Underground Bounty House
A group of staff huddled in the corner, trembling in fear.
Jiaodu, his face dark with rage, grabbed the collar of the bounty office's manager and lifted him off the ground.
"Didn't you say that Digo was just an ordinary monk?" he growled.
This mission had not only failed but also cost him two of his lives. If he hadn't escaped in time, he might have lost them all.
The manager, drenched in sweat, stammered, "Sir Jiaodu, that's what our intelligence reports indicated. We've checked—there's no record of that man ever engaging in combat."
Jiaodu's grip tightened. "Do you have any idea how close I came to dying?"
The manager quickly responded, "Regarding the misinformation, our bounty office is willing to offer you proper compensation."
Jiaodu scoffed. "Compensation?" His voice dripped with disdain. "How much?"
---
Hokage's Office – Konoha Village
Minato Namikaze and his team had returned from their mission and were now standing before the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After reviewing their report and confirming the news from the Fire Temple, Hiruzen nodded in approval.
"You all did well," he said. "Considering that you encountered three rogue ninja and the infamous bounty hunter, Kakuzu, the Fire Temple has decided to increase your reward to 600,000 ryō. As a result, the mission level has been upgraded to A-rank."
He turned to Uchiha Tunan and Hatake Kakashi.
"Given your exceptional performance in this mission, I am promoting both of you to Chūnin, effective immediately."
Tunan and Kakashi bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen set aside the mission report. "Your earnings have already been deposited into your accounts. Take some time to rest—you won't need to take any more D-rank missions."
With the official business concluded, Uchiha Tunan smiled and stepped forward, placing a neatly wrapped box on Hiruzen's desk.
"Lord Hokage, I got you a small gift from Rose Street. Happy birthday."
Hiruzen glanced at the gift but didn't react much. He simply nodded and said, "You're very thoughtful. I'll open it later tonight." He then pushed the box aside without much interest.
Tunan remained composed, not showing the slightest hint of dissatisfaction.
Just then, a middle-aged ninja entered the office, exuding confidence and energy.
"Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen's face brightened with genuine warmth.
"Shinnosuke, you're back! Come, meet these young ones—they are the future of Konoha."
Minato stepped forward and greeted him. "Senior Shinnosuke, I am Namikaze Minato."
Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded with a smile. "Nice to meet you."
Hiruzen gestured toward the two younger shinobi.
"These are Konoha's rising stars—Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Tunan."
Shinnosuke studied them both, particularly lingering on Tunan for a moment.
"Impressive," he said.
Tunan adjusted his glasses and smiled politely. "It was nothing much. The enemy was simply careless and fell for my genjutsu."
Then, as if casually making conversation, he asked, "I don't believe we've met before, Senior Shinnosuke. Have you not been in the village?"
Shinnosuke patted Tunan's shoulder and chuckled. "I've been serving alongside the Daimyō, but I recently took some leave to return home. I'm also selecting a few skilled ninja to assist with security in the capital."
Tunan nodded silently, making mental notes.
Minato spoke up. "Lord Hokage, we'll be taking our leave now."
Hiruzen, still focused on his son, waved them off absentmindedly. "Go on."
As Tunan turned to leave, his eyes flickered toward Hiruzen and Shinnosuke. A realization dawned upon him.
"So that's why Lord Hokage has been distant toward me lately. His son has returned."
He recalled that Sarutobi Shinnosuke was known as one of Konoha's "Eight Colors" and had been away, securing political influence.
"Hiruzen plans to elevate his son. That's why he never fully accepted me. In his mind, I am merely a loyal dog meant to serve his son."
Without breaking stride, Tunan continued out of the office, suppressing a smirk.
---
Konoha Hospital – The Next Day
In a quiet corridor, Uchiha Tunan gently pushed an elderly man in a wheelchair toward a sunlit window.
"Grandfather, rest here for a bit while I collect your medical report."
"Alright, go ahead," the old man, Sanhe Yuanliang, replied, waving him off.
Tunan walked into the doctor's office and handed over the numbered slip he had received after the check-up.
The doctor flipped through some documents before handing him the results. "You're Sanhe Yuanliang's grandson?"
"Yes."
The doctor scanned the report. "Your grandfather is in relatively good health, but as expected for his age, his bodily functions are deteriorating."
Tunan's expression didn't change. "Is there anything specific we should be concerned about?"
The doctor sighed. "His lifespan is reaching its natural limit. At seventy-one, he has about five years left—provided he stays in good spirits."
Tunan's eyes darkened slightly.
"Will he live long enough to see me reach adulthood?"
The doctor chuckled and handed over the report. "That's impossible. Realistically, he has about five years. Just make sure he gets plenty of rest and proper care."
Tunan stared at the report for a moment, then quietly crumpled it into a ball and tossed it into the trash.
He looked up at the doctor with a serious expression. "I have a favor to ask."
The doctor frowned. "What is it?"
"No matter what happens, do not tell my grandfather how much time he has left. Even if he asks, you must say that he can live to be a hundred."
The doctor's expression softened in understanding. "A white lie, huh? Alright, I'll do it."
Tunan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, doctor."
Moments later, he walked back to his grandfather, a bright smile on his face.
"Alright, Grandpa, let's go home."
Sanhe Yuanliang narrowed his eyes. "That took a while. Where's the medical report?"
Tunan hesitated just a fraction of a second before replying with perfect sincerity, "The doctor said you're in excellent health! No need for a report—you're strong enough to live to a hundred and see your great-grandchildren."
Sanhe Yuanliang gave him a skeptical look. "You're not lying, are you?"
Tunan laughed, a bit stiffly. "Of course not! You'll live a long, healthy life."
With that, he quickly pushed the wheelchair down the hall before any more questions could be asked.
As they passed by, the doctor watched them go and sighed. "It's been a long time since I've seen such a filial grandson."