaf villager should display when meeting the Hokage-sama.

Damn it, I’m going blind.

It’s midnight, yet why is it still so blindingly bright?

Understood—the sun high in the heavens must yield its place to the sun of the Hidden Leaf.

Precisely this is what caused night to fall!

The old smoker did not immediately respond to Rojie’s greeting.

He tilted his head slightly, gazing at the place in the sky where he belonged, and drew a deep puff from his pipe.

The swirling smoke rose slowly beneath the moonlight.

Rojie watched this scene and couldn’t help but mentally grumble.

Smoking is bad for the body; it causes impotence.

Oh, right—I remember, someone’s wife has been gone for many years.

Then it’s fine.

“Rojie, I never expected that in such a short time, Itachi’ve grown to this height.”

Third Hokage sighed, as if recalling something.

Rojie straightened his back at once, expressing his loyalty.

“It’s all thanks to the Hokage-sama’s guidance; without your leadership, I could never have reached this point.”

Third Hokage nodded in approval: “Aoba is indeed a diligent and responsible teacher.”

He furrowed his brow slightly, then changed the subject.

“However, his strength has certain limitations; for Itachi, they may prove restrictive.”

At this, Third Hokage paused, his gaze fixed tightly on Rojie, eyes holding something elusive.

“Rojie, have Itachi ever considered working in the Hokage’s office?”

Upon hearing this, Rojie’s gaze sharpened instantly.

Has Third Hokage finally realized he’s unfit for the position and wants to abdicate?

Fine, fine, fine—according to tradition, let’s go through the ritual of three refusals and three offers first.

Then I can legitimately inherit the throne.

I won’t forget your role in my ascension—I’ll give Itachi a ceremonial post to retire in peace.

Thinking this, Rojie quickly replied: “Please, Hokage-sama, give your order!”

“For the Hidden Leaf, for the Hokage-sama, for the Will of Fire—I, Rojie, will give my all!”

His voice rang out loudly, echoing through the silent street.

Third Hokage smiled faintly, stepped closer to Rojie, and patted his shoulder, his tone softening.

“If Itachi’re free tomorrow, come to the Hokage’s office to see me.”

“There are matters only Itachi can shoulder.”

He glanced at the sky and added: “It’s late. This old man should rest now.”

With that, Third Hokage turned and walked away, gradually vanishing into the night.

Only Rojie remained standing where he was.

…

The next morning, sunlight spilled gently into the room like a golden veil.

Shanfeng Aoba rose early as usual, preparing for another day of labor.

Yet when he received the order from the Hokage-sama, his face filled with disbelief.

What?

The Third Hokage himself is going to personally train Rojie?

He widened his eyes.

Am I out of a job?

But soon, Shanfeng Aoba relaxed.

Actually, this is a good thing.

My strength truly is no longer sufficient to guide Rojie.

Rojie needs a stronger teacher to instruct him.

Thinking this, Shanfeng Aoba made up his mind.

I’ll use this time to give Lei Menyue extra training.

If the power gap within the team is too wide, it’ll drag them down on future missions.

Though Shanfeng Aoba often seems unreliable, when it comes to his subordinates, he is deeply serious and responsible.

Meanwhile, before the Hokage Tower.

Bathed in sunlight, the crimson building appeared especially solemn and dignified.

Rojie stood proudly before the tower.

The supreme Fifth Hokage, Rojie, has arrived today at his faithful Hokage’s office.

Rojie straightened his clothes and stepped into the Hokage Tower.

“Knock knock knock.”

Rojie knocked on the office door.

“Come in.”

A hoarse voice came from inside.

Rojie pushed open the door and saw Hiruzen still seated on the throne symbolizing Hokage authority.

What’s going on?

Didn’t I come to inherit the Hokage position?

This evil, power-hungry Hiruzen, why won’t Itachi step down?

Itachi old smoker, get out of my seat!

At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi lifted his head from the pile of documents, smiling warmly.

“Rojie, Itachi’re here.”

He set down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and said slowly: “Recently, many nobles and officials from the Land of Fire have come to the Hidden Leaf to watch the Chunin Exams.”

“Security and reception duties are overwhelming—we’re short on personnel.”

He looked at Rojie, his eyes holding a hint of expectation.

“I want Itachi to serve as my temporary secretary.”

Hearing this, Rojie felt disappointed.

So I’m just a humble public servant after all.

Whatever—I’ll treat it as early exposure to Hokage duties.

Soon, Rojie’s face lit up again, and he straightened his posture.

“Yes, Hokage!”

…

Moments later, in a room within the Hokage Tower.

Rojie’s face was filled with astonishment.

“What?”

“I just have to organize the Scroll of Seals?”

Rojie’s eyes locked onto the masked ANBU ninja before him.

The ANBU ninja merely nodded.

“The Scroll of Seals was accidentally stolen recently; the Hokage-sama has taken this very seriously and strengthened its protection.”

He paused slightly, his gaze fixed on Rojie, then continued: “Your first task is to organize the Scroll of Seals and carefully check for any omissions.”

At this, the ANBU ninja raised a hand and pointed in a direction.

“There lies the catalog of forbidden techniques.”

“Forbidden techniques inside this room cannot be removed—Itachi may only view them here.”

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

The ANBU ninja bowed slightly, preparing to depart.

Rojie nodded: “Itachi may go.”

“I will not fail the Hokage-sama’s expectations!”

Once the room was left alone with Rojie.

He eagerly began browsing the forbidden techniques.

Originally, the Hidden Leaf’s forbidden techniques were recorded on the Scroll of Seals.

As forbidden techniques multiplied, related materials, manuscripts, and documents grew increasingly complex.

Now, the Scroll of Seals no longer refers to a single scroll.

It refers to an entire room storing forbidden techniques.

Very few know this secret.

Aside from the Anbu ninjas specifically assigned to guard this place, only the Hidden Leaf’s high command are aware.

I never expected the Third Hokage would assign me to organize the Forbidden Sealing Book.

Rojie paced the room, lost in thought.

This move by the Hokage must have deep intent.

This is clearly giving me free rein to steal from my own post!

No, that’s not right.

That’s slander—outrageous slander.

It’s the learned Master Rojie, under the Third Hokage’s orders, compiling a new Forbidden Sealing Book!

The task is daunting!

Thinking of this, Rojie couldn’t help laughing, rubbing his hands together, ready to study intensely.

(End of Chapter)